Every December I am invited to Seattle to bring my Laser Blisslights and present a Winter Solstice Mantra concert. How I wish you could join us. Go ahead, hop on a plane and let's celebrate together in Seattle.
I guess that is not so practical but wouldn't it be nice sometimes to follow our adventurous and spontaneous spirit and simply take off for a little time for ourselves? This last week has been so inspiring to watch how many people have signed up for my Mantra India service trip. We now have over 20 people and the reason I keep hearing from folks is that life is brief and if not now, then when?
This year I have lost a very close friend and been with other friends who are going through difficult life transitions. I also have shared time with families who have lost their precious child. I have to say these challenging experiences have deeply affected me, perhaps even changed me. Maybe rather than changed who I am, they have strengthened a part of me to be available for those I cherish.
Years like this can sometimes feel like a soul cleansing. Like parts of you are being washed away that are no longer needed. That is a good thing as we grow and become stronger throughout the process.
Life is a constant teacher and each moment is a precious opportunity of living well and loving fully. The learning to let go is a tough lesson but with practice it does seem to be getting a little easier.
So as we end another year remember to embrace the change within yourself and grab onto what is next for your next chapter. Because life is brief, and if not now...then when?
Namaste,
Karl
feed a monk....One Thing I Learned In Thailand
One thing I learned in Thailand is that offering food is one of the oldest and most common rituals of Buddhism. Each morning I would hear in the distance a deep pitched gong sound. A type of bell chiming the call for people in the village to be aware that their presence was near. Who was near you ask? It was the monks.
They stroll through the center of the streets in single file, oldest first, carrying their bowls in front of them. They rise early in the morning and when I asked about them the reply was simply that it was time to feed the monks.
These Buddhist monks live nearby in the local temples. The villagers who choose will wait for them in the front of their homes, sometimes kneeling as they prepare for a special blessing. This special blessing is one that comes to those who feed monks.
Feeding another person is a powerful symbol and in many ways the person offering the food is feeding a part of themselves. For hundreds of years monks have been blessing others by allowing others to feed them. They are showing the way of compassion through introducing a gentle path of community service. It is a reminder of what is good and a graceful look into the beauty of life.
This is what I love about traveling and experiencing the many different cultures on our planet. Our human experience is a gift and you don’t want to let it slip by without feeding a few monks every once and awhile.
Life is a Stretch...
I am in Thailand this month and delighted to be experiencing the wonderful traditional Thai massages. I wonder why it is called a massage? They are more like someone stretching your body for you, which is so amazing and beneficial. Not to mention the massage last for two hours and they are only $10. This for me is heaven.
A well lived life is a stretch and sometimes it is helpful to allow others assist in the stretching. Believe me a Thai massage can sometimes be a little painful but as you breathe into the pain it can actually hurt so good. The stress and tension relaxes and eventually all is well with the world.
It makes me think of where do I need a little encouragement to stretch and see beyond my limitations? As you may already know I have been inviting people to join me on international trips for many years. These are not typical sight seeing trips although we see plenty but rather travel with a clear purpose of service. We have journeyed to Russia, China, Australia, Indonesia, Nicaragua, Thailand and our next trip is to India. These are very special trips and literally hundreds of people tell me they wish to participate and even sometimes sign up for the trip to then find a reason to put it off.
I certainly understand how life can get in the way of our passionate desires but what is life for anyway? What you always wished for and wanted to do is the passion which fuels your heart. And who you wish to share your time and creativity with is a great reason for living. Life is a blink of time and now in this moment is the best chance you have to live it.
Stretch a little today and maybe even take the chance to speak with that special friend who you know will encourage your highest dreams. Be sure to bypass the people who align with all your reasons why not to move forward and think that is keeping you safe. Being truly safe is just as my dear friend Richard Levy always said, is living fully, loving well and learning how to let go.
Namaste my friends...
Show Me The Way
Where does guidance come from?
When I call for help, who am I speaking to?
Download....
...Show Me The Way here
I like to think that this beautiful power or miraculous energy which exists in our universe is not outside of ourselves. It is all that is and it flows through our veins and surrounds all we are. The answers we seek must reside within ourselves for the asking.
As confusing as living can be I find comfort asking life to show me the way. Considering that all the answers are embedded in the fabric of who we are allows us, when in confusion, to experience a tiny yet significant level of confidence. Ask yourself daily these four words, "Show Me The Way" and remember to be gentle with yourself and practice patience and trust. Rest assured your answer will soon be revealed.
