I was looking forward to last week-end.

We had privilege of being around Nipun. It was so exciting. It was also bragging right to talk about that with all friends that have got earful (and some probably) from me on my transformation opportunities using Vitamin G.

Weaved in the plan were not one, but two Awakin circles – Sat evening in San Diego and Sun morning in Irvine. I had been to one Awakin circle before, and so was aware of the “drill”. I thought I knew what I was getting into. What I experienced is way beyond what I had ever imagined let alone anticipated.

Saturday’s circle was hosted by Mariette. It was nurturing ambiance for an Awakin circle of about 10-12 people.



As expected, sitting quietly for an hour didn’t go as smoothly for me. I was juggling between different sitting positions, throwing my legs and arms around (I meant moving…), marveling at how most of the people there looked quiet and at peace. About 45 minutes into it, suddenly my moment of revelation arrived. Joan Borysenko’s words from a book that I had read almost 10 years ago suddenly came back – “when agitated, get yourself in position of an observer”. I took a deep breath and started observing thoughts coming to my mind, how my legs are hurting from sitting in that folded position. After that I dawned on me how quiet the ambiance was. I opened my eyes and everyone was into the flow of circle. Gentle breeze ruffled leaves or something outside and I could hear that. The experience had a soothing effect on me. It lasted for a few minutes, and then Nipun started circle of sharing.

There was comfort level in the air. Everyone took time collecting thoughts and brought up ideas close to heart.

Diana had an incredible story of how she followed her intuition and had a completely stranger teenage girl stay overnight at her place… “I don’t want to live in the world where you can’t be there for others”.

Omar had magic in his voice and expressions on face while talking about children at orphanage in Tijuana that he visits from time to time, would share their thoughts and genuine smiles after a few hours.

Valentine had a story of giving cookies to children and how the interaction dynamic changed when they learned cookie is free and they can have it.

Shivani shared heartwarming experience of her entrepreneurship when she felt and realized from inside how making it a group initiative with all her team made it so much worthwhile.

When my turn came… somehow experience from my kindness challenge came to mind, I shared that. There was magic in the air – everyone was speaking from the heart, all in the circle were listening quietly and patiently.

Merriette shared touching experiences and stories from her trip to India.  



We drove to Orange County that night. I wondered how quality the time and experience was. “How many times have I been to an activity where so many quality thoughts were shared, where hearts connected?”

I was excited about our next Awakin circle on Sun morning, Bela (my wife) joined for that as well.

Did I know the drill this time? Sure, off course.

As soon as an hour of silence started, I programmed myself to be an observer – observer of everything, my thoughts, my body, my sitting position …etc. This hour was definitely easier than the evening before. I also observed the thought “I think I am getting hang of it”. Off course I was being swept in thoughts and discomfort of sitting as well. I would regroup and restart observing myself. I heard sounds of birds from outside, gentle breeze outside the window. I think it’s fair to say I enjoyed this hour silence a bit more as well – journey inside became a bit easier. It was mother’s day and the theme for sharing thoughts was “What does your mother mean to you.”

I thought I want to impress others this time… wanted to give a piece of me… however, as soon as I started talking, I was overcome by emotions. Tears welled up in my eyes – very unusual for me. It somehow felt good I think for the first time in my life while I had tears in my eyes. What happened in that room in the hour of sharing was priceless! Everyone shared stories, experiences – it was in an effortless flow. First time ever I saw people being emotional while speaking, bringing out words so close to heart … it was as if something hard to do but then it was happening naturally. I don’t think I have words to describe stories of all. Connection in the circle was amazing. I walked in not knowing any one there except for 2-3 people. In a couple of hours, it was as if there was a bond with everyone in the room, something to cherish for long.

We reached home. I was flipping through TV channels trying to catch up on a basketball game. One of the channels I clicked through was Disney channel – I heard “Hakuna Matata” – it was the movie – Lion King. I think Hakuna Matata means “no worries”; it’s probably a Swahili word.

There is stillness inside. I think there is a kid inside all of us. Hakuna Matata resonates so well to that.

I wish I could stay close to that every day of life. 

I think Awakin circle did connect me with that stillness from inside. It felt as if I connected with stillness inside others. Awakin circle brought Hakuna Matata to me and I think everyone there.

Awakin circles added juice to my week. It is an experience with me that will remind me of Hakuna Matata inside of me.

It’s a treasure that is shining on my days this week. I am happy for it.