A spectacular display of fireworks is happening every day, all around you. Stand in front of a flower garden, and you will easily notice it: a brilliant display of fireworks in (very) slow motion. These “flowerworks” do not fizzle out instantaneously. They do not burn you or blow out your ear drums if you get… Read More Don’t Miss the Fireworks

Happiness does not come from your mind. Happiness comes from your Self. In the Teaching Article of June 2021, Why Is My Mind Crazy, Swami Nirmalananda says your mind is incapable of happiness. The best your mind can give you is “a brief sense of satisfaction, like when you check a task off your to-do… Read More What Is Your Mind Up To?

Everyone wants to be happy — you and all 8 billion inhabitants of this planet. But where do you look for it? Where do you try to find it? And if you do find it, how long does that happiness last? How soon are you back on the trail looking for something else to make you… Read More Where to Find Happiness

As I write, it is Good Friday. I reflect on the solemnity of this day. Over 2000 years ago, Jesus hung from the cross, his life on earth expiring at the hands of the ignorant. Right before their eyes was a man of God, but they could not see. Nor could they see their very own… Read More The Passion

When Nancy and I read a story in the Boston Glove about the owners of this farm and their dedicated commitment to serve their community and especially those in need in Springfield where they live, we were both immediately smitten. Theirs is an amazing and inspiring story. I picked up the following from the article,… Read More April Fundraiser: Support a Fledgling Farm Determined to Serve Those in Need – Agric Organics Urban Farm in Wilbraham

This quote on the left can help you fathom what it means to experience your own Self. You hear about the Self often in these newsletters. It’s referred to in many ways: your Divine Essence, Beingness, Consciousness, Shiva, God, the Divine Reality being you – you name it, it’s all one and the same. But… Read More A Realization

This past year, with the pandemic forcing us to isolate, and with so many lives being shortened by COVID, we have had a greater opportunity and motivation to consider these questions: Why am I here? What did I come here to accomplish? What is the best I can do with the time I have left… Read More Why Are You Here? What Gives You Meaning?

“Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering ‘it will be happier’…” ~ Alfred Lord Tennyson May all beings have the ears to hear that whisper, the eyes to see the good in others and the heart to welcome the many wonderful possibilities in this new year. Happy, Healthy New Year from… Read More Silver Linings to Start the Year with Hope

Have You Seen the Light? Phil Milgrom, The Centered Place This is the season of light. The traditional holidays of this time of the year all celebrate light in some way. Though the Winter Solstice on December 21st is the beginning of winter and the shortest day of the year, it’s also a day that… Read More Have You Seen the Light?

Gratitude We are now entering the season of giving. This month in particular brings the season for giving thanks. It’s a great reminder. It’s so easy to take things for granted, even to take our loved ones for granted. Thanksgiving is a holiday that gives us a chance to open our eyes and hearts to… Read More Gratitude