YouTube; – Page 5 – Celebrating Existence

Celebrating January 6th!

Posted on January 8, 2018January 8, 2018 by rachaelathomasj

Did you know that there is a lot of History associated with January 6th? Like all other days on the calendar which are associated with a lot of History similarly January 6th is associated with a lot of History. In this post I am opting to share some of the history regarding January 6th with you.

Before continuing however please allow me to wish everyone who celebrates a Birthday on January 6th a very very Happy Birthday!

089d6b21da86f59a8bb22c4099b526ba--aquarius-capricorn-girl — Photo courtesy WishAFriend.com

f5f2916acebd7b7085323baee8f813f1--birthday-dates-birthday-month — Photo courtesy WishAFriend.com

January 6th marks is the date marked as the Epiphany -the 12th day of the Christmas. It is a major Christian celebration around the world known as the “Feast Day” and “Three Kings Day”. It is also the date many opt to take down their Christmas trees and it marks the conclusion of the 12 days of Christmas!

Here is some information that has been provided about the Epiphany: https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/common/epiphany

In doing some research on it I came across lots of interesting things that happened on January 6th.

Here are two useful links worth checking both of which are from The Associated Press:

https://wtop.com/media-galleries/2018/01/today-in-history-jan-6/slide/1/

Here is also something that may pique the interest of others- those celebrities who were born on January 6th!

Before ending here is one more thing to add to this post. Did you know that Sherlock Holmes was born on January 6th? Below is a picture I came across.

sherlock holmes

To confirm it you can do your own search on Google and you will see for yourself. You can also do a search on any search engine for that matter.

Thank you for taking the time to read! In closing it is my sincere hope that you found some useful information.

Once again Happy Birthday to all those born on January 6th!

Also to everyone the world over Happy New Year 2018 once again!

Celebrating Life: Happy New Year 2018!

Posted on December 31, 2017January 1, 2018 by rachaelathomasj

Happy New Year CE Happy New Year to everyone!

As we bid farewell to 2017 and welcome 2018 I wish you a Bright, Blessed and Happy New Year! I hope we can celebrate 2018 together and take it by celebration after celebration!

By no means do I want to make this a long post but I want it to be a true celebration of good things to come for all of us and a celebration of all that we have overcome in 2017! Let’s promise to take it one day at a time and remember that everytime you feel down this is one place you can visit to find something that may cheer you up or inspire you to continue!

cropped-celebrate-your-existence each day is a blessing

Celebrating Existence Post

All in all this blog comprises of 81 posts. What is my challenge to you for 2018? Find as many posts on my page that can inspire either you or someone you know. Then share them and make someone’s day better! Whether it is one line or one link if it can make a positive difference please share it.

I urge you once again to please download SGSPosts for positive and uplifting messages if you have not already done this. It is an app which delivers messages by His Holiness Param Pujya Dr Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji that are based on ‘peace, love, brotherhood and universal co-existence’ across the world. You can download it using any of these links:

https://bnc.lt/sgsposts
https://itunes.apple.com/tt/app/sgs-posts/id1097382754?mt=8 (For iPhone users)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.sgsragasagara.sgs_posts (For Android users)

In closing please enjoy these musical treats:

Allow me also to share what ended 2017 for me on a high note. Below is the link to His Holiness Param Pujya Dr Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji’s Healing and Meditation Concert in Taipei, Taiwan yesterday (Dec 31, 2017). Sri Swamiji’s concert was a Nada Gita Raga Sagara and it was viewed by many Datta devotees the world over. Please remember it is a Healing and Meditation Concert so do not open this link if you are driving, going to drive, operating machinery or about to operate machinery.

https://livestream.com/YogaSangeeta3/dec2017/videos/167806092

Once again everyone Happy New Year 2018! Lots of love from me to each of you now and always!

Reading

Reading is Knowing!

