Hey babe,
Are you OK? There's been so much going on in the world and I've been seeing so many people just go numb. It's such an important year for change, but so many of us are exhausted.
And that's why I'm writing you this ❤️ letter. I want to remind you about everything that I love about you.
I love to see how far you're willing to go to put yourself out there to be a trailblazer, I'm so happy to see that you're talking about healing now, too. And what I love the most about you is how much you contribute to every exchange - when you're fully present in something... oh my, Shakti, you are really quite something to behold.
I'm writing you this letter during this very auspicious time... babe, blink your eyes 3 times. Do it, seriously.
Babe, we're about to enter into a portal that's going to accelerate us beyond what we thought was possible. But... there's 2 rules:
1. You must release anything that is not your dharma
2. You must not identify as your dharma - you must find the space between your dharma and your karma (actions)
Babe, I wrote you this letter in three sections:
- Growth
- Healing
- And my final act is an Exchange of Intelligence (your download for the week)
You can save me for later (just remember to take a screenshot or use your "Reminder" app). Each section of the newsletter is a special kiss for you, my love.
Let's dance in the monsoon of my mind:
What the Heal?
Ancestral Math
Source: Family Search & LDS
Why it matters: South Asian Americans face unique health challenges due to a complex interplay of genetics, culture, and lifestyle. Understanding your ancestral health history can provide crucial insights for preventing common health issues and bridging the gap between traditional practices and modern medicine.
By the numbers:
You have 4,096 ancestors over approximately 300 years
Your genetic makeup is influenced by 10 generations of complex historical events
South Asians have a 2-4 times higher risk of heart disease compared to other populations
South Asians are 6X more likely to get diabetes
Alzheimers, dementia and cognitive decline are associated
The big picture: Your health is a product of both your genes and your environment. While you can't change your genetic code, you can influence how those genes are expressed through lifestyle choices.
What they're saying:
A study called MASALA, done by Indian American doctors, found that South Asians living in America have more fat around their organs, their bodies don't use sugar well, and they have more signs of body stress compared to other groups. This means they might get heart problems more easily.
Research from the UK shows that South Asians who have sugar problems (diabetes) are more likely to have serious heart issues or die from them compared to white Europeans. This means we need health advice that fits our culture and way of life.
The American Heart Association says that all Asian American groups, including South Asians, are more likely to have sugar problems and die from strokes compared to white Americans. This shows we need to look at health information for different Asian groups separately and create special health plans for each group.
Between the lines:
Epigenetics shows that lifestyle choices can "turn on" or "off" certain genes, potentially mitigating genetic risks.
The gut microbiome, heavily influenced by diet, plays a crucial role in overall health and may explain some population-specific health trends.
What you can do:
Learn your family health history, going back at least three generations if possible.
Consider genetic testing to understand your personal risk factors.
Incorporate traditional foods known for their health benefits, like turmeric and bitter gourd, into a balanced diet.
Practice stress-reduction techniques that blend Western and Eastern approaches, such as mindfulness meditation.
Engage in regular physical activity that you enjoy, whether it's yoga, dancing, or sports.
The bottom line: Your ancestral history is a roadmap, not a destiny. By understanding your genetic heritage and making informed lifestyle choices, you can write your own health story.
Here We Grow Again
Reflections from 1 Year of Natural Healing
I was dying. Literally. I was rapidly declining after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. Body shutting down every 6 weeks… the doctors had no answers…
So, I dug into our ancestral wisdom. Ayurveda. Pranayama. Yoga. It wasn't easy. No more biryani. Family thought I was crazy. Lost friends who couldn't handle my new lifestyle.
But I healed.
Now I'm speaking at the UN about my research, building health apps for our health crisis…but, I still struggle with routines…
To my South Asian peers, here’s what I think helps (in no particular order):
Breathwork: 90 seconds resets your entire day
Ditch "traditional" foods - they're slowly killing us
Say no to seed oils, refined sugars/carbs, alcohol.
Live by cosmic rhythms - not woo-woo, it works
Look into Vedic Astrology — its 1000X better than Western.
Use AI to personalize your healing journey
I use Perplexity, Claude and NotebookLM to manage my health labs and protocols.
Embrace Sanatana Dharma with an open mind
Prepare for family functions (digestive enzymes are lifesavers)
Listen to your body, not cultural pressure
The Exchange of Intelligence
Of Karma & Dharma
An explainer of for Of Karma & Dharma. Would love to get your thoughts on this video.
Babe, thank you for joining me on this journey of growth, healing, and wisdom.
Remember, you are the dance of karma and dharma, a beautiful expression of our ancestral legacy and future potential.
Until next time, keep shining your light.
With all my love,
Jai
P.S. Don't forget to share your thoughts and experiences. Your voice is an essential part of this community, and I can't wait to hear from you!
P.P.S. Stay tuned for the next letter on Kitchari as a metabolic reset.
You've been busy preparing such a good content for us! Love you too. It was a lovely letter, I'm proud of you. You are growing well :)