Years ago I worked at a daycare in the toddler room. I put a lot of energy into it.First thing in the morning I'd get the kids dancing & jumping to a record or playing Simon Says. But my weakness was a little 2 year old girl named Adiena. I knew we weren't supposed to … Continue reading The Divine or Chocolate?
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Phone Off, Social Media Gone
“Wherever the mind wanders, restless and diffuse in its search for satisfaction without, lead it within; train it to rest in the Self.”The Bhagavad Gita (26) I decided it would be wise to break away from social media for a few weeks and start turning my phone off more often. So far my phone has … Continue reading Phone Off, Social Media Gone
Namaha- “Not Mine”
The word "Namaha" is often included at the end of Sanskrit mantras. It beautifully translates to 'not mine.' I've been reflecting on what that means. It's funny, I can easily detach from material/ physical things. I'll adapt to sleeping on a floor or couch no problem, let a friend 'surprise' dye my hair bright blue … Continue reading Namaha- “Not Mine”
RIP Babaji/ The Lost Art of Presence
Visiting India was rough. Aside from the horrors of seeing a third world country for the first time, I got sick for nearly half the trip, felt alone and left out of a group of folks more worldly and wealthy than me, and had to fend for myself during two harassment scares. However, India showed … Continue reading RIP Babaji/ The Lost Art of Presence
Ganesha’s Mouse
Last year I lived in a tiny room at my mom’s house w/ family for 8 months. As undignified as it felt, I made the most of it- minimized my belongings, slept on a couch, and set up a little altar to pray & meditate. During that time a little mouse frequently visited me. Usually … Continue reading Ganesha’s Mouse
Ramayan & Leadership through Service
When I launched my crowdfunding campaign to record a kirtan album I received two auspicious messages about leadership. The first was a tarot reading given by my friend/ coworker Claude who has been reading tarot cards for 10 years. The reading revealed that the campaign would be a success if I led by serving and … Continue reading Ramayan & Leadership through Service
Samadhi & States of Consciousness
There’s a simple joy in bringing ourselves into the present moment. In the Sikh/ kundalini tradition it’s believed that this joy/ mindfulness can be amplified to the point of creating a protective energy field around the physical body. I once heard a Sikh master tell a story about how she was riding in the car … Continue reading Samadhi & States of Consciousness
Mystical Longing as a Spiritual Path
I used to write a lot of songs in minor chords & blues scales, wailing from a place of desire...a hungry heart. It seemed music was the only way I could tap in and communicate this longing. That longing was a big ache that encompassed the most uncomfortable cravings- neediness, loneliness, and even desperation. As … Continue reading Mystical Longing as a Spiritual Path
Discerning Illusions in the Spiritual World
Discernment on the spiritual path is different than judgment. Judgment is a reaction or belief about something external. Discernment takes stock of the external thing and sees how it assimilates internally- it’s experiential. It asks, “Is this true for me, given my experience?” Judgment detaches us coldly & closes our hearts. Discernment lets us detach … Continue reading Discerning Illusions in the Spiritual World
A Mantra to Beat Winter Blues
Experience has shown me it’s possible to transform ‘cold’ emotions into warmer ones by chanting and contemplating the Gayatri mantra. Chanted over 3,000 years ago, the Gayatri is a primal and ancient poem to the sun. Chanting it today is a powerful way to remember that we’re plugged into something much more real than our … Continue reading A Mantra to Beat Winter Blues
