As I sat for meditation, I silently repeated Gurumayi's Message over and over. I focused on the word
move and asked myself, "How do I move in the direction in which Gurumayi is guiding me?"
I noticed that my body had begun to sway and my head was making gentle movements. My breathing became slow and long, as I moved deeper within, into that state of peace and quiet. I realized that the awakened spiritual energy has steadily been moving me closer to the experience of my true nature. I feel so grateful.
Hawaii, USA
This morning when I was meditating, as I followed the movement of my breath inward and outward to the space between breaths, I experienced the still point between the breaths as the source of great joy. I became aware that I can practice returning to this space by continuing to participate regularly in the practice of meditation. I also realized that I can move toward maintaining that state of joy throughout my day by following my breath as I go about my daily activities.
I am so grateful for all the teachings and practices of Siddha Yoga that give us the tools to find the place of this inner joy.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for the loving and generous guidance that you give us in so many beautiful and creative ways.
Barnt Green, United Kingdom
I have enjoyed reflecting on the word
move this month through this letter and the beautiful
satsang called
Love In Action. I experienced Gurumayi's Message for 2016 as an invitation for me to
move in order to find pathways to the highest joy.
So as I reflect on the word
move, I try to identify movements in my day that will lead me to the experience of joy. This has been great in leading me toward thoughts or actions that are more inspiring than others. For example, I remember to "move" my mind toward the mantra when certain thoughts are bringing my mood down. Or I "move" my body over to the CD player to play sacred music to uplift my heart.
As a result, I am learning how to create a pathway to joy. Because I trust the pathway, any pressure to immediately change the way I feel is gone. The result? Inner joy.
Thank you, Gurumayi!
Minnesota, USA
Ever since I read Paul's beautiful letter on February 1, 2016, I have been holding the word
Move in my awareness, especially during my morning meditation practice. As I sit for meditation, I have become aware of the subtle movement of energy, of
shakti, within. It is so subtle, like a very gentle pulsation, yet so powerful. As I sit absorbed in this sublime movement, I feel a deep and sustaining peace and joy bubbling in and through me.
I feel that Gurumayi has led me to an ocean of contentment and joy and, in her generosity, continually encourages me to stay connected to it. My heart is full of gratitude.
Lampeter, United Kingdom
Through the Siddha Yoga practices, I experience an
inner movement—one that creates a feeling of unity and vitality within my being; one that incites me to change and to open myself to the current of life.
This
inner movement gives me access to an inner space that is spontaneously creative. I have found that if I can stay connected with this center and this
inner movement—the flow of my inner energy—I find the right gesture, make the right decision, have the right thought, and speak the right words. These bring me to myself, a place from which I can share with others the energy of joy, harmony, love and support.
The power of the practice of contemplation has helped me to identify those things that block the access to this inner space, that hinder setting anchor in that space of pure, loving and joyful consciousness. Then, with the support of the practices, I look for ways to help dissolve these obstacles, or to change something within myself. With the understanding that these obstacles are in reality a disguised blessing, I can actually move forward.
Merci de tout mon coeur, Gurumayi!
Ramonville-Saint-Agne, France
A couple of weeks ago, I had a dream in which I heard Gurumayi tell me to study the teachings and read the scriptures. So I started by turning to some of the specific study tools for February that are featured on the Siddha Yoga path website.
Reading Baba Muktananda's book
Light on the Path refreshed and deepened my understanding, and answered many of my questions. And I began to use my set of
Neela's Heart Cards. My approach was to write down a list of the "same old things" that I sometimes think about in circles, and then to draw one of the Heart Cards to apply to each one of them. The results were sometimes surprising, sometimes puzzling, but always uplifting. When I looked at these issues from a new and higher viewpoint, I immediately dropped my old thinking patterns and was able to see many of these concerns in a new light.
Sydney, Australia
Recently I noticed I was having difficulty rising early in the morning, performing my
sadhana, and taking a morning walk, practices I had been carrying out for many years.
