Techie To Ayurveda Story

From Pixels to Plants: The Journey of Dinesha Vishwanatha

My story is one of resilience, transformation, and an unyielding drive to turn adversity into opportunity. Overall 19 plus years of successful product designer and UX/UI consultant in the fast-paced tech world of Singapore and India, I now wears a vastly different hat as an Ayurveda lifestyle consultant and nutritionist. The catalyst for this dramatic career shift? The global pandemic, COVID-19, which not only disrupted lives but also changed the trajectory of my own in profound and unexpected ways.

Life Before the Pandemic: Designing Digital Experiences

My pre-pandemic life revolved around creating intuitive digital experiences. As a UX/UI designer, my work involved merging creativity with functionality, ensuring users interacted effortlessly with technology. Based in Singapore, I thrived in this dynamic environment, collaborating with global teams and solving complex design challenges. I was known for my attention to detail and my ability to transform abstract ideas into visually stunning and user-friendly products.

My personal life mirrored the vibrancy of mine professional one. Singapore offered me a culturally diverse and cosmopolitan lifestyle, with opportunities to explore culinary delights, advanced technologies, and cutting-edge design methodologies. My days were busy but fulfilling, marked by creative brainstorming sessions, client presentations, and moments of quiet reflection on the city’s serene Marina Bay.

The Unexpected Turn: A Wedding and a Pandemic

In January 2020, news of a mysterious virus began circulating. While the world watched cautiously, life in Singapore continued as usual. I was preparing to travel to India in April 2020 for my brother’s wedding. By March, the situation escalated rapidly, with countries shutting borders and imposing lockdowns. I decided to leave Singapore earlier than planned to ensure I could be with my family during the wedding preparations.

Upon arriving in India, I found a country gripped by rising COVID-19 fears. The government’s stringent health measures, including mandatory quarantine for travellers, were in full effect. As I settled into family’s apartment, the reaction from fellow residents was far from welcoming. Despite showing no symptoms, I was treated with suspicion and fear. The residents viewed me as a potential carrier of the virus and reported about me to local authorities.

Quarantine and Reflection

For two weeks, I was quarantined at home. It was a period of immense frustration but also profound introspection. Stripped of my freedom and faced with the stigma from my neighbours, I began to question the fragility of societal bonds and the underlying causes of collective fear.

During this time, I turned to reading—a habit I had always enjoyed but seldom found time for amidst my hectic schedule. One book that caught his attention was on Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasises the balance between mind, body, and spirit. As I delved deeper, I found solace in its philosophy of holistic health and preventative care. The idea of taking charge of one’s health resonated deeply, especially in a world grappling with an unpredictable virus.

Becoming the Family Doctor

Post-quarantine, My family began looking to me for guidance on maintaining health and immunity. Armed with my newfound knowledge of Ayurveda, I started experimenting with simple practices: herbal teas to boost immunity, yoga for mental clarity, and dietary changes to enhance gut health. I became the go-to person for health advice, effectively becoming the “family doctor.”

One instance stood out vividly. When my spouse, Ramya, experienced vision blur and partial loss of sight in her left eye, it raised immediate concern. After multiple eye check-ups and scans ruled out cataracts or other major issues, I turned to Ayurveda for answers. I started Ramya on a regimen of herbal concoctions and natural juices, including Indian gooseberry and Brahmi leaf juice, known for their vision-enhancing properties. Over three months, Ramya began noticing significant improvements. Her blurred vision gradually cleared, and she eventually regained full sight in her left eye. This remarkable recovery reinforced my belief in the power of natural remedies and holistic care.

Another instance. When my mother experienced recurring joint pain, I researched Ayurvedic remedies and suggested turmeric milk with a pinch of black pepper, a traditional anti-inflammatory concoction. Within weeks, she reported significant relief. Encouraged by these results, I began exploring the broader applications of Ayurveda and nutrition in addressing common health issues.

A New Path Unfolds

What began as a means to cope with a challenging situation soon evolved into a passion. I enrolled in online courses and certifications in Ayurveda and nutrition to deepen my understanding. I learned about the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), the cornerstone of Ayurvedic theory, and how to tailor diets and lifestyles to individual constitutions. I also studied modern nutritional science, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary knowledge.

My tech background proved to be an asset in this transition. I started creating digital content to share my learnings, including blogs, infographics, and videos. My ability to design visually appealing and user-friendly content helped me reach a wider audience. I also began consulting friends and extended family, offering personalised wellness plans that combined Ayurvedic principles with practical dietary advice.

Building a New Identity

By late 2021, I had established myself as an Ayurveda lifestyle consultant and nutritionist. I officially launched my practice, offering services that ranged from one-on-one consultations to group workshops. My programs focused on:

• Boosting Immunity: Using Ayurvedic herbs like ashwagandha and tulsi.

• Weight Management: Tailoring diets to individual doshas.

• Stress Management: Incorporating meditation and pranayama techniques.

• Chronic Ailments: Addressing issues like diabetes and hypertension through holistic approaches.

One memorable case involved a client struggling with insomnia. By recommending a nighttime routine that included warm milk infused with nutmeg and guided meditation, I helped them achieve restful sleep within a month.

Lessons from the Pandemic

My journey highlights the transformative power of adversity. The pandemic, which disrupted lives globally, became a turning point for me to rediscover myself and embrace a path aligned with my values. My story serves as an inspiring reminder that challenges can often lead to opportunities for growth and reinvention.

Reflecting on my journey, I often shares this mantra: “Health is not a destination but a journey. Each step we take towards balance and harmony is a step towards true well-being.”

The Blend of Tech and Wellness

Today, my work is a seamless integration of my tech expertise and wellness passion. I uses digital tools to create personalised wellness plans and develops user-friendly platforms to make Ayurveda accessible to a global audience. My workshops and webinars often feature interactive elements like quizzes to determine dosha types, making the ancient practice relatable and engaging.

Looking Ahead

I envisions a future where technology and holistic health coalesce to revolutionise well-being. I am working on an app that offers tailored Ayurvedic recommendations, meal plans, and mindfulness exercises based on user data. My goal is to empower individuals to take charge of their health, much like I did during the pandemic.

Conclusion

The story of mine transformation from a tech professional to an Ayurveda lifestyle consultant is a testament to human resilience and adaptability. It underscores the importance of listening to life’s cues, even when they come in the form of challenges, and finding purpose in unexpected places. From designing digital experiences to crafting holistic health journeys, My path is a shining example of how adversity can lead to profound personal growth and meaningful contributions to society.

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