Life is much like a garden. Every action, which includes our thoughts, are like seeds, germinating in different ways, at different times. If tomorrow is determined by what we choose today then what does living with intention mean and require of us? Join our speaker to explore how to become more conscious of our intentions so that we can plant the quality of seeds needed for a meaningful future. Speaker: Hans Puik Originally a Bookkeeper, Hans transitioned to self-taught gardening 21 years ago specialising in old school English flower gardens, creating healthy soil and a safe haven for animals and insects. He likes to create an atmosphere of calmness and acceptance in the gardens he works in and aims to maintain a harmonious relationship with his clients. A student of Raja Yoga meditation since 2015 Hans feels his work is always combined with spirituality.

Join us for an uplifting experience of dance, music, reflective talks, meditation, and a beautiful candle-lighting ceremony. Step into a vibrant evening of joy, as we come together to kindle the light of knowledge, love, and compassion within. Diwali reminds us that even the smallest flame can dispel darkness — within ourselves and in the world around us. Let’s uplift and inspire one another by sharing this light and spreading warmth, understanding and harmony. Come and embrace the glow, celebrate the moment and let your inner light sparkle!

Motivation gets you started, but inner resolve is what keeps you moving when the path gets steep and the outcome is uncertain. It is the quiet commitment to stay aligned with your purpose, even when external support fades. In this talk, discover how to dispel doubts, build inner strength and quietly move towards your destination. Speaker: Linda Lee is based in Brighton from where she coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris in the locality. Linda has travelled to many countries around the world sharing her enthusiasm for the practical yet simple way of life that the Brahma Kumaris wisdom teaches. She has a deep love for truth and always speaks from her own experience with refreshing honesty and humour.

It is easy to do the right thing when the spotlight is on you. But who are you when the audience disappears? Integrity is the courage to hold your standards high in total obscurity. In this talk, unpack the quiet power of doing what’s right simply because it’s right, and discover how staying true to yourself anchors a deep, unshakeable sense of self-respect. Speaker: Mark Fleming has been a student and teacher of meditation for over 30 years. He is currently based at the Brahma Kumaris Global Retreat Centre near Oxford but prior to that he was part of the team at the Lighthouse Retreat Centre in Worthing. Mark has a keen interest in understanding the effect our consciousness has on both our personal future as well as the future of the world. He shares these discoveries with lightness and depth.

A joint UK Values Alliance and Brahma Kumaris online event celebrating World Values Day Every day millions of people freely give their time, energy and skills to support others. Their acts of kindness create a web of connection and community that benefits both the giver and receiver. It is a kind of magic that spreads and transforms society. Join us for an uplifting conversation with three special volunteers. Convenor John McConnell a stress management trainer and former prison governor and social worker, who has spent many years helping people to deal with the consequences of anger. He conducts various workshops and seminars on this and related topics in this country and abroad and has been a student and teacher with the Brahma Kumaris for nearly 30 years. Host Pearl Jordan: A former dancer and choreographer Pearl is the founder of The Rhythmic Remedy, a peak performance and wellbeing company where personal and professional growth meets movement and dance. Through coaching, workshops and professional speaking, Pearl guides women who are in transition to lightly dance into the next phase of their life. Pearl’s work is grounded in her spirituality and meditation practice. Panellists Radha Allen, is the co-founder and CEO of B3, a peer-led and volunteer-run charity and recovery community helping those who struggle with addiction and those in recovery through support, education, outreach and self-development. With first-hand experience of the challenges surrounding addiction, she is dedicated to empowering members and creating meaningful opportunities. She has a true understanding of the needs of the community and a commitment to making a difference. Charles Fowler, chairs the Human Values Foundation, which uses positive values to promote young people’s social and emotional development, helps run the UK Values Alliance, is Chair of the Global Alliance for Values-based Education, and a project partner of the Collaborating Centre for Values-based Practice for Health and Social Care at Oxford University. He is also a delegate at the Values20 Group which engages G20 leaders in values-based policy-making, and is the Global Coordinator of World Values Day. Nidhi Shukla is a key member of Inner Space Wembley, a personal development and meditation centre. She is totally committed to serving others in very creative and engaging ways through inspiring talks and out-reach projects, such as the Young Ambassadors of Peace (YAP) programme for primary school children. She also contributes to global initiatives.

A contribution to Black History Month Strength is often pictured as standing alone, the self-sufficient person who needs no one. But the most resilient people are rarely the most isolated, they are often the most deeply rooted. This talk will look at the relationship between inner strength and genuine connection and what can get in the way. Speaker: Nina Buchanan With a background in corporate management and group dynamics, Nina's life experience is enriched by her 29-year spiritual journey as a meditation and self-empowerment practitioner. Nina finds that exploring the concept of "When I change, others also change" is made lighter and more entertaining by a sense of humour and the ability to laugh at oneself.

Labels may help organise the world, but they often imprison our potential. We live in a world of labels - our profession, religion, nationality, age, gender etc. The danger is that we come to accept these labels, define ourselves and others by them, and start living according to other’s expectations. The talk will explore how labels shape our thinking, the dangers of self-limiting beliefs and how we can break free from the boxes we have become trapped in. Jim Ryan is an educationalist and human resource trainer who shares from years of personal research and experience in philosophy and meditation. Jim has been a student and teacher with the Brahma Kumaris for over 40 years. He is an author of six books on spiritual philosophy and meditation.

Our attitude shapes the way we experience life. Two people can face a similar diagnosis, the same redundancy, the same rainy Monday and walk away carrying a very differentperspective. Our mind-set is the ultimate architect of our reality. This talk will explore attitude as a quiet daily practice of where to put our attention. Marcelo Bulk has been associated with the Brahma Kumaris for over 40 years and is the National Co-ordinator of the University’s activities in Colombia. He has worked as a business consultant and facilitator with several major companies in Latin America, Asia and Europe and is currently associated with the Union Consulting Group in Colombia and the Oxford Leadership Academy (UK). Marcelo lectures internationally on topics related to self-leadership, human values and meditation and is the author of The Pathway towards Leadership published in Spanish and Portuguese.

A Contribution to The International Day of Peace 2026 In our pursuit of harmony, we often mistakenly equate "keeping the peace" with virtue, yet this frequently masks a subtle form of self-diminishment that erodes both our integrity and our relationships. Our speaker tonight will explore how we can overcome our fear of conflict and ensure that our interactions remain authentic, resilient, and grounded in self-respect. Ruth Liddle has more than 20 years professional experience teaching in the UK, Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea. Having been a student and teacher of Raja Yoga Meditation since 1995, Ruth is now based at the Manchester Brahma Kumaris Inner Space, and is a key member of the coordinating team there. Empathic and resourceful, Ruth’s great passion is to facilitate others on their personal journeys, helping them uncover the contentment and freedom that arises from adopting a deeper spiritual approach to life.

Sometimes life’s detours become the most beautiful part of the journey. The plans we make rarely survive contact with real life. Unexpected illness, job loss, relationship changes are just some of the happenings that can knock us off course. Our speaker, Lucianna Ferraz will share from her rich and varied experience the challenges and crises that can sometimes confront us and how we can reframe disruption not as a disaster but as an invitation and an opportunity. Luciana Ferraz is the national coordinator for the Brahma Kumaris in Brazil. Luciana bridges her background in sociology with a focus on the environment, exploring how our relationship with nature is fundamentally a practice of love, respect, and reverence for all forms of life. Luciana has given talks and facilitated seminars internationally across India, the USA, Europe, and Angola, on topics including human values, integral health, positive consciousness, and meditation.

A special conversation with Sister Jayanti, Additional Administrative Head of Brahma Kumaris. Join us in a heartfelt celebration of Janmashtami as we reflect on the timeless qualities of Shri Krishna - purity, beauty, and wisdom. Step into a vision of a world inspired by his presence: a world filled with joy, harmony, and inner peace. Through dance, guided meditation, and an inspiring conversation between with Sister Jayanti, Addl. Administrative Head of Brahma Kumaris, and Cllr Parveen Rani, Mayor of Hertsmere. Come and discover how to bring this joy into your daily life and help create a more peaceful world. Cllr Parveen Rani is the Mayor of Hertsmere, a dedicated community leader, educator and advocate for public service, women’s empowerment and young people. She has served diverse communities for many years and believes that true leadership is rooted in seva, compassion and creating opportunities for others. She is also the Founder of Hindi Shiksha Parishad UK (HSPUK), promoting Hindi language, Indian culture and values among younger generations. As Mayor, she is passionate about bringing communities together, strengthening cultural and spiritual connections, and inspiring future generations to lead with confidence, kindness and purpose. Her guiding belief is simple: titles may change, but service to humanity should always remain at the heart of leadership. Sister Jayanti is Additional Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris. She is also Director of Brahma Kumaris for Europe and the Middle East and CEO for Brahma Kumaris (UK). As a spiritual teacher for over 55 years, she has dedicated her life to self-transformation and service to humanity and has worked tirelessly to promote positive, human, spiritual values to all sectors of society. Her wise and compassionate insights shine a light of clarity and relevance on the complex issues of today.

Life doesn’t ask permission before it gets hard. This talk offers practical, grounded tools, blending everyday wisdom with deeper spiritual practice, for the moments when things appear to be falling apart. Speaker: Waltraud (Val) Idir Val’s professional background is in developing holistic national and international projects in training, education and self-leadership for young people and professionals. She is passionate about the transformative power of meditation and building inclusive communities. Val has practised Raja Yoga meditation for 20 years and co-ordinates Brahma Kumaris activities in Croydon where she is based.

Celebrating World Friendship Day 2026 We come into connection with many people in the course of our life but deep friendships are few. The first friend we make on starting school can be so important as well as the friendships formed at other significant moments. The frequency of contact may change but the foundation doesn’t have to. This talk will explore the essential elements of friendship, what it takes to create and sustain meaningful relationships, can we make genuine friends online and who might be my best friend? Speaker: Chrissie Mahoney Chrissy Mahoney has a deep interest in the human spirit. This interest has inspired her to use her skills as a professional actor, and her Post Graduate studies in Conflict Resolution and Psychodrama, to creatively assist organisations in making the workplace a healthier and happier place for their people. Chrissy has been studying and teaching Raja Yoga meditation for over 40 years, and it is this practice that has brought the greatest inspiration to her work.

Imagine facing life's challenges with encouragement rather than self-doubt. What might become possible? Join us for an inspiring talk exploring one of the most powerful shifts you can make in your life. Speaker: John McConnel John is a stress management trainer and former prison governor and social worker. He has been studying and teaching Raja Yoga meditation with the Brahma Kumaris for over 30 years. John has a strong interest in the practical application of spiritual principles and insights in daily life. He is the author of Breaking Through The Darkness: how to defeat depression, anxiety and stress - a spiritual perspective.

In our fast-paced and overstimulating world, anxiety often feels like an unwelcome constant companion. But what if peace is already accessible within you, just waiting to be discovered and utilised? Join us to learn tips to drop the burden of overthinking tomorrow and anchor yourself in the profound safety of the present moment. Speaker: Kala Mistry has been practising Raja Yoga since 1992. She works as a community psychiatrist and is especially interested in how we use meditation, thoughts and feelings for well-being. Kala has worked on several projects with The Janki Foundation, including being a co-creator of the training program Values in Healthcare: a spiritual approach. Kala facilitates workshops and talks on spiritually related topics such as positive thinking, building inner strengths, positive health and healing of feelings.

This talk takes its point of departure from the idea that we are entitled to be happy and that the energy of love needs to flow in our lives in order to experience that. We will explore what that looks like and some of the barriers standing in the way - and how to gradually train ourselves in becoming more in touch with that happiness and love inside. More love for everyone! Speaker: Dorte Haun Nielsen Dorte began her practice of Raja Yoga Meditation in 2005 and since 2008 has been helping to run the Brahma Kumaris Centre in Aarhus, Denmark. In addition, she plans and coordinates local and international retreats. Professionally, Dorte works as a social worker. As a speaker, she is known for her warm, authentic and down to earth manner.

As Wimbledon gets under way this topic explores how focus, self-awareness and emotional control can shape performance as much as technique and fitness. What kind of mindset is required to excel? Which qualities are truly essential, and how do we navigate the "opposition" - both on the court and within ourselves? Speaker: Hans Haiert Hans has been a student of the Brahma Kumaris since 1990 and has helped in the coordination of the Munich Centre since 1995. He also assists with BK service on a national level in Germany. His speciality is to look at this spiritual knowledge from the universal perspectives of science, psychology and philosophy. Hans has shared his insights in lectures and seminars in more than 40 countries. A qualified lawyer, specialising in environmental laws, he also holds a degree in economics.

A seed holds more than a plant, it holds time, memory and possibility, a whole cycle of life held within a small, plain, humble element of the natural world. Every seed has a hidden life before it ever emerges into the light and carries within it an entire future. This talk explores the spiritual "secret life" we all carry - the hidden process where life experiences, both joyful and painful, act as the soil for our transformation. Speaker: David Goodman Based in Leeds, David helps to coordinate activities for Brahma Kumaris in the North of England. A retired community dentist, David takes an active interest in cultivating a healthy lifestyle: he is a keen organic gardener and loves all types of sport. He is also a trustee of the Janki Foundation for Spirituality in Healthcare, a charity which supports the wellbeing of health and social care professionals and patients. An experienced meditator of over 40 years, David shares with an accessible blend of humour and down to earth spiritual wisdom.

Finding the true seat of stability in a world in crisis In a fast-paced and unpredictable world, keeping our inner battery charged is more important than ever. As we reflect on International Day of Yoga, many of us know the wonderful physical benefits of yoga, but the word itself simply means 'connection'. Raja Yoga explores this connection through our thoughts and feelings, offering a practical yoga for the mind. Join us to explore "The Ultimate Posture", learning to shift our awareness away from external labels to settle onto the inner throne of the self. We will discuss how finding this true seat of stability recharges our innate resilience, and how taking our place as a master of the mind is the most powerful method to serve ourselves, our loved ones, and a world in crisis. Matthew Earl: A graduate in Genetics and former 'spiritual sceptic,' Matthew discovered the practical power of Raja Yoga over two decades ago. Based in London, his diverse professional background spans leadership as a Head of Business Growth to his current private practice as a Hypnotherapist. He uses this deep understanding of the mind and modern life to translate profound spiritual principles into practical, everyday tools, guiding students globally through courses, workshops, and retreats. Dipti Khatry: Dipti has been studying Raja Yoga with the Brahma Kumaris for over 30 years. During a demanding career supporting investment bankers in the City, she drew on her spiritual practice to maintain calm, balance, and resilience in a highly pressured environment. Today, Dipti dedicates her time fully to spiritual service. Alongside teaching, she coordinates courses and events at Global Co-operation House in London and supports major community initiatives, including Diwali on Trafalgar Square.

