Finding joy in the journey
By Jasnam Sachdev
As we age, maintaining both mental and physical well-being becomes increasingly important. For the elderly, staying active and engaged in creative activities can help foster a sense of purpose and joy. Monday doodle and yoga classes led by passionate instructors, Kiran and Lily, have become a beacon of warmth and creativity, offering not just a space to learn but a nurturing environment for connection and self-expression. These classes cater specifically to the unique needs of adults, combining the therapeutic benefits of art with the revitalising effects of yoga.
Participants who have shared their experiences are discovering that through doodling they can unleash their creativity and find joy in the simplest of strokes, while yoga helps enhance their flexibility and mindfulness.
Together, these practices are transforming lives, fostering friendships and building a vibrant community where laughter and love flourish. Kiran and Lily shared their journey with us on how they started these classes and the feeling of gratitude it brings them.
KIRANJEET KHURANA, 59
Therapeutic Art teacher
“I have been in Bangkok for over 30 years now. I started art over 20 years ago when my kids started going to school. I started at home in my husband’s office, and I still remember his lamp being the first thing I shaded. Slowly, from there, I went forward. Once you start a passion, you want to grow yourself in that field, so I started learning all kinds of mediums; oils, calligraphy, acrylic mediums, etc.
Then, during COVID-19, things changed. I hit a low because all activities stopped and I was not able to call teachers or go anywhere. I happened to know a doodle teacher, Sapna, who then started teaching doodling online. During those two to three years of the pandemic, I spent doodling and it made me so happy that it became one of my biggest art forms. I used to spend the whole day making this type of art. In a way, COVID-19 became a blessing in my passion for art.
After the pandemic, I met an aunty, and she seemed quite melancholy. I had started teaching at the gurdwara for a while, so I told her to come by to relieve some of her troubles. Fortunately, she came, and like her, I saw so many other women her age who found themselves in a similar situation.
From there, we started another class here in Sukhumvit to make it easier for visitors who were unable to commute to where the gurdwara is located. With the proximity in mind, that same aunty started telling her friends and others about it, and gradually, more and more people joined in. If you ask me, more than teaching, it was more about being a family; aunties were together and comforted by love. Wherever there is unconditional love, it flows. There is no ending to it. I am so happy for this that it has come to this level and I truly never expected it.
At this moment, I am still a student, I am still learning but whatever I am learning, I want to give back. I always felt that the best thing to share with, in my heart and my mind, are the elderly and children. They are the most innocent and the closest to God. I am so blessed with so many beautiful aunties now. I love kids and teach them at home and online as well. I feel very blessed and fortunate that I have been able to achieve all that I have wanted for quite some time.
I would like to thank my family, who have been cooperative and encouraging. My daughter, son and husband all support me in this journey. My daughter every day used to ask me, “Mama, what are you teaching today,” it would make me feel happier, knowing that everybody is part of this small little project that we have going on.”
SARABJIT (LILY) GROVER, 58
Meditative Yoga Teacher
“These yoga classes were initiated approximately a year ago, commencing with weekly Friday sessions at the gurdwara. Subsequently, they expanded to include a weekly Monday class in Sukhumvit Soi 12, Rama Mansion.
I have completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training course and hold a certification in therapeutic and children’s yoga. Recognising the unique needs of the elderly, particularly their limited flexibility and cognitive function, I have tailored these classes to address these specific concerns. The sessions incorporate a range of practices, including breathing exercises and om chanting, which enhance lung capacity and concentration. Additionally, a comprehensive set of stretching exercises is designed to improve muscle flexibility and overall well-being.
The therapeutic approach to yoga employed in these classes is also based on medical advice, ensuring that the exercises are suitable for individuals with various health conditions, such as high blood pressure. The anulom vilom technique of breathing and Bhramari breathing are really beneficial.
This past year has been particularly rewarding as I have had the opportunity to work with the elderly. Witnessing their progress and the positive impact of these classes on their mental and physical health has been deeply fulfilling. Our loving ‘aunties’ have not only improved their physical abilities but also gained a sense of purpose and happiness.
