November 2018

November 25, 2018

The Jewel of Abundance

Paula Whang-Ramos

"Divine energy and power flows unimpeded into expression in our lives when we learn how to cooperate with it.
Then the jewels of all good things come to us on their own."
~ Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
(from The Jewel of Abundance)

During this holy day season, spiritual traditions around the world honor the One Divine Source of all that is. This Power and Presence, called by many names, is inherently whole and enlivens all that is seen and unseen in our lives right now. Its supportive expressions may be referred to as divine grace, providence, or universal chi. We can learn to live in a way that removes the obstacles to our direct experience of this indwelling wholeness. And when we do, then this inner guidance and inspiration can freely flow through the blessings and the growing edges of our lives right now.

Join Yogacharya O'Brian and the CSE community this Friday evening, for the launch of her new book The Jewel of Abundance: Finding Prosperity through the Ancient Wisdom of Yoga. Experience a beautiful, divinely guided evening into the heart's experience into the Wholeness that indwells us all. Listen into inspirations from her new book and open into the ways in which you are called to cooperate with the jewel of abundant goodness that indwells you.

Join us at Blue Lotus Center this week for a time of meditation and spiritual contemplation. Study, meditate, and grow with others devoted to thriving in peace, love and wisdom. Make this the holy day season that we skillfully live in peace - in our minds, our hearts, our families, our community and our world. All are welcome.

Blue Lotus Meditation & Yoga Center welcomes sincere seekers from all backgrounds.

November 19, 2018

The Power to Give Thanks -Right here, Right Now

Paula Whang-Ramos

"Fault-finding can be a habit, but so can approaching life with gratitude. We need only intend to be grateful

and then train ourselves to look for the good. Soon, we notice more to be thankful for."
~ Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian

As we step into the holiday season, it may be with mixed emotion. The blessings of this year may seem obscured by current circumstances. What is there to be thankful for, amidst so much unexpected loss and change? What can we do, when we may feel so powerless amidst events unfolding today?

There is a lot we can do. We can take extra precautions to minimize the mental smoke that clouds our ability to experience divine grace still at work in our lives - right here, right now. Increasing our Self-care can help to clear our inner vision and open our hearts into the Life of our next breath. Let's offer a few gentle breaths into the heart and share extra compassion, kindness and patience, that we all need - right now. Let's rest in a few extra minutes of meditation and open into the hope beyond the haze of doubt, perceived powerlessness, fear, and judgment. Let's take a few extra moments to implement intelligent choices to care for these bodies. And let's spend a little extra time surrendered in prayer, so we may remain inwardly attuned to the Source of Life that continues to hold us and all that is unfolding in Life - right here, right now.

During this Thanksgiving and in the days to come, may we allow ourselves time to rest in the indwelling light of hope, love, and gratitude that remains eternally alive within us all. This divine light cannot be dimmed by the mask of obvious loss and challenge. When we look closely, we can still see It shining through the eyes of gratitude for what remains possible - right here, right now. Look closely within and around us. Can you see It looking back at you?

Join us at BLC this Wednesday, as we consciously enter into the holy day season with a time of meditation and a special prayer circle for all beings everywhere. Gift yourself an opportunity to lay the busy energy of the judging mind at the altar of our unshakable inner peace and Love that remains uncompromised by changes in our earth lives. All are welcome. N95 masks are available at BLC.

Blue Lotus Meditation & Yoga Center welcomes sincere seekers from all backgrounds.

November 12, 2018

Love Beneath the Loss

Paula Whang-Ramos

"Whatever sorrow there is in life, whatever sickness there is, whatever hatred there is, whatever unrest there is,
Spirit is stronger. When we call it forth, the power of love will rise up to meet any difficulty."
~ Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian

This has been, and continues to be, an unbelievable time of enormous unexpected change and incredible loss. It can be too overwhelming to take it all in. So, let's stop trying to do so. Let's stop following the spinning mind that tries to analyze, theorize and explain the "whys" and "wherefores" of these unexpected life changes that continue to unfold.

Instead, just stop and take a breath. Let ourselves grieve what was lost. Take a breath. Let ourselves feel the relief and gratitude for what survived. Take a breath. Because, amidst all that has been lost and all that has been found, Love still remains. Love for what we are, for what we have, and for what has been taken from us. Beneath all these incredible changes is the unconditional, unstoppable power of Love, still living on.

To those who have experienced loss this past week, please know that you are held in the loving prayers of 1000s of people who grieve with you, love you, and hold you in the arms of unconditional Love. We bow to your courage and tenacity - that you may find strength and hope as you navigate through this time of enormous change. Amidst so much loss, may you glimpse moments when Love sweeps through your hearts, offering you comfort and remembrance in the Source of Courage and Love.

Join us at BLC this Wednesday and Thursday evenings, when we meditate and offer special prayer circles for all beings everywhere. Gift yourself an opportunity to lay the experiences of our humanity at the altar of our Divinity and the divine Love that remains uncompromised by changes in our earth lives. All are welcome.

Blue Lotus Meditation & Yoga Center welcomes sincere seekers from all backgrounds.

November 5, 2018

Celebrate with BLC & Reclaim Your Inner Peace

Paula Whang-Ramos

"We are the meeting place of heaven and earth through our ability to be receptive to divine ideas and bring them into manifestation."

~ Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian

This Thursday evening join us at Blue Lotus Center as we welcome Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian to celebrate BLC's 4 years of service as an oasis of peace for all. Learn how BLC is a living manifestation birthed from the divine idea of Paramahansa Yogananda, almost 100 years ago. Be heart inspired at how universally applicable, ancient Yogic teachings can contribute to the manifestation of inner peace and meaningful change that we desire and need in our lives today. Share a time of meditation, inspiration and blessing with Yogacharya and the BLC community. All are welcome. Bring a friend and make this the season that you reclaim peace - in your heart, your mind, your family, our community and our world. Please note: There is no meditation group this Wednesday evening. Celebrate with us on Thursday instead!

Also join us this morning at CSE where I will offer the sermon message "Yes. Yes? YES!". We will explore practical ways to navigate through the rough edges of our human experiences within the peace and intelligence of our divine Wholeness. Share a time of meditation and inspiration in spiritual community with our extended CSE family. All are welcome.

Blue Lotus Meditation & Yoga Center welcomes sincere seekers from all backgrounds.