Everyone looks for the keys to success or to change, and many promise that key. But one of the most subtle keys is that of acceptance. To fully embrace ‘what is’ enables us to drop into a place of inner calm and gratitude. From that place and space of non-resistance, new energy, inspiration and wisdom can flow. Speaker: Margaret Barron Margaret has been studying Raj Yoga meditation with the Brahma Kumaris for over 30 years which has supported change in all areas of her life. She has a particular interest in how transformative thinking and personal practice work together to make spirituality practical for everyday living. Margaret has a degree in Adult Education and Training and works as an Empowered Living Consultant.

When you release what is unnecessary, you don’t drop the ball - you free your hands. In life, many of us feel like jugglers - trying to keep multiple responsibilities, emotions and expectations in the air at once. Work, family, relationships, personal growth…the list keeps growing. This talk will look at when and why this struggle begins, how it manifests/becomes apparent, internally and externally and what a spiritual awareness can teach us. Speaker: Stefanía Ólafsdóttir Stefanía is a member of the national co-ordinating teams for Brahma Kumaris in Iceland and Norway and also serves as the Chair of the Spirit of Humanity Forum, a global movement of leaders and change-makers exploring inner wisdom in leadership and governance. She founded Heillastjarna.is (Lucky Star), an initiative dedicated to developing meditation courses for children, aiming to cultivate inner peace and mindfulness from a young age. Stefania is particularly committed to promoting holistic leadership and creating spaces for dialogue that bridge spirituality and societal transformation.

Harmonious relationships are the foundation of a peaceful and fulfilling life. Whether in families, friendships, workplaces or communities harmony in relationships creates an atmosphere of trust, understanding and mutual respect. When individuals strive for harmony in their personal and social interactions, they contribute to a more compassionate and peaceful world. This talk will look at what lies at the heart of harmonious relationships, how to deal with conflict and manage differences and what qualities and habits help to create harmony in relationships. Speaker: Manda Patel is a student and teacher of Raja Yoga meditation with more than 40 years of experience. A gifted teacher and speaker whose warmth, clarity and authenticity make the spiritual journey feel accessible and doable for all. She plays a key administrative role in Brahma Kumaris activities in the UK and also as a member of the Coordinating Team of the Global Retreat Centre, near Oxford. Sister Manda travels widely as an ambassador of the simple spiritual understandings that lie behind the philosophy of the Brahma Kumaris.

Learning the difference might be the most powerful productivity lesson of your life. It is important to realise that you can’t do everything and it’s very useful to figure out what the ‘anything’ and ‘everything’ is in your life. Perhaps the secret to success isn't adding more to your plate, but having the courage to clear it for the things that really matter. Our speaker this evening has experienced first hand what it is like to be faced with constant deadlines and conflicting demands. He will share his experiences and insights into the costs of trying to do everything, how to find a balance, the skills you need to develop and how to thrive, not just survive. Speaker: Eric Le Reste spent 38 years with CBC/Radio-Canada as a journalist and executive producer of major news and documentary programs. Now retired, he is based in Montreal and serves as the National Coordinator of the Brahma Kumaris in Canada, sharing meditation and spiritual insights worldwide.

This newly published book by Pearl Jordan is designed as a healing journey. It’s filled with stories of love, pain, rhythm, laughter and hope. A book of transformation and reclamation in which Pearl shares her process of self-discovery and how she awakened to her truth, her unique rhythm and to self-love. Pearl poses the questions: Who are you? Whose dance are you dancing? Are you in tune or out of tune? Join us for this special Thursday conversation in which Samantha Fraser will explore with Pearl how she came to write this book, the inspirations and experiences which gave it life, and what have been the outcomes for her. A former dancer and choreographer Pearl is the founder of The Rhythmic Remedy, a peak performance and wellbeing company where personal and professional growth meets movement and dance. Through coaching, workshops and professional speaking, Pearl guides women who are in transition to lightly dance into the next phase of their life. Pearl’s work is grounded in her spirituality and meditation practice. Samantha has been a primary school teacher for nearly 30 years. Although she was born in London, Samantha spent 20 years working in different countries in Africa setting up value-based programmes in schools. She also coordinated Brahma Kumaris centres in Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Samantha is currently based at the Global Retreat centre where she is the events coordinator.

Life inevitably presents moments when the way forward isn’t clear and every option carries some degree of risk, uncertainty and emotional weight. Even small everyday decisions can be challenging at times. The talk this evening will explore the internal and external influences on our decision making, how to balance head and heart and what strategies we can draw on to transform indecision into purposeful action. Usha Jevan is a humanitarian, who is well respected as an inspirational and motivational speaker, based in the city of Durban, South Africa. Her clarity of thought and words of wisdom have supported many individuals on their journey of personal development. For more than three decades, Sister Usha has shared her insights with youth, women, the elderly, prisoners, people with disabilities, patients receiving palliative care, NGO colleagues, health care professionals and educators.

At school we were taught to think of the heart as a pump and later, in more scientific language, as a powerhouse of electromagnetic energy. Psychology and human development studies see the heart as symbolic of love, emotion, connection. This talk will explore the fascinating connections between science, biology and human experience and how coherence between heart and brain affects perception, decision-making and emotional wellbeing. Speaker: Neville Hodgkinson is an author and journalist who specialised for much of his career in writing about science and medicine. He has been a student of Raja Yoga for more than 40 years and is based at the Global Retreat Centre in Oxfordshire.

Dedicated to Earth Day 2026 Is the world out of tune, or are we? True power cannot be found in consumption and ownership, but in resonance: the sacred ability to align our lives with the heartbeat of a living world. Join us to explore how we can move from the discord of exploitation to the harmony of stewardship. The planet is calling; are we listening? This talk is to mark the Earth Day theme: Our Power Our Planet and to acknowledge the first Global Healing Day initiative on 25th April 2026 Speaker: Dr David Fletcher has been a social justice educator and advocate for over 35 years. He trained as a cultural anthropologist and has studied and worked with indigenous peoples in Africa and North America. He is deeply committed to revitalising a harmonious relationship with the natural world and all other living beings on this planet. His current research interests are in indigenous knowledge, community resilience and food sovereignty. David has been practising Raja Yoga meditation for over 20 years.

This fascinating topic bridges the ancient and the contemporary. Exploring how the ancient teachings whether Classical, Eastern or Western swirl through stories of values, of love, of God and of the soul and offers timeless wisdom to guide us through the complexity of modern living. Speaker: Rachel Priestman Rachel’s varied career has spanned librarianship, urban regeneration, PR and marketing, events and arts management - and a few other things in between. She currently volunteers with the Brahma Kumaris at Global Co-operation House in London, and is a member of the UK Media and Communications team.

Life can seem like a serious business and we do need to be active, alert and responsive. However, no-one likes a too-busy face or a basket of worries on the head. So what does personal lightness actually look like? What are the ingredients and what are the things we need to let go of? This talk will explore the steps and balances we can put in place in order to experience our life as beautiful rather than as a burden. Speaker: Judi Rich Judi works as a graphic designer and fitness instructor. She also coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris in Calgary which is her hometown. Though the intensity and activity of fitness and the stillness and silence of contemplation may seem incompatible, Judi has found that the opposite is true... that they actually enhance each other and create a sense of well-being when integrated.

Trust is the glue of life. It's the most essential ingredient in effective communication. We need trust as an investment. Stephen Covey Trust is not just a nice-to-have quality - it is the foundation of every relationship, every successful organisation and every thriving community. In whichever area of life, trust creates a much needed sense of emotional safety. However, history offers many examples of how fragile trust can be. Our speaker this evening will explore:what trust is, what builds it, how is it broken and how can it be restored? . Speaker: Guillermo (Bill) Simó Bill has been a student and teacher with the Brahma Kumaris since 1986. He is an active member of the Spanish Coordination Team overseeing Brahma Kumaris activities in Spain and supporting Spanish language speaking countries worldwide. Bill is an author of two books: The Architecture of Calm, and 8 Strategies of Mindfulness for Self-Leadership. He currently works creating content for the App Medita (a meditation App to introduce simple practices of meditation) and for other digital platforms.

Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things. Peter Drucker We have more tools, apps and hacks than ever before yet we can still feel the pressure of trying to keep up. It begs the question: does a life lived at maximum speed leave any room for true growth? This talk will explore the anxiety of the modern to-do list and offers a roadmap for how we can slow down to speed up - helping us to build a life where our value isn’t measured by our output. Speaker: Mathias lives in Switzerland and is a stress and resilience coach and a former headmaster. Since discovering Raja Yoga during his travels in India, Mathias has found that by practically applying a spiritual perspective in his life, he has been able to deal with all sorts of people and challenges in a positive way. Mathias coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris Centre in Zurich and is part of the National Coordinators Team in Switzerland.

We often find ourselves haunted by what was, or full of anxiety about what will be. In the process, we lose the only moment we actually possess: the now. This talk explores how to bridge the gap between these three dynamics: learning to honour the legacy of who you were, mastering the quiet art of inhabiting who you are, and moving with purpose toward who you are becoming. Speaker: Marianne Lizama Marianne has been practising Raja Yoga meditation for 30 years and coordinates the activities of Brahma Kumaris in Costa Rica. She is part of the team at the Brahma Kumaris office at the United Nations, working on women's empowerment issues. Marianne is a psychologist by profession, specialising in domestic violence, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. In addition, she works clinically on crisis and anxiety management.

When it comes to ‘wellbeing’, we’ve often become very proficient at taking care of our physical wellbeing: we’re doing the ‘steps’, eating the greens and drinking the water. But in terms of our emotional wellbeing we don’t always know where to start. This talk dives into why the internal landscape gets neglected, and how we can learn to understand and nourish it more effectively. Sarah Trueman is an engaging facilitator with a light hearted and down-to-earth approach. She enjoys sharing the methods she uses to experience self-esteem. Sarah has been a student of Raja Yoga meditation for over 30 years, creating self-development workshops both for the Brahma Kumaris and as a self-employed trainer and coach in the public and private sectors. She currently facilitates and coordinates events and social media for the Brahma Kumaris in Leeds.

We rely on common sense to navigate our busy, material world. But what guides us when logic fails, or when the path forward requires a leap of faith? Sometimes we need to look beyond what seems practical and sensible and explore a different level of knowing that lies just beyond our everyday thoughts - our deepest intuition, our ‘uncommon sense’. In this talk, discover how to seamlessly weave grounded wisdom with inspired insight, so as to improve our decisions, relationships, and sense of well-being. Speaker: Mark Fleming Mark has been a student and teacher of meditation for over 30 years. He is currently based at the Brahma Kumaris Global Retreat Centre near Oxford but prior to that he was part of the team at the Lighthouse Retreat Centre in Worthing. Mark has a keen interest in understanding the effect our consciousness has on both our personal future as well as the future of the world. He shares these discoveries with lightness and depth.

Fear is a misplaced protective mechanism to be understood and consciously disarmed rather than suppressed or fought. It can be rooted in some past trauma but can also disguise itself as insecurity, self-doubt or excessive caution, holding us back from taking opportunities and from living life fully. Our speaker this evening will explore what it takes to make the shift that will stop allowing fear to dictate our choices and create the space for happiness to flourish. Speaker: Radha Gupta Born to an Indian father and Scottish mother, Radha grew up in Delhi and was introduced to Raja Yoga in her childhood. She then spent 10 years in Scotland where she continued her academic and spiritual studies and also began to assist.in the work of the BK centres there. In 2002 Radha moved to Rome, taking the experience she had gained to contribute to Brahma Kumaris activities in Italy. She is now part of the National Coordinating Team as well as working for a Rome based UN Agency. With her experience in the East and West, Radha brings a balance of the two cultures in her life and work.

There are crucial times in many people’s lives when they turn their minds to consider what might lie beyond. Is there a Divine Being and is there any way I can experience that presence for myself? Join us to look beyond the curtain of our physical world through the experiences of our three guests who will share their own experiences of a Divine Kind. Kanan Patel is an international speaker and spiritual educator with over 30 years of experience in Raja Yoga meditation. She is regarded as an all-rounder within the Brahma Kumaris and for her ability to make spiritual wisdom practical, relevant, and accessible. After leading the BK Centre in Gaborone, Botswana, Kanan is now based in London at Global Cooperation House. Minal Patel is a blend of artist and meditator. Being grounded in the teachings of Raja Yoga meditation since childhood has successfully equipped him to navigate life’s challenges,an emotionally demanding career and find genuine fulfilment. Professionally, he works as an actor and a singer, performing on screen and at theatres across the country. Ann Stirzaker loves being creative and caring for others. Now retired, she formerly served as a Christian missionary in West Africa and then as a special needs teacher. Ann has been studying with the Brahma Kumaris for over 30 years and is an experienced teacher of Raja Yoga meditation. She is also involved in Interfaith activities and other areas of the University's outreach work. The conversation will be facilitated by Jane Kay. Formerly a Teaching Fellow at the University of Leeds, Jane now enjoys editing and writing articles for publication on a variety of spiritual themes.

This evening’s talk will explore forgiveness, not as a favour to others but as a radical act of self-liberation. We will explore how releasing resentment frees our energy from the past, allowing us to step into a future defined by peace, presence and spiritual freedom. Speaker: Ken O’Donnell Ken is a consultant and trainer who has worked with multinational companies on five continents, such as Goodyear, General Motors and HSBC. He is a frequent guest speaker at international congresses and symposiums on a wide range of themes including advanced quality management, the human factor in organisational development and ethics in the workplace. Born in Australia, Ken has been based in Brazil since1979 and is the National Coordinator of the Brahma Kumaris for South America.

