Few months back, on World Tourism Day (27th September), I wrote an article about my trip to Andaman with my best friend. If you haven’t read the story yet, read it here:

Two Besties, One Unforgettable Andaman Experience

Today after 7 months I’m missing the same friend.

I miss her being my bench partner in school.

I miss our naughtiness.

I miss the days when she came to Bangalore to meet me.

I miss our trips taken together to Goa, Gokarna, Manali, Andaman.

I miss our deep conversations that last for hours.

I miss sending her infinite reels on Instagram.

I miss planning our future international trips together.

I truly miss her!!

Because of the complications in her pregnancy, she took her last breath in February 2025, delivering twins (both boys).

Babies are healthy and fine.

She was the most active person from our batch. Her lifestyle was healthy. She took absolutely good care of herself and the babies during her pregnancy.

But as they say, when it is our time to leave the world, it has to happen.

There is no escape!!

Doctors tried their best to provide all the medical facilities.

She had blessings from her family and friends.

However, nothing worked out in the end.

Before she passed away, I couldn’t meet her in person for almost a year. We were in contact via texts and phone calls, but didn’t get a chance to meet her because of our work schedules.

In spite of living in the same city, we couldn’t make it happen.

We took the things for granted and used to say, “Will meet soon!”

And that ‘soon’ never came!

I’ll always regret not meeting her in person that last time.

Things I learned and am trying to change after this unfortunate incident:

1. Life is unpredictable: We have absolutely heard/ know this phrase. But when we come across such situations in our lives, we get to know the intensity behind these words.
2. We shouldn’t take things for granted: We really don’t know when we are meeting the person for the last time. Please make every meeting memorable. One day you might wake up missing the person from your life!
3. There is no next time: Think 100 times before saying ‘Next time’!
   If you have a genuine reason not to attend any event or to not meet your loved ones, then that’s okay. However, please make arrangements at the earliest to meet each other.
4. Don’t hold any grudges: I and this friend of mine had few arguments before. We tried to resolve them, but still I felt that few things were missing. When I met her face to face, I was little awkward to have conversation. But when she hugged me, all the awkwardness and grudges in my mind evaporated at the very moment. We had heartfelt conversation for hours and I thanked God zillion times.
5. Friends are important in life: There are times when you can’t talk to your parents, children or even your partner. Your friends come to rescue at these moments. They listen to you without any judgment and give the best solution to the problem. Friends are your cheerleaders. Please adore them and maintain such friendships. They are for life-time!!

I’m writing this piece of article with a heavy heart, and sometimes I feel speechless.

Have you ever faced your loved one's demise? What life lessons did it teach you?

Edited by Wandering Mind

Things I Learned From My School Friend’s Death! was originally published in Word Garden on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The Maha Kumbh Mela is one of the biggest and most famous religious events in the world. It happens every twelve years and brings together millions of people, including devotees, saints and visitors from around the globe.

This festival is not just a spiritual celebration but also a beautiful reminder of India’s unity, rich culture and strong faith.

This year the festival is going to be held at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is starting on 13th January 2025 and ending on 26th February 2025, lasting 44 days.

The Maha Kumbh Mela: What is it?

A famous Hindu festival is known for its main attraction — bathing in rivers believed to have magical powers.

It is celebrated in four Indian cities: Ujjain, Nashik, Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) and Haridwar. Each city is linked to a sacred river: the Ganga in Haridwar, the meeting point of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati in Prayagraj, the Godavari in Nashik and the Shipra in Ujjain.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, the grandest of them all, happens in Prayagraj once every twelve years, while the festival rotates between these cities every three years.

The Story Behind the Kumbh Mela

The story of the Kumbh Mela comes from a famous legend in Hindu mythology. It is said that the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) worked together to churn the ocean, a process called Samudra Manthan, to get Amrit, the nectar of immortality. For this task, they hired the serpent Vasuki as the rope and Mount Mandara as the churning rod.

Once they had the nectar, the gods and demons fought bitterly over who would keep it. The divine bird Garuda took away the pot of Amrit to protect the nectar from the demons. Haridwar, Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Nashik and Ujjain were the four locations on Earth where a few drops of the nectar fell while in flight.

These places became sacred because they were touched by the nectar of immortality.

