It’s Yogananda’s birthday, but I’m the one receiving the gift of his many blessings!
Thank you, Master, for all the ways you have transformed (and continue transforming) my life.
The blessing is mine
Counting my blessings
Tonight was a powerful Kriya ceremony in the beautiful Temple of Light. We’re having a gorgeously clear night with the moon practically at the full. And….our electricity is working again!
Feeling the bliss on multiple levels. 🙂
Music as love
What do you do when you live in California but your absolute favorite singing group is based in Como, Italy? Well, I’ll tell you, every time you visit Europe you eagerly await an opportunity to hear them sing!
I’m talking about Gruppo vocale Famiglia Sala (the Sala Family vocal group), an amazing singing group composed of father (Paolo), mother (Maria), and their five children (Sofia, Lucia, Giovanni, Margherita, and Caterina).
I’m blown away every single time I hear them, starting from four years ago. The impact never lessens; just the opposite in fact — each time I hear them I’m as deeply moved as the first time.
This afternoon was the latest example. As I listened to them sing, I felt as though I was being nurtured and replenished on a deep soul level. It’s hard to put into words, but I found myself pondering the power in their performances and asking myself why?
Of course there’s the fact that each one of them is a superb musician with an amazing voice. Their commitment to excellence and love of music is apparent in every song.
There’s also the fact that they are warm, loving, fun people who enjoy what they’re doing, which definitely shows in their performances.
But many groups meet these first two criteria. I’m convinced that what sets La Famiglia Sala apart, and takes it to a whole other level, is that they embody love expressed through music.
Love for the music; love for one another; love for their listeners; and they sing with so much devotion that I just know love for God is there as well.
I realize this probably sounds rather hokey and exaggerated, but when they sing I feel surrounded and infused by love. My theory is that their commitment to love has opened them up to become powerful channels for love, which then flows through their voices, eyes, and smiles. That love is a palpable presence that uplifts and heals everyone in the room, then expands to bless the world.
Thank you, Famiglia Sala. Grazie di cuore.
Still here
All last week we all practically lived at the Temple of Light, being there every single morning, plus most afternoons and evenings as well. So it felt really good to have a couple of mostly stay-at-home days where I didn’t set foot in the Temple even once.
But this afternoon I needed to go back into it. True, I had to pick up some forgotten items, but mostly it was a necessary part of my integration process.
It was all very quiet, with only a few other people around; a great contrast to all the commotion of last week! I went into the Sanctuary and sat for a little while in meditation, marveling at the profound stillness and the uplifting beauty…
…and was struck yet again by the realization that it’s ours! It’s still here and right here is where it’s going to stay for basically forever. And we are blessed with the opportunity to use it Every Single Day!
I know all of life is only a part of God’s dream, but I have to admit to very much enjoying the dream, and our part in it, right about now!
Singing in Italy
Sharing yesterday’s story has me thinking a lot more about my Italy touring experience. That brief period of my life was filled to overflowing with blessings but also fraught with intense spiritual growth. I hope to distill some of that experience into future blog posts, but for now I’ll just share a photo. Can you believe how young we all were?!?
Bottom: yours truly; Karen Gamow; Cristina Bechis
Middle: Frank Monahan; Mantrini Klippstein; David Gamow
Top: Lewis Howard; Bhaktan Klippstein