Inspirations never go in for long engagements, they demand immediate marriage to action. Brendan Francis Brown We all carry a powerful vision of a truly fulfilling life, yet turning that inner picture into outer reality remains one of life’s greatest challenges. If you're tired of watching New Year's resolutions lie in tatters, you're ready for a different approach. Join us tonight as our speaker explores the steps we can take to move from abstract dreams to concrete action. Discover the essential inner qualities needed to not only oil the process but to sustain our momentum far beyond the New Year. Speaker: Yogesh Sharda A student and teacher of Raja Yoga meditation for over 40 years, Yogesh has been a personal development trainer and workshop facilitator for over 20 years. He has presented seminars, workshops and courses for businesses, hospitals, universities, youth organisations and local community groups throughout Europe, Asia, Australasia, the USA, and Central and South America. Currently based in Istanbul, Yogesh coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris in Turkey.

In a season when images of angels will be appearing everywhere, this talk is a recognition of the unsung heroes among us – the people who step up, speak out, or simply offer a hand when it’s needed most. It's not about a halo but the incredible power of small, consistent acts of kindness and generosity. Our speaker this evening will share her experience of everyday angels and explore how to recognise the 'angelic' qualities in those around us, what motivates people to step beyond the ordinary and offer help, and the quiet joy and fulfillment that comes from being an everyday angel yourself. Speaker: Chrissy Mahoney Chrissy Mahoney has a deep interest in the human spirit. This interest has inspired her to use her skills as a professional actor, and her Post Graduate studies in Conflict Resolution and Psychodrama, to creatively assist organisations in making the workplace a healthier and happier place for their people. Chrissy has been studying and teaching Raja Yoga meditation for over 40 years, and it is this practice that has brought the greatest inspiration to her work.

The comparison trap is the unseen wire that trips us up, stealing our joy and distorting our worth. Our speaker this evening will explore how comparison works, why it destroys our happiness and offer practical steps to free ourselves from the ‘more than, less than’ cycle and embrace our own unique journey. Speaker: Judy Johnson For 35 years Judy has worked as a facilitator and coaching consultant in experiential learning, leadership development and organisational effectiveness. She is known for her insight and her ability to go into the depth of a subject in a fun and interesting way. Judy is an author and co-founder of ‘Peace Halifax,’ a festival for peace in the city of Halifax, Canada. Her books include a young adult novel which she wrote with her two daughters, “The Seven Secrets of the Universe" (2014) and co-author “A-Z Spiritual Literacy" (2016), "Living as Art" (2018) and "Return to Source: The God Experience” (2020). Judy coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris in Atlantic, Canada.

Every problem contains the seed of its own solution Norman Vincent Peale In a world full of external advice and endless distractions, how do we challenge the idea that solutions are “out there” and learn to trust our own inner compass? This talk will offer practical methods to quieten the noise, overcome indecision and tap into the wisdom and clarity we already possess. John McConnel is a stress management trainer and former prison governor and social worker. He has been studying and teaching Raja Yoga meditation with the Brahma Kumaris for over 30 years. John has a strong interest in the practical application of spiritual principles and insights in daily life. He is the author of Breaking Through The Darkness: how to defeat depression, anxiety and stress - a spiritual perspective.

There’s one ‘rabbit hole’ many people do not want to explore - so extensive has been the conditioning and programming of parents, teachers and culture. It’s an internal journey towards the centre of your self. Only when you make the trip can you know and enjoy the internal scenery and the riches that await. Tonight, Mike will guide you and explain what you are liable to see, feel and know. Mike George is a management tutor, spiritual coach and an author of sixteen books. In a unique blend of insight, wisdom and humour Mike brings together the three key strands of the 21st century – self-awareness, emotional/spiritual intelligence and continuous ‘unlearning.’ Mike is a highly entertaining speaker known for his ability to unite head and heart. For the last 30 years he has been guiding and facilitating the executive development of leaders in companies and communities in over 30 countries. He coaches and mentors individuals towards their own vision of inner success, and helps teams find more cohesive ways to work together and motivate themselves. His books include Being Your Self, Don’t Get MAD Get Wise, The 7 Myths About LOVE and Untangling Religion and Spirituality. You can download the presentation slides from this talk (pdf) here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JcpDHFo4hEuI3kSVw1IKw4ZyiKIZ2QEQ/view?usp=sharing

Conversation | Dance | Meditation | Candle Lighting with special performance by The Bhavan Guest Speakers: Major Munish Chauhan MBBS, MRCS, DMCC, PGDip, RAMS Major Munish Chauhan, the only Indian-born surgeon in the British Army, is an award-winning leader and researcher whose journey from humble beginnings to military service embodies resilience, remembrance, and inspiration. Major Chauhan arrived in the UK at 17, sleeping rough in his early days before beginning a journey of service and leadership. He has served in both clinical and leadership roles within Defence, enhancing operational readiness and mentoring future officers. Committed to remembrance, he completed a 1000km solo Remembrance Walk and led a team in a 3.5 million-step tribute. He is currently leading a historic British Army visit to India to strengthen ties with the Indian community and Armed Forces, promoting heritage, cooperation, and shared values across cultures. Ami is a brand and marketing expert with over 20 years of experience in the wellness industry. Alongside her professional journey, she has been a dedicated meditator for more than two decades, guiding spiritual programs that help people slow down, reconnect with themselves, and live with greater clarity and purpose. Sister Jaymini has been a student, teacher, and an experienced meditator with the Brahma Kumaris for over 40 years. She is a gifted and inspiring speaker and is at ease in any company, whether high-flying executives or small children. This is a result of her genuine care for the well-being of others. Since 1992 she has been the Director of Brahma Kumaris Publications in London. Being a communications and marketing leader, she has been able to enhance the BK profile of the BKs in the UK and broaden its scope to a wider international community. Jaymini is also the Area Coordinator for BK activities in the Midlands and has inspired many to realise and express their potential through this role. "I never give up hope in myself, God, or others. We all have a unique role to play in life! The secret is realizing it and then we can fully fulfill our potential and become truly happy and content". In a conversation facilitated by Phillipa Blackham, an award-winning radio documentary maker and pesenter. Having worked for BBC Radio for many years, she is now working for a national project '100 Women of Spirit' which explores and celebrates the role of women and spirituality. Phillipa has practised Raja Yoga meditation with the Brahma Kumaris since 1982.

Celebrating World Kindness Day True kindness is not just about being polite or avoiding conflict. It's a powerful, compassionate force that can create profound change. This talk challenges the conventional idea of "niceness" and delves into what it truly means to be kind. Our speaker will explore why authentic kindness requires courage, vulnerability, and the willingness to take a stand, even when it's uncomfortable. Speaker: Tamasin Ramsay Tamasin developed a profound respect for nature and animals in her early years whilst growing up in a rural area in Australia. A keen meditator since childhood, Tamasin formalised her practice when she came across the Brahma Kumaris in 1984 at the age of 18. Tamasin loves being out and about - she has worked on camera as an actor, on the road as a paramedic, in the field as a medical anthropologist (PhD), in parliament as an advisor, and now in the bush as a wildlife rescuer and carer. As a perpetually curious student, she enjoys teaching meditation in ways that are simple, practical, and experiential for everyone.

Exploring What Connects Us Spiritually A Contribution to National Interfaith Week An exploration of the interwoven narratives that run through diverse faith traditions, reminding us that while our beliefs, symbols and practices may differ, our longing for meaning, connection and transcendence is shared. Speaker: Philippa Blackham worked for almost 20 years as a producer and presenter for the BBC, including seven years at BBC Radio 4's 'Woman's Hour'. Since then, she has trained as an Interfaith Minister and now serves as a celebrant. She is part of a team that heads up the Media & Communication work of Brahma Kumaris, UK. She has practised Raja Yoga meditation for over 40 years.

What makes us sometimes defend our position, or opinion with force and at other times stay silent and feel like a doormat? Why do we seem unable to express our needs and feelings without upsetting someone or the fear of doing so? The key might lie in the essential understanding and capacity to be assertive. Join our speaker, Erik Larson to explore: • Why we struggle to express what we truly feel. • What it means to be assertive without being aggressive. • How to master this essential art. Speaker: Erik Larson Based in New York, Erik has been involved with the Brahma Kumaris for over 40 years. With a background in Civil Engineering and experience in property loss control for over 30 years, he blends the very practical with the very spiritual to achieve a common-sense way to look at life and to help others. Erik is a Director of the Brahma Kumaris (USA) and also BK representative to the United Nations. He is a member of the NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief and a member of the Committee of Religious NGOs. Erik is also a founding member on the Board of Directors of the Long Island Multi-Faith Forum.

Curiosity and creativity are two things that make one feel alive. They reveal our individuality. Often a child is full of questions, they have freedom of expression, they play in the moment. Where did we lose that spontaneity and are there ways to rekindle that sense of freedom and enthusiasm for life? Speaker: Pamela Baillie Pamela has studied and practised Raja Yoga meditation for over 40 years and found it invaluable whilst working in an international and multicultural setting. She retired some years ago, after having lived and worked in Switzerland, Japan and Australia. She now lives in SW Scotland in the relaxed setting of the Scottish Artists' Town of Kirkcudbright. She conducts meditation sessions for the community in the "meditation space"; which she has created in her home, a converted art studio.

In celebration of World Values Day This evening’s programme is a joint UK Values Alliance and Brahma Kumaris contribution to World Values Day, 16th October. The theme this year is Values for the Future Hope is like a candle shining in the dark. It gives us the courage and determination to keep going. It uplifts and inspires us to rise to our challenges, whatever they may be. The conversation will be facilitated by Charles Fowler FRSA, member of the Steering Group of the UK Values Alliance and Chair of Human Values Foundation Speakers: Marina Cantacuzino MBE is an author, broadcaster and founder of The Forgiveness Project. Shining a light on restorative processes, the charity works with personal narratives to show how individuals and groups can break cycles of harm, reach across divides, and see humanity in those who have harmed them. Manda Patel is an inspiring teacher and speaker, who has dedicated her life to studying the simple, spiritual truth that lives behind the philosophy of the Brahma Kumaris. She is based in the Global Retreat Centre, near Oxford, where she has played a pivotal role for many years.

If life throws you a curved ball can you take a risk and seize the moment without fear of failure or loss of control? Letting go of rigid plans and embracing uncertainty can lead to unexpected and valuable results and it takes a big heart to make room for others with their unfamiliar habits and ideas whilst maintaining your own integrity. Speaker: Natalie Steel Natalie's varied career has included working in Banking, Television and Social Services. Having lived in Essex for many years, where she discovered the Brahma Kumaris, Natalie now co-ordinates activities for the Brahma Kumaris in Loughborough and the Midlands. Currently offering wellbeing sessions with the NHS and local University, her passion lies in sustaining people spiritually. Natalie is an enthusiastic and accomplished teacher of the Raja Yoga meditation course.

A Contribution to Black History Month Heroes are important. They are not necessarily well-known and may not always be perfect but something about them, be it their courage or determination, their kindness or power to forgive, their tolerance or refusal to give up, touch our hearts and inspire us to keep on going. If they can do what they did, then surely, we can do the same. Join us to listen in on a conversation between Grace Lopez Charles and Samantha Fraser, about the heroes that they would like to celebrate. Speakers: Grace is a retired teacher, lecturer and researcher in the field of Mathematics. For the past 16 years she has been based in Ghana, West Africa, where she coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris there. She is one of three delegates representing the Brahma Kumaris at the United Nations Convention for Combating Desertification. Samantha has been a primary school teacher for nearly 30 years. Although she was born in London, Samantha spent 20 years working in different countries in Africa setting up value based programmes in schools. She also coordinated Brahma Kumaris centres in Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.Samantha is currently based at the Global Retreat centre and is the events coordinator.

Beyond the rightness or wrongness of things there is a field, I'll meet you there Rumi Many of us carry the heavy weight of blame - pointing fingers at others, ourselves, or even life itself. And sometimes, we're burdened by guilt for things completely out of our control. This talk explores an important question: how can we release the need for judgment and assigning fault, while still remaining fully accountable for our actions and our lives? Join us to discover how letting go of blame can lighten the load of the past and help us to create a positive future. Speaker: Marcelo Bulk has been associated with the Brahma Kumaris for over 40 years and is the National Co-ordinator of the University’s activities in Colombia. He has worked as a business consultant and facilitator with several major companies in Latin America, Asia and Europe and is currently associated with the Union Consulting Group in Colombia and the Oxford Leadership Academy (UK). Marcelo lectures internationally on topics related to self-leadership, human values and meditation and is the author of The Pathway towards Leadership published in Spanish and Portuguese

True unity isn’t about doing away with our differences, it's about embracing them. Indeed our diversity, far from being a weakness, can be the source of our collective strength. Our speaker this evening will explore what lies at the root of divisiveness and ways in which unity can be fostered through creating shared purpose and a genuine attitude of inclusion. Wendy Farrington is a member of the national coordinating team for the Brahma Kumaris in Italy and is an experienced and widely known speaker and teacher. Born in the UK in 1941, Wendy embarked on a very varied and colourful career which included being a member of the Olympic ski team for Great Britain, a dancer and choreographer in Rome, Las Vegas and Canada and even training and presenting a dolphin show in Paris. After coming across the Brahma Kumaris in Paris in 1982, Wendy went on to open the first Brahma Kumaris centre in Rome in 1984, where she is still based.

Just like hitchhikers, during the course of any lifetime, we meet a diverse range of people in various vehicles, some helpful, some fleeting, some impactful. With some, we stay for a long leg of the journey, others just for a brief ride. And like hitchhikers, we are also constantly searching for the lift that can take us to our destination and illuminate the meaning of our lives. Join our speaker tonight to explore the timeless wisdom of the Gita through the lens of Raja Yoga meditation. Denise Lawrence has been a student and teacher of Raja Yoga for 50 years. She has established centres of the Brahma Kumaris Spiritual University in Europe and North America. An author and broadcaster, Denise is based in France and travels widely offering talks and retreats on spirituality and meditation.

