Benefits of Self Reflection

Benefits of Self Reflection

By Tiya Gorain.

Self reflection is about focusing inwards and analysing your behaviour, thoughts, emotions, desires etc. It is the key to self awareness and allows you to understand yourself better – who you are, what your values are and why you do what you do. Many ancient philosophers like Aristotle, Socrates etc spoke of the benefits of “knowing thyself”. If you ever had a strong emotional reaction to something or uttered words which you regretted later, you can see that self-reflection can help you choose more healthy responses and changing behaviours which aren’t working for you.

Here are some benefits of practising self reflection:

  1. Better Decision Making

Practising self reflection helps you to build up a stronger connection with your inner self. You can hear your inner voice more clearly without the distractions of other people’s opinions. This leads to clearer thinking and hence better decision making.

  1. Improving Leadership Skills

Through self reflection you can understand your own emotions better which in turn helps you better understand the emotions of your team. It will boost your emotional intelligence and aid you in learning the various strategies that can motivate yourself and your team.

  1. Building Stronger Relationships

Introspection can assist you in building better relationships in both your personal and professional life. Like relationships with your family members, friends, clients, employees etc. By practising self reflection you will find it easier to connect with others on a deeper level. You will be more aware of your own needs hence better understand what the people close to you really need. Also looking back on certain situations might make you realise that this is not how you want to be treated or treat others.

  1. Spotting Opportunities & Threats

Through self examination you can find out your strengths and weaknesses. Knowing your skills and strengths will help you make the most of opportunities, while knowing your weaknesses will help you navigate pitfalls. You can better understand your skill set, behaviour, belief, reactions, values, assumptions etc. to achieve a better outcome.

So make sure you keep some time aside everyday to evaluate yourself on both the macro and micro levels. On the macro level, you can think about which direction is your life going in, if you are satisfied with the trajectory of your life and if changes and adjustments are needed. At the micro level, you can think about your reactions to events, what triggers you, what motivates you etc.

Interview With Business Consultant Anu Bedi

Meet beauty with brains Anu Bedi who recently joined our platform as a Business Consultant. She is the managing director of CSmart Consulting (https://www.facebook.com/CSmartConsulting/). Anu has an entrepreneurial spirit and currently runs multiple businesses apart from CSmart Consulting. She also owns Swimz Guildford (https://swimz.com.au) and Stem Champs, Australia/NZ which are set up to be management run. All three businesses are successful and built up from scratch.
Here is an interview with her:

  1. Tell us more about yourself – what you do, your hobbies, passions etc.

I am an avid reader and love to travel. Before having kids, I enjoyed travelling and experiencing new cultures and experiences. Now with kids, we have travelled far and wide, but each place we travel means we have a thirst for more. Travelling and exploring the world has changed since having kids but I feel so privileged to have the opportunity to open up new worlds and experiences to my children.
Once I pick up a book, I must finish it. In my younger days, I explored a lot of authors and styles of writing. Easy to do with no smart phones and traveling to and from work. Now with a lack of time, I’ve become selective with my reading. Now my reading has leaned more towards non-fiction from fiction and into the business growth, entrepreneurship and spirituality space. I am again lucky that my kids have picked up the habit of reading and enjoy it. The types of books they sometimes read though leave me gob smacked! Especially my 9 year old son who loves comedy writing to the point you will often hear him having literal belly laughs based on what he’s just read.
Throughout my career, I’ve loved to work with people, manage and coach them to create positive cultures. Now I have the opportunity to do so through my consulting & coaching. I love this aspect of my work where I see business owners have a literal lightbulb moment or someone having an ‘aaahaa’ moment at one of my presentations or seminars. This aspect of educating and empowering business owners has now become my driving passion. I have a strategic view of business. I often find that I can see and feel the transformation for a business and putting this forward to the business owners gives me a real kick and excitement.
Finally, my current passionate project is my own writing – a book on women in business and entrepreneurship which is yet a work in progress

  1. Who or what inspires you?

Many people and many things inspire me. First and foremost, it would have to be my family.
My mother and sister inspire me everyday to be kind and patient. I have seen mum go throughout life do some life changing things for many people. Yet, she did them with no expectations or accolades. She simply does good things and moves on. Never expecting anything in return. This is inspirational to me and if I could even be half the person she is, I will be grateful in life. My sister is the absolute strongest person I know in the face of adversity, and she inspires me to keep going and never give up. My dad inspires me for taking some big risks in life while managing his responsibilities. He has taught me that no matter how bad things are, that day too shall pass. I own my perseverance and ‘never say no’ attitude to him.
My partner & kids are a source of constant inspiration and love as I feel everything I do, leads to them in some way, shape or form. My partner is the ice to my fire and balances me so wonderfully mentally and spiritually. Our kids are the at the center of everything we do and why we do it – they truly are the heart of our family and center of our universe.
Apart from my immediate family, I am constantly amazed and inspired by the women making a difference despite and in spite of their various responsibilities. Since entering the entrepreneurship space, I have met inspiring women from all walks of life with multinational business interests to start ups and each one of these ladies inspires me in their tenacity, commitment, and passion towards their work.

