Message from the Programme Director
Shirley Hately
Satsangs and Courses
During the past year we have had a slight change to the way we conduct the programme. This was primarily to see if we could stimulate more interest and attendance.
Some of the Satsang days were added to by staying over and attending a day course on the Sunday. The theme of the Sunday would begin during Satsang on the previous day. This way of offering teaching has been successful and people generally thought it a good idea to do both days whilst giving up only one weekend.
We had two cleansing days, one in April and the other in October, these months being traditionally when cleansing is practised at the change of the seasons. Both were well attended and those taking part entered into the spirit of the theme wholeheartedly. We all know how dedicated Swami Ji was to all the cleansing practices and I am sure he would have been delighted with the attendance. It is good to know that the word is spreading as quite a few attendees were not members of the Centre, but had seen our adverts in yoga magazines or on our website.
We also had a cookery day with Rani. Rani, Swami Ji’s daughter feeds us at every Satsang and meeting we have. She is always complimented on her skills so I was delighted when she agreed to give us some lessons in true Indian cookery. Although there were a few people who dropped out at the last minute, we had a really informative day, with hands on experience and lots of delicious recipes. Then we got to take home our creations to share with our families! I am sure others received them equally as well as my own family did.
I have already reported on the working weekend we had this year, suffice to say it was a real success. Those who attend do so with a glad heart and in the true spirit of Karma Yoga. We laughed a lot, ate fabulous food, and most importantly we got such an enormous amount of work done. It is thanks to those who attend that the Centre looks so fantastic. We are always happy to receive any offers of help during that weekend or at any other more convenient time, so please don’t be shy.
If you would like to see anything specifically offered during the coming year, please contact me. I am always willing to try new ideas. Also, if you have a group that you would like to bring to the Centre, we can always arrange for that too, either by assisting in any way possible – teaching, cooking, etc – or just opening our doors for you and your classes to get on with your own thing.
Please feel free to contact me on any ideas you may have.
With Light, Love and Every Blessing,
Shirley