Calling Our Creator to Quell the Coronavirus #AtoZChallenge

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Let's Pray Together www.nooranandchawla.com

Happy Ram Naumi folks (this post was written yesterday, in case you’re wondering)! I’m not a Hindu and have never celebrated the Navratras, but I’m grabbing for any and all celebrations while stuck at home.

My next-door neighbours haven’t let the curfew spoil their religious fervour. They have done the ‘aarti’, quite loudly I might add, every single day through the nine-day festival. In another era, this noise pollution might have irked me, but during lockdown it has become a strangely soothing sound that I subconsciously look forward to. So, I feel that we should collectively pray to the almighty to quell this virus that has brought humankind to its knees.

I’m aware that many of us don’t believe in the same god, and some don’t believe in god at all- but, if the virus is the face of a common apocalypse, then perhaps our communal meditation and prayer to a universal energy might be the answer? Worth trying at least, no?

Hence, my tip to beat the lockdown blues today is to:

Pray. Or meditate if that sounds less preachy to you. Thank creation for giving life to you and your close ones. For the food in your belly, the breath in your lungs, the wind in your step, and the warmth in your heart.

Just close your eyes, breathe and feel thankful for everything. Perhaps this universal energy will hear our pleas and quell this insane virus that has taken over our lives!

One thing among the many others that I’m thankful for, especially while stuck at home, is makeup. Laugh if you’d like, but makeup is therapeutic for me. The simple act of dressing up makes me happy. Over the years, I have honed my makeup skills by watching countless Youtube videos, and practicing on myself.

A couple of months ago, I did a “Countdown to Oscars” series on my IGTV (the video arm of Instagram, for the uninitiated), where I watched and reviewed 15 different Oscar nominated films, in the weeks before the actual ceremony. Apart from appreciating the reviews, many people asked me for makeup related tips.

The lockdown was the perfect time to break my self-inflicted barriers and shoot a makeup tutorial. Today, I posted my third successive video tutorial, where I shared my tips for achieving a flawless face with a glowy foundation. While doing this, I discussed the new TV show “Freud” that was released on Netflix last week. I’d love it if you watched my video and gave me your feedback. Here’s the link:

Flawless Foundation Get Ready With Me + Review of “Freud” on Netflix

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This is the look I created in my makeup tutorial on Instagram IGTV today

Talking of TV shows, here’s my daily recommendation with the alphabet C:

“Californication”, another old-school favourite of mine, can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video. This show set in California is about a writer (David Duchovny) that moves there from New York, when one of his books is picked to be made into a film. His troubled personality and stark self-obsession make him an amazing writer but a difficult husband, father and human being. You can expect lots of gritty drama, oodles of sex as suggested by the name, and some astute observations on the personality of writers.

As for books, a personal favourite beginning with the letter C is:

City of Djinns” by William Dalrymple, which is a collection of anecdotes about the author’s time spent in New Delhi. He fell in love with the city, and eventually made it his permanent home. This book is different from most of his other works, for its personal touch. He is a gifted writer, masterful at the art of storytelling and judicious use of words. If you’re from Delhi, this book is a must-read and even if you’re not, it’s a wonderful introduction to this vibrant city- djinns included!

Speaking of stellar writers, the blog recommendation I have today is the first blog I ever read thirteen years ago, when I was gifted my first laptop- a hand-me-down of my father’s.

That’s all for today folks.

Do check out my daily update videos on Instagram Stories for #LockdownWithTheLadyLawyer and follow me there to stay better connected. Also tell me your favourite TV Shows/ movies/ books/ bloggers with the letter C?

Ciao till tomorrow!

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This post has been written for the #AtoZChallenge 2020. My theme this year is #LockdownWithTheLadyLawyer, where I’m journaling my thoughts during the coronavirus lockdown, and sharing numerous recommendations that will help you keep your spirits up.

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*This is not a sponsored post.

**Copyright in pictures and content belongs to nooranandchawla.com and cannot be republished or repurposed without express permission of the author. As I am a copyright lawyer by profession, infringement of any kind will invite strict legal action.

67 comments

  1. You know Noor, I am a no make up person and apply make up only on special occasions..but nowadays after reading your post and watching tutorials feeling little bit inspired..will try for sure. will check amazon prime series as this is based in CA..watching our own state on Tv always feel good. take care and stay safe!

  2. I don’t know why, but from the beginning of this year, I am being dragged towards the word ‘Prayer’, more than ever in my life. Am loving the concept deeper, finding ways to Pray more now. And for me, just like you Noor, Praying is the most beautiful way to contribute a little in this corona war. Loved your post. Waiting for tomorrow.