To remember this divine event, the Kumbh Mela is celebrated in these four cities, with the festival rotating between them every 12 years.

What Happens at the Mela?

The Maha Kumbh Mela is a vibrant and lively festival filled with rituals, prayers and devotion. Here’s what makes it so unique:

The Holy Dip: The custom of bathing in the holy waters is the main attraction of the Kumbh Mela. During the auspicious time, devotees believe that soaking in these waters cleanses the soul and washes away sins.

Saints and Sadhus: A variety of Hindu saints and devotees from different faiths gather at the Mela. Among them, the Naga Sadhus are especially well-known for their ash-covered bodies and minimal lifestyle that is free from all material possessions. The main attractions are their specific ceremonies and spiritual talks.

Religious Activities: The Kumbh Mela is a hub of spirituality. People participate in mass prayers, kirtans (devotional singing) and scripture recitations. Temples are beautifully decorated and discussions on ancient teachings and philosophies take place.

Cultural Diversity: The Kumbh Mela is a celebration of Indian culture in addition to its religious significance. The celebration even gets better with folk music, traditional dances, regional cuisine and handmade crafts.

Large-Scale Event: The Maha Kumbh Mela is a very well planned event. For millions of people all around the world, temporary infrastructure is set up, including tents, food kiosks, medical services and sanitary facilities. The event is incredibly motivating and remarkable in both scale and organization.

Why Do People Attend It?

The Maha Kumbh Mela attracts visitors from every aspect of life for multiple reasons:

Devotion: During the Kumbh Mela, many people come to fulfill their dream: to take a sacred bath in the river to receive blessings and spiritual progress.

Curiosity: To experience the event’s beauty and especially capture its distinct essence in camera, tourists and photographers come here.

Community: Meeting people with similar views, participating in group prayers and deepening spiritual practices are all made possible by the Mela.

The Significance of Maha Kumbh Mela:

More than just a religious event, the Maha Kumbh Mela is a representation of humanity’s unwavering faith, unity and tradition.

It unites millions of people beyond the boundaries of caste, class and nationality.

These traditional practices continue in the modern era and the celebration shows how strong Indian culture is.

This Mela is a reminder of the importance of thankfulness, simplicity and humility.

It is a unique event where faith and culture come to life, regardless of whether you are a believer or just an observer.

Attending the Maha Kumbh Mela can be a life-changing experience. The energy of the crowd, the grand scale of the event and the peace of taking a holy dip leave a lasting impression on a person.

Standing by the river at sunrise, surrounded by prayers and chants, one feels deeply connected to something greater than themselves.

The Mela provides attendees with a sense of purpose and rejuvenation in addition to spiritual cleansing. It is as much an inward as an outside excursion.

P.S.: This year my dad and brother are going to attend this big event in Prayagraj and I’m more than excited to learn their stories once they come back. I’m sure it will be once in a lifetime event for both of them.

I’ll add more real life pictures clicked by my brother.

Not sure when will I get a chance to attend this event, but for now I’m adding it to my bucket list.

Write For The Heritage Pub

Maha Kumbh Mela: A Festival That Comes Once In 12 Years! was originally published in The Heritage Pub on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Hello Everyone!

I hope you have read the first part of the lessons. If not, read it here.

Now onto the next part:

1. You don’t get what you “deserve.” You get what you negotiate. If what you’re asking for doesn’t make you feel uncomfortable, it’s not high enough.

The biggest mistake I had done was I didn’t ask for a raise in the job. I knew I deserve better, but couldn’t show the courage to take a stand for myself. Now I feel that I should have negotiated my paycheck.

2. The way you treat your body now will determine your injuries, medical bills and energy levels in your 40s+.

Though I’m in my 30s, signs of aging have already started showing up. Because of the full desk job, sometimes my back hurts. I’m slowly getting back to the fitness routine to avoid further damage.

3. Feel your feelings. Don’t sweep them under the rug. If you don’t validate them, they’ll come back and make a much bigger mess later.

Please, please, please don’t suppress your feelings. They might come out in the form of decease. Better to process your emotions with the help of your loved once or therapist if needed.

4. Most people stop learning after university. Don’t be most people. Always be reading a good book.

We should be a life long learner. This is an era of fast paced technology. Information is getting outdated. So it is a need of an hour to keep learning new things.

