Wellness Wednesdays

 

Today I am grateful for Acacia Wellness Youth Project for this incredible opportunity to let me facilitate a session titled "Gratitude: its impact on personal, professional, social and spiritual life". This session hosted and coordinated by Meseret Haileyesus. Today's session was 12 to 29 years of youth. I acknowledge and appreciate this project for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• This project is an astonishing and wonderful opportunity for youth to understand, explore and address the issues related to well-being and mental health

• At this time of the COVID 19, while social distancing is outlawed and since 2020 staying at home, this project is a kind of sweet breeze for them to engage, connect and socialize at the same time

• This project support and encourage the youth community to further explore one's feelings, emotions and behaviour. Once they understand then they are able to manage issues and become resilient

• Youth will learn strategies to better cope and deal with the situation and further benefits them to prepare for school in September 2021

• Today's session was safe and secure to share thoughts, feelings and emotions. Every response and the answer was accepted and appreciated by the facilitator

• I noticed and discovered the sense of belongingness and connectivity among youth at this time of the COVID 19 

• This session was over the zoom, profoundly suitable and convenient to join, no need to formally dress up, drive or take TTC, just need to monitor internet connectivity. At the same time, youth can join across the province

• This was a great learning opportunity for youth without paying a single dollar, as it was free of cost. This is a great financial support to the youth

• The taken words and insight:

• Check-In (How are they feeling at the moment)

• Ice-breaking activity 

• Meaning of gratitude

• Gratitude and brain chemistry

• How does gratitude impact personal, social and professional life

• Gratitude and wellbeing

• The science of gratitude

• One thing that you are grateful now

• The gratitude experiment

• Ways to be grateful

• Final words and Kahoot 

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Sleep and it's significance - Part # 2

 

Today I am grateful for Malton Bazm-E-Khawateen platform Facebook Live for the opportunity to facilitate a session titled "Sleep and its significance - part # 2. Today's session was hosted and coordinated by Gulnaz Rehan. I acknowledge and appreciate today's session for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• The session commenced with a recap of the previous session and followed the sleep rituals

• Sleep significance and its impact on emotions, behaviour and physical health

• How much sleep do you need? Shared a chart of age-specific sleep requirement

• 10 strategies to faster and deep sleep

• 478 deep breathing exercise

• Power nap and its significance

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Butterfly

 

Today I am grateful for and appreciate the significance of butterflies in the ecosystem. Butterflies are part of the landscape and scenery. I realize and concede the value of butterflies for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• Butterflies fundamentally embellish and enhance the environment. It profoundly and aesthetically gorgeous

• There are a variety of butterflies in the world, you may discover from tiny to giant butterflies across the regions

• As far as tone is concerned, it varies from transparent to incredibly vibrant and garish shades. Even you may notice from only shade to 10 to 20 tones in a butterfly

• The most fascinating and interesting appearance of butterflies are, they rest or sit particularly on flowers and it seems wonderful

• Children and even grown-ups try to catch a butterfly whenever they encounter a butterfly. It is a fun and mindful activity, it soothes emotions and feelings

• Whenever touch a butterfly, it leaves pigments in hands

If you have any question or concern, please feel to ask or comment below

Leadership and Community Engagement training

 

Today I am grateful for attending a training session titled "leadership and community" as part of my Resiliency Peer  Community Ambassador role, offered by the Malton Woman Council. This training was hosted and coordinated by Uzma Irfan and facilitated by Sukhjit S. Ahluwalia (MBA, BSc, CCS, CCRS). I appreciate and recognize the significance of today's training for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• Sukhjit Singh was an incredible facilitator to engage the audience via sharing, reflecting and revealing various components of leader and leadership. The session was profoundly engaging, interactive and appealing for everyone with the breakout room, activities, write and draw on the notebook. Sukhjit provided a very safe space to share thoughts and personal experiences. Today I discovered and learned wonderful pieces linking to leadership

• Uzma Irfan was hosted and coordinating the session with the gist of organizing and regulating the flow and progression of the session. Throughout the session, Uzma was mindful of muting the audience in case if there was a background noice, reading messages and adjusting our requirements and demands

• Personally, I got motivated and inspired by the problem solving and motivating people's segments of the training and the power of social knowledge

• Today's session was offered virtually, extremely beneficial and convenient at this time of the COVID 19 while all professional gatherings are outlawed due to the spread of the novel coronavirus

• Today's session was over the zoom, that's just one click away. No need to dress up formally, drive or take TTC, time-saving and comfortably join 

• The taken wisdom and insight from today's session is:

• The participation guidelines were mentioned and discussed as ground rules

• The session commenced with Role Me - Real Me activity that was really soothing and a chance to learn from each other and discovered the similarities among us

• Role Me - Winner of Happiness

• What is the definition of leadership? The question was proposed to the audience to reflect on the word of leadership

• What is Community leadership?

