As 2025 approaches, set new goals for yourself—consider focusing on a few rather than overwhelming yourself with a long list. Remember, you have the power to shape your future. Paramhansa Yogananda reminds us that each new year is like a garden; nurture it with good habits and eliminate negativity to cultivate true happiness and success. Here’s to a fulfilling new year filled with your highest aspirations!

In an earlier essay titled “I Am the Christ Within” I shared the inspiration of Christ consciousness as a constant presence. While writing a new book, "The Heart of Service," I received a visualization in meditation for sharing in the first chapter. In this visualization, a vast stadium represents the past lives of the individual, with each tier of seats symbolizing different incarnations. The souls in the stadium reflect the journey of their essence through various experiences, accumulating lessons and karma over time. Each person carries memories from their prior lives, ultimately seeking liberation and the realization of Christ consciousness.

It is important to recognize the souls in others and approach our interactions with respect and love, accordingly. This Christmas season is a perfect opportunity to expand our hearts, and to discover the inner Christ, sharing love and goodwill to all who would receive it.

It’s normal for sincere spiritual seekers to feel discouraged about their progress. Beginners may worry they aren’t meditating correctly, while those with some experience might wonder if they’ll ever truly feel God’s presence. I recently had a moment of self-doubt after meditation when I was reminded that recognizing the limitations of the material world is a key step towards spiritual freedom. Yogananda speaks about the “anguishing monotony” from lifetimes of pursuing worldly happiness, but our commitment to seeking a deeper reality ultimately guides us closer to God, even if we don’t see obvious changes in ourselves. A touching moment with Swami Kriyananda reinforced this for me when he assured me that I’d grown tremendously, despite my own doubts. Unlike worldly success, spiritual growth demands faith; every effort brings us nearer to true joy. At this time of year, Yogananda noted that Christ consciousness is more accessible to those who open their hearts. Regardless of which traditions you celebrate, the presence of God welcomes all paths. To feel this Divine Presence, Yogananda initiated the beautiful tradition of an eight-hour meditation on December 23rd, and I encourage anyone near an Ananda community or center to join. For those further away, there’s an online meditation on December 21st.

The Christmas season is here, filled with familiar symbols like Santa Claus and festive songs. While many express joy outwardly, this time also brings a unique opportunity for spiritual seekers to connect with a deeper grace. Tuning into the Christ Consciousness allows us to emulate Jesus’ virtues. 

Three key qualities stand out: forgiveness, love, and joy. Practicing forgiveness can lead to personal freedom; imagine burning away negativity each night. This season is perfect for spreading love to all, making even the simplest acts profoundly impactful. Lastly, embracing joy helps us align with our true selves. 

Conclude meditations by feeling the joy within, and carry that joyful spirit with you throughout the day. Remember, Jesus embodied numerous qualities, and taking a moment to connect with that divine presence can fill our hearts with lasting happiness.

One of the most useful truths taught by Paramhansa Yogananda is: “The greater the will, the greater the flow of energy.” By pouring our energy into everything we do, we draw even more energy to accomplish it. Over time we discover that this increased energy flow comes from a higher source and enables us to succeed at whatever we’re doing.

Swami Kriyananda exemplified boundless energy, reminding us that on our spiritual journey, we’re either progressing or regressing—there’s no staying still. He encouraged embracing hard work as a joyful experience and a privilege, seeing it as a path to victory. Personally, both Jyotish and I have found that the more we commit ourselves to serving and giving our best, the greater the flow of energy we experience, bringing along a sense of freedom and joy. Swamiji reassured us that it's important to take things step by step, reminding us that our efforts are not just for the sake of completion, but for building the strength to achieve even more.

Understanding our God-given duties is essential, especially for disciples of Paramhansa Yogananda. General duties relate to our collective mission of uplifting world consciousness, and while we aim to align with the divine, our egos can still influence our actions. Personal duties focus on our individual spiritual journey toward Self-realization through sincere meditation and fulfilling our worldly responsibilities in a dharmic manner. By approaching our family, job, and social commitments without attachment, we can progress toward spiritual freedom. To overcome desires that stem from our ego, deep prayer and meditation are vital; we should ask for divine guidance in our actions. Great masters provide examples of surrendering to God’s will, demonstrating that while it may not always be easy, it leads to true fulfillment. Remembering the importance of intention, we can develop a daily self-offering practice. Let’s prioritize our connection with God and our Gurus to shine as instruments of divine light in these challenging times.

The story highlights a woman who, through determination and the energization techniques taught by Yoganandaji, was able to heal her crushed pelvis and legs despite initial difficulties. After her cast was removed, she surprised the doctor with her healing progress, ultimately regaining mobility, albeit with a slight limp and a cane. This tale serves as a reminder of the power we all hold to overcome challenges, especially during troubling times marked by war, political strife, and uncertainty. Now is the time to unite in faith and channel divine energy into the world through meditation and prayer. Jesus and other great souls are actively supporting humanity, encouraging us to maintain hope and stay receptive to their guidance. Together, we can strive for a brighter future filled with love and compassion.

In reflecting on the beauty and spirituality of India, I am reminded that this country is the heart of a global family united in love and purpose. My thoughts travel from the connections made across Europe to the community in America that has woven its fabric around Swami Kriyananda's vision for Ananda. India, the birthplace of yoga and the spiritual teachings that connect us, serves as a launching point for awakening souls everywhere. The strength of our shared spiritual family acts as a beacon, drawing others toward enlightenment. We are not just individuals on a quest; we are part of a larger divine family dedicated to guiding humanity with love and truth. Let’s embrace this unity and spread Master’s teachings together.

In our world, power often seems to dominate, especially in the hands of dictators whose reigns eventually crumble. However, there are various types of power. One perspective comes from Paramhansa Yogananda, who suggested that what some consider "powers" are actually divine workings; true spiritual strength lies in inner power—the ability to align with God’s will. During our recent travels in India, we discussed these ideas, emphasizing the importance of accepting life’s challenges with calmness and maintaining a forgiving heart. These qualities not only help reassure us in tough times but also embody divine love, freeing us from negativity and allowing God’s light to shine through us.

In this week's, Nayaswami Jyotish shares insights on finding happiness within ourselves and creating a positive mindset based on words of wit and wisdom often attributed (though incorrectly) to Abraham Lincoln (. He emphasizes the importance of self-effort, overcoming ego, and maintaining enthusiasm. The message encourages us to take responsibility for our own happiness and to actively work towards creating a better future.