Uncategorized – Page 66 – Music. Life. Joy.

February 15, 2023

The perfect Valentine cookies

It didn’t occur to me while I was in the store, but these cookies really are perfect for Ramesha and me–not because we’re sweethearts, but because we’re also vanilla and chocolate! 😊

In fact, the cookies brought to mind how we described ourselves when we first toured as the Harmony Duo back in 2006:

Bhagavati (Sharon) and Ramesha (Fabio) Nani are professional musicians who formed The Harmony Duo soon after their marriage. At that time they realized that—being of different races, from different countries and cultures, speaking different languages, but sharing spirituality and a deep love for music—harmony was, and is, the foundation of their life together.

Their programs affirm and celebrate the underlying harmony of all races, nations and cultures. Although written by a single composer, the pieces reflect a diversity of countries, centuries, and moods. Throughout them all, however, one feels the universal thread of joy and inspiration.

So, yeah–we pretty much embody the principle of “harmony in diversity” and that’s why I got such a kick out of my unconscious cookie selection.

February 14, 2023

Feeling the love

Something is shifting, and it feels like I’m more open to Divine Mother’s love than ever before.

What a wonderful sensation to be experiencing on today of all days.

So, heartfelt wishes to you for a Happy Valentine’s Day!

February 13, 2023

Overflowing gratitude: update & new link

Oh, my goodness! I am humbled, moved, and in awe of the overwhelming response to my request for support.

To be honest, it has turned into something of a spiritual test for me. What I mean by that is that this process is challenging all my feelings of unworthiness while also pushing me way out of my “receiving” comfort zone.

I keep wanting to say, “Stop! It’s too much!” But then I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and focus on relaxing my heart and opening to receive.

After all, can one have too much love? Too much sincere friendship? I don’t think so, but allowing this much loving friendship to flow to me and through me is most definitely stretching and changing me.

And what a beautiful, beautiful process it is. I just wish I could find the words to express all that I feel.

Oh, well. “Grateful” will simply have to do.

P.S. There was a glitch with some of the mp3s. If you had problems opening or downloading, here’s the NEW LINK.

February 12, 2023

The start of “us”

A friend came up to me after Sunday service today to share a request. She said how much she’s enjoyed reading about how I first came to Ananda, met Swamiji, and got involved in the music. But she wished I would write something about how I met Ramesha!

Well, as it turns out, I’ve already done so, although it starts things off sort of in the middle, so I’ll have to backtrack a bit tomorrow (or the next day).

Anyway, below is the story of the first concert Ramesha and I played together, which was really the start of “us”. I wrote it for our 15th anniversary and updated it just the other day (you can go HERE if you’re interested in hearing the recording of that concert).

Once upon a time a flutist-turned-singer from San Francisco moved to Italy to be part of a singing group. She met many wonderful people while she was there, including a young violinist-guitarist-singer from Lugano (Switzerland). They were acquaintances, who–over the course of a year–became good friends.

It was 2003. Sharon (the flutist/singer) was hoping to go on pilgrimage to India and decided to organize a concert to help raise money for the trip. Fabio (the violinist/guitarist/singer), wanted an opportunity to get to know her better, and was already planning to spend that very week at Ananda Assisi (where she lived). This gave Sharon the great idea to ask Fabio if he would join her on the concert, which he did. They had one day to rehearse, of which perhaps one-fourth was dedicated to the music, while the other three-quarters was spent talking..and laughing…and talking some more!

This is a recording of that concert, which was amazingly well-received, though truly, the music seemed almost besides the point. More important was the birth of a collaboration which led, a day later, to an official “first date”, followed within the year by a wedding and the forming of The Harmony Duo.

Now known as Bhagavati (Sharon) and Ramesha (Fabio) Nani, they’ll soon be celebrating the 19th anniversary of their marriage, and are still laughing and talking and making music together as music ministers and co-directors of Ananda Music Worldwide.

P.S. Bhagavati’s music duties in Assisi kept her from going on the pilgrimage to India that year, but when they reached their 15th anniversary (four years ago already!) they decided to once again make this CD available (on a donation basis) to celebrate that pivotal event in their relationship. And now they’re offering it again, in support of Bhagavati’s health goals. They hope you enjoy it!