• Leadership and key components: conflict management, problem-solving, motivating people and team building

• Three characteristics for instance: hungry, hone-able and honourable

• Leadership types for instance: transactional, democratic, transformational, autocratic, charismatic, servant, laissez-faire and bureaucratic leadership

• The key ingredient of leadership is to share a story with the audience. Be mindful of our surrounding 

• Community engagement: strategies for effective community engagement, outreach, networking, potential challenges (especially in view of COVID-19), best opportunities and best strategy (Dialogue)

• Relationship between leadership and community engagement

• Sukhjit shared his personal story and I was astonished and amazed by the journey

• The taken advice and useful direction from today's training was this quote:

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Nail cutter

 

Today I am grateful for and appreciate the significance of nail cutter to cut and mould nails. Nail cutter comes in a variety of contours, shades and proportions. Even you may find a nail cutter in plastic, metal and silver one with added designs and shapes. A nail cutter is being used around the globe for cutting nails and dead skin of feet. I recognize its value for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• Nail cutter is an essential part of pedicure and manicure sets, even pedicure and manicure could not be complete without using a nail cutter

• A nail cutter normally contains a filer, scrubber and a cutter. It helps to contours nails whenever it is needed and remove the dead skin

• In some religion and faith, nail cutting is a ritual, for instance, mostly Friday is the sunnah to cut nails

• Sharp and long nails are a great source of microorganisms to grow and cutting nails to prevent germination of microbe

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to ask or comment below 

Dal Chawal or Rice and lentil

 

Today I am grateful for and appreciate the most commonly eaten cuisine "Dal-Chawal" in Pak - Indo culture. Dal-Chawal is part of everyday food for decades. Even in some cultures, every day at lunchtime dal-chawal is the must item and at dinner time, people usually have different meals. I recognize and acknowledge its value for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• Dal is prepared with added garlic, ginger, turmeric, chillies. Dal or lentil fully cooked and blend then there is a Tarka on dal. Tarka is to heat oil and fry an onion with added cumin seeds, Kari leaves, garlic, whole red chillies till the onion fried fully then add to the dal

• Boiled, garlic, butter, zeera or bhagare rice are best with the lentils. Dal chawal is eaten with kachomar or salsa, pickle, rice papar, stuff fried green chillies, kebab and with any vegetable 

• Every single bite is contained rice, lentil, salsa, papar, pickle, fried green chillies and a piece of kebab. This bite has a punch of flavouring to the palate and zest to the taste buds. Its flavour and kick is beyond explanation, delicious, yummy and aromatic

• Dal-chawal is a wonderfully light meal, NOT heavy and easy to digest. The most eaten season of dal-chawal is summertime  

• Dal chawal is popular regardless of age and socioeconomic status, however, it is well served lower middle and middle class. You may find dal-chawal as a street food even in Karachi or Bombay

• This is my pleasing journey with dal-chawal, find yours is the thought of the day

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to ask or comment below

Dishwashing detergent

Today I am grateful for and appreciate the value of dishwashing detergent for cleaning purposes. Dishwashing detergent is an essential part of everyday life to wash or clean our dishes. A variety of stuff was used to clean or wash dishes for decades, for instance, soil, soap, corn flakes, rocks and coal but nowadays, dishwashing detergent in demand.  I recognize and acknowledge the significance of dishwashing soap for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• Dishwashing detergent is a crucial element of kitchen stuff regardless of socioeconomic status or region around the globe

• The main purpose of dishwashing detergent to wash and clean greasy and dirty dishes so they could be reused. As compare to disposable crockery, dishwashing detergent makes the dishes reusable, on the other hand, it helps to reduce the waste and its impact on the planet