Friendship, whether forged over time or sparked in an instant, is more than just a bond - it’s a thread that weaves through the tapestry of our lives, connecting us to laughter, support and shared moments. This talk will explore the essential elements of friendship, how we cultivate those connections, navigate their complexities and in what ways they contribute to our wellbeing. Speaker: Shantanu Mandal is a graduate in Fashion Design from the prestigious National Institute of Fashion Technology in Kolkata, India and also holds a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. Shantanu is passionate about values and how they can be lived and applied in the fields of education, well-being, youth and the environment. In 2019, Shantanu was one of seven youths to be funded by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to attend COP 25 in Madrid. Since then he has been representing the Brahma Kumaris Youth at a number of high profile environmental conferences. Shantanu is currently living and volunteering for the national coordinating office of the Brahma Kumaris in London.

In a world that prizes outer achievements - we often overlook the invisible force that fuels true resilience: our inner muscle. This talk will explore what it means to develop mental, emotional and spiritual strength and offer practical tools and perspectives to build the kind of strength that doesn’t wear out but grows stronger with use. Speaker: Dr Kala Mistry, who works in community mental health, has been studying Raja Yoga since 1992. She has conducted spiritual and self-development workshops for health professionals and the general public on the themes of self-empowerment and values. Kala has an interest in exploring the relationship between thoughts, feelings and health and how spirituality can lead to improving and maintaining positive mental health.

Holding fixed expectations of ourselves, others or outcomes can be a limitation and lead to disappointment and disagreements. ‘Should’ can be our downfall, closing the door to hidden possibilities. Better to keep an open mind and heart and see life as a continuous journey, often leading to unexpected places and a deeper understanding. Our speaker this evening, Urvashi Patel will be sharing her thoughts, experience and learning on the many aspects of this important topic. Urvashi has been with the Brahma Kumaris from a young age. Originally from Bradford, Urvashi has become an integral part of the International Coordinating Office of the Brahma Kumaris in London. Her friendly and adaptable nature has led her to play a wide variety of roles which span from producing large scale public events to supporting the maintenance of BK centres across the UK. She enjoys teaching Raja Yoga meditation and using practical examples when teaching and sharing.

Self-Respect is the foundation of a vibrant and meaningful life. It shapes how we see ourselves, how we treat others, and how confidently we walk through the world. Imagining your life as a canvas - every choice, relationship and belief adds colour to the picture. Our speaker, Judi Rich, will explore the role self-respect plays in personal growth, healthy boundaries and authentic self-expression. How doubt, fear or the weight of expectations can produce a rather grey existence and how we can re-awaken the colours within. Judi works as a graphic designer and fitness instructor. She also coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris in Calgary which is her hometown. Though the intensity and activity of fitness and the stillness and silence of contemplation may seem incompatible, Judi has found that the opposite is true... that they actually enhance each other and create a sense of well-being when integrated.

Emotional highs and demoralising defeats, tennis offers profound tests of character and spirit. From discipline and resilience to humility and generosity it can become a pathway to inner growth. This evening’s talk will explore the test and triumphs of tennis through a unique spiritual lens, uncovering deeper truths about ego, perseverance and grace. Speaker: Eric Le Reste Eric has an extensive background as a journalist and producer for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation news and current affairs programs. For more than 40 years he has been practising Raja Yoga meditation. Based in Montreal, he currently serves as the National Coordinator of the Brahma Kumaris in Canada.

In a world full of noise, multiple options and instant gratification, true value often hides in plain sight. Discernment is a quiet power that helps us see beneath the surface, weigh what truly matters and make decisions which align with lasting value rather than fleeting appeal. In this evening’s talk we will take a deeper look at this essential ability, its relationship to decision making and how to fine tune the practice. Speaker: Maria Moreno is Emeritus Professor in Organization Behavior at the University of Valencia, with a long experience in researching and lecturing on this matter. She has been a Raja Yoga practitioner and lecturer with Brahma Kumaris for 33 years and coordinates the BK center in Valencia. She is also part of the National Coordinators Team in Spain.. Maria is a member of the BK Council of National Coordinators Secretariat and is currently very active in the organization of international BK programs, training and retreats.

Honouring The International Yoga Day This conversation will explore how we can create a meditation habit and experience 'Raja Yoga' in our life to help us navigate these uncertain times with renewed clarity and peace. It will also include 'yoga moments' with the speakers. Dr Tamasin Ramsay Tamasin Ramsay, from Australia, has been a committed practitioner of Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga for over four decades. She is also an applied anthropologist and conservationalist. A former NGO Representative to the United Nations, she has advocated internationally for animal justice and environmental policy reform. Her recently published book, Custodians of Purity, explores how spiritual living can bring about lasting inner – and so outer – change Jaymini Patel Sister Jaymini, a dedicated Brahma Kumaris educator, speaker, and meditator for over 45 years, is known for her ability to connect across cultures and professions. As Director of Brahma Kumaris Publications in London and Midlands Coordinator, she inspires transformation through communication, leadership, and service. Mentored by Dadi Janki, she promotes unity through interfaith efforts like Diwali in London. Her compassionate approach and strategic insight empower individuals to realise their potential and embrace inner change with the practise of Raja Yoga, as the path to fulfilment. Maureen Goodman Sister Maureen is Programme Director for the Brahma Kumaris UK and the Brahma Kumaris representative at the United Nations, Vienna. A teacher of Raja Yoga for nearly 50 years, she has studied with the world's leading female yogis. Understanding the connection between inner and outer change, she participates in UN environment conferences and is part of the Strategic Circle of the Spirit of Humanity Forum, creating a safe space for dialogue among leaders seeking transformation based on core human values. Hosted by: Kishore Krishan Kishore is a transformational business executive who has integrated Raj Yoga principles to practice value-based leadership in organisations

Criticism is something we can avoid easily by saying nothing, doing nothing and being nothing. Aristotle Unless you live like a hermit, criticism is probably inevitable, and some of it may be valid as well. So how well do you handle criticism? Do you get defensive and fire back justifications? Take it personally and let it get under your skin? Or do you just let it slide? Join us for tips on how to handle criticism gracefully and constructively, even when it seems harsh or unfair. Speaker: Neville Hodgkinson is an author and journalist who specialised for much of his career in writing about science and medicine. He has been a student of Raja Yoga for more than 40 years and is based at the Global Retreat Centre in Oxfordshire.

Have you ever thought about how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly? Within its DNA is a secret set of cells that scientists call ‘imaginal’. They contain the blueprint for transformation and vibrate at such a high frequency that nothing can stop them. Within us all is the ability to imagine our own highest self, because the memory is in our DNA. When we begin to work on our highest frequency, then nothing can stop us. Join Suman Kalra and learn how to activate our powerful ‘imaginal’ self. Suman Kalra has been connected to the Brahma Kumaris since her early teens and has subsequently been a pivotal member of the teams operating some of the key and busy UK Brahma Kumaris Meditation centres. Her ability to sustain personal spiritual growth whilst working in a busy environment, her strong organisational and leadership skills and intuitive sense of vision and direction have given her a wealth of insights and experience to share. Suman is currently based at the Global Retreat Centre in Oxford – an international Brahma Kumaris centre for values development, that welcomes 10,000 visitors from around the world annually.

Silence, Sound and Harmony - Perspectives on Music and Spirituality “After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.” Aldous Huxley Sound and soul are vibrational and a reflection of each other. Both contain the potential to enable healing, connection and transcendence. In this session, Rodney draws parallels between the dynamics of our human and spiritual experience and the fundamental elements of music, such as dynamics, pitch, harmony and silence. Speaker: Rodney Browne As a regular student of Raja Yoga, Rodney enjoys the transformative power of spiritual knowledge and silence, which he shares in weekly online i-movie meditations. Since age 6, he has found creative expression through music which he has studied up to MSC level (acoustic composition). Recently retired as Head of Music, he teaches piano, facilitates 'Spirituality and Men' events and delivers talks on spiritual topics.

Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking about yourself less. In a world that often rewards pride and self-promotion, it is often taken as a weakness. In reality, humility is a powerful, understated virtue that can open us to growth, build trust and strengthen relationships. Speaker: Rachel Priestman Rachel’s varied career has spanned librarianship, urban regeneration, PR and marketing, events and arts management - and a few other things in between. She currently volunteers with the Brahma Kumaris at Global Co-operation House in London, and is a member of the UK Media & Communications team.

It’s hard to explain, difficult, if not impossible, for the mind to see. Few people have an awareness of it. Yet we intuitively know that it feels like an accurate way to understand the reality that lies beyond separation. Sometimes known as ONENESS, it’s just that the mind, accustomed to seeing separated objects, is unlikely to ever know it! But an awakening intellect comes close when it becomes divine. Why? Is one of the questions which Mike will approach this evening as he reveals why there is another reality behind the things we think we know! Speaker: Mike George is a management tutor, spiritual coach and an author of sixteen books. In a unique blend of insight, wisdom and humour Mike brings together the three key strands of the 21st century – self-awareness, emotional/spiritual intelligence and continuous ‘unlearning.’ Mike is a highly entertaining speaker known for his ability to unite head and heart. For the last 30 years he has been guiding and facilitating the executive development of leaders in companies and communities in over 30 countries. He coaches and mentors individuals towards their own vision of inner success, and helps teams find more cohesive ways to work together and motivate themselves. His books include Being Your Self, Don’t Get MAD Get Wise, The 7 Myths About LOVE and Untangling Religion and Spirituality.

We all carry baggage - past mistakes, regrets, fears, and limiting beliefs that weigh us down. Like any traveller embarking on a journey, why carry extra weight? This talk is about recognising our baggage, understanding the cost of holding onto it, learning to let go of what no longer serves us and stepping into the best version of ourselves. Speaker: Mark Fleming Mark has been a student and teacher of meditation for over 30 years. He is currently based at the Brahma Kumaris Global Retreat Centre near Oxford but prior to that he was part of the team at the Lighthouse Retreat Centre in Worthing. Mark has a keen interest in understanding the effect our consciousness has on both our personal future as well as the future of the world. He shares these discoveries with lightness and depth.

Life is simple, for ourselves and for everyone else, when we live with healthy boundaries but it can feel intimidating to create and maintain them. This talk will include an exploration of the delicate balance between boundaries as barriers or bridges. How boundaries define our spaces and interactions and are they fixed or fluid? What are the qualities and strengths we need to create and maintain healthy boundaries? Speaker: Shireen Chada, a long time meditator with the Brahma Kumaris, is an experienced designer and facilitator of meditation retreats and workshops. Based in Tampa, Florida, she is the co-host of a weekly podcast: Spiritual Sense: How to Stay Awake and Become Your Best. Shireen is also the creator and presenter of Release Your Wings YouTube channel and author of five books on meditation: God’s Blessing for You, Soul Fitness, Oh My Goodness!, True Hollywood Blockbuster, and Insperience the Divine. Shireen presents intelligent, refreshingly creative and unmistakably authentic wisdom to powerfully uplift the soul.

Earth Day reminds us that our planet is not just a place, it is a living system that we humans are a part of. This means that every kind action, every thoughtful choice, helps towards making the planet a better and more sustainable place. Our choice of energy also has an impact. Consider the sun's energy, a pure source of light and warmth that sustains and nurtures all life. It is a clean energy that can be harnessed to power the planet but it also has a deep spiritual significance. Our speaker Aneta Loj talks about inspiring solar energy projects as well as exploring the deep connection between renewable energy and soul empowerment. Speaker: Aneta Loj, Director of the Brahma kumaris in Poland, is a seasoned professional with a unique blend of experience in sustainability, renewable energy, corporate leadership, and spirituality. Her deep commitment to caring for the environment and capacity building has led her to engage in impactful community projects. Since 2011, she has been an R&D Coordinator for the India One Solar Thermal Power Plant located at the Shantivan campus of the Brahma Kumaris in Rajasthan. As the Focal Point of the Brahma Kumaris at the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, Aneta actively participates in global environmental discussions and has represented the Brahma Kumaris at numerous UN climate change conferences. Embracing the inside-out approach, she is dedicated to contributing to a dignified, just, and harmonious world for all.

On the occasion of Earth Day 2025, let’s learn eco-spiritual tools to create a sustainable planet. After the event you are also welcome to join the Global Meditation Hour (6:30 - 7:30 pm) for world peace. Booking Essential | In-House event at Global Co-operation House, 65-69 Pound Lane, Willesden Green, London, NW10 2HH Krishna Gandhi, CEO and Founder of Psimonix, has been dedicated to advancing neuroscience and ethical innovation. Since 2012, she has been a committed advocate for veganism, inspired by her realization of the widespread impact of animal cruelty. This journey has deepened her understanding of the environmental and spiritual challenges facing the planet, motivating her to encourage choices that reflect compassion and sustainability. Krishna is focused on improving well-being for human upliftment. Psimonix bridges the connection between the mind and body, developing an innovative tool like PsiSense, a non-invasive hormone screening tool through the brain signals. With a focus on awareness and mindfulness, Psimonix fosters a vision of interconnectedness, helping individuals reconsider their relationships with themselves, their communities, and the world around them. Maureen Goodman is the Programme Director for Brahma Kumaris, UK and the Brahma Kumaris representative at the United Nations, Vienna. Maureen has endeavoured to make spirituality accessible to people at all levels of society including in healthcare, education, with young people and women’s issues. From 1991, for 20 years, she oversaw the Brahma Kumaris work within the UK prison system, ‘Spirituality in Prison’, offering meditation and values-based workshops in prisons and residential seminars for staff. Maureen has had long term involvement in inter-religious dialogue and represents the Brahma Kumaris on the Board of Religious Leaders of the Elijah Interfaith Institute and The Peace Pledge to Live Loving-Kindness & Compassion. She is currently involved in preparing the Brahma Kumaris contribution to Climate Change Conferences (COPs), exploring the connection between our inner state of being and the state of our Earth.

All things have their time, all questions and situations have their answers, and all things have their right to be. -Dadi Janki When things don’t go according to plan, trusting life’s timing can feel like a leap of faith, especially in a world that values instant results. It can feel challenging to surrender control and go with the natural flow. Join our speaker tonight to discover: • What must we let go of in order to embrace life’s flow? • What inner resources do we need to develop? • Can we really trust that life’s timing has got it ‘right’?! Speaker: Manda Patel is a student and teacher of Raja Yoga meditation with more than 40 years of experience. A gifted teacher and speaker whose warmth, clarity and authenticity make the spiritual journey feel accessible and doable for all. She plays a key administrative role in Brahma Kumaris activities in the UK and also as a member of the Coordinating Team of the Global Retreat Centre, near Oxford. Sister Manda travels widely as an ambassador of the simple spiritual understandings that lie behind the philosophy of the Brahma Kumaris.

