December 2013 Newsletter

Many of us get tangled up on the difference between discrimination and judgment. We want to avoid being judgmental, but sometimes it's hard to know how to make decisions without being judgmental. Is what that person is doing or saying okay? Should I try to do something to correct a certain person or situation? Don't we have to make judgments sometimes?

During lunch at the Retreat today (the day I'm writing this), some of us began to discuss this topic. From that discussion, I realized that if you are feeling a lot of angst, you're probably in the land of judgment.

Discrimination happens without anger, hate, or other disruptive emotions. Discrimination is awareness and clarity about what is going on, and making the best decisions for our own spiritual well-being and the well-being of others in regard to those circumstances.

Swami Kriyananda gave a helpful analogy. He said that in a courtroom guilt or innocence must be decided by the jury. The jury discriminates about what happened. Then the judge assigns punishment for that as needed. To know that what is happening is inappropriate can be useful discrimination. To wish a person ill for doing that action becomes judgment.

Much better than trying to decide if what someone else is doing is good or bad is to send them Love and Light, no matter what. In that Light, judgment can throw no shadow. And our own consciousness stays in a higher place where we can be more discriminating.

Happy Holidays,
Timothy

Take Care of Yourself

December 13 - 15, 2013

This holiday season, take a little time for yourself - to be sure that you are feeling the love and joy you want to share with others. You'll learn marvelously beneficial practices that will enhance your sharing.

Sharing the Joy: A Christmas Getaway

December 22 - 26, 2013

As an Expanding Light guest, you are welcome to participate in several of the Village's uplifting Christmas traditions. You will feel surrounded by old friends you've just met!

No better place to be!

May your holiday season be filled with joyful miracles! Surround yourself with loving energy in a supportive, spiritual environment. Get in touch with the peace and joy that is the essence of your being.

Inspiration from Swami Kriyananda

At some time during that afternoon Master had a vision of the Divine Mother. In an ecstatic state he related Her wishes to many of those present. Some he told to give themselves unreservedly to God. Others he informed that the Cosmic Mother had blessed them specially. And then he spoke to Her directly, out loud, that we might hear at least one side of this blissful dialogue.
“Oh, You are so beautiful!” he repeated over and over.

From The New Path: My Life with Paramhansa Yogananda
by Swami Kriyananada.

Holiday Yoga Getaway

December 27 - 29, 2013

Enjoy an after-Christmas “breather” — literally. With yoga postures, centering breaths, and meditation, you'll reclaim your inner peace and refresh yourself deeply before the coming New Year.
You'll be amazed how restored you'll feel after two days of focused/deep relaxation time.

New Year Renewal: Relax, Recharge, Refocus

December 29 - January 2, 2013

This perennial favorite is the perfect way to take stock and inwardly prepare to achieve your goals in 2014 - all in a relaxed, supportive environment with other spiritual seekers. Led by Nyaswamis' Gyandev and Diksha McCord.

Friends, if you are able to help at all, we are struggling with our cash flow and need some wintertime help! Please help us keep The Expanding Light vibrant!

Be An Angel!
Please become part of our support team!

The "happiness retreat" pic of the month

light-hearted fun during a Meditation Teacher Training Class

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