A new friend in Peru presented this paradigm shift and I'd like to hear your take on it: Why aren't we encouraged to pray to our ancestors, those within our direct lineage, whom we may have a personal connection with, those we've been able to see with our eyes, and/or spend time with before they transitioned from this physical realm to the next? His argument is deeply rooted in his connection to his deep African roots and the spiritual practices of his lineage. He is more fond of praying to his ancestors who are in the heavenly realms as intercessors between him and The Creator rather than praying to a deity/historical figure whom he has not met nor has a direct relationship with. What are your thoughts?

As I sit here in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, surrounded by mountains that feel like they touch the heavens, I’ve been reflecting on the journey that brought me here. Just a few months ago, I sold my home and embarked on a six-week adventure that eventually led me to Peru. Along the way, I was reminded of the prayers my grandmother once prayed over me, her words like seeds planted in my soul, and the personal prayers I’ve spoken over the years. Many of those prayers—dreams whispered to the Divine—have now become my reality. But I also remember the times when life felt heavier, when I stopped praying altogether or replaced prayer with meditation alone. In those moments, I felt a disconnect, as if something essential was missing. Being here, in a place where prayer is woven into the very fabric of life, I’ve been reminded of its power to ground us, guide us, and open us to possibilities far beyond what we can imagine. That’s why I created the Prayer Guide and the upcoming Prayer Workshop—to share what I’ve learned and to help you reconnect with this transformative practice. The guide is a simple, heartfelt resource designed to help you pray beyond the overcomplicated or rigid understanding of prayer you may have encountered. It complements meditation and provides a foundation for meaningful connection. On January 4th, 2025, I’ll be hosting a Prayer Workshop to dive even deeper. This free event is a chance to explore how prayer and meditation can work together to transform your life. Here’s what I’d love for you to do: 1. Download the Prayer Guide (attached to this email) and explore it on your own. 2. Join us for the workshop on January 4th to share your reflections and learn alongside our community. If you feel inspired, share your experiences with the guide on our community wall on Skool. Your journey might just encourage someone else to begin theirs. Prayer has changed my life in ways I’m still uncovering, and I can’t wait to hear how it moves in yours.

Today's theme is compassion. I chose to keep the quote from Eckhart Tolle, "to love is to recognize yourself in another." In my observation of the quote this note came to light. "To see ourselves is a form of Divine acknowledgement and connection. To see and surrender to the witness of our experience in another is a unique celebration of the Divine. It is to witness, acknowledge, embrace, and delight in the pressence of our pain in another. This too is praise. Compassion is how love shows up in the humility of praise during seasons of pain."

Sadhguru teaches that if you "react" to what someone says to you, you become enslaved to them. Observation: Hearing such a dramatic expression made me realize how much power over me I give away by reacting... He feels that the someone only said words that you then gave the meaning to. You chose for the meaning to be hurtful thus hurting your own self in the process. He made the example that if the someone had used a language you did not understand, it couldn't have hurt you, therefore, you have the power to give meaning to the words you hear. 🤯 This resonated with me because inner freedom to me is the ability to decide what sparks or arouses a feeling out of you. It is also freedom from self-judgement and thoughts of people judging you. Inner freedom is important because you get the most out of life. By welcoming each and every situation as-is without it being clouded by your pre-disposition. Application: By practicing PAUSE, I can seek to achieve inner peace. Pausing before reacting. At that moment, I will have a choice. To choose PEACE or WAR (with myself or with the other person). Plan: I plan to make pausing a habit by practicing Ujjayi and taking an inhalation of "peace" before I respond. And also withdrawing from self-judgment by cueing "I love me or I am enough" when negative thoughts arise. 🌻🫶🌻

The conversation between Krishna & Arjuna is consistent with the wisdom I need as this 21-day journey continues. "With your mind intent on me, Arjuna, discipline yourself with the practice of yoga. Depend on me completely. Listen, and I will dispel all your doubts; you will come to know me fully and be united with me." - B.G. 7.1 As I reflect on this past weekend, I realize how gracious Spirit is. I can recall the exact moments I was aware of the wisest decisions I could make. I chose to do otherwise–a costly choice, but I'm thankful that I can see in retrospect the faithfulness and loyalty of Atman (my soul). When I dismiss my practice, I am less connected to my highest Self. Yoga provides me with the tools I need to master my willpower. Yoga grounds my thoughts, feelings, and actions in the present moment. This is why Krishna advises Arjuna to "discipline yourself with the practice of yoga." Having my mind focused on pleasure and not "Krishna," I doubted the wisdom I initially was aware of and acted on impulse. Now I see why it is not wise to lean on your own understanding. Prayer: "Oh Great Spirit, I thank you for your ever-present help. You order my steps and grant me the freedom to choose. You do not shame me for my disobedience, but by the laws of the Universe, I am disciplined. This discipline points me right back to you. It is there I find grace. It is in your presence I find guidance, wisdom, and rest. I pray that my mind receives this, that my heart be open, and that my will be strengthened. you have provided clarity and a toolkit (yoga). I have a better understanding of its value and use. I trust your guidance over my knowledge. Ase.