Author's Interview with Dr. Deepti Priya.

First, before we move forward with our Author Interview, I would like to start with an introduction.

1. Could you please introduce yourself to us?

I am Deepti Priya, I come from Darbhanga Bihar and currently living in Bangalore. I hold a PhD degree in psychology and have been working as a psychologist since 15 years. I have worked with several hundreds of people needing psychological interventions. My approach of psychotherapy is to blend conventional practices of psychology together with energy healing. Beyond working as a psychologist, I have published 3 books as an author and contributed for 2 additional books, a chapter in each.

2. Congratulations on your book. So what inspired you to write this book?

Thank you so much. As a psychologist I have worked with many different cases, it includes cases of learning difficulties, developmental difficulties, all kinds of abuses, low self-esteem, depression, narcissism, etc. Usually, at a time I work with only 3 or 4 people. In my experience, I have found some cases where conventional methods are not sufficient. This was the reason I started with energy healing practices, the combination of psychotherapy and energy healing is very powerful. Slowly started to uncover my own needs for psychological wellbeing. With time I was convinced to transform my thoughts, studies, experiences into a book, the idea was to make it thoughtful for the reader, and also trigger the natural process of introspection. For many people, it is difficult to express mental and emotional pain, also many are hesitant to seek help. This became an inspiration for conceptualizing the book “Vimoh”, as I believe some of these people can be helped through literature. My aim is to reach masses and unfurl healing through reading. The sign of healing can be observed when emotional connection gets established with any part of the book, usually referred as “triggers”. It may occur while reading it first time or with repeated reading and introspection done at different levels. I am confident the book Vimoh will make readers thoughtful and make them to re-think on self awareness. Idea is also to help many at the same time.

3. What is the book all about?

Vimoh is a Hindi word and the meaning of this word in English can be articulated as “An illusion and delusion which deters an individual from connecting with one's own real-self”. “विमोह” अज्ञानता, भ्रम आदि के कारण उत्पन्न होने वाला वह मोह है जो मनुष्य को स्व के शाश्वत स्वरूप से दूर कर देता है। The books present an allegory of some characters in the epic Mahabharata. It’s written in the form of Hindi poems, keeping the standard of Hindi literature high with the best of my abilities. While poems of the book Vimoh can be interpreted and evaluated at multiple levels. My attempt is to create amalgamation of psychotherapy and energy healing. The book “God Talks with Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita” written by Sri Paramahansa Yogananda was my guide while writing the book “Vimoh”. Ensuring dignity of the subject, the attempt is to discuss some aspects of "relations", "philosophies", “healing”, “self awareness”, “psychology” and “spirituality” with my insights. Even when we have vast amounts of literature/commentaries already available on the subject Mahabharata/Geeta, the book Vimoh is a novel creation, touching some areas which are not widely discussed till date.

4. Why did you choose this genre for your book?

I used to compose poems when I was in school, I wrote many and lost them. What attracted me was the concept of a poem, where one can convey an entire story in two lines, conveying more in just a few words. That’s why it's the most difficult form too. One can read the book “Vimoh” in 2-3 hours. Furthermore, when I decided to spread my work towards psychological well-being I needed the most appropriate context to express my views. I believe, developing an ability to observe our behavior in a balanced manner is one of the important process of any healing or psychotherapy. Through discussion on the metaphors of our mythological books, the subject becomes more interesting and logical too. Probably, this could be one of the reasons why many books are compiled in the form of commentaries, discussion, poems, etc. over centuries, referring to the epic Mahabharat and Geeta. These were some thoughts, to choose the genre, context and subject.

5. How much time did it take to complete this book?

The first draft was ready in almost 3 months, which was back in 2018, after this it took one more year to finalize it as it involved lots of research and by end of 2019, it was ready. Due to the pandemic, it took some more time to get it published. Thanks to Rajmangal Publisher, the book was published at its right time in good shape.

6. What makes your Book Special?

My attempt is to unfurl healing through reading. Beyond creativity, attempt with book “Vimoh” is also a creation. Also, it's affirmatory with the reviews I am receiving. The reviews are beautifully overwhelming. In many reviews, it also confirms that the book has touched the chord which needed to get healed.

7. When is your second book coming?

Knowing oneself is the key to shape healthy self-esteem. Whether a fast-paced world or a stand-still life, children are inundated with external stimuli. Overwhelmed with external affairs, this knee highed energy boosters start adopting their environment, forgetting who they really are. The project which I am working on is a series of 8 books, aiming to help children in building healthy self-concepts. These are exclusive creations and aim to spread essential learning and help children to thrive. It will also be helpful for adults in re-parenting themselves. I am close to completing this series and soon will start connecting with publishers.

8. While writing did you get any writer's block? What is the Tip that you will give others who are facing writer's block?

Regarding blocks, even though I was convinced on the subject, which is primarily psychology, the block was mainly to shape it in such a way that, without using any scientific terms I wanted to make it readable and into entirety. Bringing ideas into literature, making it thought provoking, and keeping it an interesting read; requires the author to go beyond creativity to creation. I worked on multiple manuscripts, on topics like narcissism, inner-child healing; summarize my experiences by giving them a ground of literature; concepts and practices of energy healing; etc. I completed several manuscripts over the years. While I am convinced that they too are important and must come out one day in some form, yet decided not take these forward at this time. Finally, I started to focus on the topic of self awareness, converting thoughts into the most arduous form of literature (the form of poems), and the book “Vimoh” emerged. I am learning and with every attempt trying to improve myself. When in doubt, I take a pause, meditate, refer to a dictionary to search appropriate words, at times when I do not get appropriate word then I create one without compromising on the subject and needed courtesy; These are some of the things I do.

9. Apart from being a talented author, what are your other hobbies?

As of now, for me writing is not just a hobby, rather it’s more a sacred activity with a purpose. As a hobby, I love traveling with my family, where the destination is not fixed, it’s all decided on the go, exploring places, spending time beside a small pond in some unknown village, I enjoy nature – sunrise, sunset, rain, star gazing, waterfalls, mountains and good music.

10. Last but not least, How did you feel, while giving this interview?

It’s a pleasure to connect and have a chance to spread words about the book “Vimoh”. Thanks for covering the book and providing an opportunity to express my thoughts on the book.

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