We had 888 RSVP's for our inaugural Awakin Talks call this morning, and in response to the quick feedback form that many have filled out, listeners gave it an average rating of over 9/10 -- and it has generated a huge buzz of ripples.
Thank you, to the more than 20 of you that helped pulled this off, at the "speed of love". We've now setup the infrastructure for next week's call and beyond! More on that soon. :)
Some immediate comments from listeners ...
"It confirmed some of my feelings and thoughts about this time--how to behave and what the new normal should be like--and gave me some new insights. Loved hearing about Gandhi's perspectives. Well organized, speakers didn't go on too long and were interesting, host was delightful."
"Very engaging, inspiring and thought provoking discussion. For me the paradox is the duality and collectively and collaboratively as a humanity we need to see beyond these dualitys - because what lies beyond is peace, acceptance, courage, truth and love. These values are the essence of being human. We are bigger than the limitations of duality. I am looking forward to future talks and hopefully inspire one another towards collective expressions of compassion."
"Highlights: income generating options that foster self-respect and dignity. Increase resilience of mind which will in turn impact the resilience of my body Examining narratives on what it is to be human. Mantra as a medium for gather spiritual force A daily promise to persist in my thriving. Leaves me with the question: How can I create communities that thrive together and that empower humaneness?"
"Today’s webinar 'What would Gandhiji do' is yet another testimony of ServiceSpace's commitment to Love and Compassion which is matchless. Michael and Rajni were superb and passionate with your as usual great introduction to the subject. Rohan and Drishti are true examples of your benevolent mission to this otherwise selfish world. Is it possible to have a link to today’s webinar which I can share with many? Love and blessings."
"It was wonderful session. It has ignited contemplative instinct within me. I would love to attend more sessions like this."
"I loved Rajni’s shring in the beginning, it was interesting how she pointed out the stuff that was not so inspiring / negative and heartbreaking - reminding of the two sides of the coin. And ended with the statement “pessimism is for another time”. To me it really brings about the idea of holding things lightly and allowing for a greater emergence to guide our intuition, inspite of the narratives playing out ‘loudly’ around us!"
"Rajni and Michael's commentary and insight on WWGD allowed me the see the opportunity that is there for me to take. I didn't Gandhi wanted to be a nurse:). The advice that Jayeshbhai gave Rohan on service. Drishti's positivity and optimism (now is not the time for pessimism:)) was overflowing."
"I especially enjoyed Rajni's shares of not just the positives, but also the negatives that she's seeing. I got choked up when Rajni told about the doctor who was cheered by his neighbors one day, yet not welcomed back in his neighborhood after testing positive himself."
"Thank you for having us session. It’s important to have these during this very difficult time."
Nipun's opening photos...great context. Michael N saying Gandhi would have been a nurse. Rajni saying that "life becomes livable to the extent that death is a friend." And then her saying she's afraid at systems level. She's so brutally honest. Love her.
Truly appreciate this space. Thanks for bringing our attention back to Gandhiji. I needed it.
The subject itself was thought provoking and inspirational. There is definitely a Gandhi in all of us waiting to be unlocked.....
Left me with questions: "How would Gandhi look at living sustainably in the times of Civid 19. How to take the post lockdown effects, a learning from a Gandhi who learnt to live in jail and still be sane?"
"Highlight? Death isn't an enemy, death is a friend." --Rohit :)
"Favorite line.... It's not time for is to be pessimist now. And I personally loved the way it was organised and how user-friendly it was."
"Deeply grateful for the format and inquiries. I think the questions in the chat were great.. would be wonderful to continue those dialogs offline too. Perhaps even end with a question that our guests may be holding too. That could add a lot of momentum further!" --Meghna
"The whole session was good. I look forward to attend similar calls."
"It was superb. Thank you, Awakin." --Rohini Nilekani
"Such delightful, deep, and thoughtful sharing from all ... which sparked many thoughts, but altogether, a sense of connection. Especially noted especially part of the quote: There is no point of arrival."
"It is 1am here, and the feeling of worldwide connection while watching and listening is amazing. I hope there will be a replay available so that I can share this with friends. Thank you."