• Dishwashing detergent comes in a variety of forms, for instance, powder, liquid, soap, bars, pod and dry sheet. It is affordable and conveniently used, NO need to take any training or instruction

• Nowadays, it is available in a variety of fragrance and aroma, for instance, flowers, fruits, vegetables or neutral or without smell

• Dishwashing itself is a good exercise for the mind, body and soul, for instance, it promotes eye n hand coordination, workout for fine motor skills, mindful exercise for the brain (person be present with the moment to clean dishes), boost sense of achievement whenever the task is completed. I discover a harmony between mind, body and soul while cleaning dishes

• This is my incredible venture with the dishwashing detergent, what is yours? is the spirit of the day

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to ask or comment below

Forum theatre - Break the taboo on domestic abuse

Today I am thankful for being part of this incredible project titled "Break the taboo on domestic abuse", via a forum theatre, facilitated by Pavla Uppal. She is the founder and facilitator of "Your Story Matters". This project funded by Ontario Arts Council and community partners is Your story matters, Flemingdon Community Support Services (FCSS) and The Neighbourhood Office (TNO). Pavla had been striving and monitoring the theme for the last 10 weeks. The final characters and theme evolved due to every team member's persistent and untiring efforts, including myself. I discovered this project captivating and inspiring as I can sense a variety of strategies used by Pavla to explore every single possible act of violence against women in the community.  I recognize and appreciate the project for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• Break the taboo on domestic abuse through forum theatre supports to unfold the layers of domestic abuse, its origin, approaches, strategies, survival and the point where a change is possible in the community or society. Somehow, this project reached the goal

• Pavla invariably monitored the theme and assisted all team members to be on track and be with the theme of domestic abuse or violence

• Pavla initiated and inaugurated the project with rapport building to get along very well with each other. Next phase, everyone had outlined the "I am" poem to reflect the thoughts and filled in the blanks, somehow it reflected the inner voice. Throughout the journey, a variety of emotions, characters and themes were explored. Finally, as a team, we came up with the forum theatre presentation 

• Today's presentation was a performance regarding domestic abuse and unseen caged woman (Sara: that's me). The fascinating and striking appearance of the presentation was to invite the audience to what else a character could do, the scenes were improvised with the strategies and tactics to better handle the situation. The dialogue improvisation with the character was surprisingly inspiring and thought-provoking 

• This forum theatre was over the zoom at this time of the COVID 19. It was highly convenient to join, no need to formally dress up, drive or take TTC, just require to monitor internet connectivity. It was just one click away

• This was a great forum for the community, as everyone equated with the vibes and theme. The sense of belongingness and connectivity was obvious. At some point, the audience was touched and inspired by the improvisation

• This project encouraged and benefited me to unfold various zones or layers of abuse or violence that breathe in the community and how it is impacting women and their overall functionality. Now I feel more confident to identify, address this unseen domestic abuse or violence against women. This project was thought-provoking for me to address this issue by utilizing various strategies, for instance, writing blogs, articles, or offering sessions on this topic to create awareness in the community. Personally, I believe "Knowledge is power"

• This is my incredible journey with the forum theatre and with my team, the most inspiring is Pavla Uppal as a facilitator of this project. I considered myself being honoured as a part of this forum theatre

   

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Sewing machine

 

Today I am grateful for and appreciate the significance of sewing machine in my life. The sewing machine was part of every household in past, chiefly women utilized it for a variety of purposes and reasons for decades. Nowadays, since urbanization and industrialization, home-stitched dresses replaced by readymade outfits. In many regions around the world, still tailoring business in command. I realize and recognize the value of sewing machine for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• Sewing machine serves a variety of purposes, for instance, stitching, seaming, patching, repairing, fixing, securing, mending, tailoring, teaching stitching and recycling purposes

• Sewing machine now available in from simple stitching to complex or two-needle stitching machine with a variety of levels and stitches

• Personally, I use the sewing machine to recycle outfits, create a new garment, mix n match and soothes my stitching vibes

• The sewing machine is the connector between thoughts and the fine product that represent our dreams via patching, repairing, fixing, securing, mending and sometimes tailoring

• The same analogy applies to a positive and healthy relationship with the people. Most of the time, we genuinely need a sewing machine to stitch, seaming, patching, repairing, fixing, securing and mending the relationship with the human being. The middle person might work as a sewing machine to help resolve a conflict between us