5. Stop waiting for the “right time.” You’ll never feel fully prepared. Start now — you’ll be so glad that you did.

Every moment is the right time, if you decide to take actions on your goals. Don’t wait for any Monday, start of the month or new year to start working on your goals.

6. Get into rooms where your dreams are already other people’s realities.

As they say, you are the average of five people you spend most of the time with. If you change the people around you, you can definitely observe the change in their mindsets, the topics of discussion and it will have an impact on you. Give it a try.

7. Healthy relationships are made up of two individual people with their own hobbies, goals, opinions, friend groups and passions.

Healthy relationship build on mutual respect, trust and understanding. It is important to have your own identity while you share the good moments together. It means growing together while staying true to yourself.

8. Only invest in the people who invest in you. If you give away too much time, attention or energy… it will be taken for granted.

Your time and energy are precious assets you have. Don’t waste your time on unnecessary things and people. It will drain your energy.

9. Don’t limit yourself to what you’ve always been good at. There’s an entire world of possibility out there.

It is easy to stay in your comfort zone, however there are so many things you might like but you haven’t tried them yet. In that case you may miss many opportunities. Embrace the unknown and allow yourself to evolve into something greater.

10. You don’t just want to be “rich” in money. You want to be “rich” in time, health and self-awareness.

We should aim for holistic success. It is about creating a balanced and meaningful life. Imagine being rich in money, but certain health condition that you can’t even enjoy the food in front of you. Build your wealth in time, health and self-awareness, and you’ll create a life that feels truly abundant.

What else would you add?

I’d love to read the advice you’d tell your younger self.
Write it in the comments! 🙏

And again thank you all for being here!

10 Most Powerful Lessons I’d Tell My Younger Self (Part 2) was originally published in Write A Catalyst on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Hello Everyone!

I hope all of you have done with your new year rituals — Reflecting on the last year; last few years journey; goals you wanted to achieve, however couldn’t or the habits you want to change etc.

While I was reflecting on my past years, I felt I missed out on many things. I don’t have major regrets as such, because I can definitely learn or do these things starting from now in my mid 30s.

Here are the key lessons I’d like to tell my younger self or anyone who are in their 20s:

1. Please call your parents. They’re getting older and you don’t have as much time left together as you think. Make each moment count.

I stayed away from my family half of the life. I was in hostel during school days and then moved to other city for a job. Though I used to call my parents frequently, now I think it wasn’t enough.

2. People assume mobile phones and cars are luxuries. But the real luxuries in life are slow mornings and a house full of love.

Since I stayed away from family for few years, I really miss my house and parents’ love. Also because of the hectic work schedule, I had very few slow mornings. I’m trying to fill that gap now.

3. Comparison is the thief of joy. Social media makes you wish you were somewhere else or with someone else. That’s the fastest path to unhappiness.

Nowadays social media is the biggest culprit. You see someone relaxing on a beach while you are working extra hours in office. But know that people don’t show their low moments on social media platforms. Go inward and practice gratitude.

4. Don’t be impressed by followers or money. Be impressed by people who are humble and generous.

Answer me honestly: Would you be around someone who brags about their recent branded and expensive bag or with someone who helps a son/daughter of their house-help in the education?

5. The person you will be in 5 years is a direct result of the people you meet, books you read, conversations you have and habits you start now. (Choose well.)

Choose people who lift you up, books that expand your world, conversations that nourish your soul and habits that align with your dreams. Your future self will thank you.

6. In order to date someone remarkable, you need to be remarkable yourself.

Many of my friends were either in a relationship or married. I dated few people in my 20s, because I didn’t want to be left alone. But those experiences were eye openers. I had low self-esteem, self-love back then. I was operating from insecurity and it reflected on my dating pattern.

Now I have much clarity on how I want to feel with my partner and don’t want to settle for anything less. Wish I had someone to guide me on this front in my 20s!

7. Your phone is your top distraction and it will probably hold you back from achieving your goals. Put it in Do Not Disturb mode for 2 hours every day.

I do regret that I wasted lot of time doom scrolling. Instead I could have read many books or learnt new skills. Now I have started setting boundaries with my phone usage. Remember, your phone is a tool, not your boss.