February 11, 2023

💝 February 10 health update

Dear friend,

I thought my November 2 health update would be the very last, but it turns out another is needed.

First of all, there are still a number of people asking me, “How are you?” with a great deal of concern in their eyes. I’m very happy to report that I really am doing extremely well — I’ve been off disability since the beginning of the year and back to working full-time; I’m singing every week; and I’m feeling energized by new visions and potential projects for the music.

On the other hand, although I’m through with the major medical part of my health journey, I feel like I’m still sort of “picking up the pieces” of my life. And while it’s true that I’m completely back to normal, it’s also true that my “normal” relationship with my body and overall well-being hasn’t been all that healthy for much of my adult life.

In fact, this has been one of the biggest lessons of my cancer journey. As a result, I’m feeling guided to dedicate time and energy to focusing on detoxing from the high dose chemo; rejuvenating from the stress of the last year; and deeply resting from the trauma of the bone marrow transplant process.

So, in early March I’m going to do a one-week Panchakarma program at an ayurvedic retreat that’s located near my home in Nevada County. But because it’s a holistic healing modality instead of a medical procedure, Ramesha and I have to come up with $4500 to cover the cost on our own.

When we’ve needed to raise funds in the past (for music-related travel expenses, for example) we would often give a concert. But since there isn’t the time or the bandwidth to pull a concert together at this time, we’ve decided to take two little known albums of mine and offer them on a donation basis as digital downloads.

One album is a compilation of classical flute pieces from various recitals and concerts from when I was still a working flutist, while the other is from the very first concert Ramesha and I did together in 2003, before we were even a couple.

To learn more about the albums or to find the link to donate, click here (also, keep in mind that if you’re not able to donate money, you’re totally welcome to the music in gratitude for your continued prayers).

Finally (and I apologize if I’m beginning to sound repetitive), THANK YOU — again and again and again — for all your loving support.

February 10, 2023

A week of contrasts

It’s been a week of high peaks and low valleys. Big challenges and bigger blessings. Joyous fun and deep discouragement.

I’m grateful for all of it…and also grateful the week is over.

February 9, 2023

A non-stop day

Yeah, it’s been a going, going, going kind of day. All good stuff (especially tonight’s rehearsal!), but I’ve simply got to call a STOP.

Good night.

February 8, 2023

The Festival of Light come to life

Most weeks since 1999 I’ve listened to the Festival of Light as part of Ananda’s Sunday service.

In the Festival Swami Kriyananda condensed the central message of Ananda into ceremonial form, expressed in way that is moving and inspiring.

Over the years I’ve known a few fellow devotees who don’t enjoy the Festival, finding it boring and repetitive. I’ve always loved it, actually, but today the Festival came alive for me in a way that I would never have anticipated. And now I appreciate it on a deeper level than ever before.

Basically, it was one of those mornings when the to-do list seemed so overwhelming that I was tempted to skip meditation and just start “getting things done!” And although I successfully resisted that temptation, I had a hard time keeping my mind from treating my meditation as a planning session.

But then, it happened! I had a huge “aha” moment of getting it that none of what I ever do or have ever done is by my own power — everything is done through God’s infinite power acting through me.

And these words from the Festival of Light came to my mind:

Hours passed, and night fell. The little bird grew afraid. “How,” it cried, “can I fly in this darkness?” And the night whispered, “Fear not. For lo! peace awaits you in the unknown. Surrender to me, and your strength will be renewed.” And after a time the tiny rebel surrendered, and found the night’s counsel true.

And rain, and sky, and grassy fields all sang: “Behold, your very strength to fly has never been your own. Look to the source of all power, if you would conquer fear and weakness.”

And the bird asked, “Where can I find that source?”

And they answered, “Seek it in the farthest depths of Being, in your own Self.”

And I realized in the core of my being that the only way to truly resolve the issues I struggle with is through looking to the “source of all power” in order to conquer the fears that keep me bound to attitudes and behaviors that don’t serve me.

All in all, it was an emotional but remarkably freeing meditation.

February 7, 2023