Dear Friends,
In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy, Tin Man, and Scarecrow tiptoe through a forest, shoring each other up as they fearfully anticipate dangers lurking in the dark. “Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my!” This week for me, the lurkers have been: “Elections, Illness, and Apathy, oh my!” “God, save me from all this, from my own head!” I would pray. Literally, I felt like my head would explode from the cold that kept me home for 3 days. But also, I was experiencing feelings that held me in a state of paralysis. How do we get ourselves out of such a funk?
Here is what I did: I accepted the whole situation. I took care of myself physically. I ate very simply. I went outside, breathed, and appreciated nature. I went back to basics in my spiritual practice. I read the Autobiography of a Yogi again. I meditated as well as and as often as I could without judgement. I mentally chanted. I ignored the to-do list. I did not scroll, binge on series, or watch any news. I watched a fun movie. I napped, did energy healing, and soaked in epsom salt baths. The most helpful? Reading AY. Educating and entertaining, it never fails. Every reading brings something new and reanimates why I am on this path.
Once again, I remembered that there is nothing we need to do to make this world a better place other than to become the highest version of ourselves. Every meditation, every Kriya, every heart-warming chant, every prayer fortifies and lightens us internally and brings good energy to our surroundings. Our egos may want to convince, convert, or control others — but we see how effective that has been! Best is to make more room for God, Love, Light, Peace, and Joy. There’s a reason why saints are so happy.
Do join us! The links below are previews of the activities we do in our Sunday gathering. The link for meditation is a wonderful basic, how-to meditate for those who are new to the practice. However, previewing is not required — just come with an open mind and heart, and the rest will be easy!
Let me know if you want to be removed from this list, have a suggestion, or want to add someone. Thank you!
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Where: Be Well Yoga Studio
1906 W. Koenig Lane
Austin, TX 78756
When: Sundays 10:00 – 11:15 a.m.
What: Energization, chanting, meditation, affirmations, healing prayers. We’ll guide you!
Details: Park behind the house. Look for the driveway between Be Well Yoga and Bare Body Day Spa to park in back. It’s OK to park behind 1908 as well and walk through the gate. Take the outside staircase up to the deck to enter the yoga studio. Bathrooms can be accessed through the downstairs back door. Suggested love offering $10 for rent. Venmo: @Kim-Pradhan or cash, check, or Zelle works as well.
Afterwards: Optional brunch at Brentwood Social House, walking distance down Koenig Lane.
Joy is within,
for Ananda Austin,
www.anandaaustin.org
kimberly