8. Travel. You’ll never have as few responsibilities as you do right now. Take at least 3 epic trips every year that you’ll tell people about at dinner parties for the rest of your life.

I’m so happy that I take at least 2 trips every year and have stories to tell my grandchildren.

9. At some point, you will have to deal with something painful. It will change your life. You can’t choose what happens — but you get to decide how you react to it.

In my case it was a painful break-up that taught me endless lessons about myself and it was a starting of my healing journey. Few of my friends had to go through a loss of one of the parents. Life is unpredictable. Be ready for it!

10. When choosing a career path, look at who’s at the top of the ladder. But make sure to have a work life balance!

Nowadays there are multiple career options. But many people stick to an ordinary job. Job culture in many countries is stressful and can impact your health in the long run. Either work smart or have courage to say No to extra work when you really need to take rest!

What else would you add to the list? I would like to add your suggestions in the 2nd part.

And thank you all for being here!

10 Most Powerful Lessons I’d Tell My Younger Self (Part 1) was originally published in Write A Catalyst on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Hello Everyone!

First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hope you had a great celebration and ready to achieve your goals in 2025.

When I started writing on Medium couple of months back, I had this question in my mind — Should I self-publish my article or should I submit to a publication to gain more readers?

In last month, I had submitted a well crafted article (According to me) to a publication, thinking many people would read it and there would be more engagement.

Everyday I was checking whether my article has been accepted into the publication or not.

To my surprise, the article I had much hopes from was rejected after 15 days of submission. There was no way I could find out the reason of rejection.

I then self-published the same article and it gained satisfactorily engagement. It earned me little more dollars than the articles I earlier have published in different publications.

So here is a breakdown of both the scenarios:

The Case for Self-Publishing: Full Control, Instant Gratification

Self-publishing is like cooking your favorite dish exactly how you like it. You’re in charge of everything — what you write, when you post and how it looks. It is incredibly easy to get your words out there.

When I started writing, I was eager to share my thoughts without the added pressure of approvals or edits.

Seeing people engage with my first self-published article gave me an instant sense of accomplishment. Self-publishing also allows you to build your unique voice, experiment with topics and engage directly with readers.

But here’s the catch: the reach depends entirely on how well you promote it. If you don’t have an existing audience, your masterpiece might just sit there, waiting to be discovered.

Submitting to a Publication: Wider Reach, Added Credibility

Conversely, submitting to a publication is similar to having a talented chef serve your food in a fine dining establishment. The outcome can reach a much larger and more curated audience, but it takes longer.

I sent an article to a specialized publication I liked a few days ago. Writing a piece, getting feedback and then implementing the editor’s recommendations was a daunting procedure. However, the work seemed worthwhile when the article was eventually published. In addition to reaching readers I couldn’t have reached on my own, the increased credibility gave me more self-assurance as a writer.

Publications have their restrictions. It is necessary to adapt your work to their audience, tone and rules, which can occasionally feel restrictive. Also rejections are part of the game and the feeling is worst.

How to Decide?

1. Consider Your Goals: If your priority is to share your message authentically and build a personal connection with readers, self-publishing might be the way to go.
   If you’re looking for credibility, networking opportunities or a broader audience, consider submitting to a publication.
2. Evaluate Your Time: Self-publishing gives instant gratification, but publications may require patience.
3. Experiment: There’s no rule against doing both. Test the waters by self-publishing some pieces and submitting others.

Whether you choose to self-publish or submit to a publication, the most important thing is to keep writing.

Every piece you publish, whether it’s shared on your own profile or published in a publication, helps your search for your voice and readership.

Your words count.

So, what’s it going to be? Are you hitting “publish” today or submitting an article to a publication?

Either way, your story deserves to be heard.

Thank you for reading!

~Charu

Should I Self-Publish an Article Or Submit It To a Publication? was originally published in Write A Catalyst on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

1. Stop worrying about what others think of you:
   Life’s too short to play PR manager for people who barely matter.
2. Delete the trash out of your life:
   This includes expired snacks, exes and anyone who drains your phone battery and your soul.
3. Swipe left on drama:
   Trust me, your life isn’t a reality TV show — stop auditioning for it.
4. Make sure your Spotify Wrapped doesn’t mention YOU as the most played in 2024:
   Overthinking isn’t a hit single — skip to the good parts instead.
5. Dance alone. (It’s free therapy):
   No judgment, no rhythm required — your bathroom mirror is the only audience you need.
6. Catch flights, not feelings:
   Frequent flyer miles last longer than temporary crushes.
7. Start thinking how you want to become the best version of you in 2025:
   Because 2024 is for the beta version — 2025 is the official launch! 🎉

After all Self Love is First Love!

