Jahnavi: How to Create Inner Calm When Life Feels Overwhelming (THIS Simple Daily Practice When Your Mind Won't Stop!)
In this episode of On Purpose, Jay Shetty and guest Jahnavi Harrison explore the intersection of spirituality, music, and personal growth. Harrison shares her experiences growing up in a spiritual community outside London, including the challenges she faced transitioning to mainstream schooling and how her diverse religious upbringing shaped her path.
The conversation delves into Harrison's approach to devotional music and mantra meditation, explaining how these practices can create inner calm regardless of language barriers. Harrison and Shetty also discuss their 20-year friendship and shared commitment to spiritual service, offering insights into how Harrison combined her musical talents with spiritual practice to develop her career path.
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1-Page Summary
Jahnavi's Personal and Spiritual Background
Jahnavi Harrison's early life was deeply rooted in spirituality and nature. Growing up near Bhaktivedanta Manor outside London, she was surrounded by 80 acres of protected land, where she developed a lasting connection to nature. Her education at the temple school seamlessly integrated spiritual practices with academic subjects.
At age ten, Jahnavi faced significant challenges transitioning to mainstream school, where her unique spiritual background and unfamiliarity with pop culture made her feel isolated. This difficult period lasted until she was 18, marked by anxiety and a struggle to find her place.
Jahnavi's parents, coming from diverse religious backgrounds, provided strong spiritual guidance throughout her upbringing. Their dedication to service, devotion, and spiritual inquiry helped Jahnavi navigate her crisis of faith and eventually find her path.
The Nature and Purpose of Devotional Music/Chanting
Jay Shetty notes that participants in Jahnavi's sessions often enter meditative states despite not understanding the language. Jahnavi explains that mantra repetition acts like a washing machine for the heart and mind, purifying through sound vibration.
Unlike mainstream entertainment, Jahnavi describes devotional music as a tool for prayer, meditation, and spiritual awakening. She combines traditional chants with original songs to make ancient prayers accessible to newcomers. Through her performances and workshops, Jahnavi creates spaces for spiritual connection and inner transformation.
The Evolution of Jahnavi's Musical Career and Passion
Though musically inclined from childhood, Jahnavi initially kept her talents private, recording stories and songs for her sister and learning violin. Her relationship with music transformed at age 18 when she began incorporating violin into temple kirtan sessions.
After college, Jahnavi chose to join a mantra music group instead of pursuing a conventional career, allowing her to merge her musical talents with spiritual service. Jay Shetty observes that this decision to combine passion with service has led to a fulfilling career path.
Host and Guest's Friendship and Collaboration
Jay Shetty and Jahnavi Harrison share a 20-year friendship grounded in spirituality and service. Their early collaboration included touring England together, with Jay speaking while Jahnavi led mantra meditations. Their enduring friendship is characterized by regular gatherings and a shared commitment to prioritizing spiritual well-being over personal gain, embodying the principle of "das anudasa" (servant of the servant).
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Actionables
- You can explore the therapeutic effects of nature by designating a daily 'green hour' where you spend time outdoors, whether it's walking in a park, tending to a garden, or simply sitting under a tree to foster a deeper connection with the natural world.
- This practice can help you appreciate the calming influence of nature and its ability to provide a sense of peace and grounding. For example, you might choose to visit a local botanical garden and focus on the sights, sounds, and smells, or you could start a small herb garden on your windowsill to engage with nature on a daily basis.
- Create a personal mantra or affirmation that resonates with your values and repeat it during moments of stress or meditation to cultivate a sense of inner peace and focus.
- Mantras can be simple phrases that hold personal significance and are easy to remember. For instance, you might choose a phrase like "I am at peace" or "Strength flows through me," and repeat it quietly to yourself during your morning routine or when you feel anxious, using the repetition as a tool to center your thoughts and emotions.
- Integrate music into your daily routine as a form of self-expression and emotional release by setting aside time to play an instrument, sing, or even listen to music that uplifts your spirit.
- This can be as simple as dedicating 15 minutes each day to play a few chords on a guitar, learning a new song on the piano, or curating a playlist of music that speaks to your soul. For example, you might start your day with a song that energizes you or wind down in the evening with calming instrumental music to create a ritual that supports your emotional well-being.
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Jahnavi's Personal and Spiritual Background
Jahnavi Harrison's upbringing was steeped in spirituality, nature, and community, forming a woven tapestry of beliefs and connections that would guide her throughout her life.
Jahnavi's Spiritual Upbringing in Devotional Practices
Jahnavi's Childhood Memories of Nature, Spiritual Sounds, and Community Shaped Her Connection To the Divine
Jahnavi Harrison recalls with fondness her childhood near fields and forests outside London, an experience filled with beauty and inspiration. Growing up close to protected farmland, she often walked and cycled through nature, especially drawn to the yellow rapeseed flowers. This formative experience nurtured an ongoing passion for nature, with Jahnavi identifying herself as "a bit of a tree nerd." Even now, living in the Bay Area, she emphasizes her connection to nature, spending time among the redwoods and along the California coast.
