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Do you remember your favorite book from childhood?

When I think about the hundreds of books I’ve read over the years, one stands out above all othersnot for its complexity or literary acclaim, but for its profound impact on my life. It was the first book I ever read, a vibrant picture book gifted to me by my father on my third or fourth birthday. That single book ignited a passion for reading that has shaped who I am today. This wasn’t just any book. It was a whimsical pop-up picture book, bursting with colorful illustrations and playful storytelling. It followed the adventures of three curious kittens as they explored the world, encountering delightful surprises and charming misadventures along the way. The pages were heavy on vivid imagery and light on words, perfect for a young child just beginning to discover the magic of stories. I can still recall the thrill of flipping through those pages, the pop-ups… Do you remember your favorite book from childhood?

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List three books that have had an impact on you. Why?

Books have a way of leaving imprints on our lives, sometimes subtly, sometimes profoundly. Three books I read years agoKundalini: The Evolutionary Energy in Man by Gopi Krishna, Mindfulness in Plain English by Henepola Gunaratana, and Freedom Road by Howard Fasthave stayed with me, each sparking a different kind of awakening. 1. Kundalini: The Evolutionary Energy in Man by Gopi KrishnaI picked up this book in 2014, and it launched me into a year-long exploration of spiritual discovery. Gopi Krishna’s raw, almost unbelievable account of his accidental journey to higher consciousness through yogic breathing gripped me. His story begins with a joltpractices meant to calm the mind instead unleash a torrent of physical and mental challenges. The vivid descriptions of his struggles, paired with the eventual transcendence, were both cautionary and inspiring. It’s a book that doesn’t just narrate but challenges you to question the boundaries of human potential. For… List three books that have had an impact on you. Why?

empty tunnel with spots of light

What fears have you overcome and how?

Fear is a universal part of the human experience, evolving as we journey through life. As a child, I was terrified of the dark corners in my grandparents’ sprawling homeshadowy spaces that seemed to hide endless mysteries. As I grew older, those childhood fears faded, replaced by anxieties about life’s uncertainties: upcoming exams, job interviews, and major life transitions. Over time, I realized a simple truth: no matter how much I feared these moments, they would happen regardless. Change is inevitable, and running from it is futile. Through trial and error, I’ve learned that the best way to conquer fear is to face it head-on, one step at a time. Instead of letting worry overwhelm me, I break challenges into manageable pieces. This approach keeps me grounded, allowing me to tackle each issue with focus and clarity without dismissing its significance. Problems and change are not obstacles to wish awaythey’re… What fears have you overcome and how?