Then, one evening, I remembered to contemplate
move; and, having done so, I resolved to get out of bed in the morning at the first sound of my alarm, regardless of my mood. My resolution turned into a prayer to Shri Gurumayi, and I fell asleep with a sense of assurance. The following morning I was able to wake up early and carry out my morning routine with confidence and a sense of self-acknowledgment. This experience has intensified my commitment to contemplate Gurumayi’s Message throughout the year.
Lucknow, India
I feel such excitement in receiving direction for my
sadhana from the monthly letters. Inspired by this month’s letter, I am reflecting on how I can move toward love in each moment. I am planning to study and emulate Hanuman’s qualities. I am so grateful for the enthusiasm for life that I experience as I follow the Siddha Yoga path and for being able to share this enthusiasm in my work.
Nairobi, Kenya
Since the night of January 1st, since those amazing, electrifying moments of
A Sweet Surprise Satsang, which filled my heart and made me silent, the loving guidance of my Guru has been vibrating as a soothing song. I have been fully absorbed in its scintillating music.
Today in
satsang, we heard this letter, “Moving Forward in Sadhana,” and Gurumayi’s Message began further revealing its power to me. I felt that the letter showed me my first step—to move by refreshing my schedule of practices. I can feel that I am moving forward to a new understanding, a new determination. I sense my Guru's motivation and power working in my heart, and I feel I am evolving.
Thank you, Gurumayi.
Cuttack, India
I have decided that the way I will unfold
move is that I will only move when I know that I will feel joy. I will not do what I do not think will make me feel joy. It's my choice. I can choose to "move" or not. I can choose to wait and see and think and decide if this choice will bring me toward the highest joy.
During the time of the live audio stream
satsang,
Love in Action, it will be early in the morning where I live. I can choose to decide if participating is important to me and would make me feel joy. I have decided that it
is important to me to participate in
Love in Action. I can already feel the great joy in my heart.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for these monthly letters.
an eight-year-old Siddha Yogi from California, USA
The first word of Gurumayi's Message,
Move, has such great energy that it makes me move deeper and deeper into myself, where I discover a huge inner joy for everyone and everything. I feel that the Message is vibrating in all my cells, making me constantly grateful for everything.
Thank you, dear Gurumayi.
Mersin, Turkey
One of the ways I have thought about studying and practicing Gurumayi's Message for 2016 is to create a beautiful folder where I can bring together the many inspirational study tools we are receiving through the website, as well as images, writing of my experiences, poems, drawings, and so forth.
Gurumayi is giving us, so freely and generously, so many beautiful ways to widen our awareness of divinity and to put her teachings into practice.
It feels so beautiful to be immersed in so much beauty!
Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
Move, for me, means both moving outwardly and turning within—really giving myself the joy of going within for good lengths of time each day. And from there, I find the momentum to move outwardly—toward a goal I have had for a long time.
Now, with the blessing and guidance of Gurumayi's Message, I am taking more courageous steps toward that goal, with strength and conviction.
It is a wondrous mystery how Gurumayi's Message can come so alive in my life. It seems as if it has always been there, and yet it feels incredibly new and revelatory.
I love walking the Siddha Yoga path. It is such a great adventure!
New York, USA
In this new year, for me the word
move is about changing my old perspectives and beginning to view life through a new pair of glasses. I think this will be a year of being more flexible and flowing and letting go of my stubborn points of view—in many ways!
As I experience this change, I look forward to more opportunities to move and connect more deeply with my Self.
Thank you for all your love and teachings, Gurumayi.
Pennsylvania, USA
As I focused on the word
move this week, my experience of my meditation sessions shifted. I found myself moving from feelings of grief to profound and sweet peace. From deep within I heard, "Such is the grace of the Sadguru!"
May my heart forever be filled with gratitude for Gurumayi!
