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Autumn thoughts

After the last few years of disastrous fire seasons, I’m grateful for the arrival of lower temperatures and rain, even before the end of September.

At the same time I’m also a little sad to see such a definite seasonal shift so early in the fall. As a native Californian I’m accustomed to more gradual changes and being able to wear my sandals and light sweaters almost until Thanksgiving, even here in the foothills.

One thing I always enjoy at this time of year is my renewed appreciation for the warmth of the sun. I mean, one can start to resent it in the heat of July and August, but there’s nothing quite like sitting in sunny sheltered spot on a chilly autumn day to remind us of what a blessing it is! Definitely one of life’s simple pleasures.

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Doing vs managing

Ramesha and I sang a duet and played a flute/guitar instrumental this morning for Sunday service. It feels a little strange to reflect on what a small percentage of our time goes toward actually doing music.

Instead we train others in making music; plan and organize music-related events; create content featuring music; promote music; write (lots of!) emails about music; figure out a budget for music; try to keep up with websites and social media for the music; attend lots of meeting about music; etc etc.

The hilarious thing, of course, is that we are so not managerial type people…and yet, together with Jeannie, we’re managing a department! Thank goodness God and gurus are in charge or else I’d really be worried! 😂

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Seniors

Had a nice visit with my Dad and sister today. I drove down to Sacramento and we had a long chat over lunch.

So, here’s the thing: I enjoy being eligible for more and more senior discounts — really I do! But I have to admit that it felt a little odd when all of us — including my baby sister — ordered from the senior menu today!

Oh well. Guess I just have to get used to it. 🙂

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Feeling grateful

Something shifted in a major way for me this past Sunday.

I came onto to the path later in life than many of my friends and gurubais, plus my decades of experience as a freelance musician — with a lifestyle to match — wasn’t a big help when it came to early rising and consistent routines.

Moving to Europe and back, then a few years later to Los Angeles and back, further disrupted my routines and I’ve been struggling — literally for years — to reestablish a strong, regular practice. Very frustrating.

But last Sunday I experienced a breakthrough! Afterwards, for three mornings in a row I spontaneously woke up earlier than usual, before the alarm, with a strong desire to meditate in the Temple of Light. I didn’t say anything (even to Ramesha) cause I didn’t want to jinx it, but I can now report that my “streak” lasted the entire week and I’m eager to extend it further. 😊

I’m so very, very grateful!

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4 months 1 week

That’s how long I’ve been writing this blog! It had been some time since I stopped and thought about it, but absolutely nothing was coming to mind to write about today, so I ended up with…this.

And I really don’t have anything interesting to say about this, either! 😂

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Don’t wait

How often we wait, hoping to feel happy enough to start singing…when it’s singing itself that will raise our energy and make us happy!

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International Village choir

NOW we’re officially back. Tonight was our first full choir rehearsal, and what a great rehearsal it was! Part of the wonderfulness is due to an influx of great souls in young (or at least young-ish) bodies who are adding a lot of fresh energy into the mix.

Since we had to leave town soon after these newbies started coming, we decided to join them for tea in the Expanding Light dining room after rehearsal tonight in order to get to know them all a little better.

Looking at the photos I took, it strikes me just how international of a group it is; we are truly evolving into a World Brotherhood Choir right here at Ananda Village. Hari bol!

Arya (Hong Kong), Erin, Linda, Arati (Spain), Dhyan
Lakshman (the 1st, who has recently returned to Ananda Village), Ben, Catarina (Finland), Ashtara (Israel)
Max (Russia) who is serving at Ananda Scotts Valley–so we can’t get him in choir quite yet, Arya, Erin
Catarina, Ashtara, Gaurja (India), Ramesha (Switzerland)
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Living lyrics

At Oregon Creek Day Use Campground on the Middle Yuba River

This morning I lived the truth of some favorite song lyrics — we left home in the sunshine, drove by some meadows, and sat by a stream to just be! And boy oh boy was it nice. 🙂

Oregon Creek is only a few minutes from our home; we’re determined to visit regularly in the future in order to take advantage of its relaxing beauty.

Here are the full lyrics to There’s Joy in the Heavens (by Swami Kriyananda):

There’s joy in the heavens,
A smile on the mountains,
And melody sings everywhere.
The flowers are all laughing
To welcome the morning;
Your soul is as free as the air.

Leave home in the sunshine:
Dance through a meadow—
Or sit by a stream and just be.
The lilt of the water
Will gather your worries
And carry them down to the sea.

Men hunger for freedom,
But don’t see their dungeon
Is only the thought that they’re bound!
Desires are their shackles:
The hope that tomorrow
The doorway to joy will be found.

There’s joy all around us!
Why wait till tomorrow?
We’ve only this moment to live.
A heaven within us
Is ours for the finding,
A freedom no riches can give!

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Aaahhhh…

This afternoon I finally dropped everything and went to the Moksha Mandir at Crystal Hermitage to “spend time” with Swami Kriyananda.

I had been feeling more and more out of sorts, and I finally realized it was mostly due to my routines being so out-of-whack that I had started vibrating out-of-whack as well. And when that happens I start trying to operate on my power rather than tuning into divine, cosmic power.

So this afternoon was a major corrective. A pattern interrupt. A chance to simply stop and recalibrate. And, my goodness, did it feel good!

In fact, as I was driving home afterwards, I felt the impulse to stop at the Temple of Light and spend some quiet time there as well.

Words can’t adequately convey the sense of peace and stillness I felt meditating there. I’ll simply say that it was just what the doctor ordered and leave it at that!

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Time machine

I’ve discovered that I have a time machine right here on my laptop. You might know it by it’s other name: Youtube.

I didn’t intend to travel in the time machine tonight. But someone had posted a short video of a Japanese a cappella group doing a Steely Dan cover…and someone else had posted in the comments a link to a Russian band that covers the band Chicago.

Well…! Chicago was huge when I was in high school. In fact, the one and only rock concert I ever attended was the very first “Day on the Green” in the Oakland Coliseum with Chicago and the Beach Boys (and yes, I realize that I am totally dating myself). 🙂

After revisiting a number of Chicago’s hits, I saw that this amazing band, Leonid & Friends, also covers Blood, Sweat & Tears — my absolute all-time favorite band growing up. (Did I ever mention that throughout high school I played saxophone in jazz bands?)

After listening to a few of the covers, I simply had go to the source and find some real Blood, Sweat & Tears recordings. And, oh my! I hadn’t listened to those tunes in I don’t even know how many years, but they are just as powerful and dynamic and satisfying to me as ever!

And I suddenly understood the important part these bands (Chicago; Blood, Sweat & Tears; Earth, Wind & Fire; Tower of Power; etc) — with their jazzy harmonies, intricate rhythms, perfect intonation, and tight ensemble — played in establishing my musical foundation.

To see what I mean, check out Blood, Sweat & Tears’ recording of God Bless the Child. The level of musicianship is simply incredible.

How fascinating to be able to travel back in time and — through music — reconnect with my younger self.