• A counsellor, friends, family, education, mentor, coach, therapy, webinar, training, book or meditation resemblance to the sewing machine. All these metaphors help to stitch, seaming, patching, repairing, fixing, securing, mending and tailoring relationships with humans being. Sometimes teaching us how to stitch a healthy relationship. Whenever stuck in life, try some sewing metaphor that will help you to move forward

• This is my understanding of the sewing machine, what is yours? is the thought of the day

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to ask or comment below

Watermelon

 

Today I am grateful for this incredible summer fruit "Watermelon" and appreciate its significance in our life. Watermelon is packed and loaded with nutrients, minerals and water. It tastes sweet and a punch of water to the palate. Watermelon is a summer fruit and has the potential to satisfy thirst and maintain water balance in the body. It is popular regardless of age, gender and socioeconomic status around the globe. Watermelon now available in a variety of contours, for instance, circular, egg-shaped, triangle and even rectangle. It has various shades including light green to dark green and sizes vary from mini to giant one. Watermelon tastes yummy while cold with added black pepper and salt. Nowadays, watermelon is commercialized in the form of package juice, yogurt, bars, toffee, bunties, T-shirts with watermelon pic, slippers with watermelon tag on, clips, rings or even bangels. Watermelon is eaten raw, juice and part of fruit salad. Nowadays it is a part of every picnic, party and snacks. This is my journey with watermelon, what is yours? is the question of the day

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to ask or comment below

Communication skills

 

Today I am grateful for being part of the Malton Woman Council in the capacity of Resiliency Community Peer Ambassador that brought a bunch of learning opportunities for developing and promoting a fine character in that role. The training titled "Communication Skills", hosted and coordinated by Uzma Irfan and facilitated by Nivedita Shori. I acknowledge and appreciate today's training session for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• The training session was facilitated via zoom, highly convenient, and comfortably join. No requirement to formally dressed up, drive or take TTC. Merely check and monitor internet connectivity to be with the flow of the session

• Today's training session broaden the horizon and perspective regarding communication skills, more specifically 7 Cs of communication

• Nivedita Shori facilitated the session by conveying the gist and significance of communication. The session was highly engaging and interactive with a breakout room, questions, asking for reflection and thoughts. These strategies promoted a deep understanding of the core values of communication and are mindful (be present with the moment)

• Uzma Irfan was coordinating the session gracefully and wonderfully by reading messages, answering, setting boundaries, teaching things if we were stuck during the session and kept an eye on regulating the progression of the session

• The gained insight and words of today's training session:

• What is communication? Introduction to effective communication

• Why learn about communication?

• How is leadership connected to good communication skills?

• Effective communication is the key during the pandemic

• Settings where we communicate

• Communication Etiquettes

• Watch for your errors

• Types of communication: verbal and non-verbal 

• Verbal communication: 7 Cs of communication 

• Non-verbal communication

• Listening is an active process with a variety of stages

• How to be a mindful listener? 

• Distinct ways of communications including emails
• Group facilitation and how to be prepared for facilitation

• This is my incredible journey of learning and pieces of training with the Malton Woman Council in the capacity of Resiliency Community Peer Ambassadorship project. Discover or find webinars or training that soothes your professional journey is the thought of the day

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Fishing

 

Today I appreciate and recognize the significance of fishing with my family. Today was a fishing day at Port Perry for my children and for myself. I am grateful for catching fishes and its journey with my family. Fishing itself is an astonishingly mindful venture. I noticed, discovered and thankful for fishing for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• Fishing is a profoundly engaging and appealing adventure with the family. You never know to catch a fish or not, it's all your chance or luck. Port perry is perpetually begetting a tremendous volume of fishes, even fishes are evident and apparent in the water

• Fishing is a mindful motion, as to gaze at the fish, carrying/holding a fishing rod with hands, notice each wavering or fluctuation, monitor or hear the vibes, feel grounded and be present with the moment

• Fishing is extremely beneficial for children and affects their physical and social development positively. Fishing elevates eye and hand coordination that further aid improvement to each domain of growth that requires eye and hand coordination, for instance, writing, typing, art n craft, playing sports, eating, making the bed, washing, bathing, painting, colouring, sketching and gardening etc

• Fishing encourages well-being and a healthy way of living. While fishing, one is away from social media, gadgets and be present with the moment. Fishing helps to detach from current environment or vibes and restore/renew

