The story behind the ashram magic ✨

To explain what happened at the ashram—the magical moment I mentioned in my last post—I first need to tell you about something close to my heart: my “Create happiness cards”.

After my second COVID-19 infection, my Long Covid symptoms worsened. I became more isolated, and even harder, I felt like I lost my sense of purpose. For most of my life, I found meaning in serving others—especially through my work in primary education. But when I could no longer work or even communicate the way I used to, it felt like something inside me shifted. Almost as if my DNA had changed.

So, I stripped everything back to my core and asked myself:
What are my values now?

That question led me to something simple, yet powerful. I began smiling at three strangers during my daily walks. At the time, those walks were brief and difficult, but they became my lifeline. This year is the first time I’ve managed to walk almost every day. Those small smiles eventually turned into something more: I created happiness cards—20 short, uplifting quotes to brighten someone’s day.

Most days, I carry a little box of cards with me—though I often forget to hand them out. But on this particular day, I gave one to each of my Bhakti friends. And as always, the right cards found the right people. Each person picked a message that deeply resonated with where they were in life.

As our class came to a close, we were given the chance to speak with the Maharaja—a revered spiritual teacher, somewhat like a priest. But before that, something else was calling me.

One woman in the class had asked a question about how to help her mother, who was in deep despair. During the session, Jay had quietly signaled to me that her story reminded her of mine—specifically, the journey I’ve walked with my daughter. I felt an inner knowing that my story might offer her comfort, or at least some hope.

After class, I found her and we had an open, uplifting conversation. I shared my experience with vulnerability and honesty, and she listened with the soft eyes of someone who deeply needed to hear it. Before we parted, I handed her one of my “Create Happiness” cards. The message she picked echoed the Maharaja’s earlier guidance and mirrored the insights I had shared from my own journey. We both smiled—knowing, without needing to say it aloud, that this was the hand of something greater moving through us.

When I returned to the main room, I discovered the line to speak with the Maharaja was long. I sat down on the floor beside Jay and whispered, “Do you think I should give him a card too?”

Eventually, it was our turn—but not without a little divine chaos. People were still gathering, and Smital laughed that Dimple had “transcendentally disappeared.” Somehow, the group gently nudged me to the front.

The Maharaja greeted me warmly, asking how I was doing and how my daughter Zoey was—he remembered her from previous visits. She hadn’t been able to come this time due to school. Then, I showed him my happiness cards. He looked through them with care, selected one, read it, and paused to let it settle.

Then he looked up and asked,
“Shall I read it aloud?”

I smiled. “Only if you wish.”

He nodded, and gently read:
“Hello sunshine, let the people around you enjoy your sparkle every day.”

The room went still.

The women around us were visibly moved. While I remained standing and speaking with the Maharaja, they all bowed down in reverence. I was caught off guard—still upright among them—which made the moment feel a little awkward, but also deeply sacred.

Afterwards, the women couldn’t stop talking about it.
They said it felt like more than coincidence.
Like there had been a divine hand guiding the entire experience.

A little spark of magic—
one we’ll carry in our hearts forever.