"Thank you for holding this inquiry. Such a nourishing conversation to be a part of." --Bhumika Patel
"Highlights: Resisting Affluctive emotions with Love. Redefining Value, expanding my idea of it beyond money, but be able to talk about it with confidence. I am looking for how can we make systemic changes, no matter how small. Even if it is to have a thriving practice of coaching on gift economy. All the clipping that Nipun shares and the stories, i had heard them, but not all together strung like this garland of hope. This way of presenting, of storytelling is so crucial in these times when, there is avalanche of despair. How will you sustain and nourish the goodness and hope that is thriving around you? This is the question i am taking away."
"Wonderful experience.. Key takeaway .. There's no going back to the NORMAL.. bcos the NORMAL was the problem. Yessssss"
"Love this conversation. Will like to follow up on the point of having microscopic lense Rohan pointed out. We go to Africa to serve but do not bother to check with the neighbor how they are doing? Just a reflection and to find ways to start a Karuna Circle"
"Michael's view points were amazing. I am a social worker and was confused to give free food to needy and stranded daily wage migrants during today's crisis. I got a insightful solution from his talk. Sincere thanks. I did not like the negativity of Rajni ji. Gandhi ji had taught us that every problem has a solution. We face umpteen number of problems while doing social work. But, our drive, vision and mission are never affected. Need is extreme in this world. But there are millions of beautiful stars with their beautiful work, love and care are keeping the hopes alive."
"Gandhi ji I has been my inspiration. It's my passion to work in the interiors of villages in India, where I get back more love than whatever I give to them. Their innocence, purity and love are my energy. I am running an NGO named Roshni Foundation. We have adopted 16 Zilla Parishad schools ( government schools) with 2000 tribal children and provide infrastructure, facilities and work for their health, hygiene, and overall development. We are also running a Women Empowerment Center and working for the village development too. Life seems meaningful and beautiful."
"Gratitude to all of the speakers for their thoughtful response and wisdom shared. I'm leaving filled with inspiration and words to reflect upon for days. Thank you Los Angeles,CA"
"So many stories/perspectives that made so many of me delighted, question, and hold questions! So fortunate to have onboarded this beautiful dialogue. Lots of Love, Linkee"
The examples of love and compassion shown by various people in various parts of the world shared by all the speakers were very inspiring. Also very inspired by Rajni Bakshi's recounting of J C Kumarappa. Need to read Economy of Permanence :)
Highlights: Prayer and inner work to connect with the spirit. Going forward, I would like some discussion on the plight of the poor with the lockdown in India and any thoughts of handling it in Gandhian way.
"Highlight? Stories by Drishti and Rohan -- about their ground experience and reflections are inspiring."
"A felt sense of honor to belong to this community. an inspirational morning listening to those bright shining people. reassurance that i am on the path. reinforcing my meditation practice. wanting to bath in it more! And I'm now asking myself how can i serve more? --Galia, in Israel"
"I think the initial bit of positive stories certainly shifted something. Also, Rajni's sharing that she ended the call with. What opened up was also a question for me that. 'What about showing love to the virus itself?'. It is a part of the nature and instead of fighting, how about showing some karuna to corona."
"Huge highlight for me -- the whole area of suffering and yet being compassionate. How fear grips the society and the antidote to fear is NOT SAFETY but LOVE... as understood through Gandhiji’s story on his recommendation to Sucheta at Noakhali. Just realised that collectively we still are falling short on bringing large scale systemic changes and how that one man was able to fo so much in his lifetime....."
"Life becomes liveable only to the extent death is treated as a friend, not an enemy. Inspires me to stay more with the awareness of death.
All the local and global Karuna stories shared by Nipunbhai were very inspiring and deeply touched my heart.
Lovely to see and hear Dhrishti and Rohan's reflections on serving. Thank you so much dear ones for putting this all together. Love and hugs.
"Amongst an abundance of inspiration throughout the entire call there was Michael’s answer to the last question, where he referred to the Bhagavad Gita, that stood out for me. Also the politeness and awareness all speaker’s interacted with was very inspiring. The minute of silence was a great opportunity to sense into the connectedness with all participants and speakers. Thank you so very much for this call!"