7 Self-Love Things We Need To Do Before The Year Ends was originally published in The Shortform on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Just Like Gulab Jamun, Our Life Should Be Dipped In Sweetness!

Gulab Jamun is one delicacy that has the power to instantaneously make my mouth water and my heart sing. You know, those little drops of bliss that are smooth, syrupy, and melt in your mouth?

Gulab Jamun has been the focal point of all of my family’s festivities and to be honest, it’s the reason I would quietly return to the dinner table after everyone had assumed I had left. This dish has been a part of my childhood — every taste is laced with anecdotes, accidents and plenty of sticky fingers!

The Sticky Art of Making Gulab Jamun

Gulab Jamun is a popular Indian delicacy made from deep-fried dough balls steeped in sweet, aromatic sugar syrup. Usually made with milk solids and all-purpose flour (Maida), the dough gives tender, melt-in-your-mouth sweets with a subtle hint of cardamom or rose.

Growing up, Gulab Jamun wasn’t just a dessert; it was a project. Picture this: my mom kneading the dough with the seriousness of a scientist, while I’d be right there with her, pretending to help but mostly just waiting to snag one. She’d mix and knead, shaping each little ball just right (her Gulab Jamuns always came out perfect, of course).

One year, I figured I was ready to take over the Gulab Jamun legacy. Big mistake. I didn’t know what I was doing with that dough and the result was a tray full of hard, mini cannonballs. When my mom bit into one, she simply started giggling. “So, are you making dessert or redecorating the driveway with these rocks?” she joked. Gulab Jamun is an art that requires practice or at least some of mom’s secret magic, as I discovered the hard way that day.

Roots of Gulab Jamun and Its Way To India

Similar syrup-soaked treats were common in medieval Persia, which is thought to be where gulab jamun first originated. Persian chefs who visited India adapted these recipes using local ingredients like khoya (reduced milk solids) to make gulab jamun as we know it today.

According to some traditions, it was also created in the royal kitchens of the Mughal Empire, specifically by a chef who was experimenting with traditional Persian sweets. The term “Gulab Jamun” refers to the rose-flavored syrup that is frequently served with it and is a combination of the Persian word “gulab,” which means “rose,” and the Indian fruit known as jamun, which is shaped like it.

Gulab Jamun at Every Family Party

In our house, every holiday and birthday meant just one thing: a massive bowl of Gulab Jamuns front and center on the table. After a big dinner, my cousins and I would race to see who could grab the best ones. You know the ones — they’re so soft that they almost collapse in your spoon but still manage to hold all that sweet syrup. Those are the MVPs (Most Valuable Player) of the Gulab Jamun world.

One of my cousins would always pull this classic move: take a few Gulab Jamuns for himself, sneak some for later and pretend like he only had one. I’ll admit, I may have tried that trick myself once or twice, until my mom caught on. From then on, she’d announce, “No hoarding!” But did that stop us? Nope! We’d just get better at hiding them.

My Solo Attempt at Making Gulab Jamun (Again)

After I moved to Bangalore, I started craving those soft, sweet Gulab Jamun every Diwali and New Year. So I thought, “How hard can it be? I watched Mom do this a thousand times!” Turns out, I still didn’t have the magic touch. I tried again, kneading and frying the little balls, but my first few rounds were either too hard, too soft or just plain weird shapes.

By my third try, I finally managed to make a decent batch. The taste? Not quite like mom’s, but good enough! As I dunked each ball in the warm syrup, I couldn’t help but laugh at how long it took me to get these right.
I felt proud though — finally, I had a taste of home, all thanks to my own two hands. And, okay, a little help from mom’s phone call reminders.

Passing Down the Gulab Jamun Legacy

Recently my younger cousin asked me to teach her how to prepare Gulab Jamun. She didn’t know about my “rock” event, but she observed me like I was an expert. I walked her through every step and even shared with her the trick to properly shaping the dough. Her eyes glowed when she tasted her handmade Gulab Jamun for the first time. It was similar to carrying on a family custom, albeit with a lot more laughter and a little less precision.