So please give a listen to a new recording called SHOW ME THE WAY. It is a song/chant pre-release from my second Mantra CD to be available soon. For me my guidance tells me the only thing left to do is to keep writing, sharing and recording my music.
Order the single Pre-Release SHOW ME THE WAY today!
INDIA TRIP UPDATE
17 amazing people are traveling with us to India in February so why don't you join us? Yes, there is still room for you! Email me TODAY and let me know you are interested.
Here is all you need:
A valid passport, a loving spirit and a desire to experience India in a wonderful and beautiful way. This is our 5th trip and I guarantee you will absolutely be grateful you chose to be part of this unique adventure. Find out more here and contact us right away.
Spontantious invitation from a Swami
Watch this moment last year in India when Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji spontaneously invited me to sing at the Parmath Ashram in Rishikesh. We call him Swamiji and you can see him on the far right side. The highlight for me was when my godchild Shivani joined me and we were able to share our hearts and our voices with this wonderful community.
That morning we sang for children at an orphanage and that evening we sat on the banks of the River Ganga chanting with the Swami. Our India trips are magical.
When is the last time you felt like a SUPERHERO?
You have inside you a SUPERHERO!! Kids are fantastic reminders of how much fun we can have and how powerful we can be.
My godchild Khushi insisted on wearing her Wonder Woman costume to see the Taj Mahal. Needless to say she received more attention that day then the Taj but the best part is Khushi gave people permission to smile. She opened our hearts and all she had to do was be herself and enjoy the wonder of feeling like a superhero. The essence of who she truly is.
Our lives are rich and every human encounter is an opportunity to invite human connection. It doesn't have to be difficult for I notice on our service India trips that simply showing up and singing together creates such magical community vibrations. Our approach to service is first connect, then listen or be available, then share.
You may wonder if you have it in you to feel like a superhero. My suggestion is to learn from the very best,....learn from the children of the world. I had never intended on working with kids in my career or had any interest in writing children's songs. It was something that kept showing up for me so now I get to do that as well as write music for grown ups. In other words I continued to receive invitations and opportunities and learned early on that saying yes can open more doors than you could possibly imagine.
Where are the invitations coming from in your life and what are the opportunities which keep presenting themselves to you? Knowing what is next is not as difficult as we think when we are keeping our vision fixed on where we can shine. Thats right, be a superhero. Look for the places and the people where you feel your power, where your talents are appreciated and where you feel mutual respect.
The India Mantra Trips are an example of a door which flew open as a result of sharing my talents. Not only do I get to share this beautiful culture with amazing people from all over Canada and America, we get to contribute to the education of hundreds of kids so they can have a chance for a life off the streets.
Traveling to India may or may not pull on your heart but I encourage you to find out what does. Maybe that will give you some great costume ideas for halloween.
Also, even if you cannot join us in India in February, you can consider being part of our trip by supporting our outreach here. Thank you so much for that.
Khushi is not only a superhero, this week is her birthday. If you like, say happy birthday to the most inspirational wonder woman ever. I'll be sure she reads your comments.
Namaste...
Take every chance that's given.
CLICK HERE to read the article
My work and music are receiving wonderful acknowledgment with the help of an article in this month's Science Of Mind magazine. Have you seen it yet? It is titled, Take Every Chance That's Given.
Don't you love it when others notice your creative work? If this year has taught me anything, it is that life is short and when you are given the blessing of things going well, enjoy them completely and enjoy them to the absolute fullest. Another lesson is to take a chance on where your heart is pulling you. Your heart will not let you down and will direct your life to the right people and most beautiful places. When is the last time you took a chance on what your heart is pulling you to do?
Diwali - LIGHT illuminating the darkness
Here is reason to celebrate. This week begins the popular India festival of lights called Diwali. The time of Diwali is one of the most festive and celebrated times of the year. Diwali literally means a "Row of Lights." It represents light and love; a time when people all over the world rejoice. Diwali is heralded as the triumph of good over evil, shining the light into the dark places.
If you ever wished for a wonderful chance to shine your light, here you go.....
