I love reading your story. Adopted by such kind and loving parents. Surrendering through huge suffering. Your mother’s encouragement and blessing on your tremendous adventure ahead.
It is hard not to reflect on one’s own life. I was not adopted but don’t feel understood or unconditionally loved by either of my parents. When I returned to the Indian Himalayas last year for a 21 day Pranic Healing Yoga Intensive, in silence - my mother called me to say goodbye, and mockingly commented why anyone would ‘pay’ to be in silence. She later said she was joking, but it was not funny. My older sister died by suicide the year before. Much suffering with much stubbornness in the past here. It is through the discipline and dedication to my yoga practice, that I can refine my self and my spirit - over and over again. Thank you for being here x
Thank you, Laura for opening up and sharing a little of your story. You have found the right path — union with your true Self. Yes I was fortunate to have such loving parents, but my life has not been without its battles. These only strengthen us and make us better humans. Glad you are here too 🤍
Thank you Meredith 🙏 I feel such gratitude to be on this path, and for all the obstacles placed in my way - which lead me here. Sometimes I need a reminder, when I get stuck in my emotions.
What a beautiful and special journey, Meredith! Your mom’s reaction🥹the Swami quote is so good.. 🙏grateful you’re sharing what you learned here on Substack!
I so love your story... I know I read it already last year and probably commented but it hits me in new ways each time. I think the thing about really looking with such sincerity and how you were lucky enough to find it is the biggest blessing!
I so appreciate that your mother, a devout Christian, was so open to you traveling to India and exploring Truth in such an unconventional way. This shows her deep spirituality, sincerity, and true love because she simply wanted the best for you. I can see you learned these deep principles by example from your mother and father 💗
Meredith, I really resonated with your story. I was also adopted and never felt like I belonged amongst the Catholics around me. Thanks for sharing, Im looking forward to reading Vedanta Treatise.
God? The best thing so called 'God' gave me was the chance of being born and grow up in an almost completely agnostic and lay country, so i didn't have to deal with any methaphysical elections. I have been 'blessed' with the freedom to choose from scratch. And after years of reading and thinking on my own, i decided to choose buddhism in my way: no atta at all, just and infinity of selves with no center at all. An universal Annata as supreme Being.
I'm so happy for you to have this beautiful chance in life Meredith 🌸😇 What a journey indeed ! Life isnt easy for any of us isnt it and it just comes down to that one moment when we turn around and return to seek.
I barely know you, but whatever little I know it definitely tells me that you gave made the most of this chance in life, you have won in life indeed ❤️
I hope and I'm Persevering to make the most of this human form of life which is such a rare gift and a huge blessing 🙌
You are definitely on the right path. Life is a rare gift. It’s good that you’re making the most of it. That’s what we’re here for: to evolve, remove separateness and become one with God.
Have a look at this and pursue it if it's of interest. I spent 6 years at VA, and it transformed my life. If clarity is your interest, then i highly recommend it: https://vedanta.info/vedanta-academy/
Thank you for sharing your journey here, Meredith, an adventure indeed (as your mother said). The question that arises in me is : how much suffering does it take? How much suffering do we need to be in to turn inward? I, too, had suffering that led me inward - most specifically, my divorce, then my daughter's depression, then the sickness and death of my best friend (Miriam, who was also my aunt and mother-figure).
I'm grateful for the pain. I'm grateful for the suffering. As it led me out of the illusion and into the Truth. 🙏✨🕉️
I resonate deeply with your path, though I haven't yet had the opportunity to live in India, though I visited twice in the past 6 years. Raising 5 kids and working as a surgeon kept me busy, but next year I'll be an empty nester and look forward to some travel freedom :)
Thank you, Meredith, for Being. Thank you for showing up to the Truth of this life. 🙏💗
You know all this suffering is helping us to wake up. I guess the amount of suffering has to do with our stubbornness, and our willingness to surrender.
I’m so sorry to hear about your losses, quite similar to my own.
Can I ask, when was the divorce? Or perhaps you can point me in the direction of where I will read about this more? I’m very interested. Glad I found you.
I agree, the question is : how much suffering is enough?
I feel that the strong ego-construct of Western culture contributes somehow to how long it takes, and how many people have the courage to surrender to the Truth.