The Joy of Gulab Jamun

For me, Gulab Jamun is the taste of pure joy. It’s a dessert that somehow feels like family, love and sticky hands all rolled into one. It’s the reason I always have room for “one more bite,” even when I’m stuffed. Even though I still haven’t mastered my mom’s recipe, I’ve discovered that handmade Gulab Jamun tastes even better because of the minor details and laughs.

So, here’s to Gulab Jamun — soft, sweet and always there for a celebration. I may not be a master, but I know one thing for sure: if you hand me a spoon and a bowl of these sweet delights, I’ll happily take a trip down memory lane, one sticky bite at a time.

Last but not the least, I love this Quote a lot:

In a world full of cupcakes, be a Gulab Jamun!

I’m feeling hungry!! Aren’t you?

Thank you for reading!

~Charu

Write for The Little Recipe Pub :

Write For The Little Recipe Publication

More from us :

• Strategies to Eat Healthy When You’re on a Road Trip in South India
• A Bowl Full of Fruit

India’s Sweet Ball of Happiness was originally published in The Little Recipe on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

I picked up “The Art of Being Alone” few days back with the idea of spending time by myself.

Loneliness felt like an unwelcome visitor and I wanted to figure out how to embrace solitude instead. This book turned out to be exactly what I needed.

In addition to preaching about the value of alone, the author provides helpful advice on how to make solitary feel purposeful and even pleasurable.

Although I had heard about techniques like journaling and mindfulness before, the explanations provided here were quite approachable.

I attempted writing while sitting by my window one evening after reading the book. Just myself, my thoughts, and the gentle glow of twilight was quite peaceful.

I was really impressed by the overall feel of this book. The conversation felt more like a chat with a buddy who knows how difficult it may be to be by yourself.

I felt seen and reassured by the stories and instances that I wasn’t the only one who felt this way.

Nevertheless, some of the material did seem repetitive, particularly to those who are already familiar with self-help ideas.

I didn’t mind too much, though. Sometimes hearing the same concept presented in a new way makes it more memorable.

I felt lighter and more comfortable being by myself by the time I finished the book.

It served as a reminder that loneliness is a chance to reestablish a connection with oneself, not something to be feared.

If you’re in a similar place, this book might just be the companion you didn’t know you needed.

The quotes from the book I liked the most:

1. You are alone, whether you like it or not, so why not like it?
2. If you want to know yourself, you have to be interested in yourself for the rest of your life.
3. There are some days when you miss yourself more than you have ever missed anyone else.
4. You should take some time every day to be alone so that you can think independently without the influence of anyone.
5. The simple fact that you don’t know yourself is the reason you accept the bare minimum from people.

Thank you for reading! :)

My cousin and I recently went to a family function. We dressed up, met other relatives, had food, and enjoyed to the fullest.

After two days, I told her about my headache. She immediately asked me to take a saltwater bath. Unknowingly, I asked the reason.

She said, “Tujhe kisiki nazar lagi hogi.” (Meaning — someone must have cast an evil eye on you.) She continued, “You will feel better after taking a saltwater bath. It’s not just about removing negativity; it’s like resetting your body and soul.”

That conversation led me to explore a practice based on tradition and wellness that I now deeply value.

Many cultures believe that taking a salt water bath can cleanse more than just the body; it can also purge negative energy or the “evil eye.”

It is said that the salt purifies the person by attracting negativity and enveloping them in a shield of protection.

During a summer visit to my grandmother’s family house near the sea, I was first exposed to this ancient custom as a child growing up in India.

I had no idea that this straightforward but powerful ceremony would turn into a cornerstone of my self-care journey.

My grandmother firmly believed in nature’s ability to heal. She would collect coarse sea salt, combine it with warm water, and then transfer the mixture into a huge metal tub.

“It cleanses more than just your skin,” she would explain in a wise-sounding voice. “It relaxes your mind too.”

It was a simple but transformative ritual in our family. I recall dipping into the warm salt water and swirling my fingers through it.

The tingling sensation on my legs from mosquito bites and scratched knees wasn’t bad. The water seemed to be wiping away the dirt of worry and exhaustion in addition to the physical tension.

