Growing up in an Indian household, I had always noticed a white plastic pen holder with text written in red Hindi script: "Kyon vyarth chinta kartey ho, kis se vyarth dartey ho?" Roughly translated, it means, "Why do you worry in vain? What are you afraid of in vain?" It was a curious artifact—an anchor of stillness amidst the bustle of life. At the time, I paid little attention to its message, and no one ever explained it either. The words were often used jokingly among us cousins, out of mere fun with no literal connotation.

Its essence, though lingered, waiting to unfold its wisdom.

Years later, as I faced challenges that almost always crept in (as they always do!) while growing up, I found myself returning to the question of unnecessary worry—not just about shedding physical weight but about lightening the emotional and mental burdens I had accumulated over time.

This quest brought me to the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.

I reframed my struggles as opportunities to act with intent and detachment from the outcome. Focusing on the process rather than the results brought a sense of lightness and clarity.

My sister, an alternative medicine doctor, introduced me to another profound concept: the five koshas, or "layers of being," from Vedantic philosophy. She explained them using the Russian doll analogy: each layer represents a part of our existence, and as we peel them back, we move closer to our innermost core of bliss (Ananda). This analogy made the koshas deeply relatable and gave me a new framework for understanding holistic well-being.

As Tal Ben-Shahar has taught us, asking the right questions takes us on a quest. The quality of the quest is determined by the quality of the questions we ask. Reflecting on the koshas, I began asking myself simple questions to understand and nurture each layer of my being.

What are these five Koshas or the five Layers of our Being? 

Let’s unpeel.

• Annamaya Kosha, or the Physical Body, is the outermost layer of our identity. Caring for it involves good food, exercise, and rest.

How can you honor and treat your body as a partner in your journey today? 

I realized it didn't have to be complicated. Small, intentional changes—like eating mindfully and choosing movements that felt joyful rather than forced—have become my way of showing gratitude to my body. Slowly yet surely, I have started to see a change.

• Pranamaya Kosha, or Energy Body, is the layer of energy powered by breath and vitality. Practices like yoga and conscious breathing nurture it.

How does your breath influence your energy and focus? 

I realized that my breath is a powerful tool. Yoga has become a calming routine rather than a forced rigor that it once was. Alternate nostril breathing has helped me feel calm and recharged, showing me how a few mindful moments could transform my energy.

• Manomaya Kosha, or Mental Body, comprises our thoughts and emotions. A calm mind leads to a more peaceful life.

How can you make your inner chatter more encouraging and less complaining? 

The stories we tell ourselves design our lives. It takes effort to realize that we are recycling the same thoughts daily. Art journaling, a practice I have been following for several years, especially gratitude journaling, has helped me nurture a positive inner dialogue. We all tend towards specific tools and techniques that keep us grounded in our actual being. This has been my go-to tool.

• The Vijnanamaya Kosha, or the Wisdom Body, is the layer of wisdom and understanding. It guides us in aligning our actions with our values.

What choices reflect your actual values and purpose? 

Exploring my "why" for everything I do gives me clarity and direction. Aligning my actions with my values feels like a compass guiding me toward fulfillment.

• Anandamaya Kosha, or Bliss Body, is all about joy and connection to our true selves. It's where we experience peace and happiness.

What simple activity can bring you closer to inner joy today? 

Art Journaling is my anchor. Dedicating even a few minutes daily, I can peel back the noise and connect with a deep sense of peace and contentment.

The Road Ahead

For me, the wisdom of the Gita, the Koshas, and Tal Ben-Shahar's emphasis on whole wellbeing converge as a roadmap for living a balanced and fulfilling life.

I now see how that penholder's simple yet profound message has worked. Letting go of unnecessary worry and embracing the layers of my well-being helps me find joy in the littlest things.

Conclusion

The Gita and the Koshas describe the journey into ourselves as an act of unpeeling the layers that obscure our authentic selves. We can achieve holistic well-being by aligning our actions with purpose, caring for our physical and mental health, and connecting with our innermost selves. As Tal Ben-Shahar teaches, whole-being wellness is the foundation for true happiness.

The individual soul (Jivatma) is intrinsically connected to the Divine (Paramatman). Our essence is purity, bliss, peace, love, and joy.

So, ask yourself: What small step can you take today to nurture all aspects of your being and live with greater intention and joy?

Happiness, after all, is not a destination but a way of being. And sometimes, wisdom comes from the most straightforward sources—even a humble penholder.