Blog Bling February 2010

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Thank you this month to Clark, Culture Transition Coaching, Expatriate and Cross-Cultural Success (Global Coach Center), Hindu Blog, India Abroad, Naomi, neoindian.org, Remarkablogger Business Blog Coaching & Consulting, Sharell, Shyama, and Srivalli Jetti of Cooking 4 all Seasons for inspiring the wonderful collection of information I am sharing this month.

Cultural Tip- Sorting through Postal Mail in America

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Junk and spam mail is not only an e-phenomenon! It is also a physical phenomenon! It invades our mailboxes, in our homes daily in America!

In this five-minute audio tip, I share a few tips on 'junk postal mail'- what can be useful, and what to avoid.

Photo, right by Oran Viriyincy, used under creative commons.

2009 Memories and Flashbacks by Krishna

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Krishna has been working on uploading select, inspiring images from our travels together in the past few years across America and to India. Click into see some of the awesome and inspirational images.

Teach us about your Culture!

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Is there something that you would like others to know about your culture? Is there something that is little-known, or maybe it's a myth or stereotype? Have you experienced different cultures and want to share your experiences?

I have compiled a comprehensive list of questions that you can choose from to get your memories refreshed! I hope to learn about you and your culture to share with the world here on Alaivani- to increase understanding and break down barriers of misundertanding among us! Thank you for your consideration and participation!

Feeling at Home in a New Country or Culture

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Have you lived in a different city or country than where you were born and raised for a few months, a few years, a few decades? Do you know anyone else who has... and still feels homesick? I share some thoughts on why I think this occurs. I am happy to hear your thoughts, experiences and feedback!

Come To My House to Chill Out!

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

People in tropical or arid and sweltering hot climates may desire to experience and even live in climates where snow falls. Sometimes what we dream snow is, is not what we think it is!

India and America Interfaith and Secular Holiday Calendar February 2010

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

All spiritual faiths highlighted in my calendar celebrate a holy-day this month! Click in to see more!

Adjusting to Different Cultures and Lifestyles Made Easy - Three Techniques You Can Use Today to Encourage Success in Life Transitions!

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Moving across the country or around the globe for work opportunities, educational enrichment or family commitments is common-place now-a-days. We not only encounter lifestyle and cultural transitions by moving- we can encounter them in our own homes through changing jobs, changing family relationships, retirement, marriage, divorce and many other types of transitions. Here, I recap in a slide show video three techniques you can use on-your-own to create success and ease in lifestyle changes.

Culture Shock Breakthroughs: Adapting New Habits to Create Success

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

When transitioning to a new lifestyle, be it in your own country, your own town, or around the world, new habits may be required to feel successful and comfortable. Refer to the three tier technique as narrated through my culture adjustment in India to help make habits unconscious to increase success and ease.

Learning about World Cultures .... Compliments .... YOU!

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Your culture is mesmerising. What do you find most interesting about your culture? Is there something you would like the world to know about your culture that is misunderstood?

I am starting a series of interviews to help encourage cross-cultural sharing and understanding! I hope you would like to participate! Tune in for more info....

Alleviating Culture Shock By Taking Inventory of Your Life!

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

By taking inventory of your strengths and challenges we can help you be successful in all areas of your life while facing transitions in life.

Experience Inspiring Cross-Cultural Relationships

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

There are many resources to learn and understand why people do and behave how they do- the best sourse is the insider source! Find a mentor of someone in the group you want to relate to! If not, then bounce ideas off a mentor, life coach like me! Slideshow video inside.

Fall In Love with Your Global Lifestyle

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Moving to a different city or country? Wondering how you will adjust to a new lifestyle and culture? Do you enjoy learning and integrating new ways of expressing life? I have created a five part video training series that explores tips and techniques you can use today to help with culture shock, lifestyle adjustment and fitting in as a newcomer!

Sankranti: A Karnataka Perspective

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Sankranti is a holiday celebrated in many parts of India under different names with variations on ritual, reason and revelry. Click in to experience this festival as celebrated by some in Karnataka, a central south Indian state.

Submitted by an anonymous Kannidiga friend. Thank you.

FAQ – Questions about Pongal the South Indian Thanksgiving Harvest Festival

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Thanksgiving harvest is a mid January tradition in Tamil Nadu, South India. Wonder what are the special traits of this holiday, how it is observed and what to do if you're invited to one's home for this auspicious occasion? Click in to read more.

Photo right: Woman making kolam, design on ground with rice flour, in Tamil village for Pongal 2000.

Purchase Pongal Greeting Cards!

American English Accent Reduction for Native Japanese Speakers

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Many people come to America from Japan every year- and know how to speak English quite well. But, many Japanese may loose confidence in their English skills because Americans may not understand their Japanese-English accents. I have found a series of videos that are helpful in adjusting one's accent and rhythm to American English speakers.

Desi Professors in US – Some Random Thoughts

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Are you an Indian (desi) planning to come study in America for your graduate studies? Are you more enthusiastic to join your program if your advisor is desi? Consider the advantages and disadvantages of this choice as expressed by Brijesh in this article. Do share your insight, thoughts, and experiences here or on Brijesh's site.

Alaivani Newsletter January 2010

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Kanchipuram Temple Photo

Mysterious Laws of Attraction – Barriers to Indian-American Friendship and Relationship Building

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Can Indians and Americans be attracted to each other for life-long friendships or serious maritial relationships? What do we have in common? Where do we differ that may prevent attraction, relatability or understanding? I explore some of my thoughts on this topic in a video blog.

Free Cross-Cultural Mentoring Opportunity

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Moving around the world or across the country can offer opportunities of self-growth and self-exploration. Some moves require us to adapt to totally new surroundings- behaviorally, mentally, and emotionally. Sometimes when we are adapting to a new area, having a mentor help us through the changes can be encouraging. Click in to hear a special message from me!

Video Diary - Welcome 2010

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Face-to-face, I share with you through a video thoughts and directions for 2010 and Alaivani.com.

Captivating, Mystical, Mysterious Kanchipuram

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Vaikunta Perumal temple leaves images of wonder in our minds and hearts- and is part of Outdoor Magazine's photo contest. Click in to read more!

Outdoor Photographer - Mystical Adventures Gallery - Vote until January 15, 2010

Blog Bling January 2010

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Expats in India, cross-cultural self-development, exploration of misconceptions and stereotypes, and much more in this month's blog articles review!

Images of our Lives in 2009

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

This year, we have seen and experienced many things in America and India! Click inside to see some photos and videos of our travels.

2009 - A Year Dedicated to YOU - Readers and Contributors!!

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

This year with a growing list of 40 creative contributors; sharing their world and experience through words and photography, this post is dedicated to you! I appreciate the time and interest in my website- contributors and readers alike!

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