Whenever I embrace the opportunity to help a friend, I feel joy in my heart. The joy of giving, fills me when I allow myself to listen, or in some other way make the time to be a friend to anyone. Making the move to live here at Ananda Village has helped me to be more conscious of the way I live. Outwardly, life is different here than what I have known before because we are in the country and people are generally not as stressed out or moody here. But the deeper difference of living here is invisible. It’s subtle, and I am not sure I really understand it.

We finally went on our belated Honeymoon in January and found pristine coral reefs in crystal clear water. It was so very peaceful and relaxing for both of us. We deepened our friendship with each other, the ocean and its creatures, and God.

 There is a consciousness here that is supportive for spiritual growth. This is what I feel. It’s not spoken, there are no rules. There is nothing I can put my finger on, that could cause me to be a more conscious person. But still, there is something in the air or in my heart that knows it’s time for me to grow, to be more conscious and to transcend whatever keeps me small in mind and heart.

This was Ashleigh's introduction to snorkeling and she spent hours in the water each day. We saw many beautiful fish large and small, a sea turtle, coral fans, large rays and more.

It’s strange (and even stranger to say), but I am a better person here than I was before I came. I don’t know why or how, but it feels true to say this. I don’t know anything that I didn’t know before, but I do feel more aware. I feel a natural tendency to be kind more than I ever have in my life. I find real fulfillment in offering my time and energy to others. I meet people for the first time, and I know that I am their friend.

"Lady" on the beach where we lived for two weeks on Soliman Bay.

My heart feels happy and free. I find myself smiling often. I feel joy.

I write this now because I don’t want to ever forget how fulfilling it is for me to be this way. This is what I know today and I hope I’ll never forget it. No matter where I go or what I do, if I meet you again or if I am seeing your eyes for the first time, I am already your friend.