  1. What are your goals in life? Have you achieved them?

When I was about 17, I attended this course, Total Quality Management in relation to business improvements. I have to say, I have carried the fragments of that being, constant improvement…to the self. The goals I had set some years ago, I have achieved and absolutely enjoyed the journey in getting there.
Each day though brings with it change and we must grow and adapt. I am on a journey of self-improvement and will remain so till my last breadth I believe. This is because our lives have so many different aspects and each day, I strive to be a better mum, partner, daughter, sister, friend, mentor, boss, advisor, entrepreneur, consultant…..in short, each day I strive to be a better person in all aspects of life

  1. Have you faced any gender related challenges in your personal or professional life?

I come from a background of working in a Federal Government department for over 17 years, working through to raise and smash the glass ceilings at a young age to reach Directorship levels. The rise was interesting in highlighting the various biases people hold, including those related to gender. Working at those higher levels in Government, I would often find myself in board rooms with a majority of men who had been around for a very long time.
I recall at first, attempting to look older and smarter by donning on power suits, makeup and wearing glasses (even when there was no need to!). Over time though, I realized that my work needed to speak for itself and any barriers I felt were put up, could be dealt with in a rational manner.
Getting emotional about this issue was not going to assist but rather add fuel to fire. Hence, I adopted a calmer approach of simply highlighting my work, effort and understanding. This approach to dealing with issues resulted in me gaining respect and accolades from within a group of sometimes highly egoistical and biased group of men. This was not an easy journey and one that called for many uncomfortable moments. However, I persevered in the knowledge that I was on the right path, not just for myself, but for the other women who may face similar challenges.
I view adversity as an opportunity and in dealing with these issues, I got the opportunity to learn, understand human behavior & psyche and grow into my own skin into a much more confident person who can challenge any status quo. I am proud of who I have become going through those issues because I feel I can now role model those behaviors with both, my daughter and my son.

Meet Fashion Stylist Anne-Louise Veronica

Meet beauty with brains Anne-Louise Veronica, who recently joined our platform as a Fashion Stylist.

“Hi my name is Anne-Louise Veronica , most commonly known as Louise Veronica. I’m turning 32 (next week), which makes me a Libra. I am a mother of two beautiful children. I have a son aged 8 and daughter aged 2. I am an experienced fashion stylist and image consultant , and an internationally published model in a variety of magazines. I am currently studying business administration course at TAFE. I look forward to helping you all with your fashion journey, if you need any fashion tips or advice please don’t hesitate to ask me.” – Louise.

Feel free to check out her Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/louiseveronica.89

September 2021 Fashion Issue

The phrase ‘Hope Springs Eternal’ refers to the fact that people always hope for the best, even in the face of adversity.

It is spring now in the Southern Hemisphere. Spring is often called the season of hope. It is the season of fresh starts and inspirations. Considering what is happening in the world right now; diseases, deaths, violence, wars etc; hope is something we all need. After the grey and cold winter days, there is suddenly an outburst of colours, smells and flavours. The blooming flowers, sunny days and birds’ songs fill us with hope – hope for a normal life, hope for a better and kinder world, hope for positivity to overshadow the negativity. Our September Fashion Issue (in collaboration with Sakhi Magazine) is dedicated to the most anticipated and exciting season, filled with new life and beauty.

Alpana Srivastava
Gael Cameron
Anne-Louise Veronica
Reeta Josan
Shantana Deka Dutta
Kaveeta Prasad
Sarbani Dhur
Cherie Busby
Poornima Vamsi
Anu Kulkarni
Yashoda Priya
Anita Bhudia
Pallavi Gupta
Rethika Ravi
Aarti Aggarwal
Reena Kakkar
Ahalya Rentala
Cynthia Nathan
Neesha Bhagani
Tiya Gorain

Supported By:

Light Antana Photography

(Www.instagram.com/light_antana)

Eesha Boutique

(https://www.facebook.com/EeshaBoutique/)

Artantana Handmade

(Www.instagram.com/artantana_handmade)

