This letter reminded me of how little I actually see and how delighted I am when I open my eyes. This morning, in the midst of some disappointment, I happened to look out the window and see two squirrels playing. Their silliness and acrobatics made me laugh. I instantly remembered that nature continues to thrive all around me as I stay in my home. Nature can provide so much joy if I just take the time to "see"!
Pennsylvania, United States
This letter and current circumstances remind me that now is a good time to see what I, in my busy life, have unknowingly overlooked. I have been doing this by taking “photo walks.” I walk in the woods nearby and look for interesting images to capture. I generally don’t take photos at this quite brown and bare time of year here in Connecticut. However, I find I am having the most fun finding magical moments—the way a tree seems to be conducting an orchestra with expressive, arm-like branches, or how one tiny, wispy leaf has hung on through the winter and dangles artfully, quivering in the breeze. This enhanced noticing has brought me so much joy!
Connecticut, United States
Reading this letter has grounded me in my body and reminded me that there is so much to be grateful for in this world. One of the things I am most grateful for is for the selfless service of the staff of the SYDA Foundation at Shree Muktananda Ashram and in all the Siddha Yoga Ashrams around the world. I appreciate deeply how they uphold Gurumayi’s vision and facilitate the dissemination of her teachings.
For me, the Guru lives in her teachings, and the students of these teachings are an extension of the Guru's grace. When we come together through the Siddha Yoga path website, in the Universal Hall, regardless of current social distancing norms, I feel we are hugging the planet and each other. I feel part of an extended family. I do not feel alone.
Midstream, South Africa
When I read about the writer seeing a stunningly beautiful moon, I remembered that I, too, saw such a beautiful moon recently. I was outside in the early evening darkness. As I looked up, there before me were a gorgeous moon and star in the sky, so crisp and so bright, against the dark blueness. I wondered if the writer and I saw the moon at the same moment.
This has inspired me to reflect on the feeling that when I see the moon, I am in
satsang with everyone everywhere who is looking at the moon at the same time. This gives me the sense of a divine and comforting inner connection to other people.
I hope to remember this wonderful feeling of connection whenever I take time to gaze at the moon!
North Carolina, United States