Florida, USA
The movement of the wind
A soft touch upon my face
My Guru's grace
The movement of a flower bloom
My being expanding into light
My Guru's grace
The movement of love
My heart to others
My Guru's grace
The movement of clouds
The sun revealed
My Guru's grace
The movement in stillness
In joy, in bliss I reside
My Guru's grace.
New York, USA
For me, the word
move means to make a subtle shift to an inner vision that changes my mind, my feeling, my understanding—my day. No matter what is happening, when I shift to witnessing, suddenly I feel peace. I know that God is seeing me with love, and that I am fine. That is a good place from which to make any change I need to make, or simply to revel in the divinity of the moment.
Massachusetts, USA
Reflecting on the word
move is helping my
sadhana. This word from Gurumayi’s Message inspires me to persevere, to be constant, and to keep meditating on the Self no matter what. And I’ve begun to see how nature reflects this quality of perseverance through its constant movement!
Thank you, Gurumayi, for your constant love for us.
Madrid, Spain
When I contemplate the word
move from Gurumayi’s Message, several meanings come up for me, such as putting effort into my spiritual practices, making progress in meditation, bringing my attention to the present moment, offering
seva, and being energetic.
From my study of the scriptures, I also understand that all words are forms of
matrika shakti. I experience the words of Gurumayi’s Message as moving with sacred energy—as filled with Gurumayi’s
sankalpa and grace. I realize I have a choice to receive the word
move from the Message as mantra and to direct my mind to flow with its sacred energy.
When I make this choice and really engage my mind with the words of Gurumayi’s Message, my thinking shifts, and I am better able to appreciate the innate joy in God's creation.
Thank you, Gurumayi.
Hyderabad, India
I am so excited to make
move my word for the month. When I take my brisk walk each morning, I enjoy repeating Gurumayi's Message to myself as a mantra. As I move during the walk and focus on the words of the Message, I find I understand the Message in new ways.
I also notice that when I move physically while holding the intention to receive new inspiration, I often discover new insights and am able to view situations from a wider vantage point. And right now, simply repeating the word
move to myself is helping me to shift out of limiting thoughts and patterns and to meet the world with more openness and positivity.
I'm so grateful for this wonderful opportunity to study
move together with the global
sangham.
California, USA
I’m experiencing so much power in the word
move. I've noticed that even small physical movements can change my perception. For example, moving to a sunny spot in my house can instantly lift my spirits.
With Gurumayi’s Message as my guide, I am able to make the effort to move into the experience of lightheartedness and joy again and again.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for your Message.
Illinois, USA
Upon reading this beautiful letter, I experienced
move as meaning to flow with each moment with ease, to follow the natural beginning and ending of each moment and, in this way, to remain present.
I then reflected on what inhibits my ability to remain present, to move with the natural flow of things. I realized that, for me, it is attachment and aversion that get in my way.
In this letter and in Gurumayi’s Message for 2016, I am reminded to loosen my grip through self-inquiry and engagement with the Siddha Yoga practices. In this way, I hope to cultivate my ability to remain present and naturally aware of my heart.
Gurumayi, thank you once again for your loving and compassionate guidance!
Washington, USA
This morning as I sat for meditation and held Gurumayi’s Message in my awareness, the word
move stood out. Questions spontaneously arose within me:
"Who is moving? What is moving? How do I know this?"
As I followed this line of inquiry, deepening my own understanding and experience of what it means to move, the qualities of curiosity and interest were alive and buoyant within me. My sense of my body, of the inner energy, of the center of my being—all this seemed to become more invigorated and refined.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for the power and grace of your Message as it lights my path.
Massachusetts, USA
When I first reflected on the word
move, I felt encouraged to get up and get going!
As I further reflected on the word, I also connected with it as referring to moving into the space of my heart. I experience this kind of movement when I gaze at the beautiful photos on the Siddha Yoga path website and feel wonder, joy, and sublime appreciation. I also experience moving into my heart when I am in the Universal Hall and, especially, when I hear Gurumayi speak.