We all make judgments, but are they serving us? Beyond simple decision-making, the habit of judging others fuels our ego and reinforces our prejudices. It can become so ingrained that we do not even realise how harmful this pattern can be to ourselves and others and what a loss it can cause. Our speaker this evening will explore: • the roots of judgement and its effects • why the habit of judgement is so hard to break • how we can break free of the cycle and experience a greater level of connectedness Speaker: Yogesh Sharda A student and teacher of Raja Yoga meditation for over 40 years, Yogesh has been a personal development trainer and workshop facilitator for over 20 years. He has presented seminars, workshops and courses for businesses, hospitals, universities, youth organisations and local community groups throughout Europe, Asia, Australasia, the USA, and Central and South America. Currently based in Istanbul, Yogesh coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris in Turkey.

Did you know that clarity of thought depends a lot on how tidy our cupboards are? Hard to believe, but just because the mess is out of sight does not mean it is out of mind. Also true is that when we have confused thinking, agitation and indecision, our homes are likely to become messy and disorganised – a mirror of our minds. Join us for tips and insights on how to tidy the mind – and see what it can do for our home. Speaker: Cherry Steinberg Cherry Steinberg is a retired Occupational Therapist. She has been studying and teaching Raja Yoga meditation with the Brahma Kumaris for around 40 years and coordinated a Midlands centre from 1988 to 2017. Cherry is now resident in the Brahma Kumaris Admin centre in Leeds, where she is part of the team, teaching meditation and doing outreach work. Since retiring, she has developed interests in self care, deepening her spiritual practices and living more simply.

Are you aware that you are so smart? Speaker: Hans Haiert Hans Haiert takes an entertaining and insightful look at the similarities of the functioning of a smartphone and the interplay of body and soul. Hans has been a student of the Brahma Kumaris since 1990 and has helped in the coordination of the Munich Centre since 1995. He also assists with BK service on a national level in Germany. His speciality is to look at this spiritual knowledge from the universal perspectives of science, psychology and philosophy. Hans has shared his insights in lectures and seminars in more than 40 countries. A qualified lawyer, specialising in environmental laws, he also holds a degree in economics.

"I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened" Mark Twain Is worry written into life? Perhaps it seems inevitable if we have responsibilities to meet, goals to attain, relationships to nurture. But to what extent are worries just habitual thought patterns, well worn scripts we unconsciously replay, that impact our health and wellbeing? Join our speaker for this evening to unravel some of the threads of this pervasive habit and explore practical steps we can take to break the worry cycle and restore inner peace. Speaker: Sarah Trueman Sarah Trueman is an engaging facilitator with a light hearted and down to earth approach. She enjoys sharing the methods she uses to experience self-esteem. Sarah has been a student of Raja Yoga meditation for over 20 years, creating self-development workshops both for the Brahma Kumaris and as a self-employed trainer and coach in the public and private sectors. She currently facilitates and coordinates events and social media for the Brahma Kumaris in Leeds.

Dignity is a cornerstone of our humanity - both in how we see ourselves and how we treat others. But in this complex and increasingly materialistic world, many people find themselves in very vulnerable situations where loss of dignity is both a fear and a reality. In this talk we will explore what it means to honour our own self-worth while respecting the inherent value of others. Speaker: Maureen Chen Maureen is a native of Sydney, Australia, and is currently the Co-ordinator of the Yarra Valley Living Centre, a retreat centre near Melbourne. She is the author of a book: Mystic at the Edge, a Western Woman Coloured by Asia, a deep and reflective spiritual travelogue of her own journey. Maureen has coordinated meditation, leadership and spirituality-based activities and projects in over 50 countries for more than 40 years.

“The real secret of success is enthusiasm.” Walter Chrysler What happens between the spark of an idea and the manifestation of that idea into reality? Hard work, maybe. Determination, certainly. But the magic ingredient is inspired enthusiasm; that driving force, the flame ignited, the unremitting belief in success. Our speaker, Mathias Steffen, explores the many different sides of enthusiasm including: • What lies at the heart of enthusiasm? • How do we ignite enthusiasm in ourselves and others and what is needed to sustain it? • What is the opposite of enthusiasm and how can that kill success and fulfilment? Mathias lives in Switzerland and is a stress and resilience coach and a former headmaster. Since discovering Raja Yoga during his travels in India, Mathias has found that by practically applying a spiritual perspective in his life, he has been able to deal with all sorts of people and challenges in a positive way. Mathias coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris Centre in Zurich and is part of the National Coordinators Team in Switzerland.

Creates new insights | Develops new strengths | Changes old nature Connecting our mind to the Supreme Mind of God, We experience an incredible rejuvenation of spiritual energy. Everything old is finished and there is a restoration of our original pure self. Speaker: Jim Ryan Jim Ryan is an educationalist and human resource trainer who shares from years of personal research and experience in philosophy and meditation. Jim has been a student and teacher with the Brahma Kumaris for over 35 years. He is an author of six books on spiritual philosophy and meditation.

A sacred meeting with Lord of the Universe – Vishwanath Shri Kashi Vishwanath Darshan; pictorial Exhibition available in various languages, and Stage Event showing the spiritual significance, interwoven with dance and guided meditations. Nestled on the western banks of the holy river Ganges, Shri Kashi Vishwanath, a revered Jyotirlingam, is one of the renowned memorials of God Shiva, reminding us that the entire Universe belongs to the One. By dipping into the river of wisdom, you will get an opportunity to explore the spiritual significance of attaining liberation and purification. We invite you to experience the unique, eternal and beautiful relationship with the One, leading to the expression of Universal brotherhood.

Throughout our lives at different times, we often yearn for independence, whether it be financial, political, or personal. But when we achieve it, the experience of freedom is often short-lived. Join Fiona Ryder and Sarah Fitzgerald in a conversation exploring: • what true independence really means and how we can attain it • what fears or obstacles get in the way of being more independent • how we can distinguish between providing or taking helpful support and inadvertently fostering over-dependence. Speakers: Fiona, who is based in Cardiff, is a mother of three grown up children and a grandmother. Now retired, Fiona has worked for different charities over the years, as well as for her local council, supporting individuals with mental health issues and special needs. Fiona has been practising Raja Yoga meditation for over 30 years and recently qualified as a Naturopathic Nutritionist. Sarah from Cambridge, UK, is a trained Interior Designer who discovered Raja Yoga in Cambodia in 2009. She now focuses on "real interior design"—inner transformation—and volunteers at the Cambridge Brahma Kumaris centre, supporting events and activities.

How we connect with others and form relationships can fill our lives with meaning and value, or make us deeply anxious, unhappy and insecure. It all depends on the attachment styles we adapt to in our early lives. Speaker: Jude Pemell Our speaker, Jude Pemell, explores the significance of different attachment styles, how we form them, the consequences, and importantly, how to transform unhealthy relationship patterns to find the love, peace and stability that we all seek. Relationships can provide fertile ground for our spiritual and emotional growth. Jude is a Sydney-based writer, filmmaker, and forensic psychotherapist with more than three decades experience in her field. She is also an experienced couple and relationships counsellor. Jude has been meditating since 1983.

In a world filled with constant demands, emotional interactions and competing priorities, keeping a balance can be a struggle. This talk will explore the signs and impact of energy drains, the importance of boundaries and how we can protect, reclaim and recharge our energy. Speaker: John McConnel John McConnel is a stress management trainer and former prison governor and social worker. He has been studying and teaching Raja Yoga meditation with the Brahma Kumaris for over 30 years. John has a strong interest in the practical application of spiritual principles and insights in daily life. He is the author of Breaking Through The Darkness: how to defeat depression, anxiety and stress - a spiritual perspective.

We are living in a time of transformation. Political, economic, environmental, and social challenges are reshaping our world. While these challenges bring instability, they also invite us to imagine something better where all of us, and the planet we call home, can flourish. Join us for an inspiring conversation where we will: • Explore the root causes of today’s challenges • Create a new vision for sustainable living • Share ideas and practical steps toward collective wellbeing. This event is an opportunity to connect, reflect, and spark meaningful change. Speakers: Sister Jayanti is the Additional Administrative Head of The Brahma Kumaris. Her compassion, clarity, and tireless commitment to the spiritual dimension of life have inspired millions across the globe to make positive changes in their own lives. She is the BK representative, at the United Nations in Geneva and has headed the BK delegations to UN Climate Change Conferences since 2009. Stewart Wallis OBE, is an advocate for a new economic system. He worked for Oxfam from 1992 to 2002, for which he was awarded an OBE. From 2003 to 2016, he was executive director of the New Economics Foundation. Currently, Stewart is the chair for the Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WEAll), which is an initiative to create a global new economy movement.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by your to-do-list? Are there things you are neglecting that would energise and enhance your life on any level? It’s easy to get stuck in routines and overlook the potential for joy, growth and creativity in even the smallest ways. Our speaker Eric Le Reste offers some simple yet meaningful strategies to enrich your life and elevate your everyday. Speaker: Eric Le Reste Eric has an extensive background as a journalist and producer for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation news and current affairs programs. For more than 40 years he has been practising Raja Yoga meditation. Based in Montreal, he currently serves as the National Coordinator of The Brahma Kumaris in Canada.

Calmness is the Cradle of Power – Attributed to Josiah Gilbert Holland Calmness is not just a trait but a powerful skill, much needed in a world that often feels chaotic and threatening. It is not passivity or indifference but a state of emotional balance and mental clarity. Panic clouds judgement while calmness opens the door to thoughtful responses. How do we cultivate calm? Is it a quality of leadership and does calmness work in everyday situations, including resolving conflict? Speaker: Maureen Goodman is the Programme Director for the Brahma Kumaris (UK) and oversees the University’s activities in areas such as education, youth, women’s issues, interfaith dialogue and the environment. She is the University’s representative at the United Nations, Vienna and is a member of the Executive Circle of the Spirit of Humanity Forum, a platform for leaders to discover new ways to move forward, based on deep human values. Maureen travels widely giving lectures on themes related to spiritual development.

Everyone looks for the keys to success or to change and many promise that key. But one of the most subtle keys is that of acceptance. To fully embrace ‘what is’ enables us to drop into a place of inner calm and gratitude. From that place and space of non-resistance, new energy, inspiration and wisdom can flow. Discover the sources of strength which underlie acceptance, the ingredients of resistance and the opportunities, both external and internal, that acceptance offers. Speaker: Marcelo Bulk Marcelo Bulk has been associated with the Brahma Kumaris for over 40 years and is the National Co-ordinator of the University’s activities in Colombia. He has worked as a business consultant and facilitator with several major companies in Latin America, Asia and Europe and is currently associated with the Union Consulting Group in Colombia and the Oxford Leadership Academy (UK). Marcelo lectures internationally on topics related to self-leadership, human values and meditation and is the author of The Pathway towards Leadership published in Spanish and Portuguese.

We express our deepest values through our many and varied relationships. Yet at every level of society it is in relationships that we face the most challenges and express both our best and the worst of ourselves. Parmjit Basra shares his understanding and experience of how to create and sustain good and lasting relationships. Speaker: Parmjit Basra Parmjit has been a student and teacher of Raja Yoga meditation for 29 years. He is proactively involved in helping others of all backgrounds, from children to youth to adults, to realise their true potential. He is married with three children and four grandchildren. He has a wealth of life experiences and has worked in Textile Manufacturing, Adult Education and The Building Sector.

Secrets of Abundance | Linda Lee “The key to abundance is meeting limited circumstances with unlimited thoughts.” -Marianne Williamson Many equate abundance with financial wealth and material possessions but true abundance touches every area of our lives. More hidden traps also exist - the subconscious beliefs about lack, limitation and not being “good enough”. This talk will look at the shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance, how to re-write those limiting beliefs and what to replace them with in order to experience an abundant life. Speaker: Linda Lee Linda Lee is based in Brighton from where she coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris in the locality. Linda has travelled to many countries around the world sharing her enthusiasm for the practical yet simple way of life that the Brahma Kumaris wisdom teaches. She has a deep love for truth and always speaks from her own experience with refreshing honesty and humour.

Conscience is an instrument of the soul. It detects both the distinctions between true and false, as well as ethically right and wrong. Conscience is the friend and guide of those who aspire to moral integrity. It is a reliable life coach, yet paradoxically mostly unheeded, and relegated to the back burner. Where do we stand and what are the steps to bring our inner ear closer to the voice of conscience and further from the voices of social norms? Speaker: Denise Lawrence Denise Lawrence has been a practitioner of Raja Yoga with the Brahma Kumarissince 1974. She is essentially a philosopher, spiritual teacher, author, podcaster and international speaker. She specialises in bridging the gap between ancient Hindu scriptures, mythology and rituals and the current expression of The Bhagavad Gita’s philosophy of spiritual knowledge and practice of Raja Yoga as defined at the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University. She currently lives in Southern France.

Just as musicians need to keep their instruments finely tuned in order to produce beautiful music and be in harmony with other players, so too we can learn the art of tuning into our inner selves whilst tuning out from external influences and distractions. Join our speaker this evening, Gil Fernandes, to explore: What is the purpose and practice of tuning in and tuning out? Why do we get out of tune with ourselves and others? What part does intuition play? Gil was born and grew up in Lisbon. After studying music in Austria, he transitioned to a successful IT career, contributing his skills to diverse industries, including airspace and telecom. In 2007 London beckoned, leading him into a consulting software development venture founded by a fellow meditator. Gil's journey with the Brahma Kumaris began in 1993, complementing his lifelong fascination with different types of yoga practices. Gil offers talks and courses in Raja Yoga meditation.as a member of the Spanish and Portuguese group.

Letting Go of Guilt: Finding Forgiveness | Luciana Ferraz While guilt can be a natural emotion, unchecked it can drain our time, energy, and peace of mind. In this talk, discover the root causes of guilt and how it can keep us trapped in a negative cycle. Explore tools and strategies to release the past and embark on the journey of forgiving, letting go and moving on. Speaker: Luciana Ferraz Luciana Ferraz is the national coordinator for the Brahma Kumaris in Brazil. Luciana has a background in sociology and her special interest in social issues and the environment has led her to explore the connection between mind and matter and how our care towards nature is based on a relationship of love, respect and reverence for all forms of life. Luciana has travelled to many different countries such as India, the USA, Europe and Angola where she has given lectures and seminars on several topics such as Human Values in Life, Integral Health, Positive Consciousness and Meditation.

