To truly solve our problems and find God, we must step back from our egoic reactions and get a broader perspective. Swami Kriyananda suggested that longer, deeper meditations can help dissolve the ego and instead recognize God as the guiding force in our lives. By dedicating quality time to meditation and nurturing a calm, watchful presence within, we can start to quiet ego-driven thoughts. It's important to remember that our accomplishments come from God, not from our own efforts, just as we don’t control our own heartbeat. We should also be mindful of our reactive tendencies. If we notice negative reactions, we can shift our awareness to a more spiritual perspective through deep breathing and focusing on our spiritual eye. This practice helps us understand others better and take control of our responses. Ultimately, by starting from the calm center of our being, we can connect with God’s unconditional love and navigate through life more freely.

To recognize God as the doer empowers us to be channels of His divine energy, aligning with the ultimate goal of self-realization. In our journey, rather than pleading for Divine Mother’s presence, we should acknowledge that She is already here, guiding us. Every positive endeavor we pursue brings us closer to understanding our unity with God. By affirming that God acts through us, we strengthen our awareness of His presence. Essential to this are three practices: self-discipline to harness our minds, attentiveness to fully engage in each moment, and cultivating happiness independent of external circumstances. The choice is ours—will we remain open to Divine Mother’s power, or inadvertently limit ourselves by claiming the role of the doer? Embrace the possibility of infinite growth and connection with the divine.

Miracles are not relics of the past; they are unfolding around us every day, waiting for us to perceive them. A powerful example comes from Lourdes, France, where the Virgin Mary once appeared to St. Bernadette, revealing a life-giving spring that continues to encourage pilgrimages and healings. A friend visiting Lourdes sought a personal miracle but found instead a profound spiritual experience while praying for others. This moment illuminated the truth that God's love and presence are constant, offering peace and miracles in our lives. As we reflect on our own experiences, we can recognize the endless wonders of divine love that transcend time and space.

In reflecting on the story of the man near liberation, we can draw parallels between his journey and our own spiritual quests. This untold tale invites us to envision ourselves in his position, echoing a deep desire for God that resonates within many of us. As we strive for spiritual fulfillment, there’s a mutual understanding of the pull toward a life where earthly desires lose their grip. The idea of becoming jivan muktas—liberated while living—encourages us to keep pushing towards enlightenment. Our leap into the divine isn’t taken in isolation, as we have a supportive community accompanying us on this journey. Ultimately, we yearn for that moment when our desires dissipate, leaving only the divine light guiding our every action, much like the heartfelt prayers found in "Whispers from Eternity." It’s a shared aspiration, one that unites us in our quest for a divine connection and purpose.

Sitting by the Mississippi River during a family visit in Minneapolis was a peaceful experience that reminded us of its conscious presence, similar to our time by the Ganges. As we meditated, we sensed the rivers sharing wisdom about the timeless essence of reality, which remains constant amid life’s cycles. They taught us about the smooth and turbulent currents that mirror our own energy flow; a calm mind allows higher awareness, while negativity creates whirlpools. Through practices like meditation and Kriya Yoga, we can clear these blocks and rise to a soothing inner current. The rivers' humble giving reflects the love of the Divine Mother, nourishing all life forms. Ultimately, they reminded us that everything merges into the infinite sea of God-consciousness.

There are also some practical ways to prolong our periods of inspiration. Here are five important ones:

Have faith.

Make a plan.

Keep your mind positive.

Satsang.

Chant, sing, and listen to uplifting music.

We don’t need to be helpless victims. With a little effort on our part, and with the grace of God and Guru, we can take control of our fate. We can live in alignment with our soul-nature, which exists in a constant state of inspiration.

As you read this, our Centennial Celebration at Ananda Village is in full swing, drawing over seven hundred guests from around the globe. I wanted to share my thoughts before the festivities began, reflecting on the dedicated volunteers who have been tirelessly preparing for this moment. Two years back, we recognized that 2026 would mark your hundredth birthday, igniting the efforts to honor your life. The community has been buzzing with energy as we've worked to enhance our environment. I truly believe that Ananda, inspired by your vision and teachings, is crucial for fostering unity and spiritual growth in today’s world. Recently, your friend Sri Kaarthikeyan joined us, and as we witnessed an extraordinary sunset, it felt like the Masters were blessing our gathering. We're all immensely grateful for your unwavering dedication and hope to honor your legacy by sharing the light you've bestowed upon us. With warmth, your devoted friend, Devi.

Throughout my adult life, I’ve been fortunate to orbit around Swami Kriyananda, who embodied the essence of friendship. From our first meeting, he welcomed me warmly, treating me as a friend rather than just a disciple. Many others feel the same way, even if they spent little time with him. His unique ability to accept and support people exactly as they are set him apart. Rather than criticize, he focused on uplifting them, waiting until they were ready to embrace his guidance. He would often share counsel in a way that allowed individuals to reflect on it personally, fostering a sense of friendship that transcended typical mentor-mentee dynamics. Swami Kriyananda taught that the essence of spiritual connection lies in treating God as our closest friend, approaching Him with an open heart. By doing so, we open ourselves to growth and deeper understanding, reminding us that we’re always doing our best on our journey.

Devi shares three personal stories illustrating how Swami Kriyananda’s love shaped her life:

1. The coffee incident — caught not knowing how to make coffee, she expected rejection but received a warm hug and patient teaching instead, learning she was loved despite failure, not because of achievement.

2. The freeway drive — pushed to drive Swamiji home from San Francisco despite no freeway experience, she was gently guided through her fear, building inner strength and confidence.

3. The Palace of Fine Arts talk — unexpectedly called to speak before 500 people, her panic gave way to a profound experience of the guru’s presence flowing through her.

The piece closes with the message that Swamiji’s guiding love didn’t end with his passing — it remains available to anyone who reaches for it inwardly.

We often overlook the everyday miracles in our lives, only acknowledging the monumental events. A small miracle unfolded recently in my own life when my niece, inspired by her background in Ananda Yoga, sought guidance for her work with autistic children. Remarkably, she connected with an instructor who had once trained her and had a PhD in yoga and bringing it to autistic children. These small, often unnoticed miracles weave a beautiful tapestry of connection and divine presence in our lives, reminding us to stay alert to the blessings around us. Life itself is a daily miracle, and through our awareness, we can uncover the doors to joy and love that God has opened for us.