I cannot begin to explain the extraordinary impact that our little ‘Feel Better Together’ community has had on me during lockdown.

I think it is only this week that I have really understood and appreciated how privileged we have all been to hear the real-life stories shared with the group.

Those who have allowed themselves to be vulnerable within the group, and to open and share their true authentic selves is so moving, and something that has had a profound impact on both those listening and to those sharing.

This week we heard from the wonderful Su Menon as she shared her story. She was born into a family of Indian Doctors and as such, had been expected to follow in her family’s footsteps. However, she followed her own path which took her from art school, to fitness instructor to yoga and Ayurveda, and teaching. She is an all-round creative powerhouse and is the lead singer in a band as well as everything else!! It has not been an easy path and her parent’s initial disappointment was hard to deal with. However, she is now in a very good place. She believes that when we find our true Dharma or calling, this heals everything… Her purpose is very clear… to serve her community.

Finding our purpose in life is a wonderful gift and she does not take this lightly.  It  is actually quite difficult to list all her skills and accolades so I would advise you strongly to visit her website, (see below) There are many ways to describe her: she is a yoga & Ayurveda Wellness Consultant and Therapist, a vegan lifestyle coach, a teacher trainer. Perhaps the easiest way is as a Holistic Health Practitioner. What I do know is that she has created a wonderful business sharing her tremendous wisdom from all her years of training and learning. However, perhaps most importantly is her gentle and compassionate nature and her approach to life in general. She is keen to point out the very inclusive nature of her work. She wants her classes to be accessible to anyone and takes a very person-centred approach to everything she does.

I know that everyone listening will have taken something very different from her story, but what I am now beginning to understand is how wonderful it is to discover our own truly authentic selves and to share that with others. The opportunity to be real with each other, and to share common experiences and feelings is really something very powerful. The power of human interaction, of talking and listening, and people being compassionate towards one another provides a deep sense of connection that is so important to us all. We set up the ‘Feel Better Together’ call with little expectations, but a desire to keep people connected and to share ideas around health and wellbeing and it has surpassed all expectations. I am so grateful to everyone who has been on this journey with us and hope that it will continue long after lockdown has lifted.

Once again, the Feel Better Live More podcast this week echoes the importance of social connection. However it also really echoes Su’s core belief that giving service to others gives our life meaning and worth. She shared a wonderful quote with us on Wednesday.

‘The opposite of depression is not happiness. The opposite of depression is purpose.’

Su is clearly fulfilling her purpose, and as weekly participant of her wonderful classes, I  can wholeheartedly say she is very much serving her community

Please do visit Su’s website Shaktifit for details of all her classes and courses. Her band, Satsangi has also released an album to raise money for the NHS. Please click on the link for more details.

This week it is my turn to share. I have learnt so much about myself in lock-down and from this wonderful little ‘Feel Better Together’ community, and will be sharing my story and reflections on some of the themes we have discussed so far. Hopefully it will stimulate another interesting discussion. Please click on the link if would like to join us. We’d be delighted to see you.

Thank you for reading. Take good care, Harriet x