Over the last five years, perhaps the most commonly referenced name at our local Awakin Circle would be Hafeez -- because he's our humorous time-keeper (among other things). :) Alongside Hafeez, his brother Faruk also started attending.  And got to learn a lot more about them, like how Hafeez runs 100 mile races and Faruk competed in Jujitsu tournaments!

Little less than two years ago, a girl named Parveen would join Hafeez -- and they ended up getting married, bought a house, and soon announced that they were going to be parents! 

Two weeks back, right after the Awakin Circle, Parveen felt contractions, Hafeez took her to the hospital and by next morning, they were parents of a beautiful baby girl -- Arya!  The following Wednesday, we had two first-time guests in our circle: Hafeez and Faruk's parents! When "Grandma Shammi" spoke, she shared effusive gratitude about how these Awakin Circles felt like a miracle to her: "Arya means bringer of blessings, and already she is living upto her name.  Because of her, we're in the area, and we get to visit this place that has changed our son's lives."



This week, both Hafeez and Parveen managed to attend the circle!  And Parveen eloquently shared from the heart:
 

I feel that what we create here every Wednesday is a form of art. I've coming here for over a year and a half, and I feel transformed. Something just washes over me when I enter the door. For couple months, I used to commute two and a half hours just to get here. I could be having any kind of a day, but right as I enter, it's as if I leave everything behind and simply feel present. And I think that's because we all come together. It's our collective energy, that gives you a "let your worries go" sense. It's a space we create, where you have to Be. Not be this or that, but just BE.

As many of you know, I had my baby two weeks ago. I know breathing is so important, and I've spent many years connecting with my breath but I think I never knew the power of breath until I went through the birthing experience. During the delivery of my baby girl, all I had to do was be with my breath. It was the most amazing, beautiful -- and painful experience, and I wouldn't change a thing about it. I was so with my breath, and I felt one with my body -- and really the whole universe. If I could take anything away from that experience, it is the power of just being with the breath.

Thank you, guys. I love you guys and this space, because it offers so many of us the reminder that if you can't control anything and you let go, there is one thing you can always be with -- and that is your breath and the present moment.