Art’s healing embrace
I’ve often seen firsthand how Art bonds communities and brings peoples together. Studies have found that cities with public spaces dedicated to art and artistic activities experience significantly less interpersonal strife and conflict. That's not just an observation—it's a statistic. My heart soars when Mumbai unfurls the flag of a new gallery.
The minimalist new gallery at Grand Hyatt at the hotels Plaza, conceived by Namita and Arun Saraf with Dr Arshiya, fills me with such delight. Namita has masterfully transformed Grand Hyatt into a museum-like artsy destination right since its inaugural many years ago, a lovely memory i cherish. I've always relished visiting as much for the stunning art displays as for the exquisite cuisine. Now, this beautiful new gallery has emerged, celebrating its opening night with the inaugural exhibition "Cosmic Frequencies: Consciousness and Quantum Cosmology in Art"—an exploration of the fascinating relationships between science, consciousness, and metaphysics.
The expansive show featured artists including Astha Butail, Dhara Mehrotra, Mithu Sen, N.S. Harsha, Parul Gupta, Remen Chopra Van Der Vaart, Shaurya Kumar, Shilpa Gupta, Subash Thebe, Sharmistha Ray, Thukral and Tagra, and Waqas Khan. Several of these luminaries graced the event, including Mithu Sen, Thukral and Tagra, Bose Krishnamachari and Atul Dodiya.
Yet two personalities truly commanded the evening—the ever-elegant actor-activist Shabana Azmi and the venerable art historian scholar Saryu Doshi. Shabana remains timelessly beautiful, impeccably stylish in her indigenous Indian sari weaves complemented by striking contrast blouses. Dr. Saryu Doshi, at 95, radiates strength and energy especially with her charmingly opinionated perspectives on art. Having known her since my arrival in Mumbai 28 years ago, I remain in awe of her energy, vim, and vigor. Together we had founded the friend of NGMA movement when she was the celebrated director of NGMA. Since she ended her term there NGMA never achieved that greatness or impact as when she planned and curated shows. May divine grace bless her with continued longevity and robust health.
Healing conversations
At a recent podcast featuring me, Payal Lal—author of an emoji-based book on social anxiety, founder of a mental health podcast, and advocate for the visually impaired—engaged me in conversation about mental health, life's challenges, and healing journeys. The dialogue proved remarkably in-depth, thoroughly researched, and almost cathartic in its exploration of my experiences. We discussed at length how us Indians shy away from therapy and meeting Councellors and shrinks for greater clarity, resolution and closure.
Even more soothing was the cocoon-like womb healing session Payal invited me to in the same week. During this guided meditation, she encouraged her celebrity guests and me to revisit their embryonic moments before entering the world, taking us into profound states of calm and restoration. We had to literally mould ourselves within silk womb like hammocks and float into alpha states.
In our fast-paced lives dominated by performance pressures, external expectations, and the perpetual distraction of social media, stepping off this constant urban roller coaster to embrace healing practices, meditation, and therapeutic experiences has become absolutely essential for maintaining equipoise and wellbeing. I crave such magical escapes into silence and ‘Shunya’ through a life teeming with activity.
Intimate celebrations
Now I’ve already warned you about the Month of May and some parts of June being unashamedly about my birthday? A tiny most unassuming - yet magical surprise I must share was the cake-cutting arranged by my very indulgent and affectionate hairdresser Vivek Kedase during my weekly salon session. At the outset, I think i must mention that this hair session at my friend Vandana Luthras iconic spa saloon has always been my sanctuary away from Mumbai's madding crowds. The sense of time and space and quietude at a hair wash session is a break I crave. Imagine my elation at the sudden surprise appearance of a magnificent mango cake and the tiny but exalted audience of my friend the hairdresser Vivek Kedase and two very special people attending this impromptu 'party.'
Chitra Agarwal, one of the salon's most delightful patrons, has always held a special place in my heart. And then there was the super-powerhouse Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, Sujata Saunik, whom I've long admired. This IAS powerhouse comes to this saloon for the same relaxed quiet moments away from what i imagine must be a very high pressure role? Strong, compassionate, intelligent, and considerate—she embodies a woman of substance whose friendship I treasure. When someone of her mettle spontaneously sings "Happy Birthday" to me, it becomes one of the most cherished memories of this year's celebrations.
Meditative pathways
Since this column explores safe havens, healing practices, and art's curative impact on society, let me conclude by sharing vignettes about Rafaëlle and meditation. The universe—and education stalwart Dr. Maya Shahani—sent Rafaëlle into my life to teach me Transcendental Meditation. This experience has been nothing short of magical, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to all of you reading this column.
Founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, TM stands as a Mecca that can truly transform our lives and relationships. If you can source this practice for yourself, I strongly encourage you to welcome it into your life. Perhaps the universe will send someone as extraordinary as Rafaëlle to guide you, just as my good fortune has gifted me!
In Mumbai's relentless urban symphony of honking horns, construction noise, and perpetual motion, our minds desperately crave islands of tranquility. Medical research consistently demonstrates that regular meditation and quiet contemplation significantly reduce cortisol levels, lower blood pressure, and enhance emotional resilience. These healing pauses aren't luxury—they're necessity for urban survival. Whether it's ten minutes of morning meditation, a peaceful walk in a garden, a session of aimless chatter with ones hairdresser over a calming hair ritual or simply sitting in silence with a cup of tea looking at the endless sea- these sacred moments of stillness allow our overstimulated nervous systems to reset and restore. In a city that never sleeps, choosing conscious quietude becomes an act of radical self-care and mental health preservation.
Write to Nisha JamVwal at nishjamwal@gmail.com
