“let us thank God for having made us this gift of death, so that life is to have meaning; of night, that day is to have meaning; silence, that speech is to have meaning; illness, that health is to have meaning; war, that peace is to have meaning. Let us give thanks to Him for having given us weariness and pain, so that rest and joy are to have meaning. Let us give thanks to him, whose wisdom is infinite.” ― Amin Maalouf, Leo Africanus

I had a sudden insight today on Raja Yoga group discussion and meditation today. Zach was discussing spiritual power and how whether we have intention to notice and apply it or not the energy of that reality for all humans is as natural as blinking one’s eyes. My mind wondered to how I “intentionally” place positive energy and love into the preparation of meals for my friends and family. I then considered that the unaware cooks and servers at my favorite restaurant are likely allowing the cares and concerns of “their” life to land in my meal. Perhaps this is why most religious traditions practice a blessing of the food. As we moved from lecture to meditation this thought expanded to the items in my pantry and refrigerator and the entire supply chain from planting, harvesting, packaging, shipping, and stocking shelves for our convenience. Many hands are involved. This not a threat to us—so much as it is an opportunity for us to be proactive as a spiritual community focused on expanded peace, harmony, and love. Perhaps if we add intention around even one meal per day—not just to being grateful for the food and that it be energetically balanced for the most benefit to our body…but a step further a blessing to the hands that touch it in the complete logistical journey to our plate. “May everyone who made my meal possible—and still unaware of the love available to them and within them be filled with joy as their burdens lift and their awakening begins.”

If you can’t meditate, your body and environment might be unclean. Cleanliness creates balance, cheerfulness, concentration, non-craving, and fitness to become aware of Consciousness. When toxins and impurities are present in the body the nervous system, emotions, and mind become agitated or dull. This makes it very challenging to settle into the clarity and presence of meditation. How to tell if your body is unclean: - You feel restless or sluggish - You don’t feel cheerful - You have intense cravings - Your mind is scattered or dull - You are unaware of Consciousness How clean is your lifestyle?

“We all have the same root, and are connected... To tap into this connectedness, we must go within.” ― Summerlyn Guthrie

1. Check out the calendar 2. Check out the classroom 3. Check out past recording of group calls INTRODUCTIONS BELOW: 1. Where are you in the world 🌎 2. What you do for passion and/or work 🎉 3. What are your hobbies and interests ⚽️ 4. Tell us about your spiritual path 🏔️ 5. Picture (optional)