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Hello Philip,
Spring is in the air - not fully here yet, but it's sure getting near.
I can feel it. I can see it. The earth, once frozen and dormant, is beginning to breathe again. Trees, left barren and ghostlike under the icy grip of winter, are starting to pulse with life again. Their sap is already flowing, and an aura of energy graces their crowns like glimmering garlands.
Seedlings are bristling with energy, ready to give birth to the next generation.
Life is beginning to spring back to life. It's literally the time of springing.
And this "springs" to mind Swami Nirmalananda's teaching article for this month: Duality is Reality. When we see through the lenses of duality, it's like seeing through old bifocals. Our view is divided into near vision and far, separated by a clear line of distinction. Likewise, we see spirituality as separate and distinct from physical nature. We don't see the divine in the natural world. The two are seen as irreconcilable. In the same way, we see God as being somewhere out there, or up there. We do not see God in here, or down here. We don't see God as being within us. Swami writes:
"There's God, and there's the world, and 'never the twain shall meet.' Religion is dedicated to bridging the gap, generally doing a good job at it. The point of every religious service is to give you an experience of God. I've explored all the major religions....I find God in every church, every temple, every synagogue, every mosque."
When our consciousness is raised to that level, we will no longer see reality through the lenses of duality. Instead of seeing our differences, we will see our commonality.
In other words, we will see with what Swami calls “Divine Eyes." We will see ourselves and each other as Divine. We will also see each other as God sees us: with great love and equality. We will not judge others by their age, their faith or the color of their skin. We will see more clearly, more deeply, to the core of our being. We will see the essence of all beings as Divine.
|  | This graphic is a gift from Sandy Pincince. Thank you, Sandy! | We are all divine brothers and sisters. We are manifestations of the One Divine Reality, in different forms. Moisture in the sky transforms into snow; each snow flake is an individual condensed form of the cloud from which it came. Each is unique and beautiful, but all are made of the same substance: water. Modern physicists now claim that Consciousness is the underlying basis and substratum of the universe and of everything in it. Consciousness is the One Divine Reality. |  | |
In yoga's parlance, that One Divine Reality is called "Shiva." Shiva is the Creator, and the universe is Shiva's blissful creation, ever unfolding and expanding. Swami cites the following sutra from the Spanda Karikas, a Kashmiri Shaivism text:
"The universe is the blissful dance of Shiva unfolding within Shiva."
Shiva is springing, through all four seasons, not just one. Shiva is creating a blissful Cosmic dance, and Shiva experiences that bliss through each of us, the dancers.
"When you know your own Self as Shiva," Swami says, "you see this world for what it is - a paradise, but full of people who are not yet able to see it clearly. You care about them and want to help."
Saints, mystics and ecstatic poets through the ages have had that same yearning. They want you to experience the bliss that they are experiencing. They do not want you to suffer any longer. They want you to see what you are missing. They want to open your heart and eyes. They want you to grow into your full potential, to unfold your wholeness and holiness.
They want you to come away from the wall and onto the dance floor. They want you to be your Self. They want you to celebrate your divinity and have a ball!
|  | From The Little Prince. Image courtesy of Reddit. | | |
- Special Days this Month
- Focus Activity for this month
- Announcements & Reminders
- Deepen Your Meditation Offered Again
- Swami Samvidaananda in Natick MA in April
-
Swami Prajῆananda at The Centered Place in September
- This Month's Fundraiser
- Class Schedule & Fees
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- Testimonials
- Health Precautions
- Tip of the Month: A Bumper Sticker that Gives a Lift
- Birthdays
- Freebies and Other Offerings from the Ashram
- Wisdom to Live By
- Video of the Month
- Enlighten Up
- Problems Receiving Newsletters?
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Every day is special, but this month we want to make sure you don't miss these special days. For more information about each day, click on the link provided.
- March 12: National Plant a Flower Day - plant more flowers starting this special day.
- March 13: National Good Samaritan Day - Phil will be volunteering at the Sharing Cupboard Food Pantry. Diane Gustafson, who comes regularly to our Monday evening class, also volunteers. Come by and say hello, and bring some food items with you (see information about donating to the pantry in the Fundraiser section below).
- March 17: St. Patrick's Day - Do you know the history of this day?
