Capt. VS Parani, Vice President – Marine at Tufton Asset Management, shares his approach to well-being, emphasizing the importance of daily mindfulness and gratitude. He relies on yoga and pranayama to help restore his sense of inner peace when faced with everyday pressures.
His commitment to health goes beyond routine habits; he follows a holistic lifestyle that includes supporting Ayurvedic principles, choosing natural and organic products, and staying diligent with his annual health checkups. Advocating for better mental health practices at sea, Capt. Parani believes meditation should be a regular part of every seafarer’s life. He explains that learning meditation can offer valuable tools for handling stress, sharpening concentration, and improving sleep quality—all while reducing the risk of errors linked to mental fatigue.
SAFETY4SEA: What does ‘wellness’ mean to you? What do you do in your every day life to embrace wellness?
Capt. VS Parani: Wellness is life’s true purpose—contentment and freedom from disease and constraints. It means the liberty to choose what I do and when. I practice conscious living—mindful of how I wake, eat, breathe, and interact. I maintain a 40-minute exercise routine and express gratitude to the universe.
S4S: What are the two things to do that can make you feel happy after a challenging day?
Capt. VS.P: Challenges are part of life; I embrace them. But tough days can upset the mental and physical balance. Yoga and pranayama help me rebound and regain my inner happiness.
S4S: What is the most worthwhile wellbeing investment (in energy, time, money) you’ve ever made?
Capt. VS.P: My most valuable investment has been prioritising health holistically. This includes quality fitness gear, gym memberships, yoga sessions, and Ayurvedic therapy. I’ve also committed to natural fabric clothing, organic nutrition, and consistent preventive healthcare through regular dental and medical checkups.
S4S: What do you do to keep balance between your personal and business life?
Capt. VS.P: In the maritime industry, it can be tough to balance time equally between work and family. However, what can make the most significant difference is being present in the moment. When I’m at work, I’m at work. When I’m with my family, I’m with my family.
S4S: In the last five years, what new belief, behaviour, or habit has most improved your personal life?
Capt. VS.P: The body undergoes rapid changes after the age of 40. I’ve tried to slow the effects of ageing with Ayurvedic supplements like Ashwagandha and Triphala. These ancient herbal remedies have enhanced my resilience to stress, improved sleep quality, and strengthened my immune system.
S4S: What would you like to change in the current maritime landscape with regards to wellbeing?
Capt. VS.P: I’d like to see meditation become standard practice for seafarers. The maritime environment presents unique mental challenges—isolation, pressure, and confined spaces. Teaching meditation would provide practical tools for managing stress, improving focus, and enhancing the quality of rest while significantly reducing incidents caused by mental fatigue.
S4S: What wellness-promoting initiatives would you like to see in the workplace?
Capt. VS.P: I envision workplaces integrating meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga into daily operations. These practices could be incorporated through short breaks, dedicated spaces, and certified instruction. Even 10 minutes daily would significantly reduce stress, enhance creativity, and improve contentment.
S4S: What is the one thing that you are feeling grateful at the moment?
Capt. VS.P: I’m grateful for the simple gift of existence—conscious breath, functioning body, and aware mind. This fundamental appreciation grounds me daily, reminding me that amid life’s complexities, the miracle of being alive remains our most precious and overlooked blessing.
S4S: What are your hobbies/favourite activities?
Capt. VS.P: My passions include yoga and meditation for inner balance, swimming to connect with the sea, and creative expression through writing books and podcasting. These activities nurture different aspects of my being—physical strength, mental clarity, spiritual growth, and the joy of sharing knowledge and experiences with others.
S4S: What is your personal motto?
Capt. VS.P: “Every day is the first day of the rest of my life.” This perspective frees me from past constraints and future anxieties, anchoring me in present possibilities. It reminds me that, regardless of yesterday’s challenges or triumphs, each morning offers a fresh canvas for creating the life I envision.
The views presented are only those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