Posted on December 26, 2017 by rachaelathomasj

A book is a gift you can open again and again. —Garrison Keillor

It is books that are the key to the wide world; if you can’t do anything else, read all that you can. —Jane Hamilton

writer blessing

My last post on reading entitled, “Celebrating Reading the Kindle Way” truly was a pleasure. To me reading is a gift that can be enjoyed with others and I see my writing (be it via a blog post, social media post, email, my writing projects in the making or even my WhatsApp messages) as a means of sharing with others.

reading quote

From the time it was posted I knew I needed to do a Part 2 of it and here it is:

There are so many avenues where you can access free e-books. Some of course are a bit different to others but all in all will appeal to readers looking for different genres, people of different age groups as well as people from different cultures.

Without further ado here are some links worth checking out:

http://ufdc.ufl.edu/baldwin/all/thumbs (This is a link to 6000 free e-books that allows you to Print, Send, Save and Share)

https://archive.org/details/yrlsc_childrens&tab=collection (This is a link to 1800 e-books which are also free and can be downloaded in various formats such as PDF, ePub and Kindle)

https://www.getfreeebooks.com/

Here are some apps that may pique your interest which are applicable to Android users:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.askneo.android.fbk ( Free E-Books for Kindle)

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spreadson.freebooks

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.prestigio.ereader

Trust me there are lots more apps that are available and this applies to both Android and iPhone users. All you have to do is go to the Playstore or Apps Store and enter this very simple search term “free ebooks” or try searching “free book apps”.

From me to you, happy reading!

In closing here are also some videos that might lead you to some very interesting finds:

Celebrating Existence, Christmas

Celebrating Christmas 2017!

Posted on December 25, 2017December 25, 2017 by rachaelathomasj

Celebrating Existence Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas 2017 to everyone!

Merry Christmas 1 Here is a musical treat from us to you! It is being sent your way with lots of love and best wishes from us to you! We hope that you have been having a great day and enjoy what is left of it.

World Kindness Day

Celebrating World Kindness Day 2017!

Posted on November 13, 2017 by rachaelathomasj

Happy World Kindness Day 2017

Happy World Kindness Day 2017 everyone!

What does kindness mean? The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines kindness as “the quality or state of being gentle and considerate.”

My take on kindness is this: Kindness is free. It starts with one and can be spread to millions. I believe that kindness is a way of life and it is something we should always practice. It costs nothing but offer major benefits. Won’t you say?

Here is some information shared by CaCao TV . In this video the history of World Kindness Day is explained. There are 5 fast facts on World Kindness Day that I am certain can help in understanding how important this day is and why it is important. If you cannot click the video below please click on the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xStyjUQNrHs

Now, here are some interesting perspectives on kindness! They are all valid and each speaker offers a unique experience! The question it asks is: Are you kind? So are you? In answering yourself please be honest but I am sure that you are reading this because kindness is something you can identify with. Again I have included the link for those who are in need of it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oazzrkh2X9o

As we move on I am happy to let you know that I opted to choose the video below because I love the way kindness has been depicted in it. Like the other videos I am sure there is something we can all identify with. This video is very engaging and it helps us understand how kindness helps us as well as others. As with the other videos here is the link in case you need it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju3ygNPFH98

Always remember that being kind is something we should all be inspired to be! A part of treating others as you would like to be treated means improving your quality of life. This will result in a happier and a more fulfilled you! In an effort to offer you further motivation I have opted to include this link that leads you to 25 quotes on kindness: https://www.inc.com/peter-economy/25-quotes-about-kindness-that-will-inspire-you-to-make-a-difference-and-be-happy.html

In closing I urge you to always be kind! This message shared by His Holiness Param Pujya Dr. Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji says it all. It provides a profound message on how to life. As His Holiness Param Pujya Dr. Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji says in one of His SGSPosts today, “Be simple, generous, kind and truthful.”

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Please don’t let all these precious messages fall on deaf ears! As I always say it’s yours for the taking! Happy World Kindness Day 2017!

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Celebrating the Power of Silence!

