Art Retreat' by Nandita Richie

A few days back, on our wedding anniversary, we celebrated with a quiet dinner at a fine Dinning place near by—just the four of us, My husband, me and our two younger kids, oldest one being in Pune. In the middle of clinking cutlery and shared laughter, my daughter suggested a fun game: “Let’s say one good thing about each other.” I smiled. This was my kind of thing—I love expressing appreciation for small, beautiful gestures. So when it was my turn to speak about my husband, I had a list ready: I told him how much I value his attention to our health—how he hands us our supplements without fail, how he takes care of the tiniest details like getting the car serviced or renewing insurance tags just before my long solo drive in my new car. He handles our finances, reminds us about doctor's appointments… so many little things that make our lives smooth. Everyone listened. My husband smiled. Then it was his turn to talk about me. There was a pause. A long one. He seem...

This year has been challenging for the art world and myself as an artist. At first, we all were under the impression that this pandemic will be over quickly but we soon realised it is not going be so. The uncertainty of the past 12 months has been something that every individual was forced to adapt to and it was also a learning experience at the same time.  Living in India, we are so used to having house help to do all our mundane daily chores, which we take so much for granted. During the lockdown, all helpers were banned entering the society complex and we were forced  to take up these jobs head on.  With mixing colored clothes with whites while doing laundry and everyone looking like 'work of art'  by me, the next day, to cooking and burning food and making all different creatively carved chappatis to turning into professional chefs ultimately, brought us so much gratitude towards our helpers and service providers and made us realise, every small help ...

Echoes of Generations: The Mango tree legacy In the heart of Jaipur city, was my paternal house a huge mansion which we used to  call ' Brij Kuteer' after my Great grandfather's  Brij Mohan's name. Within the centre of my paternal home, was a magnificent mango tree which I proudly used to  call mine. Its branches stretched wide heavy with bearing fruits, its leaves whispered secrets in the wind, and beneath its shade, a tale of unity, love, and inspiration unfolded. In the warmth of a summer afternoon sometime in 1970s, the house brimmed with joyous laughter, the playful symphony of cousins, aunts, and uncles visiting during the cherished summer holidays. Our abode featured a grand courtyard at its core, encircled by numerous rooms, kitchens, and dining areas. Amidst this bustling haven, my mother tirelessly crafted meals to satiate the hunger of us rambunctious children. But it was the evenings that held a unique charm. The entire family gathered in the fre...

H o'oponopono? Have you ever heard of a Hawaiian prayer Ho'oponopono ?  It all started with therapist Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len, along with what some people might call a miracle. Dr. Len is said to have miraculously aided patients with their recovery using the unique therapeutic method of Ho'oponopono Ever found yourself in need of a miracle? Some harmony? Inner peace?  Ho'oponopono, pronounced HO-oh-Po-no-Po-no, could be just what you need! Dr. Len is said to have moved through the wards repeating the simple  Ho oponopono mantra, healing the patients from within himself.  “I’m sorry, please forgive me, thank you, I love you.” How can this be? How can healing ourselves heal others in turn? How can what we do internally affect everything externally? Everything around us?  It’s key to know that in Ho'oponopono there is no “around us”, everything that happens to us in fact happens within our minds. That’s right, whatever you s...

Expressing feelings on canvas or paper when words fail using 'Mindful Art for Healing'! Course Curated by  Artist and Mindcoach Nandita Richie What is 'Mindful Art for Healing ' 1) ' Mindful Art for Healing ' is a Therapeutic Art Course, which has been created for people who are interested in therapeutic Art and the creativity , either for self exploration and healing or for the purpose of working with other people to help support them in  self expression through Art, can improve our physical and mental health, as well as our emotional well being. * It helps us to manage our feelings in a new positive way. * Can give us the confidence to address and resolve issues from the past and present. * Increase self esteem and develop a greater self awareness. * Creating Art provides an outlet to express yourself freely, which will encourage and promote a healthier , happier life. * You don't need previous experience, and the course is suitable for everyone . Do y...