Thank you for taking an interest in my journey. I've been on Substack nearly a year, and wrote out my Life in Bullet Points to share my journey openly and honestly. Here's the link in case you feel inspired to dive in. 🙏
Yes, definitely it’s ego and the more stubborn the ego the more the Mac trucks!! So, as to how much suffering is enough, it depends on the individual. Those trucks will keep coming until there’s surrender. Have you read the Bhagavad Gita?
That's such a good story to read Meredith, thankyou so much for sharing - full of inspiring Truth - it beckons us to become who we all Truly Are! To think, to feel, to do, to just be who we truly are! To Know Thyself is the first step - thankyou:_)
"The church of my childhood had told me what to believe. This Swami was showing me how to think, how to manage my emotions, and gain peace."
I think that Vedanta has been whispering to me for much longer than I've known of it's existence. It coincides with so much that I've known to be Truth, for so long. I am very thankful to have found these words.🙏
I love reading your story. Adopted by such kind and loving parents. Surrendering through huge suffering. Your mother’s encouragement and blessing on your tremendous adventure ahead.
It is hard not to reflect on one’s own life. I was not adopted but don’t feel understood or unconditionally loved by either of my parents. When I returned to the Indian Himalayas last year for a 21 day Pranic Healing Yoga Intensive, in silence - my mother called me to say goodbye, and mockingly commented why anyone would ‘pay’ to be in silence. She later said she was joking, but it was not funny. My older sister died by suicide the year before. Much suffering with much stubbornness in the past here. It is through the discipline and dedication to my yoga practice, that I can refine my self and my spirit - over and over again. Thank you for being here x
Thank you, Laura for opening up and sharing a little of your story. You have found the right path — union with your true Self. Yes I was fortunate to have such loving parents, but my life has not been without its battles. These only strengthen us and make us better humans. Glad you are here too 🤍
Thank you Meredith 🙏 I feel such gratitude to be on this path, and for all the obstacles placed in my way - which lead me here. Sometimes I need a reminder, when I get stuck in my emotions.
🤍🤍
🪷
What a beautiful and special journey, Meredith! Your mom’s reaction🥹the Swami quote is so good.. 🙏grateful you’re sharing what you learned here on Substack!
Thank you Nathalie. Truly appreciate your words. And so glad you're here too. Miss you when you're away 🤍
I so love your story... I know I read it already last year and probably commented but it hits me in new ways each time. I think the thing about really looking with such sincerity and how you were lucky enough to find it is the biggest blessing!
🤍
I so appreciate that your mother, a devout Christian, was so open to you traveling to India and exploring Truth in such an unconventional way. This shows her deep spirituality, sincerity, and true love because she simply wanted the best for you. I can see you learned these deep principles by example from your mother and father 💗
Thank you for this beautiful thought. My mother and father were wonderful examples, with high principles. Mum gave me the greatest gift that day. 🩵💛
Pls provide ashram details, I want to visit in india
It’s the Vedanta Academy, Malavli. Swami A. Parthasarathy is 99.
Meredith, I really resonated with your story. I was also adopted and never felt like I belonged amongst the Catholics around me. Thanks for sharing, Im looking forward to reading Vedanta Treatise.
I think my birthing mother must have been rebellious, like me. Let me know how you go with the book.
God? The best thing so called 'God' gave me was the chance of being born and grow up in an almost completely agnostic and lay country, so i didn't have to deal with any methaphysical elections. I have been 'blessed' with the freedom to choose from scratch. And after years of reading and thinking on my own, i decided to choose buddhism in my way: no atta at all, just and infinity of selves with no center at all. An universal Annata as supreme Being.
I'm so happy for you to have this beautiful chance in life Meredith 🌸😇 What a journey indeed ! Life isnt easy for any of us isnt it and it just comes down to that one moment when we turn around and return to seek.
I barely know you, but whatever little I know it definitely tells me that you gave made the most of this chance in life, you have won in life indeed ❤️
I hope and I'm Persevering to make the most of this human form of life which is such a rare gift and a huge blessing 🙌
You are definitely on the right path. Life is a rare gift. It’s good that you’re making the most of it. That’s what we’re here for: to evolve, remove separateness and become one with God.
It’s nice to read your story Meredith. Thanks for sharing. My mums cousins had a banana farm in Murwillunbah - I went there in the 80’s to see them
Oh, you must have been a baby!
Yeh probably about 10
Thanks for the restack @Louise Truss
what an absolutely beautiful story! Thank you for sharing :). I am happy we found each other!
Am also very happy to have found you Rachel.
What a journey!!!