Now this family knows how to have FUN
CLICK HERE for India 2015
I am planning another service trip to India in February 2015 and giving you the chance to join us. Yes, you are invited and you may wish to ask your heart if this trip is yours to enjoy. I am looking for just the right group of people who wish to travel on a special journey sharing service and seeing another side of India. We already have 12 wonderful people who have said yes and all we need are 3 more to reach our minimum of 15. Let us know by November 7th. I am saving a special place for you.
Mantra India Service Trip - February 12 - 25, 2015
Click on these pictures
I appreciate your input and comments.
Friends can be the BEST teachers.
Richard Levy's ashes surfing on the wave of existence, consciousness and bliss..
I will miss getting together and laughing with my friend Richard. His ashes were released to the ocean on Saturday. Richard understood the value of a precious moment and was an amazing teacher of fully experiencing the roller coaster of life. He would openly admit forgetting who he is and being hooked by the illusion of separateness. But he reminded us that remembering our oneness is right around the corner and training the mind through some form of daily practice is as important as breathing pure air.
Friends can be the BEST teachers because without realizing it we observe their behavior and how they navigate through life. Through their example, be it negative or positive, we measure ourselves. They are our mirrors even when we observe too closely and are quick to judge. Treasuring my friendships is another lesson Richard has left with me and although I understand there are many different levels of friendship, they all enrich the experience I have in my life. For this I am grateful.
With all that has happened recently I have neglected to share some positive news. My work has been highlighted in this months (October) Science Of Mind magazine. The article focuses on my career and travel service trips to India. You can read the article by clicking on the picture here...................
Recalling the many spiritual ideas Richard and I would discuss for hours keeps swimming in my thoughts. From time to time I may need to share a few of those with you. And, I have a feeling they will be working there way into a song or two.
India Deposit Deadline Extended to November 7th
We are VERY close to having our minimum of 15 people on the February India Service Trip. I have extended the deposit deadline to November 7th. The full amount is due by Thanksgiving. If for any reason we do not receive our minimum of 15 participants all funds will be refunded. Join us on this amazing travel tour at the perfect time in India in February!
The Ashram School for monks in training.
Many have expressed interest and NOW is the time to send your deposit and get ready to meet some new friends in the land of the Vedas. Contact me NOW if you have questions.
Someone would like to meet you.
Returning to a NEW normal
Richard Levy 3/6/1950 - 10/5/2014
After weeks in a vortex, returning to life as usual will thankfully not be possible. The last twenty-four hours after my good friend Richard Levy took his last breath were sitting in a room with him and his family as we shared stories and memories of happy times.
The word surreal comes to mind as something significant changes in our life and although it is difficult to completely understand, I realize I have moved from memories into the next moment. Singing about and practicing living in the present is not always easy but it offers a sweetness which calms the busy monkey mind and allows a chance to cherish the beauty of being alive.
Richard loved sharing about loving presence and was really good at teaching it, even during the times when he found it difficult to experience. I think that is what we loved about Richard, his authentic, vulnerable and hilarious approach to living a spiritual life. We met many years ago when I did not have any interest in spiritual matters, I thought the concept of God was all bullshit, until I met Maureen and Richard. They were about as real as you can get and it showed me I didn't have to be a certain way to pursue a spiritual understanding.
Returning to my life on the road and sharing my music is a beautiful privilege. Yet it feels like everything will be different, that I am returning to a NEW normal. I think about Richard's last talk and can't help but think about the time when I will sing my last song and share my last concert. These are not sad thoughts but great reminders that each word we speak and each moment we share is a precious time. So as I continue on and return to a new normal, I continue with the strength and convictions taught to me by a spiritual warrior....he lived well, he loved fully, and he learned how to let go. Thank you Richard, you are on top of my list for being an amazing friend.
This photo was taken a few years back at Puako Beach in Hawaii. It is where Richard spent his last days.
Zander (grandson), Maureen & Richard
“I am existence, consciousness and bliss.”
.
When nothing else matters...
One last beautiful sunset.
This week time has stopped as I quietly sit with a friend waiting for the end of his wonderful life. I can honestly say nothing else matters than to just be here with Richard and his wife Maureen. These two friends have been there for me on more than one occasion and have been my strength when all I could see was black.
I came here to be with the family and say goodbye and to say thank you. It turns out words are unnecessary when all that is needed is just being. Richard and Maureen have lifted and inspired so many people and that inspiration lives on in all our hearts. We impact each others lives in so many important and beautiful ways. As time slows down it allows me to breathe in their impact and these sweet moments in life are when it is easy to see that nothing else matters.