What a year. Are you happy, and is this a holiday for you? May this week before the New Year offer a generous combination of rest and salve for your soul. I will not recap 2021 in this holiday note…

I wonder how are you? Reading about the Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, I came across this quote:

[W]hen I am searching for answers – in my life, my music, my work […] In my dark hours, I have the certain feeling that everything outside this one thing has no meaning. The complex and many-faceted only confuses me, and I must search for unity. What is it, this one thing, and how do I find my way to it?

The world can be so noisy. The teachings I have received are, first, to make time for stillness. In stillness we are free. The second teaching is to focus on the empty space at the centre of our being. By pouring ourselves endlessly into that space, we become independent and free. From here, we can learn all things.

On Friday Jan 14, my dear friend, sister from another mother, and co-conspirator Sharada Eswar is offering a special community gathering online, called The Akhara. Please join us! Winter can be hard, and the comfort of meeting new and old friends is vital for our wellbeing.

The evening will begin at 5pm with us cooking and eating together in the Rasoi (community kitchen), followed by song, stories and conversation with special guests Aqua Nibii Waawaaskone and Ronica Sajnani. For folks in the GTA, sign up by Jan 4 so that our colleague Gopi Chinnaraju can ensure that you will receive a free food kit with all the ingredients and spices that you will need to co-cook with us 🙂

I am very much looking forward to seeing your visage, hearing your voices, and sharing this simple and delicious meal of Khichdi (lentils and rice) with you. RSVP now to take part.

Wishing you and yours, a gentle, kind and laughter-filled New Year.

Helen Yung
Founder & Chief Artistic Officer