Moved By Love in August

Posted by Siddharth Sthalekar on Sep 2, 2013



Micro-Moments of Inter-connection

What happens when we begin to trust the infinite organizing power of the Universe and hold space for 30 noble friends from across the world. What if we shared a circle for 3 days centered not on common opinions and projects, but on simple values of oneness and generosity?

The magic was palpable right from the opening circle of sharing. A young doctor from Mumbai shared his transformation in empathy and decided the most valuable gift he could offer was his time more than his skills or money. Shital shared stories of her grandmothers unconditional love in offering food and grains to unknown strangers who would visit their home. Chen, from Israel spoke of how she’s been seeing everyone around her as her teacher – from the common man, to the ladies who she made Rotis with. As Shashi shared his deep respect for a friend by hugging him, Aarti spoke of how she’s started looking at pain and suffering in a new way – ‘That which gives light must endure suffering’.

And all of this made possible through the 5 volunteers who cooked, served and cleaned with all the love in their heart to make this possible. Why did they serve? Pooja answered it best through her invisible service in the kitchen – making over 100 Rotis for lunch on the first day – each one reminding her of her days as a student struggling to make ends meet. She came to a point where she had only 4 parathas to last her for 4 days until she had access to more money. It was through those 4 days, that she resolved to cook Rotis with the deepest love for people some day, so that they may never go un-loved.

Discussions on our personal edges and a few thoughts on leading work with Inner Transformation were what the first day were filled with. Day two saw us deepening our personal commitment by serving in nearby villages, and community spaces like the Kabir Ashram while the last day was focused on cultivating gratitude in our heart. But all through the three days, we were blessed with a stream of love and heart-filled gifts and letters that represented the co-created spirit.

As we brought the gathering to a close, we all shared micro-moments of inter-connection that we experienced. 20 year old Shreyansh was moved by the way nature constantly ‘gave’ to us – and began a practice in seeking forgiveness for all that he took from it. Pranit was learning how to begin ‘receiving’ and Thiru had a deep realization of the music that existed in our hearts always. You  could say Sashi summarised it best through his beautiful expression – ‘I feel like I’ve been blessed with a Lens of Love’.

Truly, everything is clearer when we are in Love.

 

Posted by Siddharth Sthalekar on Sep 2, 2013 | permalink


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Previous Comments
  • Drishti wrote ...

    Awesome :) thanks for sharing :)
    Was waiting for this post since last 3 days :p

  • Guri wrote ...

    Siddharth, thanks for the beautiful write-up and the pics. It's wonderful to get a glimpse of the 3-days for those of us who are far away. Sounds like it was a deepening experience for all. :-)

  • Ritu wrote ...

    Thank you so much for the beautiful moments and beautiful write up...have gone a tremendous realization that every soul on this earth is so much full of love and pure intention of serving ...feel blessed to be part of this journey of life where such beautiful souls are part of your journey and also thank ful to all elements in nature even the little unseen creatures because as was bowing on earth realized how every bit of it was ready to share my pain and is part of my life journey

  • Manjeet wrote ...

    'The Re-treat 2': Who said sequels can't better the original, hasn't yet seen 'The Retreat' :)

  • shital mehta wrote ...

    Thanks Siddharth for expressing our feelings and experience at the retreat so beautifully in words! For me words would fail to express the gratitude we all felt for the volunteers who created joyous loving space with pure intention, sincerity and dedication

  • Shreyansh Dhariwal wrote ...

    Thank you everyone! Feel blessed and completely MOVED BY LOVE! <3

  • Bela Banker wrote ...

    Siddharth, what a beautiful journey for 3 days. It was perfect mixture of head, hand and heart- and the result was magical. Thank you for a well written article, it summarized our inner journey. You and the volunteers worked really hard to make everything so special for all of us. Thank you.

  • Kishan wrote ...

    Gratified for such amazing experience ! Thanking the universe for making me part of joyous journey in form of who I am with such amazing set up and people around who all are masters in moving others with love ! Bhavatu Sabba Mangalam is the feeling I wanted to convey after Gratitude walk !!! The enhanced sense of surrender led me to go on a WALK for the first time and taught amazing lessons. Thank you Thank you Thank you :)

  • Anupreet wrote ...

    Eager to be there for the next one. Retreats are always so refreshing and energizing. Deep gratitude to many invisible hands, souls and smiles behind creating such a beautiful family :)

  • hardik dave wrote ...

    you people are quite lucky nd keep doing my well wishes with whole group of persons workng for SEVA. you people are rocking.
    love u all from soul................

  • Trishna wrote ...

    Thanks for continuing to hold this space and share the inspiration that emerges! :)