- March 20: Spring Equinox - First day of spring! Now daylight hours begin exceeding nighttime hours.
- March 21: National Flower Day - Celebrate spring with flowers.
- March 25: Holi - Celebrating spring, Holi is one of the most cherished and colorful festivals of India.
- March 25: Earth Hour - Switch off and give an hour to our planet, doing anything positive for our shared home.
- March 28: National Weed Appreciation Day - Some so-called "weeds" are beneficial for us and our ecosystem. Often the only difference between a flower and a weed is your judgement.
- March 29: Vietnam Veterans Day - Honor those who came back and light a candle for those who haven't.
- March 30: National Farm Worker's Day - Thank and appreciate farmers for their hard work and helping to bring fresh food into your life.
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Focus Practice of the Month | |
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Sit! Stay!
In this sweet pose, that Is
Being able to sit, and to sit easily and comfortably still, is of utmost importance: it enables you to experience the greatest depths of your being.
Sukhasana is the basic sitting pose of yoga. "Sukha" means sweet. "Asana" means seat. In sukhasana, you relax easily into a sweet, upright seated pose.
As you settle into sukhasana, your mind also settles, preparing it for meditation. You settle deeper within to experience the inner peace and bliss of your own Self.
Practice this pose at home this month. Come to classes this month to learn how to sit in a sweet, easy upright position and to get to know your Self better!
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Announcements and Reminders | |
- No class Saturday March 9: it will be held Sunday March 10 instead. Nancy and I will be in New Hampshire to celebrate a great nephew's first birthday.
- Keep Saturday, September 21 open: Swami Prajnananda is coming to our studio to offer a day of yoga and meditation. More information b
- We have yoga blocks available for sale, including the giant blocks. Regular size blocks are $20 per pair; giant blocks are $35 each. We have blankets for sale, also. As always, prices are at cost plus a share of the mailing costs. We do not do retail.
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Deepen Your Meditation
Five-session course Thursdays 5 to 7 pm
March 21, 28, April 4, 11, 18
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You learned Svaroopa® Vidya Meditation. You started a home practice. How is it going now?
- Does your mind still get in the way?
- Do you have difficulty maintaining a consistent daily practice?
- You want to dive deeper with greater ease?
- Do you want to experience more bliss and peace?
- Do you have many questions about your meditation experiences?
- Do you want to meditate with others dedicated to learning and growing spiritually
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it's a match!
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Class size is limited. Sign up soon.
Offered both onsite and online (Zoom)
Taught by Phil
Fee: $125 if paid by March 14; $135 after
More information
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Comments from students who took the course already: | |
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"Lots of great content. Spoken from the heart, with a teacher who is clearly dedicated to the practice." ~ Megan
"Thank you Phil for such a powerful class. As usual, you put your heart and soul into teaching us. I learned so much and I want to learn more." ~ Barb
"I thought this was an excellent class that I look forward to taking again. This class had a lot to take in, as you covered many ways to prepare for meditation, and they all helped me deepen my meditations. I also feel like I have gotten my meditation practice back on track, and I am definitely looking forward to putting these techniques into practice in the months ahead." ~ Bill
"The course was amazing! I look forward to taking the course again..." ~ Nancy
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Swami Samvidaananda In Natick,
Saturday April 6
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Swami Prajῆananda at The Centered Place
Saturday September 21
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Palestine Children's Relief Fund
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Help provide urgent humanitarian care for Gaza's children.
Over one million children hang in the balance amidst the crisis in Gaza. PCRF is the primary humanitarian organization in Palestine, delivering crucial and life-saving medical relief and humanitarian aid where it is needed most. Access to essential resources like food, clean water, and healthcare is severely limited. Urgent action is needed.
With your support, PCRF can continue this vital work, ensuring that the over one-million children of Gaza receive the urgent care they need and deserve. The PCRF website gives more information: https://www.pcrf.net/. To donate:
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Ongoing: W. Brookfield Sharing Cupboard Food Pantry | |
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Special note: There are many hungry and destitute people living around us. They are very appreciative of the service the pantry provides. Volunteers are always welcome.
