Inhale the present, exhale the past.

Now, let your breath guide you back to the present moment, where peace and mindfulness reside.

Thank you for reading today’s edition of Grateful Gazette 😌

Here’s what to know for Wednesday:

• Nepal’s women defy the odds to keep a musical tradition alive

• Wolfgang Van Halen supports music education with donation

• Coral reefs can grow at remarkable speeds

NEPALI MUSICIANS BRIDGING GAPS WITH TRADITIONAL INSTRUMENTS

Shanti Chaudhari couldn’t resist getting close to the magic of Nepal’s traditional music, the naumati baja, despite her parents scolding her.

Why? 

Because those beats were associated with the Damai community, labeled as the lowest caste.

Flash forward to today, and Shanti isn’t just standing close to the music; she's the heart and soul of it. At 41, she's rocking out in her own band, the Shrijanshil Mahila Sanstha.

And get this: her husband, who once raised an eyebrow at her musical dreams, now whips up some grub when she’s out late jamming. Now, that’s what we call a supportive partner!

But Shanti’s not the only trailblazer in town.

Bal Kumari Bhusal, the brains behind the band, faced her fair share of critics when she first started it up.

But she didn’t let that stop her.

With members from all different castes and some solid coaching from Dalit musicians, these women are not only keeping the beat alive but also breaking down barriers.

These ladies are not just playing at weddings; they’re hitting up birthdays, religious ceremonies, and even political gigs. Can you imagine rocking out at a rally? That's some serious power!

Sure, they're earning a cool $30-40 per show, but it’s not just about the cash.

For these women who were once stuck doing chores at home, it's about breaking free and seeing the world outside their four walls.

So, next time you hear those sweet traditional tunes filling the air in Nepal, know that it’s not just about the music—it’s about empowerment, breaking stereotypes, and showing the world that girls can rock just as hard as the boys.

🎶 Wolfgang Van Halen makes a generous donation of $100,000 to support music education

🎦 Hayao Miyazaki’s “Boy and the Heron” wins Oscar for Best Animated Feature

🖥 Record number of women applying for computing degrees in the UK

🧬 AI unlocks potential cure for prostate cancer through DNA analysis

🐶 Golden retriever turns Vermont family farm into a must-visit destination

🌱 New life springs from rescued Sycamore Gap tree

After just four years, damaged coral reefs are bouncing back, growing as fast as healthy ones.

Thanks to the Mars Coral Reef Restoration Programme, hope is blooming underwater!

The secret? "Reef Stars" – cozy homes for coral fragments.

Dr. Ines Lange from the University of Exeter is thrilled: "The speed of recovery we saw is amazing!"

These reefs aren't just eye candy; they're homes for marine life and shields against storms.

Dr. Tim Lamont from Lancaster University adds, "If we can control the climate, we're looking at some serious reef restoration success!"

With teamwork between local and global scientists, the future of coral reefs looks bright.

It’s like having a trusty roadmap to live by.

Sprinkle some kindness, soak in the beauty, and always stay true to yourself.

When life throws you a curveball, remember to take these tools and keep on shining!

- Thank you for reading Grateful Gazette. Remember to breathe deeply to bring your mind back to your body 💜

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