Month: December 2020

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Silenced once again

Yep, in some ways we’re back to the beginning — no live singing or chanting, for Sunday service or anywhere else at Ananda Village, until January 5 at the earliest.

But in other ways, it’s not like the beginning at all. It’s way more frustrating because of all the time and energy and resources expended in between, for seemingly nothing.

Not to mention the sacrifices!

And yes, a part of me thinks I have some nerve whining about not being able to sing. I mean, I think about all those working on the front lines in hospitals and clinics — from doctors and nurses to food service workers and cleaning crews. I think about the people working in grocery stores and gas stations and pharmacies, so that we can be fed and supplied. And I am so, so grateful for them all.

So, yeah, in some ways we’re back to the beginning, but with a lot more understanding and compassion and — yes — patience.

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When it all starts to add up

I’ve been sort of automatically categorizing my current sense of overwhelm as the “usual” increasingly intense activities that come with the December/Christmas/holiday season.

But today I’m realizing the need to acknowledge the intense undercurrents of all that’s going on in the world. On the most basic levels we’re completely fine out here in the boonies — taking precautions, supported by community. On more subtle levels, however, I can feel the “not-fine-at-all” reality of many, many of my fellow Californians, Americans, citizens of the world.

So, yeah, it kind of starts to all add up and you can’t help but feel the heaviness. Which is why staying centered, staying calm, staying open and loving, staying joyous is my/our most important work right now.

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Feeling more peaceful

Once again making some progress in some positive directions. Lights were out at 11:30 last night — which hadn’t happened in months — and I was up correspondingly early.

So, fingers crossed that this continues (it feels good)!

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Achieving equilibrium

Last week was pretty busy. Followed by an intensely active weekend. Leading into a “day off” filled with errands, appointments, and recording.

I thought I was doing just fine with it all…until I tripped and fell on the path leading to our apartment this evening. Nothing serious, but enough to give one pause…

So I had “balance” on my mind as I started writing, although it quickly evolved into the thought of needing to achieve “equilibrium.”

When I began searching for a photo, I think I was unconsciously thinking of a Zen rocks “balance” kind of image. But as soon as I saw this illustration, I knew it was perfect! It describes my life all too well.😄

Ergo the need for balance and achieving equilibrium!

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World Brotherhood Day 2020

This evening we kicked of our (adjusted) holiday season by celebrating World Brotherhood Day entirely online! As with so many other events throughout this remarkable year, creativity and expansive thinking carried the day and it ended up being more inspiring than ever!

The interactive breakout sessions were great fun, but my favorite moment was the spontaneous sing-along of “The Christmas Mystery” after the event was officially “over” — pure bliss!

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Fall colors, sunset light

Sometimes in the autumn at Ananda Village, the fall colors and sunset light combine into such beauty that I feel like I’m living in a Maxfield Parrish painting.

These are just quick snapshots taken on my phone from the Expanding Light Retreat parking lot, but they’re absolutely magical!

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It’s show time!

(No, not that kind of show!) 😂

To cut to the chase, I am sooooo not feeling it tonight!

I’ve been toying with the idea of trying to shift to writing my blog post earlier in the day; maybe this is “sign” that it’s time.

At any rate, ciao for now. I’m going to go watch a show. 📺

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Ever more global

Tomorrow’s the cut-off for participating in our next worldwide virtual choir, so the videos are really starting to pour in.

What’s particularly thrilling to me is the increased participation of devotee singers from more and more locations around the globe every time we do this.

I don’t see how this could ever become “old hat” to me. 🌏