ANZ Hair & Beauty

(https://m.facebook.com/anzhairbeauty/)

Shaktiswaraa School of Dance

(https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057030267048)

Zumba With Anu

(https://www.facebook.com/zumbawithanukulkarni/)

The Fashion Sparrow

(https://www.facebook.com/R-J-Mehrok-1794363417492202/)

Poornima Vamsi Academy

(https://poornimavamsi.com)

Glam Gloire Beauty & Makeup

(https://www.facebook.com/glamgloiremakeup/)

Mystical Elegance

(https://www.facebook.com/mysticalelegance/)

Feebs Photographs

(Www.Instagram.com/feebsphotographs)

The purpose of our fashion features, photoshoots, online magazine issues etc, is to empower and uplift women through fashion and make them feel confident about themselves. Another purpose is to provide a platform for women in the fashion & beauty industry to showcase their talents, skills and products.

Story of Entrepreneur Prati Bhatt

Meet our featured beauty with brains Prati Bhatt, an entrepreneur based in Perth, Western Australia. She is the founder of Teaphoria – Experience Ancient India and Native Australia in one blissful bespoke cup of tea (http://www.teaphoria.com.au). Here is her story:

“I am Prati, founder and tea developer at Teaphoria. I was blessed to be trained by one of the finest tea masters of India about a few years ago. While I was on that journey little did I know that it was going to turn into a burning passion that will burn inside me forever creating waves inside and outside.

My tea master was in his 80s and wanted to train a student. I happened to be a hungry student who wanted to absorb it all and there was a perfect match. I did not manifest it, but life unfolded itself in front of me. I always had a passion for great quality tea and perhaps that passion led me to where I was in that very moment.

A decision that changed it all – It was one regular afternoon when the life changing decision had to be taken. I was married into a very abusive relationship, living in Melbourne. Melbourne had become a living hell and my husband had plans of his own that would not align with any of my dreams. Neither did he have plans to try and align them at some point.

I knew that if I had to become who I truly was then I had to decide although there was little hope since my tea master had passed away and I did not know my next move. I thought that maybe a trip to India would clear things out and I started looking for sustainable tea farms to visit. I landed on a site which was going to shape the next few years of my life.

I saw this old man who was running the legacy of Sustainable farming in India and he walked everywhere in India on foot, trying to change the way we “Think”, “Dream” and “Breathe” the world. I was immediately attracted to that cause, so I picked up my phone and called the person in the picture.

A journey of life in the foothills of Himalayas –

The conversation on the call went like this: “Hi I am Prati, I love what you do and…….” Him on the other side – “Thank you for calling me but I don’t want to hear anything you have to say if you are a million miles away in your comfortable home in Melbourne. You have to come to India on the 6th Jan and sumit at the foothills of Himalayas”. He hung up and I was stunned. Next thing, I booked a ticket without any thoughts and started my journey towards the Himalayas.

Next 6 days were groundbreaking and life changing. We walked in -20 degrees with a snow storm and talked with locals. We are learning sustainable farming and how to make them thrive. We met farmers who had it hard and some who made millions of dollars a year in profit from nothing but the right techniques and sowing. I did not know what to do with this knowledge that I have just gained but it was an amazing feeling.

A company was born in Perth WA –

Upon returning to Perth in March 2020, the world was hit by pandemic Corona. It was unreal to see what was happening. In April 2020 the fear grew and there was only one way to break the fear pattern. I formed Teaphoria in the middle of Pandemic in Perth. My husband in Melbourne was frantic with my decision and asked me to leave my dreams and take the next flight to Melbourne and do my duty as a wife. At this stage I saw two paths. A path that I carved from scratch that was full of excitement and a path of forever slavery. I picked my phone once again with shaky hands and advised him that “it was over”.

Surrender and Thrive –

All I could tell you about my journey in the last one year or so was a bumpy ride. It was full of self doubt, more fear and more surrender. One thing I learned is that when you are not sure where you are going, allow the universe to take you to a path you don’t know yet. Trust me it has better plans than you do. Just when you want to take control, surrender. It’s like a rollercoaster, you can’t do much, might as well let it go and enjoy the ride.

I started making vision boards and started working on it. I made my own website and launched my first edition of teas. It still wasnt what I wanted to do. Something was missing. Until I had another phone call that changed my course of action.

Magnificence –

One day I was thinking of creating a special blend that no one had ever tasted and then this strange thought came to me that what if I sell this blend before it’s there. So I called up a few world class resorts and spas. They were all multinational but I knew that only they would invest in the idea. About 3 calls later I landed on a call that was perfect. I was talking to a spa (can’t name) that wanted my creations badly. At this point for them and for the fact I was the only female Tea developer that specialised in Indian Ayurveda and Australian Antive ingredients. They invested in the idea and paid in advance.

