(not necessarily in that order)
Today’s celebration of Dad’s 90th birthday was a resounding success.
It left me both exhausted and deeply appreciative of how blessed I am to have grown up in a large and loving family. Especially considering that my wonderful Dad is who he is thanks to his family.
So, here’s to family — quirky, flawed, complicated, challenging — but loving one another just the same, to the very best of our ability.
Just a small representative sampling of the scores of people who love this guy.
Happy birthday, amore mio! π
Tonight’s celebration of Lahiri Mahasaya was very inspiring, filling the Temple of Light with deep, deep devotion.
The first time I really tuned into Lahiri was the end of September 2001; someone had printed up cards with just the final sentence a longer quote (the full quote is below): Though man’s ingenuity for getting himself into trouble appears to be endless, the Infinite Succor is no less resourceful.
I found those words profoundly reassuring in the aftermath of 9/11 and they are just as meaningful to me in the crazy times we’re living in today!
Solve all your problems through meditation. Exchange unprofitable religious speculations for actual God-Contact. Clear your mind of dogmatic theological debris; let in the fresh, healing waters of direct perception. Attune yourself to the active inner Guidance; the Divine Voice has the answer to every dilemma of life. Though man’s ingenuity for getting himself into trouble appears to be endless, the Infinite Succor is no less resourceful.
—Β Lahiri MahasayaΒ
Sorry, couldn’t resist this musician’s joke! You see, the distance between these two notes is a fourth, and the interval is called a perfect fourth. Get it?!?
But seriously, I hope a perfect 4th of July was enjoyed by all those who celebrate it.
It was certainly a perfect 4th here at Ananda Village. We celebrated both America’s independence and Ananda’s 54th birthday with a parade, games, a delicious dinner, choir entertainment, contra dancing, and friends galore.
I leave for my weeklong ayurvedic retreat tomorrow and will miss Ramesha’s actual birthday next week.
So, tonight we had a simple celebration at home — just the two of us. No candles (the photo is just for fun), but a deliciously healthy pasta dinner followed by a super chocolatey cupcake for dessert.
It’s bittersweet, because this is the first time in nineteen years that I won’t be celebrating with him on his special day. But it’s for a good cause!
I was scrolling through Facebook this morning, when a friend’s post reminded me that it was the 21st of September — time to boogie!
Of course, I remember this Earth, Wind & Fire song from when it was released back in 1978, but I’ve never really tuned into the fact that many people all around the world have been celebrating the 21st of September like a holiday ever since.
When I put it on this morning (with earbuds, of course) I felt instantly happy.
Then I listened to it again this afternoon and even danced around the room a bit (making up for the walk I didn’t feel up to taking).
Then I found various videos of people dancing to the song and decided this would be the focus of today’s blog post: how a simple pop song can embody so much joy that forty-four years later people are uplifted when they listen and/or dance to it.
This video from Japan is particularly fun. So much energy!
This is what’s been going through my mind pretty much all day.
It’s been a rather quiet and relaxed day for us. Even the community celebration (parade, games, dinner) in the Village center was pretty chill.
And for once there haven’t been all that many firecrackers set off in the surrounding areas. So, yeah, it’s a been a quiet Fourth.
Today’s my sister’s birthday and tomorrow’s my birthday. Plus it’s one of those years when Father’s Day and my birthday coincide.
Then there’s the Solstice, and the fact that some dear friends are returning from a trip back East.
Perhaps best of all is that we can drive to Sacramento and celebrate with Dad and Cathy in person. Then we’ll stay at a beautiful B&B before picking Sundara and Nandadevi up from the airport on Sunday.
So, in honor of all this wonderfulness, I’m writing my blog now and — believe it or not! — leaving my computer home. No work for me this weekend!