(not necessarily in that order)
We were only gone a few days, but it somehow seems like it was a long time and far, far away. Maybe because LA is such a different environment, plus the intensity of interacting with so many people.
Whatever the reason, it feels really good to be home.
Ramesha and I are truly grateful for the blessing of spending time with family and friends here in beautiful Lugano. At the same time, having lived in spiritual community for so many years, after a few weeks we find ourselves missing satsang with fellow devotees.
Last year there just happened to be an Ananda event that we were able to go to. This time we decided to be proactive and arranged to do a music workshop for the Ananda Ticino meditation group that meets regularly in Bellinzona.
What a joy it was!
First of all, we got to talk about music, consciousness, community, spiritual growth, etc. Then we got to simply enjoy singing with everyone. That was followed by time to answer questions and have some interesting discussion. And then we all went out for super delicious pizza.
The absolute best thing, however, was getting to know this new branch of our spiritual family. Even the ones we only met last night feel like longtime, dear friends already.
(P.S. I used the word “bliss” in the title because in Sanskrit the word “Ananda” means “joy” or “bliss!” So, “Swiss bliss” is my way of having fun describing an Ananda meditation group in Switzerland. 🥰)
No matter how much I struggle to stick with my day-to-day routines (including meditation), I’m always grateful for the boost of bliss and inspiration I feel after a Kriya initiation!
I felt so blessed to wake up to blue skies today.
I mean, there’s nothing like three weeks of constant rain and clouds to remind one of how wonderful sunshine can be. 🌞
And then to arrive home at dusk and see the first star against indigo skies…bliss, indeed!
(I’m not the greatest photographer but I hope you can see it, just barely above the bare branches of the tree in the middle of the photo.)
I think I neglected to mention that when they removed the catheter from my chest, I still had to wait another week before I could take a full shower.
It had to do with the fact that the opening where the catheter had been led to my heart, so it had to heal completely before I could allow it to get wet.
But finally the moment arrived. I am soooo grateful and hope I never take hot showers entirely for granted ever again.
Recorded during Ananda Palo Alto’s morning meditation as part of a project Rambhakta is working on. It’s so devotional and sweet, I wanted to share. I love how it makes me feel like I’m sitting way in the back of the temple…diving deep into bliss.