The Body as a Spiritual Tool: Self Inquiry and Empowerment
Years ago I was involved in teaching equestrian riding to a variety of children and young adults. It was a gift to watch them develop skills, and take on the partnership of working with a pony or horse much larger than they. Gradually, through consistent, respectful practice, students gained a sense of personal empowerment as […]
Ask A Swami: How Can We Navigate a Crisis and Support Loved Ones?
In this episode of Ask A Swami, Katie sits down with Swami Satyananda to explore how we can navigate health incidents, crises and support our loved ones. They speak from lived experience, reflecting on the importance of acceptance and presence in facing life’s uncertainties. This heartfelt conversation holds space for the vulnerability that comes with […]
Transforming Every Minute: Lessons from the Earth
As the days stretch longer and the weather warms, I find myself drawn outdoors again, observing the transformations that come with each season. At the Ashram, I am drawn to the blackberry field where I spent a couple of hours cutting back last year’s fruiting canes. It was a relatively easy task as there are […]
Ask a Swami: Rejection, Doubt, Disappointment and Moving Forward Confidently
In this podcast episode of Ask A Swami, Swami Padmananda, Ashram teacher and resident, responds to questions asked by our listeners: Swami Padmananda reflects on the power of choice in how we respond to life’s challenges and the life-long journey of building a relationship with the Divine. Drawing from her own life, she emphasizes the role […]
Preparing for Sacred Joy: Reflections on Purpose, Presence and Giving
In preparation for writing this blog, I thought a lot about what ‘preparation’ really means. I read from the Cambridge dictionary that ‘preparation’ is all about practicing and setting yourself up for success. This led me to the usual questions: Who am I now? What brings me joy? What do I want to do about […]
Ask a Swami – What does Happiness Mean from Spiritual Perspective? How can we carry hope in difficult times?
In this podcast episode of Ask A Swami, Swami Samayananda, long term teacher and disciple of Swami Radha, explores the themes of happiness and hope, responding to questions asked by listeners: Drawing from her own experience, Swami Samayananda reflects on the importance of cultivating a rich inner life through daily spiritual practice, which provides something to lean […]
Sustained by Connection: Through Darkness, Into Light
As I store away my winter coat and boots, I am reminded of this time last year and all that has happened since. In the last three seasons I have been faced with rejection, health challenges and grief. Like many, I have witnessed the devastating world news of natural disasters, war and suffering. As I […]
Ask a Swami – What is a lineage? What is Ananda?
We are excited to launch our new Yasodhara Ashram Podcast, Ask a Swami! Throughout the years, many people have expressed their interests in learning more from the Swamis, who have devoted their lives to practicing and sharing Swami Radha’s teachings. This series offers just that—the opportunity to hear from our Elders and to reflect on the […]
Spring: Season of Renewal & New Growth
March 20 – the official first day of spring. Visions of flowers blooming, tender leaves unfolding, bees buried in dandelions and winter coats stored away until next November. The reality for many of us, though, is that we are far from these “visions.” There is still snow on frozen ground and temperatures that do not […]
The Gift of Presence—An Act of Love
An exploration of how being present for ourselves and others is the most precious gift we can give. Understanding Love: I See You Standing in Tadasana (the Mountain pose) this morning, the words ‘gift of presence’ come to mind. I notice my body and mind relaxing into the experience of standing still, being present and […]