Preparing for and participating in
A Sweet Surprise Satsang have also been moving experiences for me. I feel refreshed with renewed vision and appreciation. This shift has increased my commitment to the Siddha Yoga practices and given me fresh eyes to see the wonders of this path. I am most grateful.
Florida, USA
Last night I began my meditation practice by repeating the words of Gurumayi's Message with love and curiosity. I paid attention to the waves of the inbreath and outbreath, and I repeated the mantra
Om Namah Shivaya very gently. I felt a great longing to connect with the place of stillness and lightheartedness within me, to allow my mind to rest. Suddenly, from within me, the words of Gurumayi's Message arose:
Move with steadfastness toward becoming anchored in Supreme Joy. With great delight, I inwardly nodded, encouraging myself: "Oh, yes! I
am moving, I am moving right now!"
What a delight it is to read the letter for February today! I feel deeply inspired to explore and to discover more about the word
move.
Katzenbach, Germany
Yesterday I was wondering how to best approach a new task in the
seva that I offer. I came up with a few options, but I felt unsure as to how to proceed. So I paused to read the letter, “Moving Forward in Sadhana”. The letter inspired me to move ahead with my initial ideas and to collaborate with my colleague. Together we considered various options and soon came up with a clear plan of action. I found myself filled with enthusiasm for the practice of
seva.
I am grateful to have the opportunity to deepen my study of Gurumayi's Message, one word at a time, and to explore the many ways I can apply it to my life.
Vancouver, Canada
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this letter. It filled me with enthusiasm! My heart was moved, and a fresh wave of intention and focus arose.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for this experience and for such a profound Message for this year.
Modiin, Israel
One movement I have noticed in my
sadhana as a result of Gurumayi's Message is that I am more committed to a perspective I began contemplating last year: not arguing with what is happening in my life. I have adopted the attitude that everything is as it is because that is what is optimal for my spiritual growth.
My changed perspective has allowed me to better see things from others' viewpoints and to remember that others have their own specific paths and destiny. I am remembering that my learning is for me—for where I am on my own path—and that everyone learns in their own way and moves at their own pace.
I feel much more at peace. As a result of Gurumayi's Message, I have found a willingness to move a lot more.
Ocean Shores, Australia
The word
move struck me as significant, as soon as Gurumayi gave us the Message for 2016. And, recently I had an experience of the power of remembering to move.
I was traveling across a crowded bridge for business. I needed to travel quite a distance and then return in time to offer
seva. As I was sitting in traffic and getting concerned that I was going to be late, I consciously chose to remember Gurumayi’s Message for 2016. This led me to remember my knowledge of the Self, and immediately all I felt was joy and freedom—not just freedom from worry, but confidence in my understanding that God provides and that God is in charge.
As traffic began to clear, the drive back across the bridge was a breeze. I was on time and energized by what I experienced as a demonstration of the power of the Message.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for your guidance in every moment of my life.
California, USA
I have just read the February letter, and it has filled me with a sense of eager anticipation.
To me, Gurumayi's Message for 2016 is like a tapestry woven with an infinite number of scintillating threads. This letter clearly describes some of the ways that I can take hold of one of these threads and follow it into the heart of the Message-- the full experience of inner bliss.
Thank you, Gurumayi.
Alaska, USA
When I think of the word
move, I recall how I have been moved by so many things since hearing Gurumayi's Message for 2016.
My heart feels more open to the simple, touching aspects of life, aspects that indeed bring joy. Whether I am working with clients and co-workers, or hearing the sound of a child laughing or crying, or simply watching my wife go about her everyday activities, my heart is touched. I feel a deeper connection; there is a more immediate and meaningful movement within and from my heart. The Message is helping me perceive the world, the people around me, and my Self in ways that lead me to greater joy.
Vancouver, Canada
I’m grateful for this inspiring letter and for the many ideas we are receiving to help us practice and experience Gurumayi's Message for 2016.