The classes have proven to be a valuable outlet for the elderly, providing them with a productive activity and a sense of accomplishment. The homework assignments, such as doodling, further enhance their mental well-being and offer a meditative experience. The positive impact of these classes extends beyond the participants themselves, as their families also benefit from the increased happiness and engagement of their loved ones.”
“I find doodling very relaxing. It’s distressing; whenever I am stressed at home, I just sit and do my doodling. I feel very relaxed and can sleep well.”
SUNEET NARANG, 59
“I have always liked art and have been doing some form of it since my school days. When I came to Bangkok a year ago, I started coming to these classes. When I started doing mandalas, I really enjoyed it and found it to be very meditative. Now, I always wait for Mondays to come to class. It’s really nice!”
KINJAL VERMA, 35
“I started coming to class a year ago and I feel very good here. I feel instant joy whenever I do the art class and have met very nice people. It is a beautiful way of meditating; the type of meditation that comes from art makes me forget everything. All bad feelings and sadness just go away. We wait for Mondays to attend these classes and our art teachers, Kiran Ma’am and Lily are very nice and kind.”
NIVEDITA JHA, 48
“I am very happy to cook food for all the aunties. I am very grateful to all of them for letting me make their food.”
SUKHBIR KAUR, 59
This is a beautiful space where people of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs can come together to experience growth and connection in ways they may not have found elsewhere. It is a sanctuary for personal development, love and joy – a space we hold dear. We hope everyone will join this wonderful and much-needed community of love and grace, where we paint, laugh, sing, draw and share meaningful moments. The dedication of Kiran and Lily, who have selflessly devoted their time, energy and hearts to creating this haven is truly commendable and remarkable. Thanks to their efforts, this community has transformed lives. Especially for the elderly who need outlets for expression and belonging. Thank you, Kiran, Lily and Sukhbir. The delicious food that she relentlessly arranges for everyone topping it off with all their heartwarming smiles.
SABI DOOWA, 56
“I do art very little here but whenever I do, I feel very good. It is a beautiful way to express yourself. You can put anything on the paper that comes to mind and you can release and let go of things. I am more into music as I teach music but art I am doing on and off. This is really beautiful. Everybody is the same here and everybody is welcome – so welcome. My sister, Ravinder (music teacher), started together with Kiran and Lily here and they did a lot of hard work. When everybody comes here, they feel so cosy and warm – it’s such a beautiful group.”
CHATARBIR KAUR, 56
“I’m very pleased that such a community centre has been created for the elderly and us. I wish, that in the future, there will be more of these initiatives, even for the senior men who have retired. I feel that this can bring together human selfless love. I have also learned to appreciate and be more patient with my elders through watching Kiran-ji and Lily doing these selflless classes out of pure love.
NARJIT SACHDEV, 56
**Translated from Punjabi
“I am very grateful and happy to be here. The class is very good for me and I enjoy it a lot.”
SATVINDER CHAWLA, 78
“I love this class. This class has brought many fond childhood memories back. I am very thankful to Kiran and Lily. When I first joined, I felt hesitant with everything as I had forgotten how to even draw lines. I feel like now I have achieved so much with yoga, drawing and even dance! We all feel that this is not a class but rather an art family.”
JAI KAUR, 71
“The feeling is very good and I like the class a lot, but I don’t know how to do much of it. Slowly but surely, I am learning, and I will be able to accomplish more while my friends are helping me out. I am very determined.”
RATTAN SETHI, 80
“Since I have come to this class, I have transformed from zero to hero. I have to thank Kiran for art and Lily for yoga, and for all their effort. My wish is that our love and connection continue to grow even more as a class.”
SIMRET KAUR MUCHAL, 79
“My feeling is that I am very thankful to my daughter who brought me to this class where I can laugh and play. I am so, so thankful to all the daughters.”
GUNJEET KAUR, 80
“We enjoy this class a lot and we look forward and wait for Mondays. A big thanks to Kiran and Lily.”
VEENA BHATIA, 71
“First, I never liked art. I came because of someone’s recommendation. She told me to come with her and I said no at first but after she insisted, I gave it a chance. I told her I would go once and if I enjoyed it, I would continue without any force. Now, I have told everyone that Mondays are kept for my class, so no other plans should be made.”
MANJEET MAKKAR, 74
