Hi Friends,

​

Happy September!  And you know what that means, it is time for Veg Fest! The theme of this year’s Veg Fest is healing people, animals, and the planet. As I have been reflecting on this theme, I am reminded that when I am balanced, calm, and centered, I am so much more effective in my healing work. In addition to drumming, meditation is one of the practices that I use to balance and calm myself. During my daily mediation, I allow my energy and mind to settle. Regardless of how my day has unfolded, the practice of sitting in meditation resets me and allows me to be my best self; kind, genuine, grateful, and compassionate... And it is this version of myself that I strive to bring into all of my interactions with others, even during the hot, busy, socially buzzing summer months. 

​

I was recently gifted a book on meditation from a dear friend who also meditates daily. Since meditation is an experiential practice, I wondered why my friend would give me such a gift. Wasn't meditation alone enough? Should I also read about meditation? As I read, I was reminded of how life takes us away from our daily rituals sometimes. The stories of meditation in this book were stories about perseverance and cultivating a practice that is consistent. What a beautiful reminder! As with any practice, it is in the doing, that the magic happens and with meditation the important part is to sit...(even for short periods of time, if that is all that you can give in that moment). And in doing so, consistently, we experience "one of the great principles of spiritual life;" we "keep moving." We keep moving through the experiences that we need to grow and deepen into greater awareness and inner knowing. 

Cheers to the daily ritual!  May it bring calm and centeredness to you as you experience its gifts unfolding. 

​

In gratitude, 

             -A.K.