“Just tell people you love them.”

Sounds incredibly easy but we know it can also be incredibly hard to do the simplest of things. 

This episode of The MyndStories Minis transcends the usual boundaries of small talk, where I talk to Garima Behal as we embark on an exploratory journey into vulnerability, pain, and the everyday beauty that often remains unnoticed. 

I liked how the conversation unfolded so organically, as we spoke about the rawness of the human experience. We touched upon everything from the essential nature of pain and vulnerability to the discovery of one’s asexuality.

Pain and vulnerability as catalysts

We delved deep into the significance of pain and vulnerability in our lives and through our shared experiences, acknowledged that these elements are not only inevitable but also essential for personal growth and self-discovery. Sharing personal anecdotes, we talked about the transformative power of embracing pain and vulnerability, viewing them as catalysts for resilience and strength.

We both believe that adopting practices to enhance mental well-being is the need of the hour. To this end, we dwelled on the role of meditation as a powerful tool for self-reflection and inner peace. We also ended up sharing our own experiences with meditation and how it had a positive impact on our lives and helped us navigate life’s challenges.

Pulling ourselves out of dark places

A significant portion of the conversation revolved around the strategies and coping mechanisms that we can employ to pull ourselves out of dark places. We touched upon the value of self-compassion, the impact of building a supportive community, and the strength that lies in the simple act of reaching out to others.

The importance of expression

Garima’s advice on expressing feelings resonated deeply with me. “Just tell people you love them,” she says. This simple yet profound message underscored the transformative power of expressing love and gratitude in our relationships.

We also talked about the small, everyday gestures that can create meaningful connections and contribute to a more compassionate and understanding world.

I was also reminded of other words. From the Ho’oponopono technique, which are equally powerful:

I am sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.

This is the basis of the Ho’oponopono technique. I have tried that often in my meditation.

It’s mind-boggling how simple these words are. Yet, how difficult it is to use them. And even if we do, we use them almost robotically.

But how much space there is in these words – if we use them with feeling and meaning. Spaces of lightness and freedom.

A journey of self-discovery

In a particularly vulnerable moment in the conversation, Garima shared her personal journey of discovering and coming to terms with their asexuality. It was an honest moment that shed light on the challenges and triumphs of understanding one’s identity, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and open dialogue.

For me, this podcast conversation served as a reminder of the beauty that emerges from vulnerability, the transformative power of pain, and the rays of hope that permeate even the darkest moments. 

We also went from being somewhat strangers to getting connected on a profound level, with insights and wisdom that resonate universally. As we move through our own journeys, I find that embracing vulnerability, practicing gratitude, and expressing love become essential components of a life well-lived.