This was the beginning of magnificence as the “World’s first AromaTherapy Tea – Amrit” was born from this vision with 21 botanicals of Himalayan and ancient India as well as native Australia.

My magical present –

After this wonderful journey, I am working with some of the thriving and established health professionals, creating their range of teas. I work with many other companies as I design their bespoke element in form of “One blissful cup”

Your magical purpose – Your purpose is inside you. Neither can I or anyone tell you what it is. It could be a simple 9 to 5, it could be a business. It could simply be community service but it is yours.

I dare you to drop down your ego and urge to take control. Take one day at a time and surrender to the magic of the universe and ignite your purpose within.

Tips – Every morning do mediation practice (I won’t give you a time of how long to sit). I sometimes go into 4 hours of meditation. Deep dive and dare to swim into your subconscious ocean of subconsciousness. You will find incredible jewels to share with the rest of the earth. Remember to love yourself and trust your own opinion.” – Prati.

Feel free to check out the Teaphoria FB page:

http://www.facebook.com/tphoria

August 2021 Fashion Issue

Theme: Dynamic Denim

“In the right denim, a girl can conquer the world.” – Razelle T.

Denim is a material that is strong, lasts long and doesn’t tear easily and there is no doubt in the perpetuity of this classic fabric. The birthplace of denim is the southern French city of Nimes. The word ‘denim’ is derived from the French “serge de Nimes”, meaning “serge (a sturdy fabric) from Nimes”. The theme for our August 2021 Fashion Issue (in collaboration with Sakhi magazine) is Dynamic Denim.

Enjoy the photos of our models in denim, whose spirits like this fabric, are strong, sturdy and not easily breakable.

Alpana Srivastava
Liana Chakrabarty
Poornima Prashanth
Pallavi Gupta
Sarbani Dhur
Poornima Vamsi
Shantana Deka Dutta
Anu Kulkarni
Reeta Josan
Piyali Chatterjee
Kaveeta Prasad
Tiya Gorain

Writeup & Concept ©️Empowered BWB & Sakhi Online 

Supported By:

Artantana (http://www.instagram.com/artantana_handmade)

Light Antana Photography (http://www.instagram.com/light_antana)

Glam Gloire Makeup (https://www.facebook.com/glamgloiremakeup/)

The Fashion Sparrow (https://www.facebook.com/R-J-Mehrok-1794363417492202/)

Ethnic Threads (https://www.facebook.com/askethnicthreads/)

Zumba With Anu (https://www.facebook.com/zumbawithanukulkarni/)

The purpose of our fashion features, photoshoots, online magazine issues etc, is to empower and uplift women through fashion and make them feel confident about themselves. Another purpose is to provide a platform for women in the fashion & beauty industry to showcase their talents, skills and products.

Interview With Property Advisor Hannah Gair

Meet beauty with brains Hannah Gair who recently joined our platform as a Property Advisor. She is the managing director of Empire Lane Advisory (https://empirelaneadvisory.com.au/).

Here is an interview with her:

  1. Tell us more about yourself – what you do, your hobbies, passions etc.

I have the privilege of raising three beautiful children (one with special needs) as a single mum and count it an absolute blessing – I call motherhood a beautiful mess. I have a passion for educating, equipping and empowering women on how to begin, grow and diversify their property portfolio, as I see financial security a must for all ladies (and men), which is why I birthed Empire Lane Advisory. I’m a 50% Owner in a F45 and am super passionate about having a gym where people of all ages, levels and abilities are championed into their fitness potential. I have a crazy sense of humour, like a good dance in the kitchen while rocking a messy bun and believe kindness is a free gift, we can extend to those who cross our path. I love public speaking, writing and inspiring women to harness their uniqueness and gifts so they reach their full potential.

  1. Who or what inspires you?

I have a lot of people who I can name for this section. However, I’m going to highlight two people. One being my Father and the other my brother Ryan.

Dad has been in local politics since I was a young teenager and holds the current seat as Mayor (yes Mayor Gair…it rhymes;). Watching him in leadership over the decades has been very inspiring. There have been tough times, especially when the media publically misrepresents or defames the family name or Dad’s intentions, yet against all odds, he rises with integrity, honesty, grit, against popular opinion (some days) and will always represent social justice, the marginalised and his community to the best of his ability. I am really inspired that Dad has been elected for council continuously for the past 27 years, as it speaks of his character, tenacity and passion for the group of people he represents.

