From August to October 2024, I had the privilege to volunteer for 42 days at Casa Madre, Fondazione Mondiale Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi Sahaja Yoga in Italy, the birthplace of countless seekers’ transformations and a place filled with peace, purpose, and pure vibrations.
Living and serving there was a rare blessing. Each day began with collective meditation and the subtle awareness of being in a place personally blessed by Her Holiness Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, the founder of Sahaja Yoga. Her presence could be felt in every moment, gentle, guiding, and nurturing, reminding me that true growth begins within.
During this time, I was also continuing my professional work remotely. A project of my company was being operated in Japan, which meant managing a seven hour time difference with early morning shifts before beginning the day’s volunteering activities. Balancing both responsibilities required focus, discipline, and surrender yet through meditation and collective harmony, everything flowed naturally.
At first, my volunteering involved various tasks such as assisting in the kitchen, supporting event coordination, and helping with day to day activities, gardening. Every task, no matter how small, carried a sense of joy and dedication.
Then something unexpected happened. I was asked to support the IT department, which was a rare opportunity there. What began as a simple helping hand soon became a turning point. As I worked alongside the site administrator on development and testing, I felt an old spark return, that same passion for building, creating, and problem solving that had once defined my professional life.
In those moments, I realized something profound. Spirituality does not pull you away from your path, it refines it. Shri Mataji’s teachings on balance and self realization resonated deeply, helping me see that when we are connected with our Spirit, even our work becomes a form of meditation.
Those 42 days at Casa Madre did not just offer peace, they reawakened my sense of purpose. I returned not only with renewed clarity for my career in development but also with a deeper understanding of how spirituality can guide us, silently and gracefully, back to where we truly belong.
Author’s Reflection
I am deeply grateful to Her Holiness Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi for Her divine guidance that continues to shape every part of my journey. My heartfelt thanks to the beautiful Sahaja Yoga collective in Italia and volunteers, caretakers and administration team of Fondazione Mondiale Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi Sahaja Yoga for their warmth, sincerity, and the spirit of unity that made every moment unforgettable.
The experience reminded me that when we align with our inner self, even the paths we thought we had left behind find their way back, brighter, deeper, and more meaningful than before.
JA