• Fishing promotes a sense of connectivity, belongingness and togetherness when it endures with the family. This sense of connection takes family ties to the next level

• While everyone engages with the fishing venture, I discovered and deeply noticed the sense of joy, giggle n chuckles, pleasure and peace of mind that further evidence to satisfaction in life

• Luckily, if the fish is caught, I observed the sense of accomplishment, fulfilment and success that further promote self-confidence and positive self-esteem

• This is my journey and adventure with the fishing with my family. Find some time in your schedule and take your family to any fishing spot, is the thought of the day

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to ask or comment below

Quarantine's journey

Today I am grateful for successfully finishing 14 days of quarantine with my family. Two weeks before my eldest son was COVID positive and after that news and monitored by Toronto Public Health, we were in quarantine at home for 14 days. I discovered this quarantine blissfully and ecstatic. Quarantine was highly engaging and full of enjoyment with the family members. I acknowledge and appreciate the significance of this quarantine for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• Toronto Public Health guidelines were followed for everyone's safety and protection. Towels were separated and COVID positive son was isolated in his room but all of us were together all time

• Quarantine was a blessing in the way that we all had breakfast, lunch and dinner together. Special breakfast was prepared including halwa pori, paratha, omelette, pancakes with tea, lassi and sometimes smoothies for children

• The festivities were on for lunch and dinner, for instance, biryani, kebab, chicken karahi, boti, shawarma, pasta, qeema, chicken wraps, dal chawal, tacos, pulao zarda, salad, raita and in sweets kheer, sheer khurma, halwa were prepared (2.7 kg weight gained 😊)

• We maintained balcony gardening and soil was provided by our family friends at the doorstep. My daughter focused on growing coriander, chard, arugula, methi, tomatoes, rapini, watermelon and melon. I will write a separate blog for balcony gardening. I discovered it a relaxing activity during quarantine

• I focused on the kitchen cleaning, it halfway achieved, expectedly, complete soon

• Daily we all played indoor games, for instance, ludo, Chinese checkers and cards. It was really amusing and further sustained our relationship

• Children were engaged in rock painting many times along with writing comics, sketching, playing with lego, painting, colouring and doodling. These mindful activities helped them to be relaxed and used their imagination

• Films were watched together with pin-drop silence and the drama serial Zindagi Gulzar Hai seen from the first episode to the last episode throughout our 14 days quarantine. That was a mind-blowing experience for all of us

• I focused on professional development, Facebook live sessions, webinars, children were busy with virtual school and my husband focused on reading books. I got a special time to communicate and discuss a variety of subjects with my family. I noticed the blessings and peace throughout the quarantine

• We were spiritually connected, as prayers were offered with Jamat, watched and listened to a variety of scholars with family for better understanding our faith and spirituality

• I and my family are genuinely grateful and appreciative to Toronto Public Health and The Neighbourhood Office for their incredible support for this unexpected time in our life. We are genuinely thankful for Shabnam, Karma, Nazia and all my family friends for constantly checked In to meet all our needs

• This is my family's 14 days quarantine journey at home with peace of mind and support provided by the community

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to ask or comment below

Pharmacology of Alcohol Use Disorder

 

Today I am grateful for and appreciate the untiring efforts of EHN Canada to facilitate webinars regarding mental health for promoting awareness. Today's webinar titled "Pharmacology of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)" hosted by Jeremy Houston and presented by Dr. Tim Ayas, MD, FRCPC, CCFP, MPH, BSc psychiatrist at EHN Sandstone. I acknowledge and recognize the significance of today's webinar for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• This webinar was over the zoom, highly convenient to join at this time of the COVID 19 pandemic while professional gatherings are prohibited. No need to formally dress up, drive or take TTC. It was just one click away

• Today's webinar was incredible and germinated my insight to the next level as far as AUD is concerned. This was a great way to take further advancement and growth in the field of mental health

• The taken insight and words from webinar is: 

• Definition of alcohol use disorder by DSM V was discussed

• Epidemiology of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

• Epidemiology of concurrent disorders

• Genetics of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) - dehydrogenase enzyme

• COVID - 19 and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

• Fact: Drinking methanol, ethanol or bleach DOES NOT prevent or cure COVID 19 infection