Posted on September 19, 2017September 19, 2017 by rachaelathomasj

imagesI5DQML35 Let’s celebrate the Power of Silence or as I choose to call it, The Lost Art of Shhhh! Silence according to the Merriam Webster dictionary is the “complete absence of sound”. But what is the power of silence? It is the ability to search within and find that inner peace that none can disturb. This is not impossible but like everything else it takes practice. I am happy to share these images with you:

“Silence the Mind by Simply Watching the Breath”- HH Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji

“Mirror reflects body. Meditation reveals Soul.”- HH Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji

1554622363 — “Experience the Soul”- HH Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji

Have a look at this video:

This is an excerpt from a speech by HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji on the evening of September 4, 2014 at Meinberg, Germany. Here is the link to the rest of the speech by His Holiness: http://dattavani.org/pravachana-malika/datta-vaakya/datta-vaakya-2014/september-2014/sep-4-2014/

Silence quotes according to HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji:
“1) In silence there are no quarrels.
2) Silence lies beyond the realm of judgment.
3) Silence is peace.
4) True silence occurs when the mind is still.
5) In silence there are no questions.
6) Creativity begins with silence.
7) The source of innovation is silence.
8) When the leaves stop rustling, the trees enjoy silence.
9) It is in silence that a fruit ripen to sweetness.
10) A flower gathers its colors in absolute silence.
11) True friends communicate best in silence.
12) Listening to pure silence is bliss.
13) To a screaming mind, silence is unbearable.
14) Silence teaches many things.
15) Silence can be peaceful, uncomfortable or ominous.
16) When thoughts are unclear, silence clears them.
17) A spell of silence brings clarity to situations.
18) Beautiful snowflakes fall so silently.
19) When silence is comfortable, there is peace in the air.
20) Compassion can be shown in perfect silence.
21) The silence of stubbornness is not pleasing.
22) When the mind is silent, the soul gets refreshed.
23) In deep sleep there is silence.
24) Silence speaks more eloquently than words.
25) There is music in silence.
26) Restless minds are frightened by silence.
27) Silence weaves lovely, soothing patterns.
28) Total silence turns the mind off.
29) In silence not even a leaf moves.
30) Words sometimes hinder communication.
31) The mighty and glorious Sun rises in deep silence.
32) The moon beams gently descend in silence.
33) The stars twinkle in absolute silence.
34) Silence empowers.
35) Words create a storm. Silence makes it calm.
36) Silence is sacred.
37) No communication. No conflict.
38) Beyond the realm of judgment lies silence.
39) In peace there is silence.
40) When the mind is still, it is true silence.
41) A questioning mind is not silent.
42) Silence inspires innovation.”

Here we are provided with a lot of great advice! They are priceless words and precious messages. Do not let these messages fall on deaf ears! What do we need to do? We need to Listen, we need to put these words into practice, we need to focus on being more silent. I

In closing please have a look at some of these other quotes which you might find helpful:

IT Guru Seva,, Uncategorized, You Tube

Celebrating Divinity: Appaji’s Trinidad visit 2016!

Posted on August 26, 2016October 10, 2016 by rachaelathomasj

20160727_221948 Jaya Guru Datta!

On July 26th, 2016 His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda arrived in Trinidad.

It was a day devotees and members of the Datta family were looking forward to and many were determined to spend as much time as they could in the divine presence of Sri Swamiji.

Here are some pictures that show the welcome Sri Swamiji received:

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Many turned out in their numbers from the night of Appaji’s arrival to the time of His departure and His visit was marked by a number of very memorable occasions, namely:

Witnessing Appaji performing puja on a daily basis was not an opportunity to miss!

appaji-doing-puja2

Listening to Sri Swamiji’s discourses were as always very inspiring.

appaji-doing-puja

As always there is a message for everyone and it is important to put it to use! Here are some useful links:

Hearing Appaji singing Bhajans

Receiving Sri Swamiji’s darshan is indescribable! It is a divine blessing and one to cherish!

The consecration rituals and ceremony for the murtis of Lord Rama’s Parivaar and Lord Satyanarayan at Dattatreya Yoga Centre in Carapichaima.

