Month: April 2020

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Thinking of Swamiji

Hard to believe it’s been seven years since Swami Kriyananda left his body. On the one hand, I still miss him terribly; on the other hand, I feel him with me as much (sometimes even more) than ever!

Swami’s song Brothers (or Fratelli, in Italian) is one that really captures his essence as a citizen of the universe — at home everywhere and a friend to everyone! Swamiji truly “lived in many countries and mixed with many men,” touching thousands of lives along the way.

I’m so grateful he touched mine.

From the film “Finding Happiness”, Swami Kriyananda sings his song, Brothers, along with Ananda choirs from Italy, India, and the United States.
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Blown away yet again…

I’ve written before about the vocal group Famiglia Sala (the Sala Family); we do our best to attend their concerts whenever we visit Switzerland and Italy.

They always blow us away when we hear them live, but I didn’t really expect to feel so moved listening to them online. Especially since they were performing — as is everyone these days! — from separate locations. This Stabat Mater event was broadcast on Swiss television for Good Friday, but we finally watched the video tonight. It’s a deeply devotional presentation, and — sure enough — the Famiglia Sala blew me away yet again.

From the event description:
Together they overcame the limitations and difficulties of this period to leave a profound testimony of a moment destined to remain in history. The result has great emotional impact that aims to allow people who cannot participate at religious services during this period, to still have a moment of reflection through music and reading.

It truly did have great emotional impact and the singing was simply out of this world gorgeous. Bravissima, Famiglia Sala!

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Wrung out

A day spent tackling complicated, bureaucratic-type projects; following up on performance commitments; grieving the loss of a dear member of the community; and manifesting a choral expression of our love for that friend.

A full day which has left me feeling equal parts good about what I accomplished and wrung out from all that I accomplished!

Duality.

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One month to go

In exactly one month (plus a day) I will arrive at my one year anniversary of writing this blog. Amazing.

Especially the fact that I hardly ever find that I have nothing to say, which was such a big deal when I was first getting started.

I’m glad to be noticing this now — as opposed to having the anniversary sneak up on me at the last minute. This way I can take the opportunity to reflect on what it means, what I’ve learned, and where I want to go from here (hint: just keep writing!).

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Too many ideas

More and more ideas seem to want to crowd into my brain every day. And a lot of them seem like good ideas, too.

Ideas for…
…informal music Q&A satsangs
…”sing-along with Swami” sessions
…creating music playlists
…online courses
…increased engagement with our “fans”
…music leader training
…more regular newsletters
…lyric videos
…how to rehearse choir using Zoom
…virtual World Brotherhood Choir videos
…training small groups online
…etc, etc, etc!

Unfortunately, there seems to be an inverse relationship between the number of ideas and my ability to focus or be productive. I know it’s partly my response to the unsettled energy and uncertainties of this time, but still…it’s really rather frustrating.

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Basta così!

There are a few phrases that work best in Italian. This is definitely one of them: basta così!

Basically, I’m done; it’s enough.

In other words, I’m ready to call it a day and hit the sack. 😴

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Works every time

Having fun during our April 14 Joyous Global Sing-Along!

What gets me back on track? Every single time? Singing Ananda Music. Playing it works, too, but not quite as infallibly.

Considering the crazy, hectic, push me-pull me times we’re in, this particular spiritual “tool” is like gold; it’s priceless. And it’s so important for me to keep it uppermost in my mind as I move through these challenging days.

Because, even though our twice a week sing-alongs can seem like a bit much when I’m in preparation mode, by the end of the thirty minutes I’m so glad I did it!

It’s like journeying back to the source, drinking deep from the waters, and being completely renewed! What a gift.

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Today’s special treat

Although Crystal Hermitage and its gardens are closed due to the coronavirus, Ananda Village residents are allowed to visit — by reservation; two per hour; masked and gloved!

It was glorious to spend an hour immersed in the beauty and sunlight and fresh air. And as a bonus, we actually got to see and greet a few friends (from an appropriate social distance, of course)!

We don’t usually make it there so early in the season, so this was our first time witnessing the cherry blossoms in their full splendor. Although there are already lots of tulips, the wisteria and dogwood trees aren’t yet in full bloom. So we’ll definitely be making another appointment (or two…or three!) over the coming weeks.

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An Easter like no other

This has been both the strangest and the best Easter ever.

I calculated that it was probably the first Easter since 1989 that I didn’t celebrate in church surrounded by spiritual family. Definitely strange…

Thank goodness I made up my mind the night before to get at least a little dressed up; it would have been just too sad to watch the Easter service online while wearing a grungy sweatshirt! I’m glad to say that Ramesha went along with me on this, so we were nicely spruced up for the holiday.

What made it the best Easter ever is the depth and generosity of what was on offer. From Andrea Bocelli singing in the Duomo in Milan to our very own Jyotish and Devi in the Temple of Light — and certainly in a multitude of other places — it felt like everyone was digging deeper than ever before and finding previously untapped reserves of love and joy and power to share with others.

Adrea Bocelli singing “Amazing Grace” in front of the Duomo

I was moved to tears again and again throughout the day. And I’ll be going to bed feeling more hopeful than I have in weeks.

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More about transformation

The concepts I tried to capture and express in last night’s blog felt like they really stretched and challenged my brain; I even wondered whether I was making sense!

Then tonight I read the following in a blog–Inspiration for Challenging Times-COVID-19–written by my friend, Surendra (emphasis in bold is mine):

Dear Me…
You signed up for this crisis when you agreed to be born in this time and place. You came here to learn and to help. That was the deal, remember?
If it had been your karma to be born in a higher age, or on a more refined planet, that’s where you would have been sent. But this is where you have landed, entirely for your own good, and now your opportunity to make the most of it has never been greater. Get to it, man, and stay with it. Feel the love, and share it. Make it the time of your life.

The “doubting Thomas” part of me feels much better, as I find that I’m not entirely alone in having this thought!

Soooo…let’s remember that we signed up for this, grab hold of the opportunity, and get to it! We can make this the time of our lives. (Thanks, Surendra! 🙏💗🙏)