4th Friday each month 

Narrative Medicine Circle

with Nalini Velayudhan DO

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Nalini Velayudhan DO

Narrative Medicine Circle

75 Minute Class
4th Friday Each Month
Start time: 8 am PST
see calender for dates, replay available 

About Nalini

Nalini has lived all over the world which informs her understanding of people from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs. She sees the importance of holding space for caring and healing the whole person. Nalini passionately believes the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of an individual all need to be held attended to and nurtured to move from illness to wholeness.

Nalini has an undergraduate education in biological sciences from the University of California, Irvine and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Des Moines University. Further, her training includes completion of a residency in Family Medicine through Michigan State University and board certification in Family Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians.

She also pursued fellowship training in Addiction Medicine at St. John Hospital in Brighton, MI. After completing training in the Midwest Nalini practiced as a family physician in Nevada where she served the community for more than a decade and Boulder Medical Clinic in Boulder City, Nevada prior. With sights set on exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest Nalini and her family have relocated to continue the practice of medicine in Oregon. 
In Oregon she dedicated time to get certified as a Narrative Medicine facilitator at Oregon Health Sciences University followed by completion of a Foundation in Narrative Based Medicine course at University of Toronto. She has found practicing medicine with a narrative medicine lens has reminded her of the reason she chose to serve in medicine- the joy of connecting with others, the creativity that makes medicine not just a scientific pursuit but an artful one as well. 

She has also studied Ayurveda taught by Dr. Vasant Lad and is more recently pursuing a Foundation Certificate in Ayurveda with Saraswati Institute of Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy in Portland, Oregon. The principles of the ancient life science of Ayurveda align with the more modern core osteopathic principles she learned in medical school. Bridging these ancient teachings with modern medicine is something she weaves into her practice and care of patients.

She stays active hiking with her husband and two sons, long walks with her precious dog, JoJo, barre3, and yoga classes. Nalini also practices mindfulness and loving-kindness meditation to stay connected with what is important to her-being self-compassionate to oneself and compassionate to others. Giving back and serving the community through various philanthropies has allowed her to embody the value of service and compassion. As an avid reader and traveler, she seeks adventures and learning from books and journeys taken with her family. Staying rooted in GRATITUDE allows her to stay in the present moment.

Narrative Medicine Monthly Class

In these narrative medicine circles, we aim to build on skills of narrative competence including attention, representation and affiliation. We will use tools of humanities like language from poetry, excerpts, art, sculpture, video clips, photographs to creatively humanize medicine and the practitioner of medicine. By engaging in close reading, close looking and close listening we will build our attention. When we sharpen the skill of representation, we are crafting the art of re-presenting other's stories appropriately by becoming aware of positions and biases we carry within us.  This skill of story translation is sharpened when we have recognition of our positionality relative to that of another's.  Affiliation happens within and between those healing and the healers. It is the outcome of sustained acts of attention and representation. When we connect with one another we are able to co-create and make meaning of our stories.

With each session participants will learn to tune in to themselves and connect with their inner essence. Having found this deeper connection within themselves they will be able to connect with one another in a more meaningful way from this space of authenticity.  In narrative medicine circles we will co-create a brave and safe space to invite vulnerability which allows us to get in touch with our humanity. We can welcome our humanity by cultivating the ability for generous listening, absorbing and metabolizing what we have heard and moving toward action. When we witness a moment of suffering in another it can be a bridge which connects us with them, when we act to alleviate the suffering of another we are engaging in compassion. In a creative, playful, fun way we will find the magic in medicine!

In a creative, playful, fun way we will find the magic in medicine! 
  • Learn about narrative medicine and develop narrative competence.
  • Participate effectively with peers from multiple different backgrounds.
  • Tapping into creativity can remind us of our WHY?
  • Find the magic in medicine. 
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What's included?

Monthly Live Class

Join Nalini each month for a transformative narrative medicine circle. These sessions help you explore wirting in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Class Replay  

Can’t make it live? No worries—every session is recorded, allowing you to revisit the teachings and practices at your convenience, ensuring you never miss out on the journey.

Community

Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for spiritual growth. Engage in meaningful discussions, share experiences, and support one another in a warm, inclusive community.
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Fall 2024 Schedule

Dates: 4th Friday of Every Month
Time: 8 am PST, 11 am PST
75 Minute Class 
Replays available 
CLass series

Melting Into Being

Bring your full focus to a dedicated practice each month. 

The Melting Into Being Class is part of a Monthly Membership series that includes an array of monthly classes.  Sign up to receive all the benefits. 
CLass series

Narrative Medicine Circle

Bring your full focus to a dedicated writing exercise each month. 

The Narrative Medicine Circle is part of a Monthly Membership series that includes an array of monthly classes.  Sign up to receive all the benefits. 

Join Nalini Each Month!

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Join the community with a single payment and quick registration process that covers all current offerings. Billing is monthly,  and you can unsubscribe at any time.

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Participate in online experiences, discussions, and events created for your growth. Instructors have walked in your shoes and know the unique demands Integrative and Lifestyle clinicians face.

Embrace Your Journey

Experience the benefits of an empowered, balanced, mindful, and spiritually connected life rooted in connection, shared experiences, and support. 

Bridging the gap between learning and being...

These 75-minute classes include time for writing mixed with thoughtful inquiry and connection.
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What does the Vishuddha membership include?

Our membership offers access to exclusive content, personalized coaching sessions, monthly classes, and a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. You'll also receive special invitations to webinars and live events, and continuous support from the Vishuddha team.

What qualifies a clinician in integrative and lifestyle medicine?  

A clinician qualified in integrative and lifestyle medicine typically holds a professional degree, such as MD, DO, who has received additional training and certification in integrative and lifestyle medicine approaches; however, this is not essential.  This specialized training combines conventional medical practices with evidence-based, holistic methods that consider the spectrum of physical, emotional, environmental, and nutritional factors affecting health.

Certification might be obtained through reputable organizations such as the American Board of Integrative Medicine (ABOIM) or the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM). However, it can also include a course of self-study or newfound interest.  Clinicians trained in this field use a variety of therapeutic approaches, including diet and nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and other non-pharmacological methods to prevent, treat, and often reverse chronic diseases. Their practice emphasizes patient-centered care (not disease-centered care), where the patient and practitioner are partners in healing.


Who is the Vishuddha membership for? 

The Vishuddha membership is designed for individuals who identify as women in the field of integrative and lifestyle medicine who are seeking to deepen their understanding and practice in integrative and lifestyle medicine, personal growth, and community connection. 

How often are new courses and content released?

We add new courses and stand-alone events monthly. We also update our resources regularly to ensure you have access to the most current and relevant information in integrative and lifestyle medicine. Please look particularly for upcoming events related to Ayurveda and Yoga.

Can I cancel my membership at any time?

Yes, you can cancel your membership at any time. We strive to make the cancellation process straightforward and hassle-free, allowing you to make the best decision for your needs.

Is there a trial period for new members? 

We occasionally offer a trial period for new members. Please check our website or contact us directly for current details about trial availability.

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