We continue collecting donations of money, food and other items weekly for the West Brookfield Sharing Cupboard Food Pantry. Top priority includes non-perishable food such as regular sized (not large) canned proteins (meats or beans), dried beans, grains, peanut butter or other nut butters, powdered milk and cheese that does not have to be refrigerated, cookies, crackers, coffee, condiments (mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, etc.), canned or packaged soups. Organic is appreciated by many. Also, toilet paper and paper towels. You can also bring cleaning supplies, hand cleaners, and can openers. There is a box in our mudroom where you can drop off your contributions. Thank you in advance!
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Class Schedule: Onsite and Online | All classes are offered onsite and online except Thursday mornings, which are onsite only. You can join the Experienced class Friday mornings if you know the basic poses and need little assistance. If you are new or need assistance, start with Thursday or Saturday mornings if you can, or sign up for a private introductory session. | |
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Mondays
5:30 to 7 pm Continuing Svaroopa® Yoga
Tuesdays
9:00 to 10:30 am Continuing Svaroopa® Yoga
6:30 to 8:30 pm Svaroopa® Yoga+Meditation
Wednesdays
5:00 to 6:30 pm Continuing Svaroopa® Yoga
Thursdays (On-site only)
9 to 10:30 am Continuing Svaroopa® Yoga
Fridays
10:00 to 11:30 am Experienced Svaroopa® Yoga
Saturdays
10:00 to 11:30 am Continuing Svaroopa® Yoga (except March 9th; class will be on Sunday that weekend)
To ensure a space in the studio or to obtain Zoom join information, please contact us.
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Class Fees
For in-studio and online class fees, visit our website. Pay by cash, check, Venmo (@PhilMilgrom-TCP), Zelle (philmilgrom@comcast.net) or PayPal (paypal.me/TheCenteredPlace).
Discounts are available for retired seniors. Scholarships are available for students with financial need.
Gift certificates are available. Give a loved one ta gift that keeps giving.
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Testimonials
"I look forward to that lovely 1.5 hours, and feel so wonderfully open and soft afterward! It’s possibly the best part of my week!" ~ Patricia O.
"Thank you for creating your beautiful yoga center. I benefit so much from your classes, and I so appreciate the beautiful sanctuary you have created and the offerings you put forth.
" ~ Maureen Q.
"I have tried a lot of different approaches to reducing my pain but nothing has helped my body feel better... The releases and recalibration I experience after a class is better than anything else I have done... including chiropractic, massage therapy, physical therapy and medications.
I was looking for more flexibility when I first came to The Centered Place, but found a place of physical, emotional and spiritual release! It is my happy place! " ~ Karen M.
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Masks Are Optional and Available at the Studio
COVID is still around. Masks are welcomed. We will wear ours. Class sizes will continue to be limited to assure social distancing in the studio. We also have plenty of air circulation and air filters.
If you feel ill, have a cough or runny nose, or might have been exposed to someone who tested positive, please do not come to the studio, even if you tested negative. Feel free to join classes via Zoom until you are symptom free.
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Scent-Free Studio
Help us accommodate those who are chemically sensitive to fragrances and other scented products. Thank you!
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Tip of the Month:
A Bumper Sticker That Gives a Lift
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I first read this in author Cheryl Richardson's blog This one was titled, Make a wish for something good. She writes that she was having a dreary day, thinking about the state of the world and wanting to get away from it all. She needed to change her "inner landscape," so she got in the car to run an errand. She writes: "It worked. But not in the way I expected." Here's her story:
"On my way to the store... I pulled off the highway and came to a stop at a red light. The car in front of me - a small SUV - had a message on its rear window that read:
'I hope something good happens to you today.'
It was such an unexpected sight that I had to read it twice to be sure I was seeing clearly. What a lovely thing to do, I thought to myself as the traffic started moving. Now, rather than imagining myself escaping to an island, I was dreaming of a world where strangers took the time to wish good upon each other in thoughtful, random ways... I remembered that positive change starts with one individual so I went home, searched the internet for the vinyl decal, and found it on Amazon (you can see it, here). I ordered several for friends and family and put one on my car this morning.
Now I have a new fanciful vision: Every car on the road has this sticker on its bumper and a driver who holds good intentions for humanity."
Let's each purchase a few of these stickers and, besides keeping one for your own car, give out the rest to your friends and family or randomly to others! Let's spread the message that people do care about one another!