The environment at Bhaktivedanta Manor, where she grew up, was described as idyllic—complete with 80 acres of land, cows, and a beautiful lake. Jahnavi details the special aspects of her education, focusing on the small classroom size that allowed for individual teacher attention. The curriculum fused singing, drama, art, and typical academic subjects, with the whole school leading the chanting in the temple as a weekly unifying ritual.
Jahnavi's Challenge: Spiritual Community to Mainstream School Transition
The transition from the temple school to a larger, mainstream school at age ten marked a difficult period for Jahnavi. Describing it as a rude awakening, she realized that not all kids shared her spiritual upbringing, making her feel vulnerable, shy, and "weird" to her peers. Lacking exposure to pop culture and with distinctive personal traits such as her uncommon name and vegetarianism, Jahnavi initially tried to erase her presence to avoid mockery.
This challenging period extended until she was 18, characterized as a "dark tunnel," where she lost grounding in her identity and lacked confidence. The stress of attending regular school resulted in stomach issues and headaches from anxiety, propelling her between homeschooling and public school in an effort to find some comfort. She consistently felt overwhelmed and unable to cope, ultimately leading to daily tears and pleas to avoid school.
Her parents have always wanted her to seize opportunities and excel academically, but despite their support, Jahnavi struggled to find happiness and confidence within the walls of her schools.
Jahnavi's Parents Exemplified Service, Devotion, and Spiritual Inquiry, Deeply Influencing Her Path
Jahnavi's Parents' Truth and Care Are Guiding Lights
Jahnavi's parents, seekers of truth ...
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Actionables
- You can deepen your connection to nature by starting a daily or weekly nature journal. Document your observations, feelings, and thoughts while spending time in your local park, garden, or even your backyard. This practice can help you become more attuned to the natural world and its impact on your well-being, similar to how Jahnavi's connection to nature played a significant role in her life.
- Create a personal ritual that combines elements of spirituality and education, such as a weekly reflection session where you read from various spiritual texts and then write down how these teachings can be applied to your life. This mirrors the integrated learning approach Jahnavi experienced and can help you explore your beliefs while fostering personal growth.
- Build a support netw ...
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The Nature and Purpose of Devotional Music/Chanting
Jahnavi Harrison and Jay Shetty explore the profound impact of devotional music and chanting on emotional, meditative, and spiritual states, pointing to its unique ability to induce inner transformation and foster a sense of community.
Sacred Music Induces Meditative State
Mantra Repetition Purifies Heart and Mind Through Sound Vibration
Jay Shetty recounts how, during Jahnavi's sessions, participants enter an emotional and meditative state even without understanding the language, thanks to the special potential of sound. Jahnavi Harrison likens mantra repetition to a washing machine, clarifying that just like running a dirty piece of clothing through several cycles, the sound vibration from mantras purifies the heart and mind. This process doesn't require any instruments but relies solely on presence and the voice. Jahnavi recalls her childhood experiences with Kirtan, especially during a yearly festival in London's Battersea Park, where Kirtan lasted from the afternoon into evening, leaving her joyous and filled by the end.
Devotional Music Aids Spiritual Connection and Inner Transformation
Mainstream Entertains; Devotional Music Aids Prayer, Meditation, and Spiritual Awakening
Devotional music, unlike mainstream music that often aims to entertain, assists in prayer and meditation, and in navigating spiritual awakening. Harrison intertwines traditional chants with original songs in her concerts to bridge the language of ancient prayers with those new to the practice. She insists that devotional music enhances one's personal connection with truth and faith, serving not just as entertainment but as a healing modality. Jahnavi, as a devotional singer, writer, and artist, has made her voice a sanctuary for those seeking peace and spiritual grounding. Through performances, recordings, and workshops worldwide, Jahnavi invites people to pause, breathe, and reconnect with their inner life.
Jahnavi speaks of the vulnerability and personalism in her music, helping to be a vessel for pure sound and to share prayers and personal reflections. This vulnerability is crucial as it allows access to feelings otherwise hard to reach, potentially during spontaneous or ritualistic prayers designed to foster spiritual expression and transformation.
Jahnavi Views Chanting and Dev ...
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Counterarguments
- The purification effect of mantra repetition on the heart and mind is subjective and may not be experienced by everyone; some individuals may not find sound vibration as effective in achieving emotional or mental clarity.
- The claim that participants can enter meditative states without understanding the language of the mantra might not hold true for all, as some may find understanding the meaning essential to their spiritual practice.
- While devotional music is said to aid spiritual awakening, it is important to acknowledge that spirituality is diverse, and different people may find connection and awakening through various forms of music or art, not just devotional music.
- The idea that devotional music is not entertainment could be contested; some individuals might find devotional music entertaining as well as spiritually enriching.
- The assertion that devotional music enhances personal connection with truth and faith might not resonate with those who do not adhere to any faith tradition or who find other forms of music more connecting.
- The effectiveness of music as a healing modality is not universally accepted and may vary greatly from person to person; some may find other forms of therapy more beneficial.
- The concept of vulnerability in music as a pathway to deep feelings and transformation might not be universally applicable, as some individuals may not relate to or be moved by the music in the intended way.
