The Gifts of Ashram Living I have previously visited the ashram for 2 or 3 weeks at a time and always for a particular programme or course. However, having been attracted for some time to the idea of a longer stay, I chose on this occasion to come for a 2- month Yoga and Ashram Life stay.

In the weeks leading up to this stay, I observed a feeling of something beginning to build, ready to unfold and express during this visit. And, in the steadiness and regularity of ashram living, with only 3 weeks of karma yoga practised, I have already received some amazing gifts.

Those gifts came by way of several challenges combining over two or three days to nudge me to a point of confrontation within myself. Outside of the ashram, when I have reached this point, I have often found a way to avoid or distance myself and, in doing so, my conditioned perspective and my patterning has remained intact – more firmly intact than I had realized as it transpires! Here in the ashram however, I was able to see that patterning differently – 180 degrees differently - and that huge shift in perspective has allowed positive change to begin.

How did this happen? Against a backdrop of the flow of grace, several strands wove together to facilitate this process: the power of intention; the yoga practices; the emphasis on awareness in the ashram; the consistency of ashram living; the support and caring of those living in the ashram; the power of witnessing and the space to reflect on all that is observed.

All of these strands combined to provide me with fresh insights into my actions, thoughts and feelings at a fundamental level. And with this shift in perspective I feel freer, lighter and optimistic about continuing to develop these changes within myself.

With gratitude for the gifts already received I look forward to the remaining weeks of my stay.

Chintamani

Hari Om Tat Sat