Tag: grateful

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Living the dream

As I was walking through the meadow above Rajarsi Park this morning, looking at the buildings where I get to work every day, I was struck yet again by the incredible beauty of where I live.

I breathed in the perfectly clear and crisp October day with the sun shining, the autumn foliage standing out in the distance, and the palpable sense of peace and serenity permeating the scene.

Then I stopped and took a quick photo to try and capture the moment.

Two thoughts alternated in my mind as I walked on. First I found myself thinking about how fortunate I am to live in such a unique place. Beautiful, peaceful, knowing everyone, surrounded by spirituality.

But then I remembered that — even though it’s something to be constantly grateful for — living in the “perfect place” is not really the point.

Self-realization is the point. Knowing my oneness with God and all that is, that’s the point. In the meantime, I try to remember that this life which seems so real to me is God’s dream.

Yes, I’m living a beautiful manifestation of God’s dream compared to many other people on the planet, but still…the ultimate goal is to awaken from the dream into the pure light and love of God.

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Good advice

The excellent thought I’m reflecting on as Saturday comes to an end.

Grateful I have so much to appreciate!

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Seventeen years ago!

This is from our wedding blessing at the Ananda Palo Alto community, a completely fun, joy-filled, blissful event. We tied the knot a few days later — on July 5, 2004 — an incredible seventeen years and what feels like several lifetimes ago!

Ramesha and I have shared an amazing life for almost two decades now, and I’m so totally grateful.

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Repeat after me: you are doing okay.

Yeah, today was one of those kinds of days. It just felt hard, and occasionally combative. My back hurt, and I felt overwhelmed.

Plus, I was at one and the same time grateful for the rain and also bummed that it was raining.

But I appreciated this reminder that things have been hard for a long time, but I’m still accomplishing a lot even in the midst of it all.

So, yeah, I’m doing okay. And I think you probably are, too!

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Overcoming resistance

Today was an overcoming resistance kind of day.

A day to support a friend, but within an uncomfortable context that was challenging for me.

And a day to knuckle down and do some important tasks that I’ve been majorly procrastinating about.

Grateful to have the day behind me and feeling good about what I accomplished! 💪

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Silenced once again

Yep, in some ways we’re back to the beginning — no live singing or chanting, for Sunday service or anywhere else at Ananda Village, until January 5 at the earliest.

But in other ways, it’s not like the beginning at all. It’s way more frustrating because of all the time and energy and resources expended in between, for seemingly nothing.

Not to mention the sacrifices!

And yes, a part of me thinks I have some nerve whining about not being able to sing. I mean, I think about all those working on the front lines in hospitals and clinics — from doctors and nurses to food service workers and cleaning crews. I think about the people working in grocery stores and gas stations and pharmacies, so that we can be fed and supplied. And I am so, so grateful for them all.

So, yeah, in some ways we’re back to the beginning, but with a lot more understanding and compassion and — yes — patience.

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Belly laughs at end of day

As I write this I’m still chuckling over some end of the day silliness between Ramesha and me.

The background would take way too long to explain. Suffice it to say that I heard “kiss in sync” as “kitchen sink” and we were goners!

So, I’m once again feeling consciously and deeply grateful for the gift of a life partner with whom I laugh pretty much every day.

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So much to be grateful for

Despite current challenges and physical distancing, it’s been a full, eventful, and deeply satisfying Thanksgiving.

I truly have so much to be grateful for!

But instead of writing a long list I’ll just sit here at the end of the day and feel the gratitude in my heart… Mmmm…such a yummy, warm and fuzzy glow!

And for some additional Thanksgiving smiles… I was looking for a video of this song but had forgotten about this recording we made a few years ago when David was down for a visit. It’s completely spontaneous (as you’ll hear) but we had a lot of fun and I think the song comes through pretty well. Enjoy…and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Bhagavati, Ramesha, David, Jeanniei during a weekly music meeting in 2018