(not necessarily in that order)
Today was about doing five loads of laundry; creating our December Patreon video; recording the audio for the Christmas Eve play; and of course answering emails, etc.
The evening was our run-through for Saturday’s Christmas concert. Not surprisingly, by the time I got home I was feeling more overwhelmed than ever.
Then I happened to see this meme! I totally feel like the universe heard me and sent me the perfect message of encouragement. Thank you, God!
No matter how much planning I try to do in the weeks and months beforehand, I can never seem to escape the feeling of overwhelm that hits in the last week before a trip to Europe.
And going at Christmas time makes things even more intense.
So, the only thing to do is to practice — with great intensity! — remembering that God Is the Doer. Not me.
The Heavenly Father knows exactly what’s needed. Divine Mother is lovingly supporting me every step of the way.
My work is to get still, ask for help, listen, and take action according to whatever guidance I receive. Over and over and over again.
There’s nothing like out-of-the-blue gut issues to make one realize just how much we take a happy, functioning gut for granted.
I have no idea what set mine off but I sure hope it’s back to normal tomorrow. In the meantime, I am feeling super grateful and appreciative for how well it usually works.
Today Ramesha and I enjoyed an inspiring Zoom satsang with devotees from Ananda UK.
There were about twenty people in attendance and I was struck — not for the first time — at how we felt fully at home with everyone as soon as we came on the call.
Old friend or complete stranger, it simply doesn’t matter. We’re all members of this growing spiritual family and it’s thrilling to see the circle getting bigger and bigger!
We’re having more and more fun in our ensemble rehearsals and when we sing for Sunday service.
The wonderful thing is how — bit by bit — everyone is getting the hang of really listening and feeling and tuning into the whole group.
What a difference when we’re able to come in all together, shape the phrases all together, and feel the dynamic ups and downs without having to spend a lot of time talking about it.
We’re simply doing it together because we’re feeling it together — as a group. And it makes my heart soooo happy. 🥰
Mary Kretzmann touched an amazing number of souls in the more than four decades that she led Ananda’s Healing Prayer Ministry. The outpouring of love, prayers, tributes, and stories from all around the world has been deeply inspiring.
There was a beautiful service for Mary last night and today I wanted to share this beautiful prayer card that was created by Dinah, a member of Ananda’s Virtual Community.
It’s all been very moving.
I’m prioritizing rest by keeping tonight’s blog post short and getting to bed that much earlier.
NIghty night! 😴
There’s something about life getting busier and more intense that causes me to gradually get to bed later and later.
It’s completely illogical and backward because I need the sleep more than ever.
But there you have it.
Our friend and gurubai, Mary Kretzmann, left her body this afternoon.
Similar to when Krishna passed away, it’s only been in the last few weeks that we understood just how ill Mary was. After being in a care facility and the hospital, she returned to the Village today…only to make her transition shortly after arriving at her home.
There will be many words written about Mary — she led the Ananda Prayer Ministry for many, many years; she was a wonderful mother and grandmother; she had a beautiful voice and a great sense of humor — but for now, all I can say is, “Go with love, dear friend.” 🙏
This is not exactly something new, but rather a new expression of how we live, love, and serve. 
Below is an excerpt of what Ramesha wrote to announce the switch from “Ramesha Nani” to “Ramesha & Bhagavati.”
I wanted to let you know that I decided to change the name of this page to include also my wife Bhagavati’s name.
We’re not just a married couple, but we also perform, direct, and teach music — particularly the music of Ananda — together full time.
We thought it would be nice to have a place where we can share with you about our musical activities, new recordings, and, in general, our lives.
Now I just have to remember to share things on the page! 🥰