Meet Swati
“I started this life as a daughter - one among seven siblings, the third one to be precise and today I am a mother, daughter, wife and play many other roles. But the most important role that I play and I love is being a nature cure practitioner.” - Swati Dhariwal
Early life
It all started when I was just a sprout of five years old. My dad, who had just stumbled upon the the world of nature cure bursting with excitement and armed with newfound knowledge, whisked us away from the bustling streets of Bombay to the serene city of Chennai.
But let me tell you, it wasn't an easy ride. We didn't have a penny to spare, just a pocketful of dreams and a heart full of hope. With four kids in tow and my mom by his side, my dad embarked on a quest to change our lives and, perhaps, even the world.
His passion for nature cure was like a blazing fire, lighting up our lives with every flicker. He didn't waste a moment, introducing us to this way of life from the get-go. I can still picture him, with his earnest eyes and warm smile, welcoming one or two clients who had exhausted all other options. They came to him as a last resort, hanging onto a thread of hope, hoping against hope for a miracle.
Our days were unlike any other kids'. While they indulged in sugary treats and fast food, we feasted on nature's bounty – heaps of fruits, food sweetened with jaggery instead of sugar, and nourished by wholesome red rice instead of white. Our meals were cooked with love in earthen pots, infused with the earthy goodness of cold-pressed oils.
We didn't tread the well-worn path of convenience; instead, we forged our own trail, brimming with adventure and discovery. Every day felt like a new chapter, as I rubbed shoulders with people from all walks of life, hailing from every corner of the globe.
I was my dad's little helper, lending a hand wherever I could, my heart bursting with pride at being a part of something so profound. This unconventional lifestyle, this journey of discovery, it wasn't just a phase – it was a stepping stone on my path to embracing nature cure wholeheartedly. And oh, what a journey it has been!
Education
My journey through education began in the halls of Besant Arundale Senior Secondary School, nestled within the esteemed Kalakshetra Foundation, founded by the illustrious Rukmini Devi Arundale. It was no ordinary school; here, tradition danced with modernity, creating a unique blend of culture and learning. Our curriculum followed the CBSE syllabus, but the campus itself was a haven reminiscent of an ashram, with straw-roofed cottages and lush greenery all around. Classes often took place under the shade of sprawling trees, embracing nature as our ultimate classroom.
The school's charm didn't end there. Our attire echoed tradition, with boys donning traditional kurta pyjamas and girls adorning South Indian attire – full skirts and blouses. These rustic features captured my father's heart, leading him to choose this school for us. We'd slip into our slippers for the journey to school, but once there, we'd kick them off and revel in the sensation of warm sand beneath our feet, breathing in the fresh air and basking in the sunlight.
Recess was a time of pure joy, spent playing barefoot on the open grounds – a luxury that seems lost to many children today. It's a shame, really, because those moments spent connected to nature are invaluable, nurturing our health and well-being from an early age. I cherished these experiences for a decade, from my first day of school until I completed my tenth standard.
As I transitioned into higher education, I sought schools that offered more than just academic rigour. Lady Sivaswami Girls Higher Secondary School caught my attention, as they integrated psychology and nutrition into their curriculum. Later, I pursued my passion for English literature during my graduation and delved into Jainology for my post-graduation studies.
Yet, my thirst for knowledge didn't stop there. I pursued diplomas in Naturopathy from prestigious institutions, including the English Naturopathic College in Lucknow and the Indian School of Naturopathy in Bhuj. This path wasn't merely an academic pursuit; it was deeply ingrained in my upbringing. My father, the late Dr. B. Premchand, a revered Nature Cure Practitioner in Chennai, instilled in me a profound appreciation for natural living from a young age. Under his guidance, I honed my skills and embarked on my journey as a Nature Cure Practitioner in 1993, initially practicing at the Sri Guru Ganesha Nature Cure Sanatorium in Chennai.
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Experience with nature cure
Back in the early days, I would accompany my father's clients for their morning and evening strolls along the sandy shores of Thiruvanmiyur Beach in Chennai. Those moments, talking with them, became my informal education, which I think was the best kind of education one could get. I soaked in their stories, delved into the details of human psychology, and unraveled the mysteries of various diseases. It was an education unlike any other – a crash course in understanding people, communicating effectively, and navigating the complexities of life. What truly captivated me during this time? It was the stories, the information, the knowledge that I encountered through books and real-life experiences. I became a voracious reader, devouring books day in and day out, thirsty for more insights.
As I immersed myself deeper into this world, I embarked on short journeys of raw food eating. It was my way of exploring the essence of true health. Witnessing the transformative effects of our lifestyle and diet on the health and well-being of those who sought my father's guidance was nothing short of astounding. The simplicity and depth of nature's offerings left me in awe, inspiring me to integrate its principles into my own life whenever possible.
This journey into raw food consumption not only bolstered my confidence in my health but also nurtured a sense of inner peace and clarity of mind. Fast forward to today, I've taken another leap forward by eliminating dairy and all its derivatives from my diet for the past five years. The results? Improved health and vitality beyond measure. Through it all, one truth has become abundantly clear to me – spending time in nature is the ultimate key to longevity and optimal health. Nature has intricately designed life and dietary protocols for every creature, tailored to their unique needs. Yet, as humans, we often veer off this natural course, attempting to impose our will on every living being we encounter, from animals to plants.
It's this disconnect from nature's wisdom that lies at the heart of our collective suffering – a myriad of diseases and distress that afflict us at every turn. My journey has taught me that the path to true well-being lies in reconnecting with the innate rhythms of nature, embracing its gifts with humility and reverence.
My journey with raw veganism
Switching to raw vegan lifestyle made me feel lighter and happier. Over time, I noticed my body becoming cleaner. I felt a surge of vitality coursing through my veins. My body responded with gratitude, shedding the weight of toxins accumulated over years of conventional eating habits. It was like a rejuvenation from within, a cleansing of both body and soul. My physical being felt lighter, my mind clearer, and my spirit brighter. It was as if layers of impurities were being peeled away, revealing the true essence of my being. The journey towards optimal health became synonymous with a journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. I realized that this journey towards better health isn't just for this lifetime but extends beyond. It's about shedding layers of falsehood and deception to uncover our true selves.
Living a raw vegan lifestyle isn't just about what we eat; it's about transforming our lives. I've often heard people say that true living is marked by a checklist of experiences – travel, adventure, love. But I challenge that notion. True living is about experiencing the fullness of life in its purest form, unencumbered by the distractions of modernity. It's about honouring our innate connection to the earth and all its inhabitants, and recognising that our journey towards liberation begins here and now.
I believe that experiencing a raw vegan lifestyle is essential for true living. It's about discovering the essence of life and embarking on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. So, I invite everyone to join me on this path towards better health and a brighter future.
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Take the first step towards a healthier, more vibrant life. Embrace the philosophy of Healing From Within and rediscover the natural, powerful healer within you. Let us guide you on this transformative journey, where nature's wisdom and your body's innate intelligence come together to create true, lasting health.