Awakin In Toronto Returns
ServiceSpace
--Manisha Pahwa
2 minute read
Aug 25, 2013

 



Last Friday evening, a small group of us gathered for Awakin in Toronto after a 1 year+ hiatus! It was great to renew this circle that has brought together many kindred hearts in the city.

Like most Awakin groups in the world, the evening began with one hour of silent meditation, a circle of sharing around last week's wisdom reading, and a meal together. At the end-of-meditation bell, everyone remarked how silence gives new rise to an understanding of time. Some comments in the circle of sharing revolved around stillness and the impact of technology, and while eating and watching the "7 billion others" video featured last week on KarmaTube, one person remarked, "I want to love everyone in the world." To which another responded, "Love yourself. Love your family. Love your neighbour." The evening winded down with Krisy and Cam playing guitar and singing two beautiful songs -- for the first time in front of a live audience! -- and Aurora sharing some beautiful phrases in Spanish, and much gratitude all around. There was even a secret tag as somebody had anonymously done the dishes, quite a tricky kind act to pull off in such a small space!

I feel especially blessed to have been the host for the evening. Having recently moved to my apartment in downtown Toronto, Awakin was the first time that I had invited people over. I felt like I was welcoming family to my home, and by the end of the night, there were lots of hugs and smiles. :) Because of everybody's presence, I had the opportunity to think of others -- whether it was when I bought groceries earlier that week, or tended to arranging my apartment with others' comfort and the shape of a circle in mind. I felt like I had grown just a little from "me to we" -- and then received the many gifts that naturally arise when people cultivate inner stillness. Thank you so much to everyone who makes these circles possible in all parts of the planet! I look forward to the next Awakin in Toronto at the end of September. :) 

 

Posted by Manisha Pahwa on Aug 25, 2013