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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