WELLBEING
Where is the time to fear?
Naini Setalvad contracted COVID in April and gives us an insight into what kept her going without fear in calamitous times
The world turned 180 degrees in December 2019, and nothing has been the same ever since. In January 2021, there seemed to be a return to some sense of normalcy, but suddenly, we came a full circle. Motivated by the desire to aid my country and fellow citizens in every possible way, I had only one thought in my mind—it’s not the time to fear; it’s the time for action.
My NGO, the Health For You Foundation, sprang into action. Throughout 2020, we tirelessly provided food and essential care packages to needy migrants, fellow citizens, and front-line workers. We took the work forward by supplying school essentials, school fees, PPE kits, medical equipment, and food in COVID centres, which continued into 2021 as well.
In April 2021, I contracted COVID-19 and was hospitalised.
There too, only one thought resonated in my mind—where is the time to fear? Let me share with you what kept fear at bay:
Gratitude: Thank you, thank you, thank you, Lord, for your Divine intervention in every moment of my life. All that I could say every waking moment in the hospital was “Thank you, Lord, for the support and giving me the right things at the right time.”
Thought: Remember, thoughts can be changed. My thoughts were the driving force behind my victory over this virus. I opened myself to the healing powers of the Universe. What gives power to one’s thoughts? Emotions, tenderness, love, and affection empower our thoughts. I further fuelled this power with complete trust in the Divine. When a thought goes out, it becomes an independent identity. Therefore, it was very important to be on guard and say only one thing: All is well in my life and I am safe. This affirmation was assisted by willpower.
Willpower: Your willpower is tested by internal or external factors. I willed my mind to believe that I had the best internal and external help. That only good will manifest and work out harmoniously. Externally, it manifested as the right medication, and efficient caregivers and doctors. Internally, I used my inner power to sit quietly and instruct my mind to focus on healing my mind, body, and soul. I strongly sought divine intervention to heal me completely. My concentration was fully centred on this.
Concentration: Often, you have a head that runs on and on and you cannot stop it. I concentrated to make it run on the right track towards my physical and mental healing. I opened my power of concentration in my heart centre with the power of love, bhakti (devotion), and total surrender to the Lord.
Imagination: I imagined a healing golden light pouring into me, easing the disease and healing me mentally and physically. I visualised every organ working in sync, pulsating with good health and opening up chakras (energy centres) throughout my body, healing me. I had faith that I would be back home safe, sound, and completely recovered.
Faith: Like a child, I had the utmost faith, confidence, and trust in the Almighty that all will be well. If fear or doubt came in, I said, “Go away.” Where is the time to give it attention? My Divine Grace is looking after me. Remember, to keep faith is a divine gift; so hold on to your faith, seek it, cultivate it, and protect it with the right attitude.
Attitude: The Lord will always say yes when the attitude is right. I connected with my inner consciousness. My attitude remained high: I accept wellness.
Acceptance: I was open and receptive to radiant health and energy. I accepted and affirmed that the divine power is working through me and healing me—now and forever.
Deep breathing: On waking up, in the middle of the day, at dusk, and before sleeping, I did deep breathing. Pranayama (yogic breathing), such as anulom vilom, Om chanting, and Bhramari kept me calm and my oxygen levels stable. As I took a deep breath, I willingly let go and released my fear, anger, and sadness. This helped me release the disease. Letting go of resentment and forgiving all, truly helped me recover with every breath I took.
Good food: I see good food as preventive medicine. I made the best choices according to my body’s needs. I ate foods that made me calm, centred, happy, energetic, and sing with joy, chanting the Lord’s name throughout the day.
Unconditional love: Family, friends, neighbours, staff, clients, caregivers, and doctors gave me strength and pulled me through. I took and sent back love; it made me joyous and kept fear away.
Water: Water is one of the key nutrients to give your body to fight this virus. I drank up to 3-4 litres of water daily to recharge myself.
Recovering from the virus gave me a profound new sense of guiding people on the path to getting better.
I have been there, I have walked the path,
I know the pains and pitfalls,
Recollect two things,
Just remove fear, and for that Come what may, call for the right help to make our strength a hundredfold stronger.
Remember, the word ‘impossible’ spells ‘I’m possible.’