For a long time I thought of reading Vedanta.
The very reason I wanted to study is the same, 'How to think'...
Thank you so much for writing this article...
A careful study of Vedanta will give you peace and clarity (clear thinking). I’d recommend visiting the Vedanta Academy in India. Where are you?
I am in India, Odisha...
Have a look at this and pursue it if it's of interest. I spent 6 years at VA, and it transformed my life. If clarity is your interest, then i highly recommend it: https://vedanta.info/vedanta-academy/
Thank you so much for sharing the link Meredith. 🤗🤗🤗
Thank you for sharing your journey here, Meredith, an adventure indeed (as your mother said). The question that arises in me is : how much suffering does it take? How much suffering do we need to be in to turn inward? I, too, had suffering that led me inward - most specifically, my divorce, then my daughter's depression, then the sickness and death of my best friend (Miriam, who was also my aunt and mother-figure).
I'm grateful for the pain. I'm grateful for the suffering. As it led me out of the illusion and into the Truth. 🙏✨🕉️
I resonate deeply with your path, though I haven't yet had the opportunity to live in India, though I visited twice in the past 6 years. Raising 5 kids and working as a surgeon kept me busy, but next year I'll be an empty nester and look forward to some travel freedom :)
Thank you, Meredith, for Being. Thank you for showing up to the Truth of this life. 🙏💗
You know all this suffering is helping us to wake up. I guess the amount of suffering has to do with our stubbornness, and our willingness to surrender.
I’m so sorry to hear about your losses, quite similar to my own.
Can I ask, when was the divorce? Or perhaps you can point me in the direction of where I will read about this more? I’m very interested. Glad I found you.
Thank you for your reply, Meredith.
I agree, the question is : how much suffering is enough?
I feel that the strong ego-construct of Western culture contributes somehow to how long it takes, and how many people have the courage to surrender to the Truth.
Thank you for taking an interest in my journey. I've been on Substack nearly a year, and wrote out my Life in Bullet Points to share my journey openly and honestly. Here's the link in case you feel inspired to dive in. 🙏
https://open.substack.com/pub/tamyfaierman/p/me-myself-and-i-but-not-a-narcissist?r=eg9g9&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Yes, definitely it’s ego and the more stubborn the ego the more the Mac trucks!! So, as to how much suffering is enough, it depends on the individual. Those trucks will keep coming until there’s surrender. Have you read the Bhagavad Gita?
Will read your story now 🙏
Agreed, Meredith. Each of our journeys is unique, yet fundamentally they are all the same journey. The journey of awakening.
I have not read the Bhagavad Gita from fluidly, start to finish, but I have read it in snippets.
I’d love to know your 3 biggest life altering , practical, lessons from the Gita?
Well said. We are all on the journey to awakening.
You've given me something to think about here. Narrowing it down to three is difficult. This may be worthy of a post. My pick would be:
1. Right action
2. Non-attachment
3. Liberation
You haven't asked, but here's my recommendation, because there are many commentaries on the Gita.
https://www.amazon.com.au/Bhagavad-Gita-Parthasarathy-Swami-Parthasarathy/dp/9381094039
Thank you, Meredith, for engaging in the challenging exercise of choosing 3 lessons. I knew it was a big ask :)
Would love to read a more in depth post from you about it.
My path has been along the Buddhist path, but the overlap is substantial. They both share the same soil.
And thank you for the recommendation, will read it. 🥰🙏
An amazing journey. Thank you for sharing it.
Thank you Steven
That's such a good story to read Meredith, thankyou so much for sharing - full of inspiring Truth - it beckons us to become who we all Truly Are! To think, to feel, to do, to just be who we truly are! To Know Thyself is the first step - thankyou:_)
Thank you Amilia. Hope everything is going well for you.
hi meredith - all is good, thankyou. i sent you an email @ happy intellect last tuesday - not sure if you received it:_)
Got it. Will reply via text as I don't use that email anymore.x
Oke doke - thanks for letting me know Meredithxx
Will have a look now.
"The church of my childhood had told me what to believe. This Swami was showing me how to think, how to manage my emotions, and gain peace."
I think that Vedanta has been whispering to me for much longer than I've known of it's existence. It coincides with so much that I've known to be Truth, for so long. I am very thankful to have found these words.🙏
Vedanta has a way of confirming what the heart already knows to be true. i’m so glad that Vedanta resonates so deeply with you MJ.