Beyond Intelligence: Finding My True Self
When I was studying computer engineering, I put so much pressure on myself. I wanted perfect grades, a great job, and to prove I was enough.
I’m Shashi, a Master’s student in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Adelaide. My life has been a winding road of chasing knowledge, facing doubts, and seeking peace. I’m not perfect, I’m still learning, and that’s okay. Life is full of twists and turns, and I’ve come to accept its imperfections. This blog is about my journey, my struggles, and how mindfulness, yoga, and meditation helped me discover that being human is about more than just being an intelligent creature.
Falling, Rising, and Growing
When I was studying computer engineering, I put so much pressure on myself. I wanted perfect grades, a great job, and to prove I was enough. But that pressure was too much. I felt anxious and depressed, like I was lost in my own thoughts. The fast world of tech felt overwhelming, and I didn’t know how to cope.
That’s when I found mindfulness and fitness. I started doing 30 minutes of yoga every day, followed by meditation. It wasn’t a quick fix, but it helped. Yoga made my body feel strong, and meditation cleared my mind. I felt calmer and more focused. But it wasn’t always easy. During COVID, I stopped my practices, and the anxiety crept back. I started asking big questions: Is this all life is? Am I done? What’s next? I’ve learned that life has ups and downs, and that’s okay. I’m still growing, and that’s what makes me human.
Being human means feeling, questioning, and finding a deeper purpose.
Being Human
I work with AI, and it’s amazing. AI can solve problems, process data, and respond like us. However, being intelligent, whether it’s AI or me doing well in school isn’t enough. Being human means feeling, questioning, and finding a deeper purpose. That’s where mindfulness comes in. It helps me slow down, listen to my heart, and find meaning beyond just being “smart.”
I believe we need both science and spirituality. Science helps me understand the world, and spirituality helps me understand myself, my fears, my dreams, and my purpose. Blending them is tough sometimes. Science asks for proof, while spirituality asks for faith. But I think the world needs this balance. We need technology to solve problems, but we need mindfulness to stay kind, grounded, and truly human.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is about being present right here, right now. It’s noticing your thoughts and feelings without judging them. It’s like sitting quietly by yourself and just listening. When I was anxious, mindfulness helped me breathe and calm the storm in my head. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about trying, even when it’s hard. Some days, I struggle to focus, but every moment I practice is a step forward.
What is Yoga?
Yoga is far more than physical exercise; it’s a comprehensive spiritual and mental discipline rooted in ancient Indian philosophy. The word “yoga” means union, representing the connection of body, mind, and soul. Through asanas (physical postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation, yoga cultivates balance and lasting inner peace. Through poses, breathing, and quiet moments, yoga brings peace. My 30-minute yoga practice each day helped my body feel alive and my mind feel ready to meditate. Even a short session can make you feel steady and calm.
Meditation: Finding Peace in the Chaos
That’s where mindfulness comes in. It helps me slow down, listen to my heart, and find meaning beyond just being “smart.”
Meditation is like giving your mind a rest. It’s sitting quietly and focusing on your breath or a single thought. For me, it’s been a way to find peace when life feels too much. After yoga, I sit and breathe. It helps me think clearly and feel less stressed. But it’s not always easy. Sometimes my mind races, and that’s okay. Doing something active, like yoga or a walk, can help you sit still and meditate better. The key is to keep trying, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Mantra Meditation: A Gentle Focus
When meditation feels tough, I turn to mantra meditation. This is when you repeat a word or sound, like “Om,” to calm your mind. The sound feels like a warm blanket for your thoughts. It helped me when I was restless. If you want to try it, check out videos or articles online to find a mantra that feels right for you. It’s a simple way to feel connected and at peace.
Tips for a Healthy, Mindful Life
Here are some easy ways to care for yourself:
● Move Your Body: Try 15–30 minutes of yoga, walking, or any activity you enjoy. It helps your body and mind feel good.
● Meditate a Little: Start with 5 minutes a day. Use a guided video if it helps.
● Eat with Care: Choose healthy foods and eat slowly, enjoying each bite.
● Do What You Love: I love creating things, like building projects that make people say, “Wow, that’s amazing!” It brings me joy.
● Help Others: I enjoy talking to students and helping them with their studies. Sharing knowledge feels meaningful.
● Be Kind to Yourself: Life isn’t perfect, and neither are you. If you stop practicing, like I did, just start again. It’s okay.
My Joys: Creating and Connecting
I love making things. Building projects that solve problems or make life easier gives me a sense of purpose. I also love helping students. Talking to them, answering their questions, and seeing them grow feels like I’m making a difference. These things keep me grounded and remind me to stay connected to others.
Science helps me understand the world, and spirituality helps me understand myself, my fears, my dreams, and my purpose.
Choosing Awareness Over Automation
It is easy to get lost in algorithms and forget to think for ourselves. Tools are helpful, but they should remain tools; we must not let them guide our lives. Meditation and reflection bring us back to what it means to simply be, to feel, and to notice. Intelligence can solve problems, but awareness gives life meaning. By staying present, kind, and mindful, life becomes more than performance; it becomes truly human.
