Yesterday — June 17 — was the twenty-ninth anniversary of the day my mother — Bernice Louise Stroud — left her body.
Hard to comprehend that twenty-nine years have passed since then!
We didn’t have the easiest of relationships; I wish we’d had the last almost thirty years to grow in appreciation and learn to understand one another better.
My sister shared these photos yesterday in honor of my mother’s passing. I must have seen the first two before, although maybe not since her funeral. Looking at them, I’m struck anew by her sweetness and her smile.
The last one — with my father — has always been one of my favorite photos of all time. What a beautiful couple they are.
Today Ramesha did a livestream where he shared this Cosmic Chant (by Yogananda) and it got me thinking…
I was mainly pondering the fact that I have to consciously choose the sweetness of life, joy, health, and praise. Not just once, but moment by moment, day after day after day.
I also have to remind myself — again and again — that death, sorrow, sickness, and blame are the dream. And, yes, I’ve lost many loved ones to death; I’ve felt deep sorrow; I’ve experienced sickness; and I’ve both cast blame and deserved it myself. On the level of consciousness which I currently inhabit, these experiences are very real, indeed!
But that’s why I’m on the spiritual path, doing my best to live in the light, to raise my consciousness, and wake up to a higher reality. And I love this chant because when I sing it or hear it, that higher reality feels more and more real, which is especially comforting in challenging times like these.
I pray that we may all do our best to allow the Divine Song to flow through us a little more every day. 🙏
When Thy Song Flows Through Me O life is sweet And death a dream O life is sweet And death a dream When Thy song flows through me, my Lord When Thy song flows through me
Then joy is sweet Sorrow a dream Then joy is sweet Sorrow a dream When Thy song flows through me, my Lord When Thy song flows through me
Then health is sweet Sickness a dream Then health is sweet Sickness a dream When Thy song flows through me, my Lord When Thy song flows through me
Then praise is sweet And blame a dream Then praise is sweet And blame a dream When Thy song flows through me, my Lord When Thy song flows through me
