‘Mindfulness Is Living In The Present’

Mindfulness involves living in the present, believes Raageshwari Loomba. She believes in the ‘power of yes’ and is of the opinion that when we say no, it is generally a judgment based on the past. Quoting lessons from the ancient text of Panchatantra, she believes that a child in its development stage between 0-7 years should not be told ‘no’ because it sends a wrong message to the child. 

One of her important mindfulness philosophies for parents is ‘Oxygen Mask Philosophy’. According to the philosophy, the best thing a parent can do for his or her family is to relax and love your spouse. ‘It communicates the right message to the child,’ she states. She also talks about the importance of healing one’s inner child, where the traumas of a child need to be taken into account. 

Loomba is a great advocator of adopting a balanced approach in life. Instead of judging people, people should be inspired instead. History suggests any successful person has at least one, or multiple great mentors, who have inspired them through their journey. The role of her guru Jack Canfield has been pivotal in her process of recovery. Together they worked on an affirmation CD with the late Louise Hay on a Tibetan Rites documentary, and performed at the Nobel Peace Centre. 

Looking back at the tragedy that she had gone through, she contextualises: what has speed will always lack depth. She was at her peak back then. She was a 90’s Indian Pop sensation and broke all records. A reigning singer and actor always surrounded by shoots, awards, and exposure. She says: “I lacked mindfulness in my life”. When she got facial paralysis, her guru Jack shared that she might have attracted that tragedy into her life. “I lacked knowledge of the ancient wisdom that our thoughts are magnets to experiences,” she once shared in public.  

At a recent BW Businessworld webinar, Loomba addressed one of the major challenges that have taken over people, especially during these Covid times, is the increased use of social media. She says with people being glued to their screen, they are getting away from themselves. She thinks it is critical to be aware of things. But, there should be a demarcation made between awareness and addiction. This is where the importance of mindfulness comes in. She states mindfulness helps an individual connect to one’s family and that links within every relationship to thrive in. Her book Building a Happy Family discusses the use of music, books, dance, and arts to be more mindful.