Shweta Singh Kirti’s profound grief made her embark on a new creative journey. The loss of a brother, actor Sushant Singh Rajput, shaped her creative journey and resulted in the birth of a book — Pain: A Portal to Enlightenment. A trained fashion designer who is also into meditation and spirituality, Shweta talks about channelling her emotional energy into the book and helping others in a similar situation. Excerpts from a t2 chat.
Was it your pain, the need to pen down your anger/frustration or something else that made you write Pain: A Portal to Enlightenment?
The driving force behind Pain: A Portal to Enlightenment was undoubtedly my own profound experiences of pain, sorrow, and loss. These emotional trials shaped the core of my creative journey. The anguish and heartache I endured following the loss of my beloved mother and the tragic passing of my younger brother, Sushant Singh Rajput, left an indelible mark on my existence. These experiences led me to the realisation that pain could be a transformative catalyst, a path to profound spiritual growth. Writing this book became a way for me to channel my emotions and, in a sense, find solace in my own story.
The title is quite direct. It focuses on pain as an emotion. Tell us about the title and how you and your family handle pain.
The title, Pain: A Portal to Enlightenment, encapsulates the very heart of the book. Pain is a universal emotion, and I wanted the title to mirror the straightforward yet transformative nature of the content. While my father underwent bypass surgery following my brother’s passing and my eldest sister had to undergo angioplasty, which is a poignant example of the “broken heart syndrome” that can follow the loss of a loved one, my family and I have confronted our pain with a unified commitment to holistic wellbeing, spirituality, and meditation. We’ve discovered that acknowledging pain as an integral part of life’s journey, rather than resisting it, holds the key to transforming it into a catalyst for personal growth. Through these trials, we’ve comprehended that, despite its challenges, pain can serve as a bridge to profound enlightenment.
Writing about such personal and profound experiences must have been cathartic. Can you describe the emotional experience of penning down these deep and personal reflections?
The process of writing was undeniably cathartic. It was like releasing pent-up emotions that had long resided within me. Each word was a step toward healing, understanding, and growth. It was an incredibly emotional journey, one that brought solace and insight. Through my writing, I could share my story, my insights, and the techniques I utilised to cope with and transcend pain. This book is a testament to the transformative power of self-expression.
Did you encounter any challenges while writing the book, and how did you overcome them?
Shweta Singh Kirti
The journey of writing Pain: A Portal to Enlightenment was marked by continuous challenges, from writer’s block to the emotional weight of revisiting painful memories. To overcome these hurdles, I leaned on the unwavering support of my loved ones, practised mindfulness and meditation, and, most importantly, channelled my unwavering determination to share a message of hope.
How do you believe your book will serve others in similar situations, those wrestling with their own pain?
I believe this book can offer a guiding light to those who find themselves in similar situations of pain and suffering. It provides not only a personal account of my journey but also practical techniques and spiritual insights to transform pain into lasting inner peace.
You are a practitioner of meditation and advocate holistic well-being. How have these skills and beliefs aided you in your personal journey to overcome pain?
Meditation and a commitment to holistic well-being played a pivotal role in helping me overcome the depths of my pain. They provided the tools to understand, accept, and transform pain into a catalyst for growth. By delving into meditation and embracing holistic wellness, I realised that my true nature is connected to the universal consciousness. This understanding enabled me to transform my pain into something beautiful and enduring.
Do you have plans to continue writing in the future?
Yes, this is my first book, but it certainly won’t be the last.