Ryan, my kid brother, well only by 18 months, who was mistakenly called my twin our entire childhood, is the Founder and CEO of Rate Money. Anyone who owns a business understands the sacrifice and boldness it takes to back yourself and the dream that is laid on your heart, while harnessing the ‘never, ever, give up’ attitude when the going gets tough (Ryan is an excellent example of this). I’ve watched Ryan try different tactics and strategies within his business model in order to expand over the years, where he is met with great success today – opening seventeen offices in two years.

  1. What are your goals in life? Have you achieved them?

The simple goals are those where I can constantly live in a state of continuously improving myself daily on all levels. I am very passionate about self development and reaching my potential. I’m always making sure that I’m reading a book to stretch my mind, grow my business, make me a better human/mother/friend and challenge the status quo. Have I achieved it? Call me a work in progress!

I have a strong desire to own different businesses, as a silent business partner, that represent a plethora of industries and place competent operators within the required roles for the company’s success. The old saying, having the right people on the bus but furthermore, having the right people sitting in the right seat on the bus.

I would also like to provide capital to small businesses, who require an injection of funds and mentoring for expansion. I’m joyed at the thought of setting someone else up for their success and seeing that person reach their potential and goals.

I’d also love to have a stronger voice on a social level, whereby I’m speaking value into women, their individual roles and inspiring them to be the best version of themself.

  1. Have you faced any gender related challenges in your personal or professional life?

Unfortunately yes! This has been something I’ve needed to face in my professional career. Working in a male dominated industry (a boys club) has required me to posture myself in order to not tolerate disparities due to my gender. That has included being remunerated, the way I have been addressed in a Boardroom setting and being sexualised due to being a woman. The upside to this, is the growth in my confidence, my passion for equality, sharpening myself to perform professionally and becoming a stronger role model to my daughters!

Virtual Retreat July 2021

As part of our Mental Wellness/ Positivity Series we are organising a virtual retreat on 30th July in collaboration with Sakhi magazine (https://sakhi.online) hosted by Poornima Vamsi Academy (https://www.poornimavamsi.com/optin).

Lockdown, staying indoors, not being able to socialise is not something we are all raised with from childhood. When something that is not normal is mandated, it takes a toll on:

  1. Our physical well being
  2. Our psychological health
  3. Our energy overall

Leading to fatigue and unknown STRESS.

That said, Poornima Vamsi is organising a virtual retreat to

✅ Teach yoga postures to balance our hormones

✅ Walk us through journey of consciousness aligning our energy chakras

✅ Provide us with journaling prompts that can be used to connect to our soul

Become a Volunteer

Mental Wellness/Positivity Series

Tips by Indu Harikrishna
President – Sydney Community Group
(https://www.facebook.com/SydneyCommunityGroupSCG/)

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”-Mahathma Gandhi

Lockdown moments are the most difficult times where we have limited interactions with others.
These moments pave way for many families in the community to face difficult times which disturbs their mental health. To overcome this difficult time and keep your mental health safe and sound one needs to be appreciated, supported and uplifted for the work they do and the efforts they take.

As a Community Group we receive lot of request to support people in the community in this Pandemic times. Here we would like to encourage, motivate and inspire the community to give credit to yourself and the community around. To keep your mind, body and soul happy and healthy sharing few tips to try and follow.

Keep your mind open to think for others. It could be family members, friends, neighbours and the community you live around. Identify their needs and encourage them to get involved. It could be motivating them to do a simple cooking, a painting, learn a dance, encouraging them to walk, and it could be anything. Don’t stop just by motivating but start appreciating the efforts they have taken. Uplift them with your kind and thoughtful words to do more with your valid ideas and suggestions. Finally, inspire them to keep continuing the chain, requesting to pass on the same to others around them. When the chain keeps continuing the roots become stronger to hold for the branches to grow and spread the goodness to others. This is the best way to find yourself in the service of others. At the end of the day, give a pat to yourself and say “Yey, I did something good today and I feel great” and start thinking for others again. This is a simple step that you can take as a #Volunteer to support others and find the best in you.

Don’t wait for others to build your community it starts from you and be proud of yourself in gaining that momentum to find the best in you.

Become a Volunteer and taste the Power of Volunteering!

For more details on TeamSCG please reach us via
E:sydneycommunitygroup@gmail.com
M:0448 697 948

Thanks Indu for participating in our Mental Wellness/ Positivity series. You too can participate using the hashtag #positivitywithempowerednsakhi

https://empoweredbwb.com/2021/05/05/mental-wellness-positivity-series/