Opening the Inner Eye: Two Women, Two Paths, One Powerful Impact

Author: Yamini Kandpal

There's just something so infectious and inspiring about a woman who dares to tread the unconventional way, steadfast in her pursuit, with a purpose she holds with joy in her heart. Varsha Yeshwant Kumar and Irina Ghose, two women from vastly different backgrounds, embody this spirit. They've opened their "inner eyes" to recognise a need in the world and, driven by their unique passions, are making a tangible difference. This blog post explores their journeys, highlighting the power of spiritual intelligence in action.

Unconventional Paths

Varsha Yeshwant Kumar, a photojournalist turned social entrepreneur, and Irina Ghose, a Managing Director at Microsoft, might seem worlds apart. Varsha, captivated by the "basic joy of play" found in Ultimate Frisbee, founded One All, an NGO promoting inclusivity and social change through sport. Irina, driven by a deep-rooted belief in the power of education, established "My Little Bit" to empower underprivileged women. Their paths, though seemingly disparate - one rooted in the dynamic world of sport, the other in the corporate sphere - converged on a shared desire to make a meaningful impact. Both women, in their own unique ways, defied expectations and carved out unconventional paths, driven by a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to something larger than themselves.

The Power of Play

Varsha's work with One All centers around harnessing the "basic joy of play" inherent in Ultimate Frisbee to create positive social change. Unlike traditional sports, Ultimate Frisbee is self-refereed and mixed-gender, fostering an environment of inclusivity and mutual respect. Imagine a field where competitiveness thrives, not through aggression, but through a shared understanding of fair play and a deep respect for both teammates and opponents. This unique dynamic is ingrained in the sport's very fabric, culminating in the "Spirit Score."

Beyond the usual points and rankings, Ultimate Frisbee teams evaluate themselves and each other on some defined aspects of the spirit: rules knowledge and use, fouls and body contact, communication, positive attitude and self-control, and respect. This scoring system encourages players to be mindful of their actions and their impact on others, building self-awareness and ethical behavior both on and off the field.?

Through One All, Varsha leverages this unique framework to empower individuals and build stronger, more compassionate communities. She believes that the lessons learned through Ultimate Frisbee – teamwork, communication, conflict resolution, and respect – are essential life skills that can help individuals thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Education as Empowerment

Irina Ghose, a leader in the corporate world, recognizes the transformative power of education, particularly for women. Through "My Little Bit," she champions the belief that education can be a powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty and give a voice to those who have been marginalized.

Her NGO focuses on providing educational opportunities to underprivileged women, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to create a better future for themselves and their communities.

At the heart of Irina's work is the commitment to "giving back". She sees her work with "My Little Bit" not just as an act of support, but as an essential part of her own growth and development. In her own words, she remains grounded, compassionate, and connected to the realities of the world beyond her corporate sphere by actively engaging with the challenges faced by these women. For Irina, "My Little Bit" is a constant reminder of the importance of empathy, service, and the profound impact that education can have on individual lives and society as a whole.

Spiritual Intelligence in Action

While their paths may differ, both Varsha and Irina embody the principles of spiritual intelligence in their work. This form of intelligence goes beyond intellect or emotional awareness; it delves into the realm of purpose, meaning, and interconnectedness.

• Self-Awareness: Both women demonstrate a deep understanding of their values and motivations. Varsha recognizes her passion for inclusivity and social change, while Irina is driven by a belief in the power of education to empower marginalized communities. This self-awareness allows them to align their actions with their core beliefs, leading to a greater sense of purpose and fulfilment.
• Purpose and Meaning: Varsha and Irina have found a sense of purpose that transcends material success. Their work is driven by a desire to contribute to something larger than themselves, whether it's fostering community through sport or empowering women through education. This pursuit of meaning gives their lives a sense of direction and significance.
• Compassion and Service: At the heart of both women's work lies a deep compassion for others and a desire to make a positive impact on the world. Varsha's dedication to inclusivity and the basic spirit of joy and Irina's commitment to empowering underprivileged women exemplify this spirit of service.
• Holistic Thinking: Varsha and Irina recognize the interconnectedness of all things. They understand that inner growth and external achievements are intertwined. Varsha's focus on the "Spirit Score" in Ultimate Frisbee highlights the importance of inner values and ethical behaviour, while Irina's commitment to giving back demonstrates a recognition that personal growth is enriched through service to others.

Through their actions and dedication, Varsha and Irina demonstrate how spiritual intelligence can be a powerful force for positive change in the world. They inspire us to look inward, connect with our own values and purpose, and find ways to contribute to a more compassionate and equitable world.

Embracing the Joyful Pursuit of Purpose

Varsha's emphasis on the "basic joy of play" within Ultimate Frisbee taps into a profound truth about the human experience. Joy, as Mary Oliver so eloquently stated, "is not made to be a crumb." It's not a fleeting emotion to be sparingly enjoyed, but a fundamental aspect of our being, a wellspring of energy that fuels our spirit and connects us to something larger than ourselves.

Just as the "basic joy of play" lies at the heart of Ultimate Frisbee, joy can be an integral part of our own pursuit of purpose. It's about finding that sweet spot where our passions align with our values, where our work feels like play, and where we experience a deep sense of fulfillment and connection.

Varsha and Irina's journeys remind us that opening our "inner eye" is an ongoing process, a continuous exploration of our values, passions, and purpose. It's about cultivating self-awareness, embracing our unique gifts, and finding ways to contribute to something larger than ourselves.?

If you're seeking to uncover your own purpose and infuse your life with more joy, consider exploring Coacharya's transformative coach-training programs. Through coaching, you can develop the self-awareness, clarity, and skills needed to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

This blog post is based on the latest Coacharya webinar, ‘Opening The Inner Eye - Spiritual Intelligence’? and aims to provide a general overview of the key takeaways. For more in-depth information, please refer to the original webinar recording.

Webinar: Opening The Inner Eye - Spiritual Intelligence