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Appaji, our Swamiji, His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda was presented with His 5th Guinness World Record

appaji-world-record

Epic Hanuman Chalisa ChanTTing here Hanuman Chalisa Chanting was led by His Holiness Sri Swamiji:

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The consecration of the Shiva Lingam and the Murti of Mother Durga at the Datta Shiva Ram Temple in Princes Town and the consecration of the Navgrahas at the Sri Sachchidananda Yoga Ashram in Penal were two more very memorable occasions and these will be shared in a later post. Here are some pictures from these events so you have a great idea of what those posts will include:

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Many were sad to see Appaji leave but as Appaji says, “I am always here, I am always with you!”

Appaji we love You! Appaji Thank You for giving us Your continued Darshan! Appaji Thank You for showering us with Your Love and Thank You for taking care of us! We are proud members of the Datta family! We are proud and humbled to have You as our Appaji, our Swamiji, our Sadguru and so much more!

Sadguru Maharaj Ki Jai! Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ki Jai! Jai Veer Hanuman! Karya Siddhi Hanuman Ki Jai!

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Celebrating Mother’s Day 2016!

Posted on May 8, 2016May 18, 2016 by rachaelathomasj

mothers day 2016 Happy Mother’s Day to all Mothers the world over!

In commemoration of Mother’s Day 2016 this post is dedicated to our Mother (My Mom, Ria’s Mom and Ricky’s Mom)!

1932324_722352417836512_541875236875339189_n — Happy pic with my Mom, Mrs Doris Thomas!

She is patient, she is kind, she is loving and she is our Mom- Doris Thomas! More so, everyone who knows her will agree that she is devoted and committed not only to our family, but to everyone who has a place in her life! She always gives of her best and wears a beautiful smile! She listens and she is considerate of others!

As old as I am I call my Mom everyday (a couple times a day most times) and she never makes me think I am bothering her one bit, even though she might be busy! There are so many fond memories we have of Mom and as we look forward to the future, we look forward to more and more memories.

mummy

Today did not turn out the way I was hoping as I have been fighting a crappy virus for 2 weeks and my crazy schedule with assignments and final papers have not helped one bit. I so wanted to be home and see Mom, Dad and my sister but it didn’t turn out as I expected!

whats app status

Honestly I can’t afford to let anybody else get it from me as it’s one of the worst experiences I have had for a while- coughing, sneezing, being confined to bed. I’m sorry I did not get to see Mom but I will see her and the rest of our family as soon as I get better!

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goodmorningquote.com I would always be grateful for every moment I have with my Mom! No amount of words can express my gratitude and my appreciation for everything my Mom has done but I always try to let Mom know I love her, I am thankful and appreciative.

Here are some things which can let us know about the Mom we have been blessed with and I’m just using my experiences:

If I am not sure about something I can call and guides me or tells me what to do.
If she doesn’t hear from us (she knows when I call), she would call to find out if we’re okay.
My degree will soon be over. I will be honest in saying some days have been easier than others. It’s been so crazy that sometimes it’s been difficult to say how far into the semester it’s been. Mom has been on a countdown with me throughout.
At one point I thought of taking a break as Mom said, “If you don’t start there will be no end, but if you do, you’ll see it.”
Like Dad, Mom has always given us her best! They have never shirked their responsibilities and have always urged us to be the best that we can be! They have been there for us!

I know that not all of us have the same experiences but all of our experiences teach us something, and essentially give us more to appreciate! In this video there must be something we can all identify with. Please have a look at it.

This next video tells a story of its own and it’s especially for this occasion. Indeed it encompasses different music genres but it reminds us and offers a lot we can relate to.

Hopefully there is a lot you can enjoy from this as it offers a lot! Have a look:

Once again, Happy Mother’s Day to all Mothers the world over! Enjoy your special day! We hope you have a great day!

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Celebrating Hanuman Jayanti 2016!

Posted on April 22, 2016April 24, 2016 by rachaelathomasj

Jai Veer Hanuman! Om Namo Hanumate Namaha! Bajrang Bali Ki Jai!

Hanuman Jayanti is one occasion that I like many other devotees the world over look forward to!

