My Journey with Durgesh Nandhini - Shwetha

"Why do you need a guru in your life? A guru challenges you, pushes you out of your comfort zone, believes in you, and sees you as a precious gem waiting to be polished.

I'm fortunate to have Durgesh Nandhini in my life. She is my Guru. Our connection was undeniable. 

When Nandhini met my mother for the first time, she said, 'Shwetha is a blessing in my life, aunty.' I overheard it and blushed. My mother replied, 'You are for all of our family, ma.'

I started following Durgesh Nandhini on Instagram around 2020. I was captivated by her words and the way she was designing her life. I was eager to learn more from her. I wanted to improve my diet to heal my IBS, so I attended her 'We are what we eat' session online. It introduced me to the world of Nature Cure and Whole Food plant-based lifestyle.

There was a lot to take in, and I'm still gradually implementing these principles for better health. She laid the foundation back then. Initially, it was difficult, and I felt guilty for not being able to make the changes. I questioned how I could make things better. Then came an opportunity, that changed the track, that helped me bloom and transform - Online Minimalism Workshop (OMW).

I wasn't sure if I could get up at 5 AM on Sundays for her OMW, so I hesitated to register for OMW 2 and 3. But by the time OMW 4 was announced, I was ready to commit. I felt it would be invaluable guidance. And she, a brilliant speaker and teacher, held me spellbound every Sunday for over a year during OMW 4. She continues to do so today, as we work together.

Before we discuss how we started working together, let me tell you, OMW was a breath of fresh air and a source of new perspectives, from a beautiful human being who was constantly learning and evolving. The most significant change I experienced during OMW 4 was a newfound appreciation for myself and my life's blessings. I began to feel empowered, and I loved myself more by adopting new habits and striving for a better life. I started journaling and planning my day. I felt much more confident and secure about starting anew. I wasn't starting from a place of feeling like a loser, despite having a lot of education and academic achievements. Instead, I began to recognize how every moment in my life had contributed to who I am today. The OMW community, where I met many like-minded women, provided invaluable support during this time. We would discuss the challenges of implementing small changes in our lives and share creative ways to overcome them.

One day at OMW, we were discussing the lifelong nature of learning and the importance of curiosity. Durgesh Akka organized a Sunday Santhai, where we could learn a skill or art from a facilitator. The facilitators were also from our OMW community.

When the call for facilitators went out, I felt a pang of self-doubt. Did I have a skill to teach or share with others? It dawned on me that I was good at organizing events. I approached Durgesh Akka and asked if I could help with Sunday Santhai. She was very welcoming and gave me complete autonomy. I successfully organized six parallel sessions over two one-hour slots. It was a rewarding experience to connect with people and make it happen.

A few weeks later, Durgesh Nandhini asked if I was interested in collaborating with her. She offered a flexible arrangement that allowed me to work alongside her. It was a dream come true. She was my mentor, a source of inspiration, and a great leader. Working with her and witnessing the behind-the-scenes of her innovative ideas was thrilling.

I loved putting my skills to work, embracing challenges, and striving for excellence. The right balance of challenges and appreciation makes every day of working with her a treasure trove of experiences. I met many wonderful people, learned from their life stories, and gained valuable lessons for my own journey.

Working with Nandhini Akka is a constant source of surprise and inspiration. Her ideas and perspectives always astound me. I often find myself sitting back and thinking, 'How did she come up with that? It's brilliant!' She has a knack for perfection, and our work always reflects the best of both of us.

Initially, I struggled a bit as I sought her approval. Over time, I learned that the iterative process of going back and forth in a project is essential for personal growth. There were days when I felt insecure, out of place, or pressured, but I could always talk openly to Nandhini Akka. She is my mentor, always willing to listen, but also able to identify the root cause of any issue and guide me towards a solution. We always discussed the pros and cons of a project, our intentions, and how to create exceptional value for the seeker.

While our work often involved multitasking, our synchronization was remarkable. We could seamlessly pick up a task in the middle of something else and quickly get back in sync. I initially referred to myself as 'working for Nandhini Akka,' but she quickly corrected me, saying it's 'working with Nandhini.' Within a few months, I truly felt like a collaborator and partner. She always emphasizes that it's 'our work.' I learned so many new skills along the way. When I thank her for the opportunities, she humbly replies that it's my willingness to learn that makes the difference, and she’s only a tool.

I also had the pleasure of working with a talented team, including Sandhya, Rajamathi, and Anuja, who have become like family. The people you associate with significantly impact your life quality. I'm fortunate to be surrounded by inspiring individuals every day. Nandhini Akka has taught me to dream big. We have so many ideas and dreams, and I know we will bring them to life together.

I admire how she always expresses gratitude after every task or conversation. She politely asks, 'Kannu, do you have time now? Can we talk?' She always respects my family time and understands if I'm busy. I have access to all her work and she always invites me to participate. She gifted me the 'Veyilodu Velayadu' experience, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I wish to see her more often in person, but I know it will happen gradually. Whenever I share a personal victory, she celebrates with me, and I do the same for her. We've developed a culture of appreciation, growth, support, and encouragement.

When I started working on the project Durgesh Nandhini’s Unit Study Circle, co-hosting the reading and understanding of ‘Sapiens’ book, I never anticipated the profound impact it would have on my life. I consistently participated for five months, and by the end, I wanted to continue reading books with a group of like-minded individuals. Nandhini Akka was instrumental in supporting me to start, set a price, and provide all the necessary support. She encouraged me, saying, 'I've seen you enjoy this. Do it for yourself. You're bringing so much value to everyone.' The sisterhood and support I received are blessings I cherish every day.

Sometimes I compare myself to her and question if I'm doing enough. She always corrects me, provides a realistic perspective, and reminds me to be kind to myself. She's a person who is constantly evolving, putting in effort, and showing love, not someone who is perfect and knows everything. I truly admire her as a person, and I know this connection will last a lifetime. I'm grateful for her presence. I enjoy her company.

I have never really expressed all of this to her, I am happy for this opportunity to write about us, that I get to see the blessings more deeper.