Looking at the golden pearl in the blue oyster shell, I am reminded that a pearl is created from friction. I am deeply aware of the friction of human life on this planet and of my desire to offer blessings and prayers to so many who are suffering. Not only humans suffer; animals, plants, oceans, and rivers need prayers and blessings as well.
It is my great good fortune to have the teachings of our Guru and to recognize the grace that is always protecting me. If I make time to connect with this grace with the intention to send blessings and prayers, I can trust that these prayers and blessings have been received. I know that this is a worthy use of my time.
Georgia, United States
In my pursuit to implement these precious teachings, I have begun repeating each one as a mantra. This practice is inspired by Gurumayi’s guidance about considering each teaching to be like your own personal mantra, as mentioned in the introduction to “In the Presence of Time.”
As I repeat these teachings, the skin of my body awakens with the vibrations of these mantras. My breath starts to sound like the waves of the ocean. This deeply inspires me to practice these teachings throughout the day.
Thane West, India
While holding close Gurumayi’s teachings on time throughout the day and by repeating them to myself, I am seeing more and more how to become friends with time. This is something I have tried to do over the years but have not fully comprehended.
Now, I find myself sometimes observing time from a distance, and at other times, I find we are walking hand in hand. One day, I am marveling at the mystery of time, and on another day, I am realizing that because of time, I can laugh wholeheartedly and tap into my greatest potential.
New York, United States
I started repeating Gurumayi’s words “In the Presence of Time” as a mantra. I silently repeated them while having my lunch today. Then, spontaneously, I began saying them aloud: “In the presence of time, I am eating my food.” “In the presence of time, I am watching my daughter sitting next to me.” “In the presence of time, I am speaking.” “In the presence of time, I am breathing.”
I understood that time is always present. I experienced time as a witness, like a thread connecting all my actions and thoughts.
Pimpri-Chinchwad, India
When I read “In the Presence of Time” each day, it’s like unwrapping another beautiful gift from Gurumayi, another lustrous pearl. As I go through my day, I repeat Gurumayi’s words to myself and reflect on their meaning. They remind me to experience just how precious each moment is.
I offer deepest gratitude to Gurumayi for giving us this powerful way to honor time.
Massachusetts, United States