This was how the day began:

Hanuman Jayanti Greetings from Appaji- His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachidananda

This year I was able to be present at places I hold quite dearly and I was able to celebrate it with those who are extremely dear to me at firstly- the Coromandel Shiv Mandir in Coromandel Village Cedros, and later in the day at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre at Orangefield Road in Carapichaima!

I was able to spend time with my family-immediate family, Coromandel Shiv Mandir family and our Datta family- a true blessing you will surely agree!

It was not only a day of singing praises to Lord Hanuman but it was a day of Hanuman Chalisa Chanting! All in all it was a blissful day and a day filled with devotion!

The day was filled with being there while pujas were being conducted, bhajans were being sung and the highlight of the day was spending it with people who I value! During puja at the Coromandel Shiv Mandir there was rain at one point and it was welcomed in the midst of the dry spell and soaring temperatures we have been experiencing in Trinidad and Tobag0.

When we arrived at Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre puja was in progress. Being at the feet of Lord Hanuman was a blessing and I enjoyed every moment thoroughly. The view of the moon was very inviting and capturing the pictures you see below together with the view of the stars were the final touches to an already perfect day!

Here are some pictures I took while I was at the Coromandel Shiv Mandir on Hanuman Jayanti:

csmhj10 — Puja to Lord Hanuman was in progress! My Mom (Mrs Doris Thomas) is the one in red kneeling at the Bedi!

csmhj8 — Offerings were being made to the Shiva Lingam

csmhj6 — The bedi-the flowers, sacred leaves, the tulsi tree, the fig tree, the kalsa, the lota-a beautiful sight!

csmhj1 — The murtis on the stage-Coromandel Shiv Mandir

csmhj3 — The singhasan -Coromandel Shiv Mandir

csmhj11 — Lord Ganesh, Hanuman Baba and Lord Shiva

I am grateful that both events did not occur at the same time as in the morning I was at the Coromandel Shiv Mandir and in the evening I was at the Dattatreya Yoga Centre to witness puja at the 85ft Karya Siddhi Hanuman Murti.

While those were the morning pictures these were the evening pictures:

hjdyc4 — Puja was in progress and devotees were participating in Puja

hjdyc — A View of Karya Siddhi Hanuman Ji from where I was sitting!

hjdyc11 — A beautiful sight- Guru Paduka Puja was performed as well as Puja to Lord Satyanarayana- the light, the flowers, the coconut, the decorations of the Padukas, Hanuman Ji, Lord Satyanarayana and Appaji-0ur beloved Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachidananda Swamiji of Mysore India

Such a beautiful sight- both Murtis of Lord Hanuman are beautifully decorated. Look at them adorned with flowers. Look also at the Malas of paan leaves, the lights, the parrots, the vada! Karya Siddhi Hanuman Ki Jai! Jai Veer Hanuman!

hjdyc14 — This is another view of the beautifully decorated Lord Hanuman! Jai Veer Hanuman!

hjdyc7 — This was such a mystical sight! There was a full moon for Hanuman Jayanti 2016! I am happy I was able to get this picture!

hjdyc8 — So beautiful! So mystical! Look at how brightly the moon was shining and I am pleased I was able to get this photo of Lord Hanuman and the Moon.

hjdyc9 — The greatness of Hanuman Ji is evident! For those who do not know Hanuman Ji is the 11th incarnation of Lord Shiva! Bajrang Bali Ki Jai!

hjdyc10 — This picture like the others tells a thousand words!

In case you are still learning the Hanuman Chalisa please use this video to help you:

Please remember to save the dates: July 2nd- 9th 2016

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Celebrating Earth Day 2016!

Posted on April 22, 2016April 23, 2016 by rachaelathomasj

It’s Earth Day everyone- 22nd April 2016! Happy Earth Day everyone!!!

Let’s begin with some history. It is a short documentary. Have a look at it!

What did you do to celebrate Earth Day 2016? Though this is one day set aside to celebrate Earth Day we can celebrate it every day. If you didn’t do something today you do something tomorrow or the day after.

This video shows us how Earth Day is celebrated around the world:

I am pleased to share some tips with you but first let’s take a look at some of what we have. This is a beautiful indication of the beauty of the Earth which surrounds us!