- The idea that chanting and devotional music are tools for divine access could be challenged by those who do not believe in the divine or who access spirituality through different means.
- The transformative experience of community singing may not be felt by ever ...
Actionables
- You can create a personal mantra by selecting words that resonate with your values and intentions, then set aside a few minutes each day to chant them quietly or aloud. This practice can help you focus your mind and connect with your inner self, similar to how devotional music fosters spiritual states. For example, if "peace" and "clarity" are important to you, your mantra might be "I am peace, I see clearly."
- Start a playlist of devotional music and integrate it into your daily routine, such as during your morning or evening rituals. This can help you transition into a meditative state and enhance your spiritual practice. For instance, while preparing for the day or winding down at night, play tracks that feature traditional chants or modern compositions with spiritual themes to create an environment conducive to reflection and connection.
- Engage with a virtual community that practices chanting or devotional singing by joining online forums or soc ...
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The Evolution of Jahnavi's Musical Career and Passion
Over the years, Jahnavi Harrison has developed an extraordinary career that intertwines her musical talents with her spiritual path.
Jahnavi Showed Artistic Inclinations Early, but Didn't Pursue Music As a Career
From a young age, Jahnavi showed signs of an artistic soul.
Jahnavi Explored Music and Composition in Childhood but Was Shy to Share
As a child, Jahnavi was drawn to the arts, recording herself telling stories, singing, and spontaneously composing on a Casio keyboard without formal training. These private recordings, intended as bedtime stories for her sister, laid the foundation for her creative expression. In addition, she dabbled in various art forms, imagining herself in different creative roles, such as a florist or a special effects makeup artist.
While studying the violin since age 10, Jahnavi mostly played in private, hindered by an experience of bullying during her brief stint in an orchestra. This shyness and reluctance to perform publicly led her to ponder the purpose of her violin practice.
Jahnavi's Path Changed as She Fused Devotion With Music
Jahnavi's relationship with music evolved as she started to see it as a form of spiritual service.
Joining a Mantra Music Group After College Enabled Jahnavi to Merge Her Spiritual Passion and Talents, Resulting In a Career as a Devotional Singer and Artist
At 18, Jahnavi felt a greater connection to her spiritual traditions and began using her violin during kirtan sessions at the temple. This eventually led her to join a mantra music group, aligning her talents with her devotion. As she completed her undergraduate degree, the choice between a conventional job and touring the world with the music group presented itself. Jahnavi chose the path that spoke to her soul and declined a secured magazine editor position, opting to continue performing mantra music.
Jay Shetty discusses Jahnavi’s successful niche as the intertwining of passion and service, which both pleases her and makes others happy. This commitment to her passion and community has been abundantly fruitful in her life.
Jahnavi's Grammy Nomination: A Milestone in Her Artistic and Spiri ...
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Actionables
- Explore your childhood hobbies to find a passion that could be integrated into your current lifestyle. For instance, if you enjoyed drawing as a child, start a daily sketching routine or join a local art class to reignite that interest and see if it can be woven into your daily life or even career.
- Use your personal beliefs or values as a compass to guide your career choices. Write down what you hold most important in life, such as helping others, environmental conservation, or education, and research careers or volunteer opportunities that align with these values to find a fulfilling path that resonates with your personal convictions.
- Share your talents in a ...
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Host and Guest's Friendship and Collaboration
Jay Shetty and Jahnavi Harrison reflect on their shared commitment to spirituality and service which has fortified their bond over two decades.
Jay Shetty and Jahnavi: 20-year Bond Through Spirituality and Service
Jay Shetty introduces Jahnavi Harrison as a treasured friend for the last 20 years, intertwining their spiritual journeys and service to the community as the bedrock of their relationship. Shetty's familiarity with Harrison's family, particularly her parents, who are well-loved members of their community and played a significant role in Shetty's wedding ceremony, further cements the depth of their bond.
Jay Spoke While Jahnavi Led Mantra Meditations Across England
Their partnership in spiritual service shone while touring across England, where they hosted events focused on giving spiritual experiences to attendees. Jay would engage the audience with his words while Jahnavi led mantra meditations. These early experiences, including intimate gatherings with small numbers, solidified their commitment to service over personal gain.
Jahnavi's Visits to Jay's for Gatherings Have Deepened Their Friendship and Service Commitment
Their long-standing friendship is often evident in the many conversations they've had during Jahnavi's visits to Jay's house. Through these meetings, they've delved deeper into their shared spiritual and service-oriented values.
Prioritizing Spiritual and Emotional Well-Being ...
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Actionables
- You can deepen relationships by initiating a shared journal with a close friend, where you both write about your experiences, thoughts on spirituality, and acts of service. This practice encourages reflection and a deeper understanding of each other's values. For example, you might write about a moment that made you feel connected to something greater than yourself, and your friend could respond with their insights or similar experiences.
- Start a tradition of 'service swaps' with friends or family, where instead of exchanging gifts, you perform acts of service for each other or your community. This could be as simple as helping a neighbor with yard work or volunteering together at a local shelter. The focus is on the act of giving time and effort rather than material items, fostering a sense of communal well-being and shared purpose.
- Create a 'values vision board' that visually represents your co ...
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