The Covid19 pandemic has put a stop to the World. Most countries are under lockdown and the only talk everywhere is of Covid19. The constant talks, news of Covid19 and the uncertainties surrounding our life can have an impact on our physical and mental well-being.
The times are bleak, but not everything has to be negative, right? There are people around the world that are trying their best to spread positivity and happiness in these daunting times. While there are famous personalities sharing positive news like standup comedian, Atul Khatri who is doing a special short-video programme “Only Positive News!” and Faye Dsouza with her “Good News Tonight” series on Instagram, there are also common people like you and me trying their best to be positive and add positivity in other’s life. Hence, I have jotted down the names of people that are adding positivity to my lockdown time.
After witnessing so many stories of pain and sufferings of people from various strata of the society, the things that have most hit me since the lockdown are my privileges. And the least I can do is be grateful for these. I am privileged that I have the comfort of my home, where I can do these leisurely activities and I am grateful for that and I am grateful to the following people for giving me the much needed positive vibes in this lockdown.
1. Joel Menachery
Joel is a certified CrossFit, Animal Flow, and Crossfit Kids trainer. He runs a fitness studio called The Jym in Chembur. A week before the lockdown, Joel started taking sessions online as he didn’t want people to miss their fitness routine. He was one of the first ones in my circle to start taking online video sessions. The online classes started on March 15. In the wake of the lockdown, he has kept the group sessions open for all. Every day from 7.30 p.m – 8.30 p.m, people from across the world joins this one-hour CrossFit session with Joel. And, yes somedays we also have one hour of non-stop dancing. The sessions are a great stressbuster especially for the people that are locked alone, away from their families. Joel is also taking personal online sessions for those interested in having private coaching. Below are Joel’s details in case you want to join either the group or the personal sessions.
Contact: The Jym (Fitness and Health Centre)
Ground Floor, Near Sai Baba Mandir, Close to the 12th Road Chapp, 12th Rd, Chembur, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400071.
2. Pratishruta Adhikari
Pratishruta is a certified yoga instructor from Yoga Vidya Gurukul, Nashik and has more than 5 years of experience teaching Yoga. She also has a Master’s Degree in Yoga from Svyasa, Bangalore. Pratishruta has been conducting classes regularly for yoga lovers, senior citizens, and corporates. What I really love about her classes is the way she teaches – calm, composed and generous with her wisdom. Since the lockdown, she has been conducting online Yoga classes every day in the morning from 8 a.m – 9.a.m. Till the expected lockdown April 15th, 2020, her sessions are going to be available for all. Join her online for a calm and positive start of the day.
Contact:
Pratishruta on Facebook at Pratiswasthya Yog
3. The Anand Family
In 2017, I had the privilege of knowing and staying with the lovely Puja Anand and her family in Dharamshala. You can read about my stay here. The house has three generations staying together and is an open house for anybody and everybody. I have had firsthand experience of their hospitality, generosity, and madness. Since the lockdown, Puja has been sharing some amazing and hilarious videos and photos of the things that they are doing.
Somedays Puja and her daughter Aloka dance on the famous South Korean band BTS’s songs, and some days Puja’s mother Dr.Chandrama Anand sings beautiful songs and somedays they paint and share their thoughts. Of all these things, my favorite is the recent addition of funny “Knock, Knock, who’s there?” series by Puja and Aloka. In these videos that Puja shares on Facebook, you can see her dressed up in various characters and introducing her friends in a funny way. Aloka does the make-up and get-up and Puja does the acting. Their videos are a great example of how one can lighten up themselves even in these gloomy days. The videos along with the gorgeous background of the mountains can lit up anyone’s mood. All I can say is I miss the warmth of this family and their lovely home.
If you too know someone like them who is making others happy during the lockdown, then do let me know, I would love to add them to this list.