Cultivating Harmony, Within and Without
December 8, 2016
Dear all,
Warm greetings as we enjoy the final month of 2016 and prepare ourselves for a splendid new year.
In many countries around the world, December is a time of sweet festivity. It’s a time when family and friends commune with one another—sharing meals, exchanging gifts, sending cards to their loved ones that express affection and good wishes. The atmosphere shimmers with a renewed sense of benevolence and harmony.
Indeed, harmony is the theme we will be exploring on the Siddha Yoga path in December.
The roots of the word harmony lie in the Greek harmonia, which means “a fastening.” In ancient Greece, harmony was understood as the connection that brings people together; these days, harmony is defined as the joining together of diverse elements to create a unified whole.
On the spiritual path, as Siddha Yogis, we recognize that cultivating harmony begins with ourselves. Gurumayi teaches us that as our mind settles into the Heart, the core of Consciousness at the very center of our being, we experience harmony within ourselves. When we keep our thoughts, words, and actions aligned with the Heart, this state of inner harmony extends into the world around us. We transmit the qualities of our inner state—our evenness of mind, our contentment, our sense of goodwill—when interacting with others; we share our light.
Our efforts to live in harmony within and without are guided each year by Gurumayi’s Message. Gurumayi’s Message for 2016 is:
Move with steadfastness
toward becoming
anchored
in Supreme Joy
During this final month of 2016 I encourage you to reflect on how your study, practice, assimilation, and implementation of Gurumayi’s Message has brought harmony into your life.
My husband, Matthew, and I have seen how practicing Gurumayi’s Message has fostered greater harmony in our home. Family life is enriching, fun—and sometimes a bit frenetic. Our three young girls are brimming with energy and opinions, and they all tend to want attention from mom and dad at the same time.
At such times I remember Gurumayi’s Message. I picture an anchor and I remind myself that I am, by my very nature, anchored in Supreme Joy. I focus on my breath and repeat the mantra. After just a few moments of this practice, I feel more present and steady. Then I am better able to respond to my children from that calm and still place within. I can be more supportive of them, more comforting and empathetic. I can listen with greater attentiveness so that my children know they are being heard.
By practicing Gurumayi’s Message for 2016, we cultivate specific qualities that support us to create harmony. We cultivate steadfastness and equanimity, as my experience at home illustrates. We develop kindness, graciousness, and greater sensitivity to others—and each of these virtues, cultivated within, has a ripple effect on our outer world.
As we bring to a close this year of 2016, we can continue to reflect on how we can bring about greater harmony in our own lives and the lives of others.
I wish you a most harmonious December, and a happy New Year 2017.
Best regards,
Angela DiNisco
Siddha Yoga Student