For me, walking regularly moves my heart physically to be healthier and moves my spiritual heart to be refreshed, inspired, and joyful. I have the good fortune to live near a lake surrounded by pathways, so I walk every morning while listening with my headphones to
namasankirtana, especially now to
Rama Raghava. The chant fills me with wonder at the moving, beautiful forms of nature: the shapes of moving clouds, the movements of the wind in the lake's water, the feeling of the breeze, the flight of birds. I watch my mind expanding and choosing thoughts that bring nourishment to my soul—my Guru's teachings and the remembrance of
satsang. I feel the Guru’s presence along the way, moving me towards her, towards God.
Many thanks, Gurumayi, for bringing so much inspiration and transformation into my life.
Jerez de La Frontera, Spain
How inspiring to have the focus of this month be on the word
move. Last night as we began the month, here in Southern California the winds were moving forcefully throughout the night. Never have I experienced such a powerful movement in the air—with the trees dancing wildly and the hauntingly beautiful howls of the wind swirling through my home. I could feel the
shakti so alive, and I lay awake, wide-eyed and in awe. Then this morning I read these words about
move! I am thrilled to dive into the study of this word, to see what gems I discover.
Thank you!
California, USA
Thank you for this beautiful letter with such inspiring invitations to stay engaged with Gurumayi’s Message for 2016. I feel compelled to listen to the call to move and to find a true response in my
sadhana. The word that calls me to action, or movement, is
commitment. I have always had a very high respect for, and also fear of, this word. Now commitment has started to stir inside me, and I feel inspired to act and make a deeper commitment to my
sadhana.
Thank you, Gurumayi for your divine guidance and protection.
Oslo, Norway
Wow! This letter is such a wonderful exploration of the many facets of the month of February! As I read about the meaning of the word
February, and about the extra day we have this month due to leap year, I became aware of the blessing that each new month brings to me.
As I reflect on the word
move, I find myself more aware of my reactions to unwanted or unexpected situations and more able to respond in ways that are different from my usual patterns. When I respond in this new way, it creates more easefulness around me—both at work and at home.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for your deep and powerful Message. I find each word to be an invitation to go deeper in my
sadhana.
Mumbai, India
Reading the February letter, I am full of energy and enthusiasm!
This year I am making the effort to move by actively engaging with Gurumayi’s Message. I am consciously remembering and applying the teachings I received in
A Sweet Surprise Satsang in my life.
I feel that I am moving in the direction of being a better human being by engaging with the Siddha Yoga practices. I am especially grateful for the live stream
satsangs.
Thank you, Gurumayi!
Pune, India
I’m so grateful for the guidance and creative ideas about different ways to "move" that the writer of this letter brings.
I often start out in January with great enthusiasm and hopes for moving forward in my
sadhana. Then, as the year advances into February and beyond, the demands of daily life so often call for my attention. At these times, it really helps to have tangible support to keep my focus on the study and practice of Gurumayi’s Message.
It is such a gift to know that my intention to implement Gurumayi’s Message is always supported in so many ways on the Siddha Yoga path website. I’m especially excited that the entire Siddha Yoga
sangham will be together this month with live stream programs. More than ever, I’m looking forward to keeping the momentum going, and to moving forward in my
sadhana, accompanied by my Guru and fellow seekers.
Massachusetts, USA
Two days ago, I went for a walk around Lake Nityananda. It was a cold day with a bright blue sky. Nature seemed to be resting. There was no wind; there were no singing birds—just the quiet majesty of a frozen lake surrounded by trees.
At one point, I stopped to look at the lake for several minutes. Expecting to find stillness, I was surprised to see that the lake’s frozen surface was filled with movement. The ice had a map-like pattern—nothing was uniform. Within the ice, I could see stream-like currents of energy.
The first word of Gurumayi's message came to my mind:
Move. I then had the insight that the word
move is not only related to physical movement. It also relates to our inner energy, and this reminds me to stay alert and open to grace at all times, even when everything appears to be quiet and still on the surface.
Shree Muktananda Ashram