42 friends from diverse backgrounds gathered at the ESI Campus in December 2013 to hold a space for a special kind of generosity. One that was rooted in unconditional openness and offering in the spirit of a 'Gift' towards one another.
It was no surprise then, that the collective could hold the diverse journeys of all the participants - from a 14 year old girl from the slums of Pune, to an ascetic from the Himalayas.
The intention was set right from the opening circle - with moments that have transformed our lives. Kiran shared how true generosity was expressed through the giving and receiving that was effortless and dissolved all separation. Parth believed true miracles lay in offering our attention and listening to other's stories. Shubha expresed her amazement at how three seemingly unrelated strangers stepped in to make her participation at the retreat possible :)
As always, the transformation was visible through the small micro-moments of love - one participant shared how he found an inner strength to work questions that he's held for the last two years. Another was moved to have her feet touched for the first time in her life. The true impact of this gathering is tough to measure, but I'm sure we've all begun to trust in the capacity of ties rooted in 'Maitri'.
More stories and ripples coming soon, but in the meantime, here are some pictures from the gathering:
It was no surprise then, that the collective could hold the diverse journeys of all the participants - from a 14 year old girl from the slums of Pune, to an ascetic from the Himalayas.
The intention was set right from the opening circle - with moments that have transformed our lives. Kiran shared how true generosity was expressed through the giving and receiving that was effortless and dissolved all separation. Parth believed true miracles lay in offering our attention and listening to other's stories. Shubha expresed her amazement at how three seemingly unrelated strangers stepped in to make her participation at the retreat possible :)
As always, the transformation was visible through the small micro-moments of love - one participant shared how he found an inner strength to work questions that he's held for the last two years. Another was moved to have her feet touched for the first time in her life. The true impact of this gathering is tough to measure, but I'm sure we've all begun to trust in the capacity of ties rooted in 'Maitri'.
More stories and ripples coming soon, but in the meantime, here are some pictures from the gathering:
Reflections
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