DR. SRIDEVI SOUNDIRARAJAN GETS FEATURED ON AUSTRALIAN MENTAL HEALTH CLUB
Dr. Sridevi Soundirarajan, also known as Sridevi K.J. Sharmirajan, is an acclaimed author from Tamilnadu, India. Celebrated for her accomplishments as an Amazon best-selling author and recipient of international literary awards, she boasts an impressive academic background, including a BE in Electronics and Communication Engineering, an MBA, an MA in Yoga for Human Excellence, a Diploma in Yogic Behavior Therapy, and certifications in Bibliotherapy, Literature, and Mental Health.She has been honored with numerous accolades, including an honorary doctorate award in Literature from the Iconic Peace Award Council and an honorary gold medal in Literature from DRDC Global. Recently, she received the prestigious International Ikigai Award and International Wabi Sabi Award in Literature.
She currently serves as the Global Brand Ambassador and Global Literary Ambassador for The Inspiring Women Community (TIWC). She is also a Goodwill Ambassador at Prithvi-Women Climate Warrior by HERstory Times. Furthermore, she holds the esteemed roles of International Member and Ambassador at Kalam Edu-Versity and DRDC.Her contributions to literature and her dedication to promoting human excellence and environmental awareness underscore her diverse achievements and her commitment to making a positive impact globally.
THE HEALING POWER OF BIBLIOTHERAPY FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND YOGA
As an author and certified bibliotherapist, I’ve witnessed the profound impact of reading on mental health, concentration, positivity, and eyesight. Bibliotherapy, derived from the Greek “book” (biblion) and “healing” (therapeia), gained recognition in the early 20th century. Today, it’s utilized by therapists, librarians, and educators to address depression, anxiety, stress, and grief, aligning beautifully with yoga’s dharana (concentration) for holistic wellness. Bibliotherapy: Using books to find comfort, inspiration, and brighter perspectives in challenging times.
Dharana: The Yogic Art of Concentration
Dharana, one of the eight limbs of yoga, involves intense concentration on a single point or task. Bibliotherapy complements this by training the mind to focus on the text, creating a meditative state where distractions fade away.Individuals can enhance their ability to concentrate, which is essential for both personal and spiritual growth. By immersing ourselves in the rhythm of reading, we cultivate a sharper, more attentive mind.
The Impact on Eyesight and Physical Well-being
In our digital age, screen time is an inevitable part of life, often leading to eye strain and fatigue. Embracing bibliotherapy involves taking intentional breaks from digital gadgets and immersing ourselves in physical books. This shift not only reduces eye strain but also encourages healthier reading habits. Incorporating simple eye exercises, such as focusing on distant objects,trataka (candle gazing) or practicing palming (covering the eyes with the palms for relaxation), can further enhance our visual health.
Zen Reading: A Gateway to Inner Peace
Bibliotherapy offers a pathway to zen reading, a mindful and immersive approach to literature. By engaging deeply with books, we enter a state of presence, letting go of distractions and fully absorbing the text. In zen reading, every word becomes a stepping stone on the journey of self-discovery. It’s about savoring the essence of each page, allowing the narrative to unfold effortlessly. Through bibliotherapy, we learn to appreciate the beauty of stillness and the power of storytelling to quiet the mind. In this tranquil space, books become more than stories; they become portals to inner peace and profound reflection.
The Path of Yoga and Digital Detox
The path of yoga emphasises mindfulness, balance, and a harmonious connection between body and mind. Integrating bibliotherapy into this journey involves taking smart digital detox breaks, stepping away from the constant barrage of notifications, and immersing ourselves in the tranquillity of reading. These breaks are not just about reducing screen time but about reconnecting with ourselves and the world around us. It’s about savoring the simplicity of a book, feeling the pages, and losing ourselves in the narrative.
In today’s busy world, bibliotherapy gives us a chance to relax and think. It helps us concentrate better, feel more positive, and even keeps our bodies healthy. Books can transport us to different places while keeping us grounded in the present. They bring joy and enrichment to our lives, showing us the positivity that exists all around us.
THE POWER OF POSITIVE LITERATURE
In the realm of words, where stories abide,
Positive literature, our phoenix guide.
Bibliotherapy’s art, profound and grand,
Transforms our souls at its gentle hand.
Pages whisper hope, tales they weave,
Inspirational magic, they so believe.
Bibliotherapy’s touch, a pure delight,
A phoenix’s flight in darkest night.
In each line, a spark, a flame,
Burning bright, it’s never the same.
Positive literature, a phoenix song,
Through its pages, we rise, we’re strong.
Motivational texts, like dawn’s first light,
Bring transformation, banish night.
Bibliotherapy’s alchemy, so true,
A phoenix reborn, in me and you.
So let’s embrace these pages, bold and bright,
In bibliotherapy’s radiant light.
For like the phoenix, from ashes we rise,
Transformed by stories, reaching the skies.