• Public Health Measures

• Psychotherapy options including 12 steep. CBT, MI, couples and family therapy, DBT and interpersonal therapy
• Pharmacotherapy options: approved, off label, medication dosage,  side effects and clinical tips were discussed

• Pharmacology flow chart for the treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) was discussed in detail

• Detoxification process

• The alternate medication also an option 

• Inpatient Residential Treatment Centres

• There was a Q A session

• This is my journey with EHN Canada's webinar series, find webinars that take your professional development to the next level, is the thought of the day

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to ask or comment below

Oxygen

Today I am thankful for and appreciate the significance of the oxygen that's breath in and CO2 breath out for our survival. Oxygen is the basic unit even for the survival and endurance of every single living thing in this earth. I am grateful and acknowledge the value of oxygen. Importance of oxygen is beyond explanation, even water is not a water without the oxygen. Nowadays, coronavirus affects lungs and breathing process very badly and in severe cases, COVID patient needs ventilator for oxygen

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to ask or comment below

Sleep and it's significance: Learn how to improve quality of sleep

 

Today I am grateful for facilitating a session titled "Sleep and its significance: learn how to improve quality of sleep" at Malton Bazm-E-Khawateen Facebook live on. Today's session was hosted by Gulnaz Rehan and coordinated by Aasia Khatoon. I appreciate and recognize the importance of today's session for a variety of reasons and have taken insight for example:

• What is sleep? What are circadian rhythm and internal body clock?

• What is the significance of melatonin and cortisol for producing body rhythm?

• What is sleep deprivation or deficiency?

• How sleep deficiency affects physical and mental health wellbeing?

• Strategies to improve quality of sleep

• Sleep rituals

• This was part one, next week the same topic will progress further

If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Culture and inequality

 

Today I am blessed and thankful to attend the Wellness Cafe Gup Shup session titled "Culture and Gender Inequality" facilitated by Abdul Rashid Athar and Vidhya Chitta. The session was sponsored by Afghan Women Organization (AWO).  I appreciate and recognize the significance of today's session for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• Today's session commenced with the ice-breaking activity that introduces yourself and what you miss from your culture after coming to Canada. Attendees mentioned and unfold significant notions and memories, for example, job, family, parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, uncle, aunts, cousins, community, neighbours, relatives, clothes, rituals, Diwali, Holi, flowers and its aroma, traditions, customs, guest, childhood memories and there was a great discussion regarding food

• Everyone mentioned the festivities, aroma and taste of food, they left behind, for instance, gol guppy, pickles, biryani, nihari, qorma, samosa, gulgule, pakoras, dal chawal, lassi and mangoes. I was bit of nostalgic at that moment

• The video was shared regarding gender roles assigned by culture and society. There was a thought-provoking and insightful discussion on that subject. Everyone shared some experiences and observations

• Today's session was highly engaging and interactive, very well facilitated and coordinated by Abdul Rashid Athar and Vidhya Chitta. I could sense the enthusiasm and excitement 

• Since I have been attending these sessions, I found it highly convenient and comfortable to join, as it is over the zoom due to COVID 19. There is no need to drive or take TTC, no need to dress up formally, you just need to check internet connectivity. It is just one click away

• These sessions are free of cost, as it releases the financial burden at this time of the pandemic. You just drop in virtually and connect with the community without paying a single $

• These sessions are an excellent support to the community. It conveys the sense of belongingness and  connectivity at this time of the COVID 19 while social gatherings are still banned

• This wellness cafe is the safest and secure virtual cafe to share your thoughts, feelings and emotions and to listen to others. Everyone is welcome and get respected. Wellness Cafe Gup Shup session is a great source of networking 

• Throughout the session, souls giggle and chuckle and I could sense the joy, happiness, enjoyment and satisfaction. These sessions deeply affect our mind, body and soul. It positively affects our mood and wellness

• This is my journey with Wellness Cafe Gup Shup session, find any wellness session that interest you, is the thought of the day

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to ask or comment below

Resilient Communities Peer Ambassadorship Project

 

I am grateful to Malton women's Council for the incredible opportunity to join as a Resilient Communities Peer Ambassador. MWC offers mandatory training sessions to all peer ambassadors in this capacity and I am blessed with these sessions. Last week, the training was titled "Peer support and mentor training: project to support women experiencing COVID - 19", coordinated by Uzma Irfan and facilitated by Tushita Majumdar. The session was loaded and packed with learning, knowledge and awareness regarding peer support. All of the training sessions were at the virtual tone due to the COVID 19 pandemic. The taken insight of session - 1 was:

• Dimensions of wellness and what is health? for instance, physical, social, emotional, intellectual, environmental and spiritual wellness

• History of peer support - peer support mentor

• Who is a peer support mentor?