Thank you, to the more than 20 of you that helped pulled this off, at the "speed of love". We've now setup the infrastructure for next week's call and beyond! More on that soon. :)
Some immediate comments from listeners ...
"It confirmed some of my feelings and thoughts about this time--how to behave and what the new normal should be like--and gave me some new insights. Loved hearing about Gandhi's perspectives. Well organized, speakers didn't go on too long and were interesting, host was delightful."
"Very engaging, inspiring and thought provoking discussion. For me the paradox is the duality and collectively and collaboratively as a humanity we need to see beyond these dualitys - because what lies beyond is peace, acceptance, courage, truth and love. These values are the essence of being human. We are bigger than the limitations of duality. I am looking forward to future talks and hopefully inspire one another towards collective expressions of compassion."
"Highlights: income generating options that foster self-respect and dignity. Increase resilience of mind which will in turn impact the resilience of my body Examining narratives on what it is to be human. Mantra as a medium for gather spiritual force A daily promise to persist in my thriving. Leaves me with the question: How can I create communities that thrive together and that empower humaneness?"
"Today’s webinar 'What would Gandhiji do' is yet another testimony of ServiceSpace's commitment to Love and Compassion which is matchless. Michael and Rajni were superb and passionate with your as usual great introduction to the subject. Rohan and Drishti are true examples of your benevolent mission to this otherwise selfish world. Is it possible to have a link to today’s webinar which I can share with many? Love and blessings."
"It was wonderful session. It has ignited contemplative instinct within me. I would love to attend more sessions like this."
"I loved Rajni’s shring in the beginning, it was interesting how she pointed out the stuff that was not so inspiring / negative and heartbreaking - reminding of the two sides of the coin. And ended with the statement “pessimism is for another time”. To me it really brings about the idea of holding things lightly and allowing for a greater emergence to guide our intuition, inspite of the narratives playing out ‘loudly’ around us!"
"Rajni and Michael's commentary and insight on WWGD allowed me the see the opportunity that is there for me to take. I didn't Gandhi wanted to be a nurse:). The advice that Jayeshbhai gave Rohan on service. Drishti's positivity and optimism (now is not the time for pessimism:)) was overflowing."
"I especially enjoyed Rajni's shares of not just the positives, but also the negatives that she's seeing. I got choked up when Rajni told about the doctor who was cheered by his neighbors one day, yet not welcomed back in his neighborhood after testing positive himself."
"Thank you for having us session. It’s important to have these during this very difficult time."
Nipun's opening photos...great context. Michael N saying Gandhi would have been a nurse. Rajni saying that "life becomes livable to the extent that death is a friend." And then her saying she's afraid at systems level. She's so brutally honest. Love her.
Truly appreciate this space. Thanks for bringing our attention back to Gandhiji. I needed it.
The subject itself was thought provoking and inspirational. There is definitely a Gandhi in all of us waiting to be unlocked.....
Left me with questions: "How would Gandhi look at living sustainably in the times of Civid 19. How to take the post lockdown effects, a learning from a Gandhi who learnt to live in jail and still be sane?"
"Highlight? Death isn't an enemy, death is a friend." --Rohit :)
"Favorite line.... It's not time for is to be pessimist now. And I personally loved the way it was organised and how user-friendly it was."
"Deeply grateful for the format and inquiries. I think the questions in the chat were great.. would be wonderful to continue those dialogs offline too. Perhaps even end with a question that our guests may be holding too. That could add a lot of momentum further!" --Meghna
"The whole session was good. I look forward to attend similar calls."
"It was superb. Thank you, Awakin." --Rohini Nilekani
"Such delightful, deep, and thoughtful sharing from all ... which sparked many thoughts, but altogether, a sense of connection. Especially noted especially part of the quote: There is no point of arrival."
"It is 1am here, and the feeling of worldwide connection while watching and listening is amazing. I hope there will be a replay available so that I can share this with friends. Thank you."
