Tag: Gethering

Kajol Bhatia, Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Traditions, food and togetherness are the words I associate with celebrations—big and small. I’ve often found myself struggling with the intricacies of my own cultural identity, especially growing up as the daughter of expatriates. Nevertheless, the grounding values and sentiments behind these events that were rooted in the fusion of cultural influences have become an integral part of who I am today.

As a young girl, I discovered the profound joy of dressing up and celebrating with loved ones during these special occasions. While it was exciting to grow up in a multicultural city like Dubai, as an adult, I’ve now recognized the struggles my parents had to build a community and a space that felt like home to a family while living in a foreign country. 

Embracing diversity, I’ve excitedly celebrated Christmas with my brother, born on Christmas Day; relished the values associated with Ramadan, living in an Islamic country; and eagerly waited for Eid to enjoy a good plate of biryani from my Muslim neighbours. In the vibrant tapestry of my multicultural life, this melding pot of traditions and celebrations has become a cherished aspect of my journey. 

Reflecting on my childhood, the memories of colourful Rangoli outside the door and the aroma of traditional food evoke a sense of nostalgia. Despite the challenges of never-ending cleaning, cooking and decorating, it’s the joy of hosting, the love of sharing, and having friends and family close that makes these moments truly special.

Having lived in three different countries, I’ve been provided with the opportunity to adapt my celebrations while holding onto the core values that define my cultural identity. As I continue to celebrate various events in diverse settings, I realize that these moments of togetherness hold the power to unite us all, fostering appreciation and respect for the richness of each culture that makes up our global society. In today’s interconnected world, it’s crucial to appreciate and understand these diverse celebrations that take place in our communities.

Sharing my life with a Caucasian partner has provided a unique opportunity to blend the richness of my Indian heritage with the festivities of the Western world. My partner, who has lived in Canada and the US, brings their own set of lived experiences and traditions into our home. For instance, Diwali, the festival of lights, has always had a special significance in my family and earlier this year, my partner and I hosted our first annual Diwali celebration in our home together.

From sharing traditional Indian food to incorporating elements of Western parties into our Diwali celebrations, the gathering symbolized the coming together of two worlds in a harmonious celebration of love and shared values. Our approach to celebrations has not been about replacing one set of traditions with another, but rather about embracing the amalgamation of Indian and Western customs. Moreover, starting our annual celebrations has enabled us to introduce our friends and extended family to the richness of each other’s cultures.

In essence, our home has become a beautiful narrative of multiculturalism—full of intertwined, diverse cultural threads—influenced by our combined experiences and upbringings. This journey has not only strengthened our relationship, but has also allowed us to highlight the success of immigration and Canada’s multiculturalism policy.

On Oct. 8, 1971, Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau announced multiculturalism as an official government policy—the first of its kind in the world—to recognize the contribution of cultural diversity and multicultural citizenship to the Canadian social fabric.

Fast forward to the present day, and the real impact of this policy is beautifully reflected in households like ours. These mixed families, founded on principles of love and respect, embody the very essence of diversity. In these homes, cultural traditions are not just preserved, but also shared and embraced. 

It’s witnessed in the shared celebrations, traditions and languages that become an integral part of family dynamics. The impact is seen in children who grow up with an understanding and appreciation for multiple cultures, creating generations that value diversity as a strength rather than a difference.

Ultimately, the real success of Canada’s multiculturalism policy lies in the ability of individuals from different cultural backgrounds to come together, form families and build homes that serve as living testaments of a policy that has not only shaped the nation, but has also created a legacy that continues to thrive in the hearts and homes of Canadians.

Reflecting on what celebrations mean to me, a third-culture kid, I’ve come to enjoy the charming chaos of festivities and traditions of different nationalities that make my cultural identity a celebration in itself. It’s a privilege to have an understanding of our world and live in awe and appreciation of our differences. 

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Lucas Sukutian, Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

As the last rays of the sun dip below the horizon, a subtle yet pervasive tension begins to sweep through the dormitories and library halls of universities around the globe. This tension is a harbinger of the impending exam season, a period that brings an air of anticipation and apprehension. The phenomenon of pre-test anxiety is not unfamiliar to students; it’s a recurring theme that accompanies every major assessment, manifesting as a blend of nervous energy and overwhelming stress. 

The anxiety that precedes exams is more than just a fluttering of nerves; it’s a formidable wave that can unsettle the most stoic of students. Academic environments transform into high-stakes arenas, where each individual is pitted against their expectations and fears. The silent struggle that ensues is palpable, with each student wrestling with their thoughts and doubts in solitude. This period is characterized by a heightened sense of vulnerability, where the looming prospect of evaluation casts a long shadow over one’s confidence and self-assurance.  

However, it’s within this crucible of pressure that the opportunity for growth and solidarity emerges. The shared experience of pre-test tension fosters a unique bond among students, creating a sense of unity and mutual support. It’s a reminder that no one is alone in this journey and that there’s strength to be found in the collective struggle. By acknowledging this shared challenge, students can find solace in camaraderie, transforming the daunting task of facing exams into a more bearable endeavor.  