Using our values to make a difference in the workplace Celebrating World Values Day When we are happy, we feel energised and motivated to give and be our best. How can we create a workplace culture where work becomes a pleasure rather than a drudge and we put an end to the 'Monday morning blues'? Speakers: Rekha Kohli is Executive Leader within Perry Hall Multi-Academy Trust of 10 schools which serve some of the most deprived areas of the West Midlands. She is a very dynamic and positive person who has helped to create a culture of respect and happiness in the schools for which she is responsible. In July 2024 she was awarded the Pearson’s Bronze National Head Teacher of the Year award reflecting her journey and achievements within the Education Sector. Danny Maher arrived in London in 1975 and since then has worked in the mental health/social care arena. Danny is currently the CEO of Ashford Place charity in Cricklewood having started in 1996. He is also a member of the Brent Multifaith Forum. Danny is a very caring and committed person who is able to bring out the best in others and create an environment in which workers, volunteers and service users feel respected, appreciated and happy. The conversation is facilitated by Charles Fowler FRSA, member of the Steering Group of the UK Values Alliance and Chair of Human Values Foundation

The work of rehearsals is looking for meaning and then making it meaningful Peter Brook, Theatre Director. Does it ever feel as though life is a complex play and you're the lead actor without a script? Spirituality offers a unique approach: it's your personal director, guiding you through the rehearsal of life. Just as actors collaborate and refine their performances in rehearsals, practising spirituality can unveil ways to deal with a challenging life gracefully. By recognising your inner wisdom and seeking inspiration from higher sources, you'll discover a fantastic toolkit to help shape a life filled with meaning, peace, and beautiful connections. Speaker: Minal Patel Minal Patel is a blend of artist and meditator. Grounded in the teachings of Raja Yoga meditation since childhood, Minal’s life has been an interplay of meditation practice and spiritual education. This has successfully equipped him so that he can navigate life’s challenges, an emotionally demanding career and find genuine fulfilment. Professionally, he works as an actor and a singer, performing on screen and at theatres across the country. Beyond his career, Minal shares his own experience of the transformative power of Raja Yoga through talks, workshops and retreats, offering practical tools for wellness and inner freedom.

"Freedom is not a gift from anyone; it is a birthright of every human being." Mahatma Gandhi Marking the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth The human spirit always seems to be searching for freedom. This enduring quest has shaped civilizations, sparked revolutions and inspired countless individuals to challenge tyranny and oppression, often at the risk of imprisonment or loss of life. Our speaker will explore this important topic including the following questions: • What is true freedom and how can it be achieved? • What is the relationship between inner freedom and external freedom? • What are the obstacles or challenges to inner freedom and how can they be overcome? • What is the relationship between freedom and happiness? Speaker: Dipty Naran For the past 40 years, Dipty Naran has been a student and senior teacher at the Brahma Kumaris in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is a dedicated educator with a deeply caring nature who has worked with a variety of groups within the community including vulnerable and young people. Her ability to make the teachings of the Brahma Kumaris practical and accessible has enabled countless people to positively integrate spirituality into their daily lives.

On the battlefield, a soldier will assess each situation for its potential danger and find ways to protect the self and others. As souls, we have lived through many experiences and fought many battles ~ of injustice, personal boundaries, threatened honour. This has made us hyper-vigilant to attacks on our way of being. As we embark on a spiritual path, in a sense we have to retire from this soldier-like attitude. But it takes time to give up the battle. We begin to look at the world in a different way, seeing situations with compassion and understanding. We recognise the futility of fighting and begin to create a different future, a future of peace, built on thousands of peaceful thoughts and footsteps. Speaker: Valériane Bernard Valériane was born in France and from a young age she foresaw that only genuine personal engagement between people could create a lasting quality of life within the human family. This insight led her to an active spiritual life from the age of 25, committing to peace through meditation and creating tools of awareness to advance the condition of women, promote respectful relationships with our environment, resolve workplace disharmony and, through interfaith gatherings within the community, broaden cultural understanding. Valériane has lived in six different countries, including Chile and Costa Rica and is fluent in four languages. Currently residing in France, she continues to build bridges of understanding between cultures as the Brahma Kumaris’ representative of the United Nations in Geneva.

We may have heard that everything we need lies within and there is only the now, but, as the saying goes, ‘Procrastination is the thief of time’ and is a deeply rooted habit. So what are the roots of procrastination, and what is it telling us? Most, if not all of us, will recognise procrastination as an occasional or frequent life companion so do join our speaker, Mark Fleming, in his investigation into this topic. Mark has been a student and teacher of meditation for over 30 years. He is currently based at the Brahma Kumaris Global Retreat Centre near Oxford but prior to that he was part of the team at the Lighthouse Retreat Centre in Worthing. Mark has a keen interest in understanding the effect our consciousness has on both our personal future as well as the future of the world. He shares these discoveries with lightness and depth.

Often regarded simply as a desire to know or learn, curiosity is a powerful force that drives creativity, innovation and discovery. It propels us beyond the boundaries of the known, allowing us to reimagine our world. Watch a young child and you will see a natural inclination to explore, ask questions and seek out new experiences. Speaker: Judy Johnson Judy Johnson, who shares from a very varied and rich experience, will look at: The relationship between curiosity and creativity Practical tools for cultivating curiosity in our approach to living For 35 years Judy has worked as a facilitator and coaching consultant in experiential learning, leadership development and organisational effectiveness. She is known for her insight and her ability to go into the depth of a subject in a fun and interesting way.. Judy is an author and co-founder of ‘Peace Halifax’ a festival for peace in the city of Halifax, Canada. Her books include a young adult novel which she wrote with her two daughters, “The Seven Secrets of the Universe" (2014) and co-author “A-Z Spiritual Literacy" (2016), "Living as Art" (2018) and "Return to Source: The God Experience” (2020). Judy coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris in Atlantic, Canada.

A fascinating event with Shri Krishna’s divinity and wisdom. Through devotional songs of pure innocence, dances of harmony and insightful conversations, Shri Krishna’s story allows us to journey from hope to happiness. A conversation between Sister Indu and Shrinidhi. Sister Indu - Coordinator for Brahma Kumaris, Leicester BK Shrinidhi - Radio Jockey & Television Presenter With dance performances by Mira Salat - Director of Maati House

Do you ever feel a longing within yourself, a sense of something missing? This feeling can create a profound sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction. It is one we frequently try to mask with temporary, external things, such as a new phone or an exotic holiday abroad. But although we may feel soothed for a while, that void will keep re-opening until we decide to look inside to find a deeper cause. Join us for this insightful talk to explore: • How to identify the roots of emptiness • Practical tools and techniques to reconnect to our inner light • Cultivate a true sense of meaning and fulfilment Speaker: Charlie Hogg Based in Sydney, Charlie is the National Coordinator (Chief Executive) of the Brahma Kumaris in Australia, and the Chairman of its Board of Directors. He is also an active member of the International Coordinating Group, responsible for major international projects and the administrative direction of the organisation’s global network of centres. As a senior teacher of the Brahma Kumaris for over 40 years, Charlie travels extensively and has visited more than 80 countries as a speaker at international conferences and public events. Based on his own regular practice, he has found meditation to be an extraordinary tool which helps to maintain mental and spiritual health in an increasingly challenging world.

Celebrating World Friendship Day True friends never apart, maybe in distance but never in heart Helen Keller With a friend, we can share our hopes and dreams as well as create a safe space where thoughts and feelings can be expressed without judgement . Friendship has unlimited potential to enhance our growth and provide us with support on our spiritual journey. Join two good friends, Ash Patel and Matthew Earl, to delve into what is the real spirit of friendship. Listen in on their heartfelt conversation to discover the profound impact of authentic friendships. In this talk, they will explore the essence of true companionship, share insights on building meaningful bonds, and celebrate the transformative influence even one genuine friend can have. Matthew, a graduate in Genetics, and former self-described "spiritual sceptic", discovered meditation on his personal growth journey. Its profound impact gave him a strong purpose to share the practical techniques that transformed his life. For over two decades, Matthew has guided students through courses, talks, workshops, and exhibitions, both in the UK and internationally. Currently based in London, working most recently as Head of Business Growth, his unique blend of experience allows him to connect with a diverse audience, effectively translating the power of Raja Yoga meditation into practical applications you can use every day. Ash was introduced to Raja Yoga meditation at an early age, and he gradually recognized the profound value of its teachings in all aspects of his life. Drawing inspiration from his own experiences and with an interest in inner healing, self-compassion and heartfulness, Ash facilitates engaging classes, workshops, and retreats. He is based in Worthing, where he actively contributes to his local community, while also sharing his wisdom and guidance with audiences around the world.

Are you affected by people and situations around you? Do you get impressed by people easily? Do you play the game of trying to control or be controlled? Join Jane Kay to explore how to: ● Understand your own power and ability to positively influence ● Discover how to protect yourself from negative influences ● Know how to be independent and yet belong to others and live as part of a community ● Gain the courage to stop following or controlling and start living on purpose! Speaker: Jane Kay Jane first started meditating with the Brahma Kumaris in Brazil in 1981. She spent time in Brazil, Florida and Costa Rica co-ordinating activities for BK centres. Recently retired from her post as Teaching Fellow at the University of Leeds, Jane now spends quite a lot of her time editing and writing articles for publication on a variety of spiritual themes. Jane is a warm, engaging and insightful speaker with a wealth of experience.

All our great creative works are inspired by some higher consciousness and can transport the watcher or listener to another world of thoughts and feelings. In this talk Carole will share her understanding of how inspiration works, the importance of silence as the soil in which creativity flourishes and some of her own personal experiences of what magic can unfold when we allow this to happen. Speaker: Carole Glover Carole Glover has been an artist all her life and has had many exhibitions all over the world, including in Russia and China. During the Bosnian war she went with an international group of women to Zargreb to work with refugees and got involved with a peace project called: ’Through Heart to Peace’. Carole came across the BKs in Nottingham in the mid 90s and has been an active member of local interfaith groups since then. Carole was instrumental in organising student exhibitions at Nottingham University on the theme of peace and made an installation as a part of a local Arts festival. Carole now lives in Lincoln where she is a chaplain for the University and runs courses in Positive Thinking and Raja Yoga Meditation.

We go to the gym to tone and strengthen our bodies. Can we also keep our minds 'flexed' and in a positive state of flow, even in the face of everyday challenges? Join David Goodman to explore simple and effective ways to increase engagement in the present moment and build inner resilience. Speaker: David Goodman Based in Leeds, David helps to coordinate activities for Brahma Kumaris in the North of England. A retired community dentist, David takes an active interest in cultivating a healthy lifestyle: he is a keen organic gardener and loves all types of sport. He is also a trustee of the Janki Foundation for Spirituality in Healthcare, a charity which supports the wellbeing of health and social care professionals and patients. An experienced meditator of over 40 years, David shares with an accessible blend of humour and down to earth spiritual wisdom.

Many see discipline as a restriction on freedom, the voice of a killjoy, and even an act of aggression. Even the dictionary definition of discipline contains a reference to punishment. Yet, it is evident that success in all areas of life comes to those who learn to embrace discipline as a celebration of personal power and choice. In this evening’s talk, we will explore discipline as a form of love, for myself and for those in my care. Speaker: Jim Dees attributes his success as a primary school teacher of 26 years to the insights, understanding and inner strength he has gained from practising meditation. Working in a variety of senior leadership roles for over 15 years, and currently as a headteacher of a large primary school in Harrow, his focus has always been on exploring effective ways to develop positive communities built on a foundation of cooperation and collaboration.

A contribution to International Day of Yoga adopted by the United Nations in 2014 and celebrated across the world every year on 21st June. Often thought of, particularly in the West, as the practice of physical exercises or asanas, including systems of breathing, the word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness. One of yoga’s most famous practitioners, the late B.K.S. Iyengar, described it as a way of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endowing skill in action. Our speaker this evening will explore the relationship and connections between Hatha Yoga in its various forms and levels and Raja Yoga as taught and practised by the Brahma Kumaris. Speaker: Dr E V Swaminathan Dr Swaminathan is a life coach, human resource trainer and consultant who is keen to use his knowledge and skills to help create a more values based society. With a background in Engineering, Dr Swaminathan has studied extensively and his academic achievements include a Masters in Yoga and Psychology as well as a PhD in Emotional and Quantum Intelligence. He has been a corporate trainer for more than 20 years and has worked with a wide variety of organisations and companies including the State Bank of India and TATA motors. He is a much sought after speaker and has given talks at a number of professional and other conferences in India and abroad. Dr Swaminathan has been a student and teacher with the Brahma Kumaris for the past 28 years.

This talk is a contribution to World Environment Day on the 5th June. Indigenous people from all over the world remind us of the deep relationship we have with the land. We have forgotten and abused this relationship. How do we restore and regenerate the richness of the land so it can continue to sustain us? Can we apply the same wisdom to restoring healthy, positive relationships with our bodies and with our true selves? Speaker: Dr David Fletcher Dr David Fletcher has been a social justice educator and advocate for over 35 years. He trained as a cultural anthropologist and has studied and worked with indigenous peoples in Africa and North America. He is deeply committed to revitalising a harmonious relationship with the natural world and all other living beings on this planet. His current research interests are in indigenous knowledge, community resilience and food sovereignty. David has been practising Raja Yoga meditation for over 20 years.

The human mind craves security and seeks it constantly in people, places and circumstances. But there is only one truly safe place to go, and finding that place is an adventure, a pilgrimage and ultimately a homecoming for the spirit. Speaker: Toots Beckett Toots Beckett has been a student and teacher with the Brahma Kumaris for 26 years. She is a mother and works in inner-city London schools, supporting the medical and social/emotional needs of the children. Toots is fascinated by the continuity of life and loves to share the insights gained from applying the teachings of Raja Yoga in her practical life.

