A New Beginning
When I joined Ashiyana a month ago, I stepped into a world quite different from any of my previous professional experiences. The regular check-ins, the emphasis on emotional well-being, and the warmth of the team made me feel both happy and, at times, a little overwhelmed. Just two weeks into my journey, the team stepped away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day work to take a pause and realign with the common purpose. And the goal was… presence? With a mix of curiosity and nervousness, I packed my bags, eager to see what this experience would bring.
In a sector that often runs on compassion fatigue, the pause was an act of restoration. It allowed us to notice what needed attention, not in our systems, but in ourselves and our relationships. The slowing down allowed us time to realign our purpose.
After a few hours of travel filled with laughter, conversations, and shared snacks, we finally arrived at Wildernest in Virar. In the evening, we played dumb charades, games and vibed to amazing music. As I struggled to beat my awkwardness, the team made me feel very comfortable.
The Morning of Stillness and Discovery
The next morning, I woke up to the sound of birds chirping and insects buzzing in nature’s quiet symphony. As I stepped out, the sun’s warmth and the freshness in the air felt like a gentle reminder to slow down. The day began with fun icebreakers and interactive activities, which created a non-judgmental space for everyone to express themselves and connect with each other. It was very calming in a way that gave me a positive feeling and renewed energy.
Following this, we sat in a circle to share our intentions for the retreat, creating a space for aligning to a common purpose of supporting a better life for youth. Through this exercise, I reflected upon the true meaning of being present in a circle without the pressure of everyday rush.
Discovering the Diamond in Me
One of the most powerful experiences of the retreat was exploring The Diamond Self – a metaphor for our core self -a concept gifted to us by our mentor, Sonali Ojha, whose wisdom continues to guide us even in her absence. Her teaching reminds us that, like a diamond, every individual carries facets of strength, resilience, and light waiting to shine.
“Like a diamond, every individual carries facets of strength, resilience, and light waiting to shine.” — inspired by Sonali Ojha
It was a guided visualization that encouraged us to explore our inner selves and reflect on our aspirations. As I closed my eyes, I imagined my diamond glowing in shades of pink and gold, with Will Power written at its center. I felt drawn to the rhythmic energy of the Diamond, almost like I was being called.
In that moment of stillness, I heard my diamond whisper, “You are enough. Loosen yourself and live your life a little more.” That message stayed with me. It felt like my inner voice reminding me to trust myself, to soften, and to live more fully.
The circle helped me realize how important it is to nurture our inner strength to polish our own diamond so it can shine brighter and guide our work and relationships. To truly serve the children, it is important to do our own self-work. It was a space to rediscover authenticity, to remember that behind every role or responsibility lies a human being whole, evolving, and radiant in their own way.
Reflective Journaling and Understanding Purpose
One of the most reflective moments for me was the personal journaling session where we were asked to pen down ‘Why are we in Ashiyana’. With pen and paper in hand, I began writing freely about my journey of life till this moment, how life brought me to Mumbai and eventually to Ashiyana. It was almost an epiphanic moment for me when the flow of thoughts glided smoothly into my diary almost as if it was waiting for the gates to open.
As each team member shared their reflections, the room filled with honesty, vulnerability, and connection. I realized that every story held a thread of shared purpose to create spaces where the youth and children can heal, grow, and rediscover their own light.
Unpacking the Ashiyana Way
“Culture is not built in policies or plans — it is lived in everyday interactions. At Ashiyana, we call this living culture the Ashiyana Way: reflection, relationship, and restoration.”
When I joined Ashiyana, I was introduced to The Ashiyana Way. It is the culture of hope and resilience built on the principles of reflection, relationship and restoration. At the retreat, we came together to redefine what entails the Ashiyana Way.
Through discussions and reflections, I learned something truly profound: at Ashiyana, ‘Every child is believed to be innately complete and whole’.
We believe that every child possesses the potential and inherent qualities needed to grow and learn. Our role is not to fix or provide, but to enable them, to stand beside them and not ahead of them.
Coming Home with Clarity
The retreat concluded with an Appreciation Circle, where every member was acknowledged and valued for their contributions to enhancing Ashiyana’s vision. I walked away with a deep sense of belonging. We aligned our goals and actions with our shared purpose to create intentional impact. The room was buzzing with excitement and energy as each team presented its action plans with clarity.
I felt lighter, clearer, and more connected both with myself and to the collective purpose we share as a team. As we return to our work in the child care institutions and communities, we carry a quiet conviction: To create spaces of care, we must first embody care.
In a world that rewards speed and output, choosing to slow down can feel countercultural. Yet, in that stillness lies the most transformative form of movement, one that begins within and radiates outward
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