To master the art of dealing with pre-test anxiety, it’s crucial to adopt a proactive and balanced approach. Preparation is key; it serves as the foundation upon which confidence is built. Thorough review and consistent practice can demystify the subject matter, gradually dispelling the fog of uncertainty. However, it’s equally important to recognize the value of self-care and mental well-being. Incorporating regular breaks, engaging in physical activity, and ensuring adequate rest are essential strategies that contribute to a more holistic preparation process.  

On the day of the exam, it’s important to maintain perspective. The test is a measure of knowledge at a particular moment, not a definitive assessment of one’s capabilities or worth. Approaching the exam with this mindset can alleviate some of the pressure, allowing students to focus on the task at hand with clarity and calmness. It’s about doing one’s best with the preparation and knowledge at hand, and understanding that perfection is not the goal. 

 

So, the journey through pre-test tension is a multifaceted experience that encompasses both individual struggles and collective resilience. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of students who, despite the challenges, continue to strive for excellence. The true victory lies not in the grades achieved but in the personal growth and strength gained through the process. This narrative is not just about surviving exam season; it’s about thriving in the face of adversity and emerging stronger on the other side.  

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Lucas Sukutian, an economics professional from Toronto, blends his love for research with a passion for animals, books, and good food. Beyond academics, he values human connections and proclaims tennis as the ultimate sport.

Lauren Long (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Blog Writer 

Had I tried to write this piece a few years ago, I likely would have written mumbo jumbo for the first draft before scrapping it and starting again. Just as the tricks and spins I learn and train on the pole take some time to grasp, it takes more than one pole dancing session to look past the physical movements and notice the emotional and mental aspects as well. 

We’ll get to how the art form of pole dancing benefits your overall well-being shortly, but before we dive into that, let me give you a brief summary of my pole journey and how I got started. 

When I was in university, a friend of mine had a pole in her dorm and she invited me to come and try it out. Despite having no upper body strength whatsoever, I immediately fell in love with the pole, but didn’t think about it again until 2019, when I signed up for a choreography class in my hometown. Shortly after, I bought my own pole and I just had my four-year pole-versary (pole anniversary) in October 2023. I am fully immersed in the pole dancing world, so much so that I have led The Empowered Pole Dance Project since 2022, where I interview pole dancers about how pole dancing in all aspects has had a positive impact on their lives. The project’s focus is to promote advocacy for all pole dancers (including strippers and other workers in the adult entertainment industry), break down the stigma around pole dancing and raise awareness of the mental and physical health benefits of this sport and art form. 

Okay, now that I’ve given you some background on my pole dancing journey, let’s jump into those mental and physical health benefits I mentioned. There isn’t a lot of literature about pole dancing, but that is slowly changing. I know several pole dancers who have written and published pole dancing books, and who create and host pole dancing podcasts. 

My good friend Irina Kartaly wrote and published Pole Dance Fitness: The Complete Book in 2018, and her book is the first I bought on my pole journey. This turned out to be a saving grace when the COVID-19 pandemic rocked the world in 2020. 

The mental health benefits of pole dancing include the improvement of social skills, emotional health, perception, memory and kinesthetic awareness. Neurologically, pole dance has demonstrated positive results in the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which comprises the skills of multifaceted thinking, cognition and multi-tasking. Other parts of the brain involved in the neurological benefits of pole dancing include the frontal lobe, which governs relaxation, thoughts and emotions, as well as the parietal lobe. 

The parietal lobe is essential for successful progressions in visualization and spatial awareness. Finally, the hippocampus ties everything together by being in charge of the memory, which we need to remember the long list of movements, step sequences and choreography in dance routines. 

Because our mental and physical health goes hand-in-hand, a shared benefit of pole dance between the two is the emotional release and expression that comes with the freeing of cortisol, the stress hormone. There is no better way to express your emotions than through dance, and I can attest to that. I can be in a bad mood when I head to my pole area in our basement, and by the time I come upstairs I’m a different person. 

Pole dancing changed my life because it has improved every aspect of my health. This art form and sport has exponentially increased my self-esteem, confidence and self-awareness. On the physical side of things, I have developed and toned muscles in every area of my body. Pole dancing is a bodyweight training exercise because you rely on your bodyweight and muscles to support yourself. 

In addition to building muscle, pole dancing causes noticeable weight loss and increases endurance while correcting posture, improving the suppleness of the skin, and preventing varicose veins and osteoporosis. 

Finally, pole dancing has been shown to be valuable in all stages of pregnancy. There are women who, with clearance from their doctor, have pole danced until their due date. Because pole dance requires the strength of the abdominal and back muscles, this makes for easier pregnancy, labour, delivery and after-birth recovery. 

Give pole dancing a try, and you will be amazed by its transformative power. 

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Lauren Long is from Quesnel, BC, where she was born and raised. When she’s not writing, you can find her on the training mats or curled up with a good book. She is a strong advocate for mental health and overall wellbeing.