Yesterday was our first "normal" Awakin in a while as, over the past few months, we've been blessed with the in-person visit of Viren bhai, Ashish and Mahesh and the virtual visit of Nimo, Leah, etc. This circle offered powerful gems with half new attendees and half "regulars." A few snippets: the inner source of power versus the external impression of power, the value of observing our unstill mind as authentically as our still mind, presence as a source of power, surrender as a source of power, orchestrating a large group of volunteers with no real authority over them, etc. Plus, we received the gift of food from a number of participants, including one who moved to San Diego after attending the Berkeley circle. :-)

Two weeks ago, I headed to Donovan prison for my usual Sunday volunteering, two days after my cousin was murdered. After sharing the story, one of the inmates shared this poem with me, saying "your story is like this poem: you see the gift in your pain."

PERSPECTIVE Today was the absolute worst day ever And don’t try to convince me that There’s something good in every day Because, when you take a closer look, This world is a pretty evil place. Even if Some goodness does shine through once in a while Satisfaction and happiness don’t last. And it’s not true that It’s all in the mind and heart Because True happiness can be obtained Only if one’s surroundings are good. It’s not true that good exists I’m sure you can agree that The reality Creates My attitude It’s all beyond my control And you’ll never in a million years hear me say that Today was a good day, Now please read from the bottom to the top, left to right.