People often ask why I feel such a strong connection to India and Indian cuisine. The story is a little unusual, but true for me: it involves gurus, a vivid dream, a tattoo, breathing practices and, of course, a lot of curry.
I was born in 1974 in a small town in Massachusetts and had no exposure to Indian culture until college in 1992. That year I met my first Indian friends, heard Ravi Shankar, tasted my first curry and immediately fell in love with the flavors. College also sparked my interest in world religions, yoga and spiritual practice. I began learning about karma, dharma, reincarnation and exploring psychedelics, which together reshaped my view of reality and opened my heart to a more spiritual way of living.
In 1994 I discovered Ram Dass’s Be Here Now. The book practically leaped off the shelf and changed how I handled anxiety about impermanence. From there I read widely: Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj’s I Am That, Swami Vivekananda’s Raja Yoga, the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, alongside Christian texts and works on Paganism and the Kabbalah. Spiritual reading became central to my life and pushed me toward a desire for a meaningful existence less driven by consumerism and attachment.
In 1996 I moved to California with few possessions and little money. On the Greyhound bus I met many interesting people and formed a small, improvised community. Near the end of that trip a Swami in salmon robes boarded and sat beside me. We spoke for hours; I don’t remember his name, but I do remember a mantra and his prediction that I would visit India someday. That quiet encounter left a deep impression.
Living in California, I spent long hours in walking meditation and continued to read spiritual texts. I also explored more Indian foods, favoring vegetarian dishes at buffets and enjoying the richness of the spices. Though raised Christian, I increasingly identified with Buddhist and Hindu teachings. When life grew chaotic I returned to Massachusetts, bringing my love of Indian culture and cuisine with me.
Back home I had a vivid dream about getting a peacock tattoo and soon made it real. At the time I didn’t know the depth of the peacock’s connection to India, but later research revealed its auspicious symbolism in Hindu tradition and its status as India’s national bird. Today a large peacock tattoo wraps from my back over my shoulder and down my arm—a work in progress, much like my own journey.
Around the same time I discovered Ashtanga yoga. My teacher Jason and his partner Jen were major influences during a brief but intense period. Ashtanga felt like yoga in motion, and although I don’t currently practice it regularly, I still use ujjayi breath to calm anxiety. I also had neighbors from India whose mothers welcomed me with food and peacock feathers, further strengthening my connection.
Over the years the peacock tattoo and various mantras have continued to remind me of India. Whenever possible I shared Indian meals with friends—people tended to either love or dislike Indian flavors, but those who loved them became fast favorites. I also found great comfort in Indian music; its sound soothed me even when I didn’t know the lyrics.
Fast forward to 2011: after living in California for a decade, a rekindled yoga practice transformed my life. I quit smoking, lost weight, earned a yoga teaching certification and later conceived my first child. That year I also began practicing Kundalini meditation and experienced Shaktipat, a profound spiritual initiation that deepened my practice.
In 2018 I launched Betterfoodguru. As a busy chef and mother of three, I needed accountability for my eating habits and wanted to share healthy food ideas. The “guru” in the name felt right to me, even though I hadn’t planned on focusing on curry. Blogging led me to prioritize whole, plant-based foods, and I began experimenting more with Indian flavors in my kitchen.
A significant portion of my audience—about 30%—is from India, which I find deeply meaningful given my affinity for the country. I continue to read about India’s culture, religion and history, and I keep exploring its bold, intoxicating spices when I cook. I don’t claim to be an expert on Indian cuisine or to cook strictly authentic dishes; I’m an admirer who respects the culture and the culinary gifts India has shared with the world.
Perhaps I had a past life connected to India, or perhaps this affection is simply part of my path. I may never know the exact reason, but the feeling is real and lives in my heart. Indian cuisine—its vibrant flavors and textures—brings me joy in the kitchen and deserves wider recognition. My goal is to share that joy, to introduce more people to India’s extraordinary tastes and to continue learning and cooking my way through its vast culinary tradition.
Thank you for reading this story about my connection to India. I hope it answers the questions many of you have asked. One day I’ll add more to this tale, but for now, this is where it rests.
