2023: A Year of Self-Discovery

In the quiet foothills of the Himalayas, by the river Ganga in Rishikesh, India, my year of self-discovery began. This sacred town, known as the Yoga capital of the world, became my refuge after a challenging 2022.

I embraced a career break, immersing myself in spirituality through Yoga and Meditation. This decision was not just a change in routine but the beginning of a transformative journey.

In this sacred space, I healed from past wounds and pondered life's daunting questions: Who am I? Why am I here? What is the purpose of this life? The answers I found were as profound as the questions themselves.

January: Awakening in the Himalayas

My journey started with intense training in Yoga and Meditation alongside seasoned teachers and 20 like-minded souls who became cherished friends. Each day was a blend of discipline and discovery.

We woke up at 4:30 am, dedicating ourselves to 8 hours of theory and practices for 4 weeks, nourished by simple Satvic meals essential for spiritual growth. Sundays were reserved for spiritual excursions and peaceful moments by the Ganga.

?? Result: This experience was more than an education; it was an awakening. I emerged as a trained Yoga and Meditation Teacher, certified by Yoga Alliance USA, and found my calling in teaching others.

February: Volunteering For Mahashivratri

Next, my journey took me to the Velliangiri Hills at Isha Yoga Center. Here, I embraced the spirit of selfless service during the Mahashivratri festival. This experience taught me the beauty of giving without expectation.

Volunteering here transformed me. I learned to embrace tasks I never thought I could and discovered a new depth to Karma Yoga.

I slept on floors, served food to 100s of people, washed 100s of dishes, mopped the floors, and greeted temple visitors. And I'd happily do it all over again.

??Highlight: Volunteering for Mahashivaratri at IYC, a grand spiritual event where over a million people gathered, was a joyful and humbling experience, and through it, I overcame personal limitations I hadn't even recognized before.

March: Reunion With Family

The first half of March was a time of familial bonding in India. Reconnecting with my roots reminded me of the unconditional love and acceptance that family offers.

Returning to Sydney, my reunion with my wife and dog, Zeus, was not just a physical return but a spiritual homecoming filled with understanding and love.

?? Highlight: Celebrating Zeus' second birthday was a joyful moment that symbolized our journey together as a family. He wrote this article sharing about his first year with us.

April: Taking The Plunge (literally)

With newfound insights, April was about sharing my journey. Writing online with Ship 30 and engaging on Twitter, and to my surprise I found a community eager for spiritual insights in the most unlikely place.

This month was also my 4th wedding anniversary, and we've been together for 14 years now. To celebrate the good and bad times we've been through, my wife and I went skydiving from 15,000 feet!

It took me 3 years to prepare myself to overcome my fear of heights and redeem the skydiving gift voucher my wife gifted me on my 29th birthday. It was wild and liberating, showing us how far we've come together.

?? Achievement: My articles gained over 50k views in the first month, and the skydive was a liberating experience that symbolized the freedom I found in self-expression.

May: Creating My First Meditation Guide

My writings resonated with many, inspiring me to create a meditation guide. So, I created a guide that included the most effective yogic practices I've discovered in my journey of healing and self-discovery.

Creating a digital product opened creative parts of my brain that were unused.

?? Outcome: The guide was a success, downloaded over 100 times, and it marked the beginning of a new way to share my journey with others.

June: Launching My Course 'Conscious Quest'

Realizing the need for practical application, I launched 'Conscious Quest,' a course blending ancient Yoga wisdom with modern living.

No, the execution wasn't easy. Creating the course content, setting up the platform, marketing, admin, etc., took a lot of time and energy. I must have spent over 200 hours putting it all together. But it was well worth it.

?? Learning: The course's creation was a journey in itself, teaching me about the transformative power of sharing knowledge.

July: Taught My First Cohort

8 students enrolled for this first cohort. Teaching 'Conscious Quest' was an enriching experience. The varied pricing model I offered reflected my desire to make these teachings accessible to many. Some paid $99, and others $499 to enrich their lives.

