Episode 15: Empowerment through Balance with Puja Shah
Dr. Puja Shah is a philanthropist and visionary poet who shares her voice through written and spoken word, guided meditations, and teaching. A true miracle, she was born over 2 months premature in Queens, N.Y. to immigrant parents, yet doctors thought she wouldn’t survive. Through the power of Sanskrit mantras, she was given the name Puja, which means prayer. She grew up to defy teachers who questioned her English skills by winning numerous poetry and short story awards in her youth.
As an avid reader, she spent her teen years exploring New York City for poetry slams and book readings. Being first generation, the blend of east and west has always fascinated her. She holds a graduate degree in dental medicine from Tufts University and then found courage to pursue her passion for writing. Along with three yoga teacher trainings, Puja has received countless education in various forms of yoga, meditation and ancient wisdom. She currently lives in Southern California with her family.
President of The Shah Education and Exploration Foundation
Co-Founder of Deep Origins
Chief Content Officer for Project Yourself
Editor in Chief for The Natural Law
Former co-founder of The Chai Mommas.
Ways to Engage: It’s so important that Puja mentioned the expectations that fall on her shoulders, especially as a first-generation immigrant. What are some expectations that have fallen on you, maybe even because of a stereotype? How do you defy these expectations and live out of your own? Think about the expectations you set for yourself and how you’ve come to set goals for yourself. Feel free to share your experience with us, along with the ups and downs of your journey.
Timestamps:
Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:35 )
Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 8:24 )
Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 24:06 )
Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 39:23 )
Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 42:28 )
Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 44:59 )
Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 56:38 )
Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:06:01 )
5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:07:55 )
5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:10:20 )
Original FEEL Podcast Theme Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis