Awakening the spiritual truth between Somatic and germline Life

 

Awakening the spiritual truth between Somatic and Germline Life

Striking a balance !

 

This particular story revolves around the birth of a free spiritual soul and acknowledging its exceptional journey to recognize true spiritual guidance.

We are born into this world where familial responsibilities are desired and fulfilled admist the social relationships, known as Somatic life (Merely daily existence). This duty becomes our identity, and we juggle among relationships for acceptability. This validation/approval denies us the objectiveness to see ourselves as an individual, also called detachment from your soul. The real struggle arises when we are stuck with certain difficult circumstances and the challange of acceptance in our lives. The decisiveness to certain situations changes as we grow, which depends upon our relationship with our own soul on this spiritual quest. The soul needs to discover the divine purpose allotted by ALMIGHTY in the form of certain experiences and maturity, also known as germline life.

What is surprising is that The ALMIGHTY even gives us power to choose OR modify germline life admist the somatic life? The somatic life throws challenges, which sometimes even questions your confidence and beliefs. The ability to stay positive or negative is self-resilience, a challenge to choose mind over matter and proves an evolution of the germline life. The question arises, have we realized the need of that strength of staying positive or are we still getting weighed over by them. This acquired ability to change the germline life in face of somatic life challenges, are life changing decisions, also known as awakening of the soul or spiritual life. This experience of the ultimate truth requires patience, discipline, and the transformation of the individual's life and perception of the world around them.

In my OPD, I consult many patients struggling with Genetic diseases, I often help them understand their disease and counsel for their germline inheritance from their parents. I often start with a statement “It’s NOT YOUR FAULT”, which relieves a FEW... But many struggle at emotional, social, and cultural acceptance. And the ultimate persistent power, control and strength, if displayed in this somatic life might help to accept this eternal truth and achieve spiritual liberation for many, especially the family! 

AWAKEN THE GIANT WITHIN....

Love Always,

Amrit Kaler.

 

HAPPILY, EVER AFTER!!!

 

The story begins with Cinderella losing her shoe at the ball, the Prince Charming tracing her back and then both of them staying HAPPILY EVER AFTER. Such a heart throbbing story of our generation. Sometimes, I keep questioning myself, does the happily ever after exists…? 

OR there a happily ever after existing RIGHT NOW?

Some parents teach their daughters happiness exist after marriage; Some say happily ever after starts after we become something in life. Is the happiness related to getting something in life? Yes, we do get motivated by our dreams, and we do work hard to get hold of those milestones. Sometimes, we do reach to our optimal potential, and we do see the top of the mountain. But the significance, goal and the destination are different for different people.  But does the journey ends there? May be the HAPPILY EVER AFTER has arrived for many... 

I personally feel the destination changes at various stages of life. I had an impossible goal of becoming a Beauty Queen and winning an International Pageant during my MBBS Days. Of course, it needed me to brave and tons of trust in myself to even break the news of my decision among the family of Intellectuals. However, hard work, perseverance and consistency led to me to win the crown and International Title, Mrs United Nation International 2016. I did feel Cinderella and shouted out loud many times motivating the aspiring queens and friends “Dreams do come true, believe in yourself”. I inspired a lot of women out there. The view, I promise was amazing and it gave me satisfaction, serenity and extreme confidence.

Trust me, I did feel HAPPILY EVER AFTER, but the desire of doing something MORE, GENEROUS AND SUBSTANTIAL has always persisted. Now maybe it has evolved in my profession…...probably holding on to this new Genomic Medicine....focusing on bringing up this new goal of creating awareness, offering genetic testing and treatment options on Hereditary Cancers and Precision Oncology. I believe may be its time to bring India on an International map on Cancer Genomics. And I also know that in this process of pushing this next agenda, the journey will have its ups and downs, changing the scenario at global level is going to be a difficult task. Fortunately, challenges have always been motivating, but dealing with difficult people and their lack of knowledge is always a buzz kill.

Do we ever settle down with the prize? May be YES, may be NO. My friends keep questioning me, LOL?  I always have this desire of giving, of travelling the roadless path keeps me awake at night, to plan, to read, to write, to do and be something MORE to the world…

I also believe taking control of the present moment, owning the decisions, learning new skills and staying focused on the prize, is a NEW HAPPILY EVER AFTER!

Stay happy, shining and sparkling!

Signing out,

Amrit Kaler….

How Genomics is transforming diagnosis and cancer treatment in modern era ?

 

Cancer is a disease caused by an abnormal proliferation of clonal cells caused by aberrations in the DNA. These can be seen in the form of mutations, deletions, substitutions, rearrangements, or amplifications which produces abnormal protein and function. These genetic alterations can be inherited or acquired due to environment factors like exposure to carcinogens, infections, life style etc.

The human genome project has estimated 80,000 to 1,00,000 genes in human, which are the functional unit of inheritance. Genomic information about cancer has revolutionized our understanding of cancer development and progression. The application of next generation sequencing has provided unprecedented opportunity to understand the biological basis of different cancer types.  This has led to better diagnosis and treatment strategies that are tailored to patient’s tumor, also known as precision medicine.

The main objective of genomics and precision medicine is to give the right diagnosis at the right time to choose the right treatment. Genomic sequencing solves the diagnostic dilemma in difficult cases on histopathology and helps to understand the genetic background of cancer patients. Patients with same type of cancer might respond differently to different drugs. Pharmacogenomics can also help to define the behavior of the tumor to a particular drug and helps to identify genomic biomarkers of drug response and resistance. By using genomic data and machine learning algorthims, one can accurately predict who will respond better and who will face the side effects of a particular treatment. Recently, robotics has been introduced which provides greater accuracy and expedites the process by automation of gene mapping and DNA sequencing.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are molecular signatures of cancer cells that are shed from the primary tumor site, enter the circulatory system and are responsible for distant metastasis. This streamlines the monitoring of the patients to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Cell free (cf) DNA helps in identification of the disease when the tissue biopsies are negative for tumor while PET CT shows hot spots of tumor nodules. Monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD) by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in hematological malignancies helps to understand the response to targeted therapies. Some germline panels help to understand various syndromes like hereditary breast and ovarian cancers (HBOC) etc.  BRCA1 and 2 genes are involved in spectrum of diseases involving multiple organ system like female genital tract, breast, pancreas, prostate etc. FDA has approved Poly (ADP-ribose) Polymerase (PARP) inhibitors eg Olaparib has been proven to be of a great therapeutic value.  The targeted drugs act like small molecules, antibody based or direct inhibitors which block the gene expression, inhibit signaling pathway or aberrant protein expression.

Beyond the identification of targetable alterations, genomic methods can gauge tumor mutational burden (TMB), MSI and PDL-1 which might predict a therapeutic response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Tumor agonistic or histology agonistic therapy for specific molecular fusions or alterations have revolutionized the therapeutic approach to tumors at different sites.

 “The Ultimate Validation of Genomics and Precision Oncology is when it gives a twinkle in patient’s eyes”

MY PET SNAIL ALBERT .

Today I am here to share a very unique experience about my pet snail...We brought him from a beautiful valley of Chikkamangaluru, Karnataka where we went for a holiday in 2018. One of the evening probably, we saw him crawling next to our door with a tiny head out of his tiny shell looking for a safe place to hide. We picked him and kept him in our room for two days and fell in love with this tiny creature of about one centimeter. So we brought him along with us to Bangalore in a small box within mud and few leaves to feed him on the way. We named him Albert because of our hypothetical guess of him being a male; only to learn later that snails are hermaphrodites ie they have both male and female parts and they can lay eggs on their own...!

As Albert grew, his shell became bigger, spiral and stripped; he actually grew into a handsome young man of around 12 centimeters long. He loved eating all types of vegetables, particularly the cabbage; slide into water bowl and would slug his slimy mascular body completely into the shell and slept for long hours. Albert would finish his tour sliding on the wooden cabinet and would show his beautiful double tentacles (we called them antennae...lol) which are known to be sensitive to smell. I would caress his shell every time I came back from work and he would brighten up and show his antennae, was among the most satisfying moment of my life...The thought that Albert recognizes me, he knows me filled me with joy and I accept that I loved him. 

It seems that snails body is attached to the shell and they cannot survive without their shells. Few small cracks can be plastered but loosing more than 60% of the shell is devastating. Just a week back, we found Albert on the floor with his shell broken and separated, probably from a fall during his little tour. He survived for four days, did eat and drink but his slimy body was getting dry and the shell couldn't be re-attached. We googled and found one rare unsuccessful surgery which happened in Israel. Albert died 3 days back, we gave him a proper burial in our garden and I kissed him Goodbye. 

I promise that even a smallest creature will find a way to communicate if we try to understand them. Albert did express his happiness and joy through his unique movement of antennae; and I found it very satisfying to understand him, feed him and clean him.  Its difficult to let go but sharing your emotions through writing definitely heals ! 

Thankyou for coming in our lives and giving us so much affection. Way to go Albert..!  

Amrit. 

Albert on his little tour !

Helping hearts !

I was blessed to be brought up in a convent school for almost a decade in a small town of Amritsar.  But I was very well aware of the inquisitive minds of less fortunate ones who couldn't attend school but had a deep yearning to learn more. My conscious mind realized the bitter truths and it changed me and I became more accommodative and proffered to the needs of others. And this reflected in my actions and teachings. It never occurred to me that I have to vanquish others to be a winner  !  

Well, I find quite surprising when I observe some senior professors embezzle the junior faculty for their narcissist egos. Few of my friends shared their stories that how their collaborative effort of writing books and papers was ripped apart after the work was completed. The post graduates made to do worthless jobs which gives them zero opportunity to grow. Another surprising fact I noticed seniors not sharing their knowledge because the brighter student threatens their position; which could be connected to a deep underlying sense of insecurity. 

Well everyone is different and are driven by different goals and motivations. But, everyone in the world needs help at some point and one must be lucky to get help at that time. But how many of us realize how magnificent it is to be able to provide help; give a helping hands to others who need it. 

I remember praying when I was small to help me understand better in school and I promised to help others in return. And this secret relationship between My GOD and me was the perfect world to live in as I always got rewarded. Probably, it was just a conscious or good will but it kept me going till today...

Love you all; the world is small and life is short; so lets make it a better place for everyone !

 

Men and Women: A mutual partnership ?

I wonder at times society raises girls to look for a potential rich life partner who can take care of them and keep them happy forever.  My question to you is...Are girls incapable to take care of themselves or why do they need extra person to keep them happy ? Aren't the girls looking out for someone who can understand them and be supportive of their dreams ? In fact what they are looking is a partner in crime .lol....!!  

If the baggage of expectations from the society and parents are removed, everything would seem so simple. Many women fail to understand their own needs and become more of time machine for others needs. The endless adjustments and sacrifices becomes their daily ritual. Its time that everyone understands that women are not anybody's property to claim and no women should bend to the whims and fancies of the uneducated lot. What happened to the concept of living to your full potential and understanding their rights..? 

The young girls need to be taught to take their own decisions, think scientifically and brought up to lead an independent life so that they can decide for their future. The extreme stress of being a superwoman in this era is exhausting  ie. to be a professional, amazing wife, good mother, respectful etc. Only if men can come forward and act to their rescue by becoming good husbands, fathers and good bosses. And its quite clear that we need our men in our lives, as their place is equally important and satisfying.  The concept of women empowerment doesn't say that women are better than men or vice versa. I think both the sexes should be equally treated and given an equal opportunity to express and take collective decisions.  

The marriage/relationship should be a mutual partnership. Both men and women should remember not to give control of their lives to each other. I probably agree to the statement, "The best way to help someone is to help them reveal the greatest version of themselves."  

Tip of the day: Empower to become a power couple  !!

Love you All. 

Bhutan: A land of happiness

I have always wondered what makes Bhutan one of the most peaceful country in the world. It is inticing to understand how the country's prosperity and progress is measured by the happiness of people. Bhutan has proved its own unique way of conscentious good life. The throbbing positive vibes of Bhutanese people filled with warmth and happiness has a life of its own. I have stayed in Bhutan for 3 years during my teenage years and when ever I visit Thimphu; the sparkling happy smile on my face never disappears. I can affirm this splendid place has an unforgettable aura.

I still remember walking to school on foot, the distance measured by crossing three mountains and a wooden bridge on Thimphu river on my way to Yangchenphu High School, Thimphu. I cannot forget the cool breeze of rainy season and the clouds whispering in my ears as I walked down the roads with surprising rain showers. The splendid display of the flowers in summers only leaves one with long lasting impression of nature and amazing beauty of the valley. 

My journey towards spirituality and meditation started while circumambulating the Memorial Chhorten Temple among the elderly Bhutanese people reciting the mantras which led me to inner depth and purpose of life. The symbolic display of multicoloured flags placed all over signifies the five wisdoms of Buddhism, which keeps the good harmony between body and mind. The city still does not operate on traffic signals; the people just follow the human safety and rules habitually. The cinema and TV had been introduced just a few years back. The traditional national outfit (Kira and Gho) is practised in schools, colleges and Government offices preserving their core cultural inheritance.

 

Bhutan doesn't flaunt the big multi complex shopping malls with International brands but the market area sells original Bhutanese products like  wooden bowls, gold and silver jewellery, hand woven textiles, sculptures, Buddhist Paintings etc.  The country's main revenue depends upon hydroelectric power, agriculture and forestry, craftsman ship, cottage industry, tourism etc. 

I often question myself, can spirituality and economy grow together? Absolutely, definitely slow but never reverse. The core spirituality raises productivity by fostering individual traits such as honesty, work ethic, virtuous behaviour etc. It also promotes education and knowledge which often leads to equality for women and social upliftment. In 1970, His Majesty, The Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck emphasized on holistic well being of the people and redefined his country's Gross Developmental Index as Gross Happiness Index .... Extraordinary !! 

• Tip of the day: True essence of happiness lies within !! 
  
  
  "Tashi Delek" (Thankyou)
  
  
  Amrit.  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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