"Thank you for holding this inquiry. Such a nourishing conversation to be a part of." --Bhumika Patel
"Highlights: Resisting Affluctive emotions with Love. Redefining Value, expanding my idea of it beyond money, but be able to talk about it with confidence. I am looking for how can we make systemic changes, no matter how small. Even if it is to have a thriving practice of coaching on gift economy. All the clipping that Nipun shares and the stories, i had heard them, but not all together strung like this garland of hope. This way of presenting, of storytelling is so crucial in these times when, there is avalanche of despair. How will you sustain and nourish the goodness and hope that is thriving around you? This is the question i am taking away."
"Wonderful experience.. Key takeaway .. There's no going back to the NORMAL.. bcos the NORMAL was the problem. Yessssss"
"Love this conversation. Will like to follow up on the point of having microscopic lense Rohan pointed out. We go to Africa to serve but do not bother to check with the neighbor how they are doing? Just a reflection and to find ways to start a Karuna Circle"
"Michael's view points were amazing. I am a social worker and was confused to give free food to needy and stranded daily wage migrants during today's crisis. I got a insightful solution from his talk. Sincere thanks. I did not like the negativity of Rajni ji. Gandhi ji had taught us that every problem has a solution. We face umpteen number of problems while doing social work. But, our drive, vision and mission are never affected. Need is extreme in this world. But there are millions of beautiful stars with their beautiful work, love and care are keeping the hopes alive."
"Gandhi ji I has been my inspiration. It's my passion to work in the interiors of villages in India, where I get back more love than whatever I give to them. Their innocence, purity and love are my energy. I am running an NGO named Roshni Foundation. We have adopted 16 Zilla Parishad schools ( government schools) with 2000 tribal children and provide infrastructure, facilities and work for their health, hygiene, and overall development. We are also running a Women Empowerment Center and working for the village development too. Life seems meaningful and beautiful."
"Gratitude to all of the speakers for their thoughtful response and wisdom shared. I'm leaving filled with inspiration and words to reflect upon for days. Thank you Los Angeles,CA"
"So many stories/perspectives that made so many of me delighted, question, and hold questions! So fortunate to have onboarded this beautiful dialogue. Lots of Love, Linkee"
The examples of love and compassion shown by various people in various parts of the world shared by all the speakers were very inspiring. Also very inspired by Rajni Bakshi's recounting of J C Kumarappa. Need to read Economy of Permanence :)
Highlights: Prayer and inner work to connect with the spirit. Going forward, I would like some discussion on the plight of the poor with the lockdown in India and any thoughts of handling it in Gandhian way.
"Highlight? Stories by Drishti and Rohan -- about their ground experience and reflections are inspiring."
"A felt sense of honor to belong to this community. an inspirational morning listening to those bright shining people. reassurance that i am on the path. reinforcing my meditation practice. wanting to bath in it more! And I'm now asking myself how can i serve more? --Galia, in Israel"
"I think the initial bit of positive stories certainly shifted something. Also, Rajni's sharing that she ended the call with. What opened up was also a question for me that. 'What about showing love to the virus itself?'. It is a part of the nature and instead of fighting, how about showing some karuna to corona."
"Huge highlight for me -- the whole area of suffering and yet being compassionate. How fear grips the society and the antidote to fear is NOT SAFETY but LOVE... as understood through Gandhiji’s story on his recommendation to Sucheta at Noakhali. Just realised that collectively we still are falling short on bringing large scale systemic changes and how that one man was able to fo so much in his lifetime....."
"Life becomes liveable only to the extent death is treated as a friend, not an enemy. Inspires me to stay more with the awareness of death.
All the local and global Karuna stories shared by Nipunbhai were very inspiring and deeply touched my heart.
Lovely to see and hear Dhrishti and Rohan's reflections on serving. Thank you so much dear ones for putting this all together. Love and hugs.
"Amongst an abundance of inspiration throughout the entire call there was Michael’s answer to the last question, where he referred to the Bhagavad Gita, that stood out for me. Also the politeness and awareness all speaker’s interacted with was very inspiring. The minute of silence was a great opportunity to sense into the connectedness with all participants and speakers. Thank you so very much for this call!"
Reflections
Share your thoughts or questions