  3. P. S. Sorry I forgot to mention before, your photo is so serene and beautiful! I must say, this photo has some aura around it. Your name is so beautifully justifying here. I saw your pic in early morning today, while attaching the post in the linky. And must say, this photo made my day. Early morning vibes and a woman praying with closed eyes, something beyond to be described in words. Beautiful, indeed.

  4. Well done Noor! Good to know that you have come up with make-up videos. Will watch them for sure. Besides, I really liked the title of your post. For me, one thing i daily feel nowadays very strongly is Gratitude! Gratitude for all the things that we have been taking for granted before this crisis.

  5. Kudos to you for starting your makup tutorial! All of us have different ways of soothing ourselves, makeup is a first that I’ve heard of. 😀 I’m not a makeup person myself, I might be in need of the tutorial for the occasions to come. Also, here’s hoping that the prayers help in healing all. 🙂

      1. I have seen your oscar nomination series as well aas the latest IG video for simple makeup tips. I even plan to get a few products that you use :). I am not a makeup person however i like dong eye makeup.
        And not to forget we all need prayers, sincere prayers.

  6. Likes the way you pick the topic, and your contents are very simple and from the basics. Great work Noor! I’m learning a lot from this A2Z✨🤗

  7. Congratulations on starting the tutorial. But more than anything, I appreciate the kind of positive vibes that you have been spreading through your posts. Indeed, I feel grateful in such dire circumstances.

  8. When we don’t know the answers “Prayer” comes as a hope, as a reassurance, as that optimistic ray that all will be ok in the end. Great post and I loved your look.

  9. Loved the recommendations today. I need to see your make up video. 🙂 One thing i have surely learnt from the lock down is to be grateful for things. Hope things get better soon.

  10. I agree that by praying or meditating we send positive vibes to the universe and we should take out 10 minutes in a day to just breathe or do simple chanting! Something which brings peace to ourselves too! Thank you for the prime show recommendation and the book recommendation! Will see the show and will read the book for sure after the lockdown is over

  11. Such a variety in today’s post Noor. So good to know about your fav blogger, also I find praying very soothing. Love your videos too keep up yr love for make up

  12. I am no makeup person , no Netflix , no IGTV . But you have inspired me to try Netflix and IGtv both . Makeup I know I can’t

  13. I have been meditating a lot these days. However, my favorite asana is the shav asana. (Esp after a day’s work). On a serious note, prayers do help and give a sense of security. You look amazing in your make up video.

  14. Oh, I had loved your Countdown to Oscars and Filmfare predictions! How did I miss the makeup tutorials? I made want to know some basics ‘cos I suck at it. *runs to your Instagram account.

  15. I believe in the power of prayers and collective prayers will have a synergistic power. We must certainly do it.
    I have City of Djinns on my Kindle, will pick it up, one of these days.

  16. Love the way you penned the post.. yup even I believe that collective prayers are much stronger.. Even we stayed in but followed all rituals during Navratras.. And yes makeup is indeed a therapy especially during this lockdown.

  17. I’m not much of a make-up person but I love to see your videos as you really look lovely dear. And true said prayers in any form if it gives you peace are welcome in today’s date.
    Being from Delhi I couldn’t have missed reading City of Djinns by William Dalrymple’s with his year long accounts of Delhi and its fascinations.
    Lovely post

  18. I strongly believe in prayers it has bestowed many miracles in my life and in this dire situation only prayer can bring normalcy back. I love the way you do makeup will watch ur tutorials. Keep spreading positive vibes.

  19. I love your tutorial , you know that right. Already commented on your insta account. You are blessed with good skin and natural beauty and I must praise your almond shape eyes. Makeup really add glam look on ur face.

  20. We have so many reasons to be thankful. Hopefully, this ordeal will die down soon enough. But that being said, this is the best time to catch up on our favourite shows. Thank you for your recommendations. Stay safe. Take care. 🙂

  21. Your videos always make me smile Noor. You have a magnetic aura that keeps the viewers glued. Keep up the excellent job. I have already told you that my gals find you extremely beautiful so am I. Coming to the first part of the post, indeed it’s time to pray or meditate for inner peace and pacify our minds and soul and pray for the storm to pass.

  22. Feeling extremely positive while reading your post Noor, I also feel prayers have magical power of turning the impossible into possible, when it served with the true heart, we all should come together irrespective of our religion and pray for some relief from Almighty. Thanks for suggesting Netflix series I started following your recommendations. I am amazed to see how you managed to keep your love for makeup so alive these days, when I hardly gets chance to stand in front of mirror,yes that’s true, may be of my laziness, I must learn this too from you, as I am also a make up and hair do’s lover.

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