• 2 fold benefits being a peer support mentor

• What would be you doing as a peer support mentor?

• Principles and process - peer support recovery

• Core values of peer support

• Roadmap: ALGEE

• Challenges as a peer support mentor

• Knowing when to help - Healing emotions

• Setting boundaries and setting limits

• How to maintain boundaries? Challenges

• Boundaries for peer support mentors - Ground rules

Today I am grateful for the subsequent session titled "Peer support and mentor training: project to support women experiencing COVID - 19". Today's session was coordinated by Uzma Irfan and facilitated by Tushita Majumdar at the MWC platform. Today's session was a further advancement with the same notion regarding peer support mentor with a load of knowledge and awareness. I appreciate and recognize the significance for a variety of reasons and take messages from session - 2, for instance:

• Peer support mentor

• Exercise -  What I need now is ..... why .....

• What is change? Action plan - handling change

• Peer support - What's involved?

• Peer support mentoring

• What is culture - cultural iceberg

• What is bias - bias need to recognize

• What is stereotyping? 

• Fear, what actually is? How do you deal with it? What are the challenges?

• Peer support mentor - words of caution

• Roles and responsibilities - Mentor and peer

• Significance of self-care

• 10 steps to self-care 

• Burn-out, signs and symptoms

• Difference between conversation and communication

• What is effective communication? 

• Importance of active listening and empathy - listening strategies

• How to ensure that a peer support mentor stays on track?

• Wellness wheel and its components

• What is stress, sign and symptoms? and how it impacts us in a variety of ways?

• Stress management strategies

• This is my journey with these 2 sessions, discover learning opportunities according to your professional background is the thought of the day

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Zarda

 

Today I am grateful for and comprehend the worth of zarda in our cuisine. Zarda is a sweet dish and is mostly eaten in the Indo-Pak region. It is prepared and eaten regardless of all socioeconomic status. Zarda is popular and eaten in all age groups and is an evergreen sweet dish. Personally, I am a foodie person, love to cook and love to eat. I appreciate zarda's significance for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• Zarda is the legendary and traditional sweet dish since the era of Nawab in Hindustan, before partition in 1947

• It is prepared with sella rice for the best results. Sella rice necessitates special techniques to prepare, for instance, before cooking, it is soaked in water for at least 2 to 4 hours for the best results

• Zarda is made with sella rice, sugar, green cardamom, clove, clarified butter, khoya, dry fruits, gulab jamun and colourful asharfi

• Zarda is the finest version of gur wale rice with added dry fruits, khoya and nuts. If meat is added in zarda, for instance, chicken, beef, or mutton, it is called mutangen and it tastes sweet and salty. If it is prepared without orange colour, it is called white zarda. Traditional zarda is dark orange in colour

• The culture and manner of eating zarda are to blend or mix with pulao and then eat. It tastes really yummy and has a sweet-salty punch of flavour to the palate

• Nowadays, zarda is eaten and being served with pulao, biryani and qorma. It is eaten with pulao or after biryani as a sweet dish

• It is part of a variety of ceremonies and occasions, for instance, weddings, engagement, parties, get to gather, aqeeqa, Eid or whenever you have a mood to eat it

• Zarda is distributed in the month of Rabul Awal with the community to celebrate the festivities of that month

• I have a substantial heartfelt connection with zarda, it strikes me delight, pleasure and intense satisfaction while eaten with mutton pulao. I prepare zarda with brown sugar even white ones too. The above picture is the white zarda made with brown sugar. Its taste and aroma is beyond explanation

• This is my incredible journey and in-depth understanding with zarda, what is yours? is the thought of the day

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below

Emotional care

Today I am grateful for being aware of the significance of taking care of my emotions in a way that soothes my nerves. Nowadays, emotions are disturbed or distracted around the world due to the COVID 19 pandemic and uncertainty. Personally, I do take care of my emotions and their health to better cope with the day-to-day busy life. I appreciate and recognize the importance of following practices to bring joy, happiness and satisfaction to my life, for instance:

