October 3, 2019
Dear students,
On Thursday, January 31, 2019, a new study tool was launched on the Siddha Yoga path website—The Workbook on Gurumayi’s Message for 2019! Each week since then you have received a question—and sometimes two or three questions—from Gurumayi to guide your exploration and in-depth study of her Message for this year.
These questions have been a treasure map, leading you to discover new dimensions to your understanding. Through your dedicated efforts with this Workbook, you have utilized the four aspects of the mind, the antahkarana chatushtaya. You have also given yourself the opportunity to listen to the wisdom of your physical body, to unearth new insights through your creativity, and to reveal the patterns and associations that spring forth when you map the explorations of your mind. You have walked across imaginary tightropes, moved in harmony with your breath, created cartoons illustrating the power of the positive mind, and written an exchange of letters between your mind and time—just to name a few of the exercises.
We have delighted in hearing the creative ways you have chosen to engage with the Workbook—families scheduling weekly sessions to read Gurumayi’s questions and participate together in the activities, friends gathering regularly to discuss their learning, individuals setting aside time in their daily lives to return to the questions again and again.
Each step along the way, we have enjoyed hearing from many students how their effort and commitment has led to a deeper understanding of Gurumayi’s Message and a greater awareness of how they can implement her Message in their day-to-day lives. Students have shared how focusing the mind on positivity has revealed new and compassionate approaches to the various situations of their lives, how befriending the breath and repeating the mantra have given them the time and space to refresh their composure, how pondering their relationship to time has unlocked their capacity to determine what is important in their lives and where they should give their attention. One ten-year-old shared that while physicalizing a question from Gurumayi, she could feel Gurumayi in her heart. What a remarkable journey we have been on!
The final worksheet—for week 36—was posted today, Thursday, October 3. The Workbook will be available on the Siddha Yoga path website until December 31, 2019, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (USA).
Here are a few tips on how you may continue your study and assimilate all
that you have learned:
- Participate in Sweet Surprise 2019 with your newfound insights from the Workbook. Sweet Surprise is available on the Siddha Yoga path website until Saturday, November 30, 2019.
- Review your journal entries and jot down any worksheets that you would like to return to.
- Note any teachings or understandings you would like to research further and make a study plan to do this.
- Reflect on and journal about how these questions from Gurumayi have supported your understanding of Gurumayi’s Message for 2019.
- Print the worksheets and preserve them in a binder.
- Share what you have learned from your study with the Workbook and how you have implemented your learning in your daily life.
As this Workbook comes to a conclusion, we invite you to acknowledge yourself for the time and effort you have dedicated to this study, for the knowledge you have cultivated, and for the relationship you have nurtured with your mind.
Warm regards,
Chinmayi Maxwell and Mallika Maxwell
Writers of The Workbook on Gurumayi’s Message for 2019
About Chinmayi Maxwell
Chinmayi Maxwell began practicing the Siddha Yoga teachings after receiving Shaktipat in a Shaktipat Intensive held at Shree Muktananda Ashram in 1987. Chinmayi has offered seva in many capacities, including as director for Kishor and Yuva Retreats, Family Satsang developer, and playwright for children’s programs. She currently offers seva as a home and visiting sevite in the SYDA Foundation.
Chinmayi earned a Ph.D in clinical psychology from the New School of Social Research and currently works as a clinical psychologist, author, lecturer, parent educator, and teacher. She lives in South Fallsburg, New York.
About Mallika Maxwell
Mallika Maxwell was introduced to the Siddha Yoga path by her mother in 1989, when she was born. After completing her B.A. in International Studies at Vassar College, Mallika served on staff in the SYDA Foundation from 2011-2015.
An educator and learning designer, Mallika graduated in 2017 with her master’s degree from Harvard Graduate School of Education. She now lives in South Fallsburg, New York, and offers seva as a home and visiting sevite.
