ON IMBIBING A POSITIVE MINDSET THROUGH MINDFULNESS

Author Interview: Ravi Valluri

Ravi Valluri is an officer of the Indian Railway Traffic Service. Presently, he is posted at Chennai as the Principal Chief Commercial Manager, Southern Railway. He is also the author of eight books. He has recently come out with the book “Magic of the Mind”, which is a collection of 50 articles that put the mind of the readers through the prism of positive thoughts and consciousness. In a candid chat with Chirdeep Malhotra, he talks about his latest book, spiritual techniques for mindfulness, his favourite books in the genre of self-help and spirituality, and much more. Read on!



Please tell us more about your book “Magic of the Mind”. What is the idea behind your new book?

Human life is full of vicissitudes. There are good times and there are misadventures. Only a person blessed with a robust mind and consciousness can grapple with the darker side with equipoise and look for luminosity.
“Magic of the Mind” is a collection of 50 articles that seek to metamorphose the human mind. This can be achieved through diving into faith and practising spiritual techniques. The book is also an ode to my parents. I lost my father in 2019 and my mother this year on 6th of January after she contracted the lethal Coronavirus.



When did you start writing this book and how long did it take you to finish it?

This is my fourth book in the series on the mind. I began collating the articles soon after my mother succumbed to the illness which I have mentioned above and it took me around two months to do so, though the articles were written last year over a span of four to five months.



What topics have you delved into and what themes have you explored in the articles and essays in this book?

The book is segmented into 9 segments. These are – Stretching Into Infinity, Jostling with Corona, An Ode to Parents, Dive into Faith, Attaining Tranquillity, Dark Tunnel Within, The Monkey Mind, Vanquish Your Flaws, and Scale the Summit.
In most of the segments, the recurrent theme which resonates is how the mind can be your friend or the enemy. Essentially we have to conquer ourselves.



This book talks about spiritual techniques that can be incorporated into our lifestyles for imbibing a positive mindset. Can you tell us in brief about some of the spiritual techniques described in this book?

Well, we need to develop a positive mindset. But it is easier said than done. It is a question of our attitude and thought process, especially during this period of isolation. There are a few ways for this – like practising yoga, pranayama, and learning the rhythmic breathing technique of Sudarshan Kriya. Even a non believer can find sanctuary of hope through acquiring knowledge. And some can attain peace of mind by just letting go and by practising the Art of forgiveness. But in all these techniques, one thing is essential, and that is to develop faith in the procedure and technique and religiously practising it.



How has the pandemic impacted the rhythm of your daily life and writing regimen?

Well, I contracted Corona on the 22nd of December last year and the very next day, my mother was afflicted by the disease and soon she succumbed to the ailment. It was a shattering experience stepping out of quarantine and performing the last rites of my mother in a PPE suit. The pandemic has confined us to our homes through the work from home regime. We have no choice. It is scary. Right now we are ensuring that all our staff and officers get vaccinated. I am currently posted as Principal Chief Commercial Manager, Southern Railway Chennai.
The lockdown has affected my exercise schedule of going to the gym and I have gained weight. But I am trying a different routine. However, the lockdown period has provided me with space to write quite a bit. Last year, three books of mine were published and two books were translated and I also wrote for an anthology on migrant labour. This year, I have already written two books. The book “Magic of the Mind” has been published, and two manuscripts are ready. I intend to read and write more.



Which books are you reading right now? What are your favourite books in the self-help and spirituality genre?

I am currently reading “Vajpayee: The Years That Changed India” by Shakti Sinha. Some of my favourite reads in the spirituality and self-help genre are – “Celebrating Silence” by H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, “Zen: The Art of Simple Living” by Shunmyo Masuno, “Peace of Mind” by Thich Nhat Hanh, “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu (motivational reading), Zen Stories, and our epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. And of course Mahatma Gandhi's “The Story of My Experiments With Truth”.



The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted everyone in myriad ways. What are your words of advice for people who are going through a tough time during the pandemic?

One has to be physically fit. Do yoga, take care of your diet, practice pranayama, learn and practise Sudarshan Kriya, Vipassana, and meditation. Exercise, and read as much as possible. Avoid watching negative things on television. Try to do service/ seva. Contribute to society and develop hobbies to keep you occupied. And everyone should get vaccinated and strictly adhere to the Covid protocols.



What message do you hope readers take away from this book?

To develop a robust mind and think positively in these trying times. Nurture talent and try something new. And connect with your friends. And develop faith that this will pass away too.



Are there any literary projects that you are working on next?

As I have already mentioned, two manuscripts are ready and I will be working on getting them published soon. I will continue to read and write more by the grace of the Master H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Also, I am grateful to my wife who edits my works and my children who spur me on.



Can you share with our readers a motivational quote that keeps you going?

“We are just an advanced breed of monkeys on a minor planet of a very average star. But we can understand the universe. That makes us something very special.” – Stephen Hawking.
“All experiences are preceded by mind, having mind as their master, created by mind.” – The Buddha.