• Deep breathing 

• Reading

• Me time

• Walk and talk to my family

• Ride a bike

• Meditate

• Positive self talk

• Enjoy eating 

• Be mindful

• Listening podcast

• Music

• Colouring

• Sketching, doodling and painting

• Watching cartoons

• Power nap

• Film, drama, comedy show or talk shows

• Long driving

• Playing indoor games with family

• Fishing

• Cooking and baking

• Writing also soothes my emotions 

• This is my own way to soothes my emotions, what is your way? is the question of the day

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to ask or comment below

Butter chicken pasta

 

Today I am grateful for butter chicken pasta and its significance in everyday life. This pasta has a buttery, creamy sweet and savoury flavour and punches to the taste buds. Butter chicken pasta is the most favourite in all generations and eating around the globe. This pasta is simple to prepare and serve. I am blessed to prepare this pasta instantly for my family and even for guests. The recipe I discovered by various trials and finally got the fine tone of the recipe. Butter chicken pasta is made with pasta, boneless chicken, butter, tomato paste, white pepper, red chillies, paprika, sugar and salt as per taste. Butter chicken pasta is best for parties, birthdays, potluck, get to gather, anniversary, gatherings and any time is a perfect time. This is my journey with butter chicken pasta. Do experiment and discover your own recipe according to the taste buds, is the thought of the day

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to ask or comment below

Building an anti-racist culture within our school and community

 

Today I am grateful for and appreciate the untiring and continuous efforts of parent council members of Valley Park Middle School for arranging a webinar titled "Building an anti-racist culture within our school and community". I am part of and being a member of the parent council since 2020, I acknowledge and appreciate great teamwork in organizing today's webinar. This webinar hosted by George Bartzis, principal of Valley Park Middle School, supervised by Khalid Mian (Co-Chair of parent council), coordinated by parent council members and facilitated by Charmaine Lane (Registered Psychotherapist) for parents, students, Flemingdon and Thorncliffe community. Member of parliament, Yasmeen Ratansi was the chief guest for the opening ceremony. Yasmeen Ratansi shared her insight and perspicacity to the audience on the subject of anti-racism, anti-black racism, anti-Asian racism, anti-indigenous racism and islamophobia. Personally and on behalf of the parent council team, I acknowledge and comprehend her presence. Thank you, Yasmeen Ratansi and we all stand united for Thorncliffe, Grenoble and Flemingdon Park neighbourhoods. We would like to work together to promote the notion regarding Anti-Racism, Anti- Black Racism, Anti-Asian Racism, Anti-Indigenous Racism and Islamaphobia to compose our communities safe and more durable. Today's webinar supported by TNO, FCSS, FHC, PIAC, Canadian Community Services Organization and skills for change. Today's webinar was meaningful and notable as it approached the subject related to racialized trauma, mental health issues, internalized oppression and trauma. These issues had to address as were the most needed in the community. I am thankful for today's webinar for a variety of reasons, for instance:

• Today's webinar was cost-effective for the community as it was free of cost and releases the financial burden at this time of the COVID 19 pandemic, otherwise, the community had to pay and got knowledge on the given topic

• This webinar was over the zoom, highly convenient to join. No need to drive, or take TTC or formally dressed up. The community really require to monitor  internet connectivity as it was over the virtual mode

• The parent council invited the community to attend this webinar. This was the virtual community engagement event and helped to broaden the vision and perspective related to the subject

• The taken messages from the webinar 

• Case scenario for understanding racist comment and identify related notions

• What is racism?

• What is anti-black racism?

• Historical trauma and microaggression, for instance, microinsult, microassault and microinvalidation

• What is racial trauma?

• Trauma and the black experience

• What does it mean to be Anti-Racist?

• How to prevent racism?

• How to foster inclusivity and equity?

• Anti-Racist suggestions by the facilitator

• Racism is not monolithic

• Read and educate yourself

• Teach your kids to be actively antiracist starting with not being "colour blind"

• Self-awareness is the key

• Our commitment as a parent council member: WE STAND TOGETHER AND THE PEOPLE UNITED WILL NEVER FAIL

• At the end of the webinar, there was a lucky draw for parents for grocery cards and for books

If you have any question or comment, please feel free to ask or comment below