It is said that life happens whilst you are busy making plans. But when life goes in a radically different direction than expected, it can be disorienting, disappointing, or even devastating. How can we feel that all is well with our world, when it changes too suddenly to make sense of it and how do we navigate through the ever-changing landscapes of our lives? Speaker: Margaret Barron Margaret has been studying Raj Yoga meditation with the Brahma Kumaris for over 30 years which has supported change in all areas of her life. She has a particular interest in how transformative thinking and personal practice work together to make spirituality practical for everyday living. She has a degree in Adult Education and Training and works as an Empowered Living Consultant.

Our event showcases the extraordinary near-death encounter of Dr. Ingrid Honkala, a NASA scientist from Colombia. Join us as former BBC Radio presenter, Philippa Blackham, engages in an interview with Ingrid Honkala and Sister Jayanti from the Brahma Kumaris. Together, they delve into this remarkable journey, exploring profound insights and scientific revelations concerning death and the realms beyond corporeal existence. Dr. Ingrid Honkala is a Marine Biologist, Oceanographer, Master Scuba Diver, NASA and Navy Scientist, international lecturer, childhood near-death and spiritual transformative experiencer (NDEr and STEr). She has worked for the Colombian and US Navy for over thirteen years. Her worldwide oceanographic surveys and her love for travel have brought her to visit 56 countries where she has shared science and spirituality. Since birth, Ingrid lived and worked in intense combat zones of Colombia and was diagnosed with combat-related PTSD. Dr. Honkala has a great passion for understanding human consciousness and is helping to close the “gap of care” for people, especially children and combat soldiers, who have had NDEs and STEs. Ingrid details her amazing journey in her autobiography, “A Brightly Guided Life." Sister Jayanti is Additional Administrative Head of Brahma Kumaris, an international NGO, and a spiritual leader and teacher. For over 50 years, she has dedicated her life to self-transformation and service to humanity. Sister Jayanti has championed the co-operative role of spiritual organisations in creating a just and peaceful world. She has brought spiritual principles to the discussion tables of politicians, economists, business leaders, scientists and nearly every stakeholder of our times. Sister Jayanti sees the erosion of spiritual values as the underlying cause of the crises that the world is facing today. Philippa Blackham is an award-winning radio documentary maker and presenter. Having worked for BBC Radio for many years, she is now working for a national project ‘100 Women of Spirit’ which explores and celebrates the role of women and spirituality. Philippa has practised Raja Yoga mediation with the Brahma Kumaris since 1982.

There are many reasons for feeling fed up; it can be a general, temporary malaise but is sometimes a more permanent experience of frustration, emptiness, and a lack of meaning. It’s as if our energy is being drained away by the mundane, the inane and the endless demands from our roles. Our speaker this evening will explore how we can we live a more meaningful, purpose driven life that leaves us feeling fed and nourished internally. Speaker: Dorte Haun Nielsen works as a social worker in Aarhus, Denmark and has been practising Raja Yoga meditation since 2005. She helps to coordinate the activities of the Brahma Kumaris in Aarhus and is also involved in the planning and coordination of international retreats. Dorte approaches spirituality with warmth and lightness and brings a practical and authentic touch to the courses and lectures she conducts.

“You don’t attract what you want. You attract what you are.” Wayne Dyer Intentions are thought to be the energy that powers all our actions and even affect what we attract into our lives. When we honour our intentions as an expression of the integrity and strength of our character, success follows us like a shadow. So how do we become more aware of our deepest intentions and their impact, and what practical tools can we use to enhance positive outcomes? Speaker: Erik Larson Based in New York, Erik has been involved with the Brahma Kumaris for over 35 years. With a background in Civil Engineering and experience in property loss control for over 30 years, he blends the very practical with the very spiritual to achieve a common-sense way to look at life and to help others. Erik is a Director of the Brahma Kumaris (USA) and also BK representative to the United Nations. He is a member of the NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief and a member of the Committee of Religious NGOs. Erik is also a founding member on the Board of Directors of the Long Island Multi-Faith Forum.

Celebrating Earth Day 2024 There is a profound connection between the well-being of the soul and the health of our planet. Using ancient wisdom and modern insights our speaker, Grace Lopez-Charles will explore the root causes of both ecological and personal depletion and offer practical and contemplative approaches to re-hydrating the spirit and rejuvenating our world. Speaker: Grace Lopez Charles is a retired teacher, lecturer and researcher in the field of Mathematics. For the past 16 years she has been based in Ghana, West Africa, where she coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris there. She is one of three delegates representing the Brahma Kumaris at the United Nations Convention for Combating Desertification. For the past 18 months the team has been supporting the work of the Great Green Wall Initiative in Africa, through a monthly meditation focus on the Sahel region entitled: Peace Drops for the Great Green Wall.

Radical tolerance takes us beyond the state of just putting up with something, or even being super patient, and into the realm of unconditional deep appreciation of all that is, in every moment. This wisdom of the heart can be cultivated by understanding our true nature and the nature of reality and is the key to the inner freedom we all seek. Speaker: Enrique Simó is a professional executive coach and a facilitator in leadership development programs, helping senior managers and their teams meet their personal and professional goals in the business world and the educational field. He travels extensively lecturing on mindfulness, meditation, coaching and personal development. A student and teacher of Raja Yoga meditation for over 30 years, Enrique is a member of the national coordination team of the Brahma Kumaris in Spain and coordinator of the headquarters in Madrid.

A discussion on The Great Green Wall, Sustainable Yogic Agriculture and other Earth Restoration Projects across the World. With inspirational keynote speakers Ody-Marc Duclos and Sister Jayanti. With opening address by High Commissioner of India to the UK, H.E. Mr Vikram Doraiswami. Speakers: His Excellency Mr Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the UK, has a long distinguished diplomatic career, serving all over Asia, at the UN in New York and at the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi. He was appointed High Commissioner to the UK in September 2022. Ody-Marc Duclos, Vice President of the Green Heart Foundation, introducing the Great Green Wall, a major environmental and humanitarian international reforestation project, bridging Africa from the Atlantic to the Red Sea, bringing economic growth, stability and peace. The Foundation’s wide ranging projects include raising awareness and educating populations about resilience to the effects of climate change; promoting and developing agricultural activities in harmony with nature and respectful of the environment. Sister Jayanti, Additional Head of The Brahma Kumaris, introducing Sustainable Yogic Agriculture which supports thousands of farmers in India; enhancing crop performance, farmers’ emotional well-being and community resilience. Also introducing the BK Environment Initiative’s global projects and the understanding of the natural world as a living system that needs our care, engaging us in compassionate environmental choices that can be felt in all spheres of our lives. Moderator: Maris Tebecis has worked at the intersection of politics, industry and sustainability for over a decade. He served as an Australian diplomat for nine years and then co-lead RE100, the largest global corporate renewable energy initiative. He is currently Associate Director in the Climate and Sustainability practice at Global Counsel. Presenter: Birajith Baskaran is a member of the Brahma Kumaris COP team, contributing to panel discussions, raising awareness of the benefit of leading a consciously environment friendly lifestyle. He graduated in aerospace engineering and is a Performance Analyst at IAG Cargo. He has been meditating since he was 15. A collaborative event between the Brahma Kumaris, Yoko Forum and the Green Heart Foundation This event brings together two distinguished speakers of great vision and dedication whose lives and choices have for many years reflected their values and caring for the Earth.

We all want to be trusted and to trust others. Trust takes time to build but is easily shaken. It is the basis of successful relationships and agreements - in both a personal and organisational context. Most of us build trust by accumulating evidence of trustworthiness, and in daily interactions, this would seem sensible. However, on a different level, there exists a kind of trust which has its roots in an eternal knowing that all is well. Speaker: Wendy Farrington is a member of the national coordinating team for the Brahma Kumaris in Italy and an experienced and widely known speaker and teacher. Born in the UK in 1941, Wendy embarked on a very varied and colourful career which included being a member of the Olympic ski team for Great Britain, a dancer and choreographer in Rome, Las Vegas and Canada and even training and presenting a dolphin show in Paris. After coming across the Brahma Kumaris in Paris in 1982, Wendy went on to open the first Brahma Kumaris centre in Rome in 1984, where she is still based.

From the viewpoint of eternity, the ‘story of our life’, is actually only a chapter in the ‘story of our lives’. The characters we think we are meeting for the first time, are more often, souls we are reconnecting with for the spiritual progress of the soul. Many of our relationship struggles, challenges, joys and loves can be understood clearly once we see from the soul perspective. Urvashi Patel has been with the Brahma Kumaris from a young age. Originally from Bradford, Urvashi has become an integral part of the International Coordinating Office of the Brahma Kumaris in London. Her friendly and adaptable nature has led her to play a wide variety of roles which span from producing large scale public events to supporting the maintenance of BK centres across the UK. She believes her key to success is teamwork and creating harmony within everything she does.

“The problem was that in trying to be someone else I neglected to concentrate on the person I could be.” Charles Handy Conventional wisdom suggests that selfishness is to be avoided on a spiritual path and replaced by selflessness. However, we can’t hope to help others find and fulfil their potential unless we focus first on doing this for ourselves. This is “Proper Selfishness” – knowing, caring for, and cultivating our self. Only then can we discover our purpose and endeavour to embrace and embody who we are. Join us this evening for an exploration of this vitally important aspect of human existence. Our speaker, Geoff Marlow will take up: • What is meant by ‘Proper Selfishness’ in a spiritual context? • How do we balance pursuing our own goals whilst fulfilling our responsibilities to others? • What are the pitfalls and challenges? Speaker: Geoff Marlow has more than 35 years’ professional experience helping organisations throughout Europe, Asia and the US create cultures that enable them to flourish in an increasingly uncertain and unpredictable future. He has been a student and teacher with the Brahma Kumaris since 1990 and regularly conducts BK workshops, seminars and lectures around the world.

Synchronicity is an ever present reality to those who have eyes to see – Carl Jung Improbable coincidences take our breath away and make us feel that the hand of destiny is guiding us. How can we interpret the subtle language of synchronicity and how do we increase this magical, benevolent conversation between the universe and ourselves? Speaker: Philippa Blackham worked for almost 20 years as a producer and presenter for the BBC, including seven years at BBC Radio 4's 'Woman's Hour'. Since then, she has trained as an Interfaith Minister and now serves as a celebrant. She is part of a team that heads up the Media & Communication work of Brahma Kumaris, UK. She has practised Raja Yoga meditation for over 40 years.

Love and detachment may seem like polar opposites or perhaps a lofty ideal for committed mystics. But actually, life is calling all of us to love more deeply, and to go beyond the expectations, disappointments and complications which come with being attached. Based in Montreal, Eric Le Reste was with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, CBC/Radio-Canada, for more than 35 years. As a Journalist and producer, he worked for the main television news and current affairs programs within the French services. Alongside his career, Eric always maintained a special interest in spirituality, and for the past 40 years he has taught the meditation and philosophy offered by the Brahma Kumaris, an international organization for which he acts as the Canadian Coordinator.

It has been said that Parvati was listening to the story of immortality in order to become free... immortal... free from the burden of fear and sorrow. An afternoon of Sacred Darshan (Glimpse) of Amarnath, an Exhibition, plus an enchanting Stage Performance depicting the story of immortality - through live dances that bring the age-old tale to life and give us the wisdom to be fearless and conquer inner demons.

Celebrating International Women’s Day In a world of diverse cultures and perspectives it is more important than ever to navigate a path toward a future where everyone has a feeling of belonging and is valued and appreciated for their unique contribution. Samantha Fraser in an empowering conversation with Waltraud Idir exploring: · What are the barriers to inclusivity? · How do we break these down and build bridges that unite? · Tangible strategies to cultivate an inclusive mindset · What is your vision of such a world, what would it look and feel like? Speaker 1: Waltraud (Val) has practised Raja Yoga meditation for 20 years. She is passionate about self-empowerment and community cohesion. Based in Croydon, her professional background is in developing inclusive international projects in training, education and self-leadership as a consultant. Val is experienced in working with people from all backgrounds. Speaker 2: Samantha Fraser has been a primary school teacher for nearly 25 years. Although born and educated in the UK, she spent 20 years working in different countries in Southern Africa as a teacher and also coordinating activities for the Brahma Kumaris centres there. Samantha is currently based at the Global Retreat Centre in Oxfordshire.

There is no right or wrong behaviour. The only meaningful choice is between fear and love. - Gerald Jampolsky. The complexities in understanding behaviour arise from the multitude of perspectives and ideas that society, religion, and culture generate to maintain order and control. With the myriad influences that shape our conduct, there comes the age-old question: What defines the right behaviour? Jim Ryan has been a teacher, a headteacher, an HR trainer, and a management consultant. He has been a long-time student and teacher of meditation and spiritual philosophy. For over 40 years, he has been a student and teacher of Raja Yoga Meditation with the Brahma Kumaris. Throughout the UK, Jim has supported numerous students and teachers of the Brahma Kumaris. Currently, he contributes to the activities at the Global Retreat Centre in Oxford. Jim has authored six books, including "Dialogues of a Silent Mind" and "In the Stillness – Meditations to Read." For the "Lights of the World" animation, please use the following link: https://brahmakumaris.uk/resources/watch/ or https://youtu.be/8Ml4udVlxoI

The traveller with a small bundle over their shoulder is an image many of us savour. We often long for lightness, which we lose through inner and external complications, carrying burdens of the past and future in our heads and hearts. To be able to live in the moment, responding wholeheartedly to people and situations in front of us, treading lightly on the earth and trusting in the good that lies before us - all these are keys to travelling light. Join us for a special encounter with a ‘light traveller’ and learn the secrets of ‘travelling light’. Rekha Vallishayee has been a keen meditator since her teens. Thirty years on, her love for silence and her gentle, compassionate nature bring a stability, clarity and calm that is very evident in her presence, responses and relationships. Originally from India, Rekha is now based at the Brahma Kumaris UK co-ordinating office in London where she is a key member of the IT team and helps to co-ordinate Tamil service.

By the end of January most people will have given up on their New Year's resolutions. Why is that? How do habits of a lifetime form, and why is it so difficult to change them? Habits have many levels and faces. In a sense they are just energy, taking one form or another. Give up a habit and more often than not it will manifest in another form. How can we be creative and use the energy that has fuelled our bad habits for something useful, something beneficial? Speaker: Mathias Steffen Mathias lives in Switzerland and is a stress and resilience coach and a former headmaster. Since discovering Raja Yoga during his travels in India, Mathias has found that by practically applying a spiritual perspective in his life, he has been able to deal with all sorts of people and challenges in a positive way. Mathias coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris Centre in Zurich and is part of the National Coordinators Team in Switzerland.

