It won’t be a true seclusion; we’re simply taking a couple of days here at home to unplug and be more inward.
I’ll be staying away from the computer, except to write my daily post. I don’t want to break my commitment!
Time for a time out
Speaking Italian
Spaghetti.
Allegro.
Lento.
Forte.
Basta.
Biscotti.
Gelato.
Rubato.
Amore.
See? I’ll bet you can speak Italian, too!
Ciaooooo! 😂🍕
Garden criteria
Achillea (Yarrow) 
Allium (Ornamental Onion) 
Sempervivum
(Hen & Chicks)
Lavandula (Lavender) 
Agastache (Anise Hyssop) 
Liriope muscari
(Blue Lily-turf)
One thing about months of never going anywhere is that we’re feeling a lot more motivated to fix up our yard. We recently got the patio cleaned up and purchased a little outdoor dining set; now it’s time to do something about the landscaping.
This, of course, is where the criteria come in. The ideal candidate for our garden landscape would be a plant that is:
1. Deer resistant
2. Drought tolerant
3. Super easy to grow
We might consider plants that don’t match on criteria #3, but we really can’t make any exceptions to #1 and #2!
Including myself
I’ve been struggling — yet again — to take better care of myself. The problem is that giving myself treats is simply not the same as treating myself lovingly.
Thinking about being kind to myself led me to this quote by Swami Kriyananda, and to the thought that “everyone” includes me!
So I’ve turned it into an affirmation:
I hold kindness in my heart for everyone — including myself.
Look what I found!
I was looking for something else entirely, but found this treasure instead. I believe this was a Sunday service at Ananda Assisi shortly before Swami Kriyananda moved to India in November 2003; Ramesha and I had been together less than a month!
And aren’t I wearing the loveliest shawl? I adored that shawl and the way it matched virtually everything in my wardrobe. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of thinking it could be washed in cold water and was heartbroken when it shrank to less than a quarter of its size.😢
Ah, memories!
Sharing the peace
Today was mostly a day off, so we took the opportunity for some downtime at Crystal Hermitage.
I thoroughly enjoyed just “sitting and being” for a while, and wanted to share some of the peace with you!
Sixteen years ago…
When Ramesha and I got married (sixteen years ago!), the astrologically auspicious date was July 5, which happened to be a Monday.
My Dad was turning 70 on July 3rd of that year, so my sister and I decided that — since the family was already gathering for the wedding — we might as well add a surprise birthday party to the festivities.
It was quite the weekend: a wedding blessing and potluck Friday night; Dad’s birthday party on Saturday; 4th of July festivities on Sunday; and finally the wedding on Monday morning!
Turns out that was a preview of what our anniversary would look like from year to year — birthdays, national holidays, and now Spiritual Renewal Week!
Which all goes to say that we didn’t have the energy to do anything out of the ordinary today.
But tomorrow…! 💕
Independence Day
Today was the quietest 4th of July we’ve experienced in decades! Last year we were celebrating Ananda’s 50th anniversary on July 4th, so that was an especially huge celebration. But there’s almost always some variety of parade and games and special meal, with lots of fun and laughter.
This year, of course, we’re still physical distancing, so….no games, no parade, no eating together. And I haven’t even heard any fireworks (so far at least).
In this peaceful, quiet space I find myself reflecting on what it is to be “independent”. I think being truly “free” requires non-attachment. And that brings to mind the chant Nayaswami Maria spoke about earlier in the week…
I AM FREE by Swami Kriyananda
I own nothing, I am free! In myself I am free.
I own no one, I am free! In myself I am free.
I need nothing, I am free! In myself I am free.
I need no one, I am free! In myself I am free.
In myself I am free! In myself I am free!
I am free, ever free! In myself I am free.
I am joyful, ever free! In myself I am free.
I am blissful ever free! In myself I am free.
I am nameless, ever free! In myself I am free.
I am formless, ever free! In myself I am free.
This is the independence I aspire to!
Wishing you peace and inner freedom this 4th of July!🗽
Two more days
Spiritual Renewal Week is drawing to a close. One more class; a pre-recorded storytelling event with Murali; Sunday service; and we’re done!
So far I have to say that everything has been way more powerful that I expected! The classes, the music, even today’s Kriya ceremony. And what a joy to know that I’m sharing it all with my spiritual family all around the globe.
O Master
I am beyond thrilled to finally be able to share the finished video of “O Master”!
More than ninety singers participated in the Ananda World Brotherhood Virtual Choir… from Mumbai, New Delhi, Noida, and Pune (India); Tel Aviv (Israel); Milano (Italy); and California, Missouri, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington (USA).
The love and joy is palpable; devotees singing with hearts full of gratitude and devotion.
We’ll definitely be doing more of these!
Jai Guru! 💗