Ambika Aruna Ganesh is a life coach, facilitator and a spiritual explorer. A resourceful and compassionate coach with 10 years+ experience and multidisciplinary skill set has worked with 500+ clients from across the world using mindfulness. Mindfulness is a way of operating peacefully in today’s VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) world. She uses the framework of psychology, mindfulness and reference of ancient Indian modalities to bring the desired results and inculcate a sense of sukoon- a sense of love, peace and purpose to practice mindfulness dedicatedly, she lives in Tamil-Nadu with her Guru.
Ishaa’s approach extrapolates her lived experiences in mental health and applies it to education, mental health advocacy and multidisciplinary arts. She aims to foster empathy, positivity, and self-awareness while sparking mental health discussions and reducing stigmas by creating safe spaces for stigmatized conversations in the AODA, Sunnybrook Patient and Family Advisory Committee(s). As a Member Artist of the Workman Arts Organization, she integrates dance therapy into the community for healing and expression by infusing Latin, Indian Classical and Folk styles as a facilitator. In her Memoir ‘Finding Order in Disorder’ ; in lucid, simple prose, she addresses what it is like to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, how it affects interpersonal relationships, and how societal norms influence our understanding of and responses to mental health issues. As a Research Associate of a York Master’s Thesis documentary project titled ‘Unfinished,’ she explores her journey in mental health vis-à-vis multidisciplinary arts. She is currently the Founder and Executive Director of a nonprofit NGO titled: Finding Order in Disorder Foundation.
00:07 Reconnecting After a Long Time
Catching up after years and reminiscing about shared experiences at SIMC.
00:19 A Journey of Name and Identity
Discussing a personal journey, including a spiritual transformation and name change.
00:46 Adopting a New Identity
Reflections on identity, self-discovery, and societal expectations.
03:43 Challenges of Being a Celebrity Kid
Exploring childhood, media attention, and overcoming personal struggles.
04:42 The Healing Power of Dance
Sharing experiences of learning and teaching Kathak as a spiritual and meditative journey.
08:18 Life After Divorce
Navigating therapy, yoga, and personal growth post-divorce.
09:17 Mental Health and Societal Perceptions
Addressing mental health stigma and challenges in different cultural contexts.
10:57 Finding a Guru and New Beginnings
Rediscovering purpose and teaching dance in Dalhousie.
13:30 Starting Over in Toronto
Moving back to Mumbai and eventually settling in Toronto.
16:05 Meditation, Mindfulness, and Spiritual Growth
Deep insights into meditation, mindfulness, and the unconditional awareness of breath.
29:40 Navigating Abuse and Recovery
Personal stories of breaking free from abusive relationships.
35:25 Moving Cities and Starting Fresh
Embracing new beginnings and the challenges of relocation.
41:41 Mental Health Advocacy and Research
Discussing the creation of ‘Finding Order in Disorder Foundation’ focused on mental health and social justice.
57:52 The Power of Connection and Friendships
Cherishing relationships and finding meaningful connections.
52:50 Looking Ahead with Positivity
Reflections on personal growth, goals, and the importance of staying resilient through the power of Kinship & Community