Going into Silence
Three years ago Swami Veda Bharati sent word out to all initiates and teachers; “In February 2013 I will enter into a 5 year silence, come to India and I will give the teaching” A call to 12 days of teachings, lectures and silence at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama, an ashram in Rishikesh India. Jim Whiting and Michelle Carpenter, Body Mind Spirit Yoga meditation and yoga instructors have been initiated in the Himalayan tradition*. Guided meditation based upon this tradition has been offered every Thursday night at 7:30Pm at the Stram Center for free for the past 6 years.
“After three years of preparation, we knew this was going to be a deep learning experience, and there would be a lot of great teachings we could bring back to the Stram Center, and incorporate into our classes” says Jim Whiting. “We certainly learned some great techniques for yoga and deepening meditation. But the main focus of the Sangha (a gathering of spiritual seekers) was family, our yoga family, our immediate family, biological or chosen, our work/organizational family. How to bring love into these families, how to bring love into our organizations and businesses. If there is no room for love in these families, they are broken, and how can we create room for love. Expanding family, growing that circle of love to include everyone.”
Michelle Carpenter adds “While the idea of extending your family circle to include all may seem to be a lofty endeavor, even small acts of openness and compassion towards others will have an effect. Practically speaking, scientific evidence is mounting to show that our health and sense of well being is enhanced by the joys of family, friendship and shared human experiences. How to do this? Cultivating just a small amount of silence into your daily routine can help to bring balance to your emotional state and stillness to the mind. This in turn helps to foster more mindfulness and integrity in all our interactions.”
“India was a cultural shock, but it was also very uplifting to encounter so many warm greetings from happy people (many of whom have so little), and inspiring to expand our family to those we connected with in India. We hope to continue to share that spirit of family connection back at the Stram Center,” explained Yoga teacher Jim Whiting.
* Note: the Himalayan tradition is not a religion, but rather a philosophy inclusive of yoga and meditation practices, tools which help deal with stress, emotional and mental distress and illness. The Himalayan tradition welcomes all religions, philosophies and beliefs.
