Hi all! I'm Luke, and I've recently been reflecting on my time at college. I had the privilege of meeting many of you when I first visited the ashram last May. Having just graduated college, that first exposure to practical spirituality was immensely impactful to me; I am incredibly grateful for everyone and everything I experienced during those three weeks.

Immediately, I was reminded of Love's omnipresence, and how Loving is a natural state for all beings; I was able to let go of many egoic fences I had previously created to seem "cool" or "masculine." The freedom and acceptance of Love as a substance and our essence is an immensely powerful lesson that I am constantly reminded of now.

The second important lesson I learned was about discipline. Discovering the divisions of the lower bodies from our true selves led me to quickly draw the connection to discipline. I realized that what I need to do (my duty) needs to be done, regardless of whether "I feel like" doing it (i.e. the ego). This discovery launched me into a daily practice of the starter course and Love exercise, which has aided me immensely in gaining the spiritual momentum to see changes in how I view the world. I'll admit, I hadn't considered myself a "disciplined person" by nature until then, and I still struggle from time to time. But the consistency of practice is the NUMBER ONE factor that's aided me in building spiritual momentum over the last 9 months. Its importance in my life cannot be overstated.

I say all this in hopes that others pursuing this path might be reminded if they need reminding, motivated if they need motivating, or reflective of their own experiences. Because of everything I've learned from Jnanda's teachings, I have been able to pragmatically process events that arise in my life, in a way I never have before. I've learned so much about my existing habits in this life, and I've been given real, effective tools to destroy old, unhelpful momentums and cultivate new, Divine ones.

I was recently reminded of this when working with some feelings of guilt & shame that arose in a situation with one of my bosses. When I used the protocols and tools Jnanda taught me, with the spiritual momentum I've been cultivating, I was able to physically feel a lightness from the forgiveness of myself (instead of repression, which had been my go to for uncomfortable feelings until now). This was a great reminder for me of the importance and power of the work we are all doing.

I have much farther to go on this journey, but having received this reminder, I wanted to share with y'all in hopes of aiding others on this path. As we all know, giving and receiving are the same. I don't know yet where the future will take me (as some of you know, I'm applying to graduate school and currently waiting to hear back), but I'm confident that I can handle anything that comes my way.

Much Love and thanks to you all.

Namaste,

Luke