Discovering the Science

After talking to my cousin, I looked to science to make sense of what she and my grandmother had sensed deep inside.

A combination of care and chemistry, salt water baths are more than just a nostalgic treat.

Saltwater, which is high in magnesium, potassium and other minerals, helps to relax muscles, lower inflammation and even improve sleep quality. In a way, these baths are like nature hugging us.

People often say that going to a body of water, especially a beach, can lift your spirits when you’re feeling down or stressed.

The sea’s salty air and water purify the mind as well as the body. The waves seem to wash away your problems as they crash against the coast, leaving you feeling renewed and rejuvenated.

My self-care ritual:

Taking salt water baths every full and new moon became an essential part of my self-love practice. I frequently feel lighter after getting out of the water, like a burden has been removed.

Being in a busy city, I frequently felt cut off from the natural world. The bathtub turned into a haven for me.

I brought that childhood calm back to my small apartment bathroom by mixing Epsom salt or Himalayan pink salt with warm water. Every bath seemed like a private haven where I could rest and re-establish a connection with my roots.

There is one special instance when I made an aromatic twist — lavender essential oil and a pinch of salt — after a particularly stressful week.

The gentle aroma surrounded me as I fell into the water, and a calmness swept over me. I was taken back to my grandmother’s seaside tub, where I was reminded of the timeless wisdom and the smaller pleasures that have been passed down through the ages.

Today, I urge family members and friends to adopt this habit. After being mesmerized by my stories my young niece just took her first salt water bath.

This practice passes age and time, as proven by the fact that watching her laugh at the experience reminded me of my own innocence as a youngster.

Closing thoughts:

Taking a salt water bath is more than a beauty treatment; it’s a bridge between the past and present, a blend of heritage and health.

Whether you’re soaking in the ocean or recreating the experience at home, you’re participating in a ritual that’s as ancient as it is healing.

And as I’ve learned, the best part of this journey is passing it on to future generations so that the custom endures in their hearts and homes.

Do you take a saltwater bath? If not, I suggest you start this habit in 2025!

Write For The Heritage Pub

The Salty Embrace was originally published in The Heritage Pub on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

It was a quiet Sunday afternoon in Bangalore when I used to stay alone.

I had been cleaning my apartment, humming along to an old Bollywood playlist, wearing mismatched pajamas and feeling completely at ease.

There was no one around to see me, no standards to live up to and no reputation to maintain.

It got me thinking: Who am I, when no one is watching me?

As a child, I was constantly aware of how other people saw me. There was a version of me that was suited to the circumstance, whether it was at work, school or even with friends and relatives.

I wasn’t acting, but my behaviors were constantly influenced by an unseen audience.

I believed in the fact that, it was important to be seen as a good girl in the eyes of others.

But in the solitude of that afternoon, I realized the person I was when no one else was around felt truer, simpler and more me.

When I’m alone, I dance without worrying if my moves look silly. Otherwise I’m too shy to dance in front of anyone.

I experiment with recipes watched on YouTube and laugh at my disasters without any judgment on how the dish will turn out.

I talk to my plants as if they’re my old friends and I write in my journal, pouring out thoughts that I might never share with anyone.

It’s in these moments that I feel my most authentic self — a little quirky, a little vulnerable and deeply content.

But solitude also brings out a different side of me, one I’d sometimes rather not face.

When the distractions fade, so do the walls I’ve built around my insecurities and fears.

There are days when I avoid looking in the mirror too long or when my inner critic is louder than usual.

But even in those moments, I’m learning to sit with myself, to listen without judgment and to show the kindness to myself I often reserve for others.

It’s not just our peculiarities or habits that make us wonder who we are when no one is looking.

It involves removing the exterior layers we display to the outside world and revealing the inner workings.

It’s about finding calm in our own company, imperfections and all.

So, when no one is watching, who am I? I’m still work in progress. I’m learning to accept her flaws, to appreciate her small pleasures and to find contentment in being who she is without apology.

How about you? When everything is silent, the masks are taken off and you are alone, who are you?

Perhaps it’s time to find out if you haven’t asked yourself question recently. You may find something that surprises you.

Who Are We When Nobody Is Watching? was originally published in Know Thyself, Heal Thyself on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.