Greetings, and thank you for visiting my website!
Most “About Me” pages begin with a list of credentials, experience, and expertise. While I believe these are important, I hesitate to begin my introduction this way as I do not believe these things define me.
Instead, let me first introduce myself this way:
My name is Asha Anand. I’ve watched every Friends episode at least 4 times. Sometimes I snore when I sleep. Occasionally I miss my mouth when I’m eating. I’ve been known to take bubble baths up to two times a day. I eat salsa out of the jar with a spoon, and I’ve consumed an entire bottle of gummy vitamins (the former is advised, the latter not so much). I alternate between singing out loud in the car and listening to NPR. I go to bed at 9 pm most nights, and I believe in Carma (ie-you tailgate me on the road, you’ll be sitting at the next red light far longer than you’d hoped). I believe that love is the greatest power on earth, and fear is the greatest evil. I feel most alive when I’m lying under the stars, and when I’m writing, and when I’m running, and when I am vulnerable enough to share a piece of my story with a stranger. I struggle with patience and guilt and loneliness, but I find peace in stillness and hope and faith. I believe there is something larger than myself that is responsible for all the parts that make me me, and I believe there is something larger that connects us all.
In addition…
I am a board-certified Sports Physical Therapist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. I received my undergraduate degree in English Literature from Vanderbilt University and my Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Emory University. I consider myself lucky to be of mixed descent, my father from India and my mother from America. I’ve shared my life with a fraternal twin sister who is my best friend and hero. I’ve recently developed a passion for mindfulness and holistic health, particularly as it relates to physical rehabilitation.
This website has undergone some changes, reflecting the changes in my own life. Over the past several years, I have been learning more and more about myself, and what is meaningful and fulfilling in my life. For a long time I chased external goals–anything that I thought sounded good in the eyes of others. I sought respect and validation from others rather than from myself. With time, I’ve found this always leaves me wanting. I am learning that nothing outside of myself can fill what feels empty. Only by learning to love myself and connect with my spirituality can I find true happiness and meaning.
Initially, this website was designed to keep others informed of my journey to China. I had signed on to be a sports PT for Team China, working with Chinese Olympic athletes. But what was supposed to be a year long adventure turned out to be only several months–and I made the decision to come home. I’ve learned that expectations are often far different from reality. For a variety of personal reasons, I decided that I needed to pause and re-evaluate my life. I feel fortunate and grateful everyday that I have a family and community that supports me in this, and that I can use this time to reflect and connect with my inner guidance. With what I know now, I can see that the universe really works in amazing ways–Who would have anticipated the coronavirus and how our world has changed? I am so glad that things happened the way they did, though at the time it felt difficult and confusing. I believe when we act from our intuition, even if it doesn’t make sense at the time, we often discover there is a greater purpose and things turn out for the best.
So…..with all that said, this website is still evolving. It is a space for me to be vulnerable and raw, to connect and reflect. Thank you for taking the time to read, and please reach out!
I welcome any and all insight, questions and comments! Please feel free to contact me at asha@ashamarieanand.com.
Thanks, and enjoy!