We had 90-minute live classes and mid-week check-ins via the community chat every week for 8 weeks. Each week, we'd cover 1 limb of Yoga, the theory and science behind it, and a couple of associated practices to integrate that week.

?? Impact: Witnessing the transformations in my students was incredibly fulfilling, reinforcing my belief in the power of these practices.

August: A New Chapter in Product Marketing

Returning to my career in product marketing, I found a balance between my professional life and spiritual teachings with a 4-day workweek.

With the first Conscious Quest cohort ending, it felt like I had accomplished what I wanted from this career break. I didn't realize it, but it turned out to be 9-months since my last job. Times flies when you are having fun.

But before joining the new role, I wrapped up my first cohort and ensured each student had the knowledge and support they needed for their inward journey.

I'm currently working on the second cohort for early 2024. If you're curious about the details, join the waitlist here: https://consciousquest.carrd.co

??Result: Students experienced life-changing transformations.

September: Training As A Conscious Leader

After all the online writing and creating digital products and courses, I knew I had found a way to impact people's lives. However, I realized that I need a wise mentor on this path who has done this and can guide me through the pitfalls of operating in this space.

So, I enrolled in a 12-week coaching with Tom Cronin, and after my Yoga Teacher Training, this was the best training I have ever received. I'll save the details for another article.

??Result: I have a clear path and feel way more confident to operate as a Conscious Leader in the world, transforming people's lives through ancient Yogic wisdom.

October: Went Viral With A New Twitter Account

After about 6 months, my old Twitter account plateaued at 50k views per month. A creator with a massive following on Twitter (now a good friend) recommended that I create a new account.

And I did. It was painful to DM everyone about the change because I didn't want to leave behind the people journeying with me.

But the results were phenomenal. In the first month, my new account @yogicmindset received 75k views and gained 350 followers. This tweet went viral with 18k views and 120 likes.

As I write this, the new account gained 800+ followers in just 80 days, and many tweets have gone viral. If you're not following me there, you're missing out on all the deeper wisdom. I keep things very practical on LinkedIn, a limited part of the human experience.

??Lesson: If you want significant results, be open to big changes, even if they initially feel uncomfortable or painful.

November: An Act of Growth And Balance

This month was a dance of balance - managing my Product Marketing role, continuing my learning with Zen Academy, furthering my spiritual teachings, and nurturing my family life. This harmony of responsibilities and passions has been the cornerstone of my growth. I'm gradually finding a new rhythm in life.

??Highlights: 149k views, multiple viral tweets, and new guides that were downloaded over 200 times. Here's one for you if you're curious: https://x.com/yogicmindset/status/1727671027927290351

Dec: Winding Down With Camping

It's been a year of unprecedented activity and personal growth for me, where no two months have looked the same. I've completed multiple trainings and courses and have many action items to execute.

But before I kick start 2024, I need to wind down, rest, and rejuvenate to begin the year with high energy. Hence, I'm camping with my wife and dog these last two weeks, exploring the beautiful landscapes of Australia.

Writing this article from a cozy campsite, I'm immersed in thoughts of 2023. I see the beauty in the journey and its challenges. This year has been a tapestry of learning, connecting, and overcoming. Each experience has been a stepping stone towards a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me.

Closing Thoughts: Gratitude and Looking Ahead

As I write these final words, my heart is full of gratitude. To everyone who's been part of my journey this year, thank you. Your presence has been invaluable.

If my story has inspired you, I encourage you to embrace change – whether it's taking a career break, focusing on your health, starting a passion project, or deepening your relationships. Remember, I'm here to help, so feel free to reach out.

The Journey Ahead: 2023 has set a strong foundation for a fulfilling life. As we step into 2024, I'm excited to continue this journey of growth and invite you to join me. Follow my journey here and on X (@yogicmindset) for insights and inspiration.

Your Turn: Now, I'd love to hear from you. What moments in 2023 transformed you? Share your stories of growth and discovery in the comments below. forward into a new year full of possibilities!