Speaking of Spirit

  At times, it seems as though the small boats we sail over the waters of life are in a constant state of turbulence. When water is troubled, it is difficult to see a true reflection. Sometimes, it is even difficult to know what direction we are traveling. All is chaos.  However, there are also moments of complete calm, which bring a mirror's reflection of all that is above onto the surface of the water. During these times, we are called to look within ourselves. Find our center, our keel, if you will, that holds us upright, even in turbulence.  All mariners will tell you that if your keel is damaged, staying afloat is nearly impossible. So too in life. We must maintain our center, our balance. Then, when our boats travel through turbulent times, we are able to navigate the whirlpools and eddies, the hidden objects and the raging waves that would otherwise sink us into the depths of despair.  Take time during the calms of life to reflect, rejuvenate, and relish in the beauty that s

The date of 9/11 is one that lives in infamy. The pain of that day is still palpable for us. However, what I would like to share today is the memory of the days after. I vividly remember hearing about the attack to the towers. I was in the basement of the doctor's office where I worked as a wellness practitioner for York Hospital. My daughter called hysterical. I did what I could do to calm her. After I hung up, I began to feel fear like I have never known before or since. However, there were patients waiting for me and I couldn't abandon them. I left the office praying for a sign that all would be well. As I crossed the parking lot, I saw one of the bushes that days before was a mass of twigs, in bloom.  Puzzled, I took a closer look. The bush was covered in Monarch butterflies. Instantly, I felt peace pour through me.  As the day wore on and the during the days immediately following, I saw and heard about so many acts of compassion and kindness that my heart overflowed. In th

  Amma Niradhara teaching young girls in rural India. "Imagine a world where a girl can not even attend school because of lack of menstrual care to manage her Moon Cycle. "  This is a quote from the website describing the work of one of my Interfaith Minister sisters. A mma Niradhara  has served the community at the SwAr Ashram since taking up residence in 2007. Amma was appointed by Swami Anantram in 2012 to direct his NGO (NIWS) and manage his Ashram. She is a Sannyasi (renunciate of worldly life), as the Spiritual Mother of SwAr Ashram, she is a Swamini, and she is a full-time Sevaka (un-salaried volunteer). She is, as well, an E-RYT500 Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher & CYT300 Yoga Therapist YACEP Yoga Education Provider, Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist, Reiki Master, Agnihotri, EMDR, TFT & EFT Guide, Sound Therapist and Ordained Interfaith Minister with projects inclusive of at-risk youth, trafficking rescues, maximum security incarcerated women, domesti