Spiritual awakening is about waking up from your ego. It is not about awakening the ego. ~ Sampo Kaasila
The day started with a 45-minute sit and the instructor discussing the practice of Drishti, which is a technique that develops focus. She asked us to focus not just on what we wanted or needed for ourselves but for compassion and abundance for all of humanity. Imagine what our world would look like if we awoke each day thinking about others instead of ourselves, particularly those who we struggle to understand or even like. Imagine a world where we attempted to see another’s point of view instead of holding on so stubbornly to our own. This was a great way to start my day. Yoga and a walk on the beach followed. Ahhh, utter bliss!
Ever since I read the book Autobiography of a Yogi some years ago, I have wanted to visit the Self-Realization Fellowship Hermitage in Encinitas, CA. This is the center that was founded by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1937, the revered yogi who brought India’s great science of meditation to the West. He tirelessly devoted his life to uniting East and West in spiritual understanding.
Terry and I walked into Encinitas from our campground, toured the meditation gardens and the temple. It was a lovely extension of my morning and I am looking forward to participating in some of the meditation sessions offered. Our walk back proved to be just as joyful, as we were able to watch a pod of whales spouting offshore and a school of dolphins playfully riding the waves in. I think we could get used to this place.
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Paint Your Landscape 
So glad you found the Self Realization Fellowship, where you can just walk down the beach to get there. When I was a kid, I was always curious about what that compound held. This was a good message for me, and again, I thank you.
Joan, I have always been curious about SRF, as there is one in Phx. I will let you know what I think when I go to some of the sessions. The meditation gardens are beautiful, overlooking the ocean. We wish we had had our camera with us, but we will go back.
The beach below there is called “Swami Beach.” I would be very interested to hear what you think about their meditation sits.
I have been to the center and loved it. Would have liked to have been closer to it to take advantage of what it has to offer. I totally understand your love of walking along the beach and enjoying that area, a lot to see and do yet not quite the feeling of hustle and bustle of the LA area.
Thanks Ardythe. I will let you know what I think after going to some of the sessions.
This sounds like a wonderful place. This year I read “Breakfast with the Buddah” and it really had me thinking about how I live my life. One day perhaps we will get to experience this place. 🙂
Breakfast with the Buddha is a great book as well. We hope you two do get to experience this part of CA. We are really enjoying it.
What a perfect day. Autobiography of a Yogi – I bought that book a year ago and haven’t read it yet. Sounds like a good read – I better get on it!
It is a good read. Someone gave it to me several years ago and it sparked my interest in leading a more serene life, particularly after stepping away from the corporate life. Tough to do (for me anyway) when you are in the thick of it!
‘Terry and I walked into Encinitas from our campground, toured the meditation gardens and the temple.’
FROM YOUR CAMPGROUND???
this should be a wonderful winter.
–david
ps–serene in ajijic – whoever heard of such a thing?
Hi David, Serene and Ajijic don’t go hand-in-hand, do they? Ajijic and noise do, however. Wish you and Les could come out here and spend some time with us. Any thoughts yet on where you may settle once back NOB?