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"There are two great days in a person's life: the day we are born and the day we discover why." ~ William Barclay
We wish the following students and friends a very happy birthday. Those whose names are in bold are students who are currently attending classes. Wish we could embolden the rest of you!
Roxanne Kiritsy (1st), Robert (Paj) Page and Susan Seibel (3rd), Cindy Long (6th), Marcy Larmon (11th), Tricia Eckel (12th), Stephanie Cusson (12th), Harriet Blanton (14th), Dee Blanton (16th), Rebecca Daniels, Sheila Leonard & Paul Matt (17th), Rose Koerner (19th), Carol Slater (21st), Nirooshi Sethuram (23rd), Terry Patrie (25th), Kelly McDonald (27th), John Devanski (28th), Natalie Imbier (29th), Jill Tirrell (31st)
The best things about birthdays? You get to celebrate another year of being awesome.
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Freebies and Other Offerings from Swami Nirmalananda and the Ashram | |
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Free audio recordings of Swami Nirmalananda discourses are available online. Listen from home or during your travels. Listen
from your cell phone or PC at https://svaroopa.org/audio-recording
You can also join Swami Nirmalananda online in meditation every morning, by subscription.
Swami's latest book is titled Living Mysticism 2024, A Calendar Journal. There's a page for each day of the year, each with a unique inspiring quote on the top. The rest of the page is blank for you to write or draw about your meditations or your life, or both. Or you can use the daily quote as a jumping off point, to contemplate the teaching more deeply.
Another recently published book is Yoga: Embodied Spirituality, subtitled Navigating the Inner Quest for Wholeness. We have several signed copies for sale in the studio.
For more information, see https://svaroopa.org/books
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From Swami Nirmalananda
Duality is Reality
March 2024 Teaching Article
"All that appears to be merely mundane is actually Shiva, masquerading as being merely mundane. There is nothing to reject, nothing to fear or hide from. There is no one thing that is better than another, nothing to seek or to depend on for happiness. It’s all Shiva!"
"I find God in every church, every temple, every synagogue, every mosque. I also find God in nature. Many Westerners have left their religion behind to seek God in nature. Yes, God is there. For God is everywhere, including inside. Why on earth are you still looking outside?
It’s only because of duality. You think God is separate from you. But God is being you, oh Shiva. It’s like ice is made of water. There is only One Divine Reality, who is the source and substance of all that exists. ."
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"To me every hour of light and dark is a miracle,
Every cubic inch of space is a miracle." ~ Walt Whitman
"When you are living the best version of yourself, you inspire others to live the best versions of themselves." ~ Steve Maraboli
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"Wherever there are birds, there is hope." ~ Mehmet Murat Ildan | |
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A 3-year old plays piano with orchestra. I am trying to let this inspire me. I have been trying to learn the piano for 34 years! | |
Children Answer
The first grade teacher asked each of her pupils if they knew their parents' names. One child said, "My mom is Paula. And my dad is Honey."
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Heard On Hold
“Your call is very important to us. Please enjoy this 40-minute flute solo."
Heard On Foot
If you see me talking to myself, just move along. I’m self-employed. We’re having a meeting.
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A pastor was in graduate school. The dorm cafeteria was not known for its culinary excellence. One evening, as he finished saying grace, his friend pointed to the pastor's dish and said, "Sorry, Steve, it didn't work: it's still there."
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- "Hi, I'm Captain Amanda Smith. Yes, I'm a female pilot and, as a benefit, if we get lost on the way I won't be afraid to stop and ask for directions."
- "I've just been informed that my mother-in-law has passed through security and will be boarding this flight shortly. If you all sit down fast, we should be able to get out of here before she arrives."
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Signs seen at Veterinary Clinics - All About Cats
Dogs Have Owners. Cats Have Staff.
In ancient times cats were worshipped. They have not forgotten.
Cat puns freak me out. Seriously! I'm not kitten.
Why does your cat sit on your laptop? She's helping you purrcrastinate.
Dogs cannot operate MRI scanners. But catscan.
What did the alien say to the cat? Take me to your litter.
If you don't talk to your cat about catnip, who will?
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Problems Receiving Newsletters?
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We hope many good things happen to you.
Based in your Self, in your Divine Essence, we know they will!
Much light and love,
Phil and Nancy
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