Branches swaying
snow falling
a still fragment of nature encased in ice
I am warmed within, my heart beating,
glowing within the stillness of my body
alight with grace and freshened
by the breeze of the Guru’s love
Thornbury, Australia
Watching and listening to these videos reminds me of the beauty of each season in the northeastern United States and Shree Muktananda Ashram. These videos encourage me to be still and observe and be completely present to the subtle changes and movements in the world around me. This practice brings me back, again and again, to my heart and the gratitude I feel for having Gurumayi and the Siddha Yoga path in my life.
Florida, United States
In viewing the beautiful videos for Spring, my attention was drawn to the exuberant and diverse birdsong that could be heard. The distinctive calls made by the different birds seemed to me like different languages, yet they all coexisted in a greater harmony and there was plenty of room for every voice to make itself heard. I thought, “What a shining example these small creatures are setting for us larger ones!”
Illinois, United States
As I watched Spring Video 12, it was fascinating to observe the simultaneity of the sounds of the birds and the movement of these beautiful reddish-orange tulips. It was as if a gentle wave of
shakti were moving through this realm of nature.
Augsburg, Germany
These beautiful videos of the grounds of Shree Muktananda Ashram, and of the scenes of nature that surround the abode of the Guru, give me the tangible experience of the teaching that the Ashram is an extension of the Guru herself. As I view these videos, they carry me into a space inside, a space of deep peace and contentment. They softly uplift my heart. In just the few moments that the videos last, they transform my inner state, evoking in me sweetness and a tenderness toward nature.
I am deeply thankful for these videos, which allow all of us, no matter where we live, to share in the beauty of Shree Muktananda Ashram. When I think of Shri Gurumayi being there, it is easy and sweet to feel her presence in these scenes of nature.
Valbrembo, Italy
Watching Winter Video 2, I could feel how the patterns and vibrations of my thoughts are reflected in nature. The way water falls, its natural ripples and tessellated patterns, its whooshing sound—all of these mirror the flow of thoughts in my mind. Recognizing that my thoughts are similar to the processes of nature smoothed out the rough edges in my mind, bringing me a deeper sense of peace and contentment. I’m looking forward to paying attention to how the workings of the mind are mirrored in nature the next time I walk around outside.
New York, United States
What a beautiful video! The colors of the animals, plants, and snow create such a gorgeous composition. As I view the video, I feel the wonder and blessings of nature. I feel we should always protect it and have reverence for it.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Before meditation this morning, I viewed Winter Video 2, with its powerful images and sounds of water rushing over the waterfall at Shree Muktananda Ashram. As I entered meditation, those images and sounds stayed with me and drew my awareness inside. I began to feel
shakti moving with great force through every part of my body, filling me with great joy, delight, and love for the
kundalini shakti, which exists within me and in all of creation.
Massachusetts, United States
As I was watching the deer in Winter Video 3, I became intrigued by the wonderful combination of qualities I felt the deer seemed to embody: free flowing movement, alertness without fear, gentleness, and taking nourishment in an unhurried, focused way. I sensed the balance in which all of nature exists.
I am inspired to bring these qualities to my day and notice the effects of this practice in my life.
Connecticut, United States
As I viewed Winter Video 1, I practiced listening intently to the sounds, inspired by my study of the Siddha Yoga scriptural course on the
Pratyabhijna-hrdayam. I was listening for the subtle essence of these sounds within
myself. When I came across a sound that I would ordinarily separate myself from, I felt a gentle invitation to go further and expand my awareness to
include the sound, with the awareness that its essence and my essence are the same. As I did this, an inner space opened up, a space where all the sounds seemed to be taking place in my being
. My mind became still for a moment as I rested in this blissful state.
I am inspired to take this practice of listening into my meditation and my daily activities.
Connecticut, United States
Looking at the waterfall in the Winter 2 video, I went from feeling like I was on the outside of it, to wondering what it would be like to be a particle of water, to wishing to dive in, to imagining that and letting go, to merging with the constant flow of water, to realizing it is Consciousness that is flowing, to recognizing that
aha!, my mind is already made of all this; it is Consciousness!
My state shifted to one of wonder, equipoise, expansion. In this way, viewing the video was a means to practicing Gurumayi’s Message for 2019.
Connecticut, United States
