A great tide of loving, joyful energy

Ananda volunteers at the book table during an event in Los Angeles

This afternoon we celebrated World Brotherhood Day here at Ananda Village.

Unfortunately, it had to be switched to online only (due to a surge of COVID and other illnesses), with only the speakers, a small singing group, and three or four other guests in attendance.

But I found it as inspiring as ever to hear about Ananda’s outreach ministries and all the wonderful work they’re doing around the world.

In fact, I’m reminded of when I lived in Switzerland (from 2004-2006) and would receive Ananda’s annual appeal in the mail. I was still relatively new, and I remember being absolutely thrilled to know I was — in my own small way — a part of such an expansive work. I even sent a donation (though I’m not sure how I managed to afford it at the time!).

Of course, Ananda’s work has exploded in so many directions since then, and Ramesha and I play a much larger role in the worldwide music outreach nowadays. But the basic feeling is exactly the same as it ever was.

This quote from Swami Kriyananda describes it perfectly: “We are part of a great tide of loving, joyful energy that wants to give and give as long as people are happy to receive it.” 

What a blessing it is to be part of that great tide of loving, joyful energy!

World Brotherhood Day 2020

This evening we kicked of our (adjusted) holiday season by celebrating World Brotherhood Day entirely online! As with so many other events throughout this remarkable year, creativity and expansive thinking carried the day and it ended up being more inspiring than ever!

The interactive breakout sessions were great fun, but my favorite moment was the spontaneous sing-along of “The Christmas Mystery” after the event was officially “over” — pure bliss!

Tired but inspired

This was one of those wonderful days that was filled to the brim with inspired activities!

The choir sounded particularly angelic (and progress is also being made on our “look”); Badri gave a lovely Sunday talk; and we had the most uplifted and bliss-filled World Brotherhood Day I’ve ever experienced, followed by the usual extravagantly abundant banquet. Oh, and the Temple decorations were beyond beautiful!

I feel so very, very, VERY blessed to be a part of this community and this world movement!

This photo is by the one-and-only Barbara Bingham!