|
Swami Radhananda:
Evolving Through Life Stages
Swami Radhananda recently passed on the presidency of Yasodhara Ashram and is now focused on her position as Spiritual Director. She reflects on the recent changes in her life and position.
I think that with different stages of life, there are different responsibilities. At this stage, I feel liberated as if something is taken off my shoulders. I also have a different perspective – my whole life experience can come forward for me. It is a time to give what I know to the people who are running the Ashram and encourage them. I’m not visible; I am not there at every meeting. But what I can give is the “being” part, knowing that there is still a lot to be made available.
I could see it was time for a change with new leadership and the younger generations who have been with us a long time taking on the work and rejoicing in it. The Ashram is resilient. I don’t need to do what I used to do because it’s being done well and with joy.
Even when challenges happen, such as the Temple fire, there is so much hope. We’re learning just how much people love the Temple and how they want to help bring it back together into its newness.
Somehow the Ashram always gives us what we need.
Change
Swami Radhananda, Temple of Divine Light, 2006
In this video Swami Radhananda speaks about the effort and interest it takes to make changes in ourselves. She gives guidance on how to stay with the process of change, cooperating with our own evolution with the help of those around us.
View the video
Temple Rebuild Video Update
We have chosen video to provide up-to-date information on the Temple Rebuild Project. View our first edition for facts about the fire and our core principles that will guide reconstruction.
View the video
A ‘Perfect Fit’
A bride-to-be and friends found Yasodhara Ashram a “perfect fit” for relaxing time together before the wedding day. “Although unconventional, it was perfect,” said bride Lauren Maluta of the surprise one-day and overnight stay.
Annie Shrieves, maid of honour: “We’re all yoga practitioners so what better way to connect and come together than being at an Ashram!” Because Lauren is from Nelson, Yasodhara Ashram proved a central location for everyone from the coast and the interior of B.C.
“As soon as I walked through the entrance, I relaxed,” commented Lauren’s mother Elizabeth Maluta. “The energy and surroundings here are totally peaceful and renewing.”
Their customized retreat schedule included a tour, personalized Hidden Language Hatha Yoga class, meals, one overnight in a cluster of rooms, Satsang and morning Hatha.
“Hidden Language created space and time to ask the big questions, reflect, spend time together and support Lauren as she sets off on this next part of her life,” agreed her friends. Putting Lauren in the Light was touching for all of them.
The group of eight all plan to return with their families.
Contact us if you’re interested in learning more about personalized group retreats.
Three Generations Connect
Three generations of the Huston family attended Family Week, July 9-13, and stayed in the newly renovated cottage, Parvati.
Longtime Yasodhara Yoga teacher Barbara Huston of Lethbridge gave Family Week as a gift to her daughter Megan Huston of Victoria and her two children, and to her daughter-in-law Ana Huston of Seattle and her three girls. The children’s aunt, Ruth Campbell from Summerland, rounded out the clan.
“This is all about reconnection,” said Megan who grew up surrounded by Ashram supporters. “It’s connection with my family, the teachings, teachers and with myself.”
“My intention was to bring my family who have been held by the Light forever and have them experience it themselves,” Barbara reflected. This was Ana’s family’s first visit to the Ashram.
They all agreed that Parvati “is a wonderful family space.” Each family had its own bedroom and bathroom. They admired the openness and attention to detail, including the deity family statue of Siva, Parvati and Ganesh in the fireplace’s tiny alcove.
Barbara, Megan and Ruth are Yoga Development Course (YDC) graduates and can’t imagine life without it. “The YDC makes relationships easier, particularly with children,” commented Ruth, whose daughter first visited the Ashram at age five. Ana feels she has “already benefited from the YDC” through her relationship with her incredible relatives.
The women set off to their own homes in four directions, yet with their heart connection stronger than ever.
See our Facebook stream for daily Family Week photo galleries. Families are welcome anytime!
And check out the renewed interior of Parvati, ready for more guests.
Artist & Professional Renewal Retreats:
Inspiration flows
Benedict Pfeiffer is an astrophysicist from Vancouver. Her life of teaching, parenting, caring for aging parents and writing a book left her exhausted. She looked to the Ashram’s Artist & Professional Renewal retreat to help her re-centre.
My plan was to write a book but my first priority was to recharge. If there was energy or time left, I would start thinking about the book.
As an astronomer, I am always looking at the sky. Something I missed the most was the connection with the ground. I found that energy here. This place is all about Mother Nature. She’s speaking from every corner.
Everything about the retreat spoke to my book, especially the presence of women here, with strong feminine energies. It’s very empowering and healing. Also the food – so much love in the food. Within 48 hours I was on my feet. I was inspired. In ten days I finished my first draft.
The retreat is a good balance between the body, mind and emotions. When I wrote, my mind was clear. I could listen to my intuition rather than my logical thinking. That’s why the ideas and writing came so quickly. There was a flow.
I very much believe in what we call “resonance” in physics. Like a musical instrument, a tiny vibration is amplified because there is a resonance between the frequency of the sound box and the musical note. That’s how I felt – like the sound could flow, slow down, and I could hear even the tiniest vibrations.
Are you interested in an Artist or Professional Retreat? Learn more about Retreats at Yasodhara Ashram.
|
Temple Glows in Fairy Garden: A wonderland for fairies created by Breanna, 7 and Isla Jolly, 5 and their grandma, Elizabeth Macleod of Kelowna, makes for an uplifting walk near the Temple site. View the 
Comments are closed.