So many languages, so many modes of expression in our world today. They create connections between us but also barriers to affinity and understanding. The language of the heart transcends these barriers and connects us at some deeper level which also touches the divine. Speaker: Lotta Arbman Mostly based in Stockholm, Lotta is the National Coordinator for Brahma Kumaris in Sweden. At heart, Lotta is an inquisitive dreamer with an artistic background in illustration and painting. For some 13 years, Lotta has been able to combine her creative flair with her administrative skills as Secretary to the Spirit of Humanity Forum. The Forum is a platform for leaders to discover new and innovative ways to move forward, based on deep human values.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is advancing so rapidly as to bring warnings of an ‘existential threat’, in which super-intelligent robots turn against their human creators. But doesn’t the future of humanity lie within us, rather than in our machines? Speaker: Neville Hodgkinson is an author and journalist who specialised for much of his career in writing about science and medicine. He has been a student of Raja Yoga for more than 40 years.

The creative mind evolves in silence Genius cannot arise through education or training. A genius stands apart from others connected in silence with their inner wellspring of original thought, perception, and skill to emerge words, images, music, and interpretations of the meaning of life that have not been seen before. A genius is an instrument of the divine creative force that flows through expressing what sustains the hungry spirit. Denise Lawrence has been a student and teacher of Raja Yoga for 50 years. She has established centres of the Brahma Kumaris Spiritual University in Europe and North America. An author and broadcaster, she is based in France and travels widely offering talks and retreats on spirituality and meditation.

We shall find peace. We shall hear angels. We shall see the sky sparkling with diamonds. Anton Chekhov Throughout history and in many cultures the existence of angels has been a source of fascination, comfort and delight. They are often portrayed as other worldly beings, helpers of God, whose nature is divine. Their qualities and virtues are frequently experienced as a reassuring presence of light and love. In this talk, we will explore who or what angels are, how they work and what their special role is at this time. Perhaps you might even find that the angel in you is waiting to be revealed... Speaker: Maureen Chen is a native of Sydney, Australia, and is currently the Co-ordinator of the Yarra Valley Living Centre, a retreat centre near Melbourne. She is the author of a book: Mystic at the Edge, a Western Woman Coloured by Asia, a deep and reflective spiritual travelogue of her own journey. Maureen has coordinated meditation, leadership and spirituality-based activities and projects in over 50 countries for more than 40 years.

When you think of 'homemade' what comes to mind? Making the Christmas decorations you saw on Blue Peter? Or the rich smells and tastes as you helped prepare the fruit cake and mince pies for festive family gatherings? Just as we feel so good when we remember our homemade creations, can we just as lovingly learn to craft our inner happiness and not depend on external things to bring that warm inner glow? In this evening's talk, Yogesh Sharda will explore our tendency to outsource our happiness (and unhappiness!) and share how happiness, like our homemade things, is actually in our hands! A student and teacher of Raja Yoga meditation for over 40 years, Yogesh has been a Personal Development trainer and workshop facilitator for over 20 years. He has presented seminars, workshops and courses for businesses, hospitals, universities, youth organisations and local community groups throughout Europe, Asia, Australasia, the USA, and Central and South America. Currently based in Istanbul, Yogesh coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris in Turkey.

Developing flexibility and strength are essential ingredients in the training of gymnasts and dancers. However, increased flexibility without a corresponding increase in strength can result in injury. In the fitness world, both have to be balanced to maintain posture, efficacy and health. In this talk, our speaker will explore how we can understand and develop these same attributes to meet our everyday challenges. Judi Rich works as a graphic designer and fitness instructor. She also coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris in Calgary which is her hometown. Though the intensity and activity of fitness and the stillness and silence of contemplation may seem incompatible, Judi has found that the opposite is true...that they actually enhance each other and create a sense of well-being.

How can we bring the light into our world and keep our inner light shining? Candle lighting, dance, wisdom, and insights with Sister Jaymini in conversation with Loveena Tandon - Foreign Correspondent, Speaker, and Presenter for the India Today Group in London. Loveena Tandon is one of India’s most respected journalists, an award-winning producer-director, and a documentary film maker. With more than twenty years of experience reporting, presenting and programming for TV channels including the BBC and for leading Indian TV brands. Loveena is Foreign Correspondent for the India Today Group in London. She broadcasts currently for Aaj Tak and for Headlines Today, the largest news networks in India, in both Hindi and English. She has also hosted more than two hundred editions of her weekly Chai Chat with Loveena show, debating and discussing hot economic, cultural and political topics of the day with a panel of guests. The show is a particularly big hit on the diaspora channels in the United Kingdom. Sister Jaymini has been a student, teacher and an experienced meditator with the Brahma Kumaris for the past 40 year. She is the main co-ordinator for community outreach in the UK and the facilitator of activities in the Midlands was well as London. Sister Jaymini is a tireless and dedicated worker who is often described as a catalyst in whose presence things begin to happen and the impossible truly becomes possible. She is the Director of Brahma Kumaris Publications in London, as well as the representative of the Brahma Kumaris on the Diwali in London committee which is composed of twelve Hindu organisations based in London UK.

How can we bring the light into our world and keep our inner light shining? Candle lighting, dance, wisdom, and insights with Sister Jaymini in conversation with Loveena Tandon - Foreign Correspondent, Speaker, and Presenter for the India Today Group in London. Loveena Tandon is one of India’s most respected journalists, an award-winning producer-director, and a documentary film maker. With more than twenty years of experience reporting, presenting and programming for TV channels including the BBC and for leading Indian TV brands. Loveena is Foreign Correspondent for the India Today Group in London. She broadcasts currently for Aaj Tak and for Headlines Today, the largest news networks in India, in both Hindi and English. She has also hosted more than two hundred editions of her weekly Chai Chat with Loveena show, debating and discussing hot economic, cultural and political topics of the day with a panel of guests. The show is a particularly big hit on the diaspora channels in the United Kingdom. Sister Jaymini has been a student, teacher and an experienced meditator with the Brahma Kumaris for the past 40 year. She is the main co-ordinator for community outreach in the UK and the facilitator of activities in the Midlands was well as London. Sister Jaymini is a tireless and dedicated worker who is often described as a catalyst in whose presence things begin to happen and the impossible truly becomes possible. She is the Director of Brahma Kumaris Publications in London, as well as the representative of the Brahma Kumaris on the Diwali in London committee which is composed of twelve Hindu organisations based in London UK.

Celebrating World Kindness Day My religion is kindness - Dalai Lama Kindness is contagious and, as scientific research confirms, it brings the giver, the receiver and even an observer the gifts of health and happiness. Every religion and faith teaches its followers to be kind and even nature has its own way of showing kindness. So what are the elements that make up kindness, where does it spring from, and are we sometimes just too busy to be kind? Speaker: Valériane Bernard was born, lived and studied in Paris. From a young age Valériane foresaw that only genuine personal engagement between people could create a quality of life in the human family. This insight led her to an active spiritual life from the age of 25 committing to peace through meditation and creating tools of awareness to advance the condition of women, promote fair relationships with our environment, resolve workplace disharmony and through interfaith gatherings within the community, broaden cultural understanding. Valériane has made her home in six countries and is fluent in four languages. Currently living near the France-Switzerland border, she continues to build bridges of understanding between cultures as the Brahma Kumaris’ representative to the United Nations in Geneva.

Often, we only begin to live when we are faced with life-changing illnesses or dying. Yet this transition can also be riddled with unmanageable fears that may never come to pass. Valuable time and energy is spent as we approach this uncharted territory with concern. Join Dr Raksha Balbadhur, who has had the honour to personally journey with and learn from so many as she shares her personal insights on this topic. Dr Raksha Balbadhur is a Medical Doctor who has specialised in palliative medicine for over twenty years. She holds a masters degree in ‘The Dignity Experience of Patients with Advanced Disease’ and is a board member of local and national palliative medicine bodies. Raksha’s main aim is to bring meaning and peace to the lives of her patients at the most challenging time of their lives. She is also a student and teacher of Raja Yoga meditation.

Get up, go to work, go home, go to bed, get up, go to work… Are you living life on repeat? Doing what’s easy, what’s familiar? Or are you living the life you want? Doing what you love, doing what really matters to you? Live your life with purpose and it’ll give you direction and focus, and make life more meaningful and joyful. Well, it’s a nice concept, but is it realistic, is it a myth? What if you don’t have the opportunity to find and follow your purpose? Join us for strategies on how to live more purposefully and make your life matter. Gabrielle Martin leads the Service Programs Department of the Brahma Kumaris in Australia. She is based at the BK retreat centre in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales and regularly facilitates retreats on a variety of self-empowerment topics and meditation. Gabrielle also works as a Strategic Planner in social development and enjoys the practical benefits of incorporating the subtle art of meditation into these contexts.

Being a responsible person is usually a good thing – indeed others often see you as a committed, dependable and trustworthy type who can always be relied upon. But how can we tell when the scales tip to being over responsible? What might be the practical signs that we are compulsively taking on more than our fair share? How do we go about rightsizing an inflated sense of responsibility so that we can restore balance and harmony to our lives? Valerie Bowker has been practising Raja Yoga meditation for over 20 years. She has a background in education and is currently co-ordinating activities at the Brahma Kumaris centre in Leeds. Valerie is a warm and engaging presenter with a deep interest in personal development and communication.

A special event for World Values Day Our speakers focus on the plight of refugees, who urgently need our support now. Each is an inspiring example of what can be achieved when we are motivated by the value of love. Charles Fowler chairs the Human Values Foundation, which uses positive values to promote young people’s social and emotional development, helps run the UK Values Alliance, and is project partner of the Collaborating Centre for Values-based Practice for Health and Social Care at Oxford University. He is the Coordinator of World Values Day. Gulwali Passarlay is the author of the best-selling book ‘The Lightless Sky - A Twelve-Year-Old Refugee’s Harrowing Escape from Afghanistan and His Extraordinary Journey Across Half The World. An award-winning activist and campaigner, Co-Founder of My Bright Kite CIC and member of Afghan Refugee Expert Network in Europe (ARENE), Gulwali is a passionate advocate, humanitarian, and spokesperson for refugees and asylum seekers across the UK and Europe. Georgeanne Lamont has worked for many years as an organisational facilitator, mindfulness teacher and mentor introducing spiritual and global awareness and values into education, businesses and public services. She is the founder of the Values and Visions Project and co-founder of The Values and Visions Foundation, author of The Spirited Business and co-author of Values and Visions and Values and Visions – Engaging students, energising teachers. Georgina Long is the UK Interfaith Co-ordinator for the Brahma Kumaris working with the different faith traditions at a local and national level. In this capacity, she leads on the City of Sanctuary Award (faith stream) working with refugees and refugee organizations in the UK. A wise and compassionate person, she has worked as an education coordinator in a top security prison and a volunteer trainer in a hospice. John McConnel is a stress management trainer and former prison governor and social worker. He has been studying and teaching Raja Yoga meditation with the Brahma Kumaris for over 30 years. John has a strong interest in the practical application of spiritual principles and insights in daily life. He is the author of Breaking Through The Darkness: how to defeat depression, anxiety and stress - a spiritual perspective.

Recognising World Mental Health Day Life today is stimulating to live through for some, but can bring anxiety and stress for others. So often people don’t know how or where to go to access support when such situations arise. Challenges can feel insurmountable, especially if a person is also experiencing mental health issues. Time and space are crucial to recovery, but are there some particular mental attitudes and practices that can really help? Acceptance is a crucial factor in recovery for many people. Join our panel for a three way conversation, on managing mental health against a background of spiritual practice. Dr Kala Mistry, who has been practising Raja Yoga meditation and working in mental health since 1992, will be exploring some perspectives and solutions with Meena Haeems, a mother, sharing from her own life and work experience and Elaine Horne, a retired mental health nurse and psychotherapist.

With constant news of violence across the borders and the dining tables of the world, it’s easy to despair of the human condition. It can also be easy to see the violence of others, but not the micro aggressions in our own thoughts, words and actions. With emerging proof of the spiritual web which connects us all energetically, the advice of Gandhi to be the change we want to see, has never been clearer or more pertinent, that In every moment by choosing peace, we are creating a world of peace, within and ultimately without. Speaker: Ash Patel Ash is a practitioner of Raja Yoga meditation and its teachings having realised the transformative power of meditation and the impact of good wishes. With compassion and heartfulness, he continues to learn and actively integrates these teachings into all aspects of his life, to bring about meaningful and practical changes.

A roadmap is a useful guide on a journey, if you know how to read it. But a wise navigator is alert to unexpected detours and obstacles but also to new, maybe surprising possibilities. So what kind of compass or guide do we need and what should we carry with us so that our relationships can become harmonious and enriching? Speaker: Erik Larson Based in New York, Erik has been involved with the Brahma Kumaris for over 35 years. With a background in Civil Engineering and experience in property loss control for over 30 years, he blends the very practical with the very spiritual to achieve a common-sense way to look at life and to help others. Erik is a Director of the Brahma Kumaris (USA) and also BK representative to the United Nations. He is a member of the NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief and a member of the Committee of Religious NGOs. Erik is also a founding member on the Board of Directors of the Long Island Multi-Faith Forum.

Celebrating the UN International Day of Peace Without peace at the centre of our lives, we direct our energy towards achieving goals which we then hope will give us peace, security, relaxation. When our life is powered by peace, we are free to use our energy towards service, creativity and fun. How can we bring peace into our every thought, word and action, and what will happen when we do? Judy Johnson works as a consultant facilitating leadership and organisational development. She has practised Raja Yoga meditation with the Brahma Kumaris for 26 years and coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris in Atlantic Canada. Judy is an author and co-founder of ‘Peace Halifax,’ a festival for peace in the city of Halifax, Canada. Her books include a young adult novel “The Seven Secrets of the Universe"(2014) "Beautiful Thoughts"(2019) and co-author “A-Z Spiritual Literacy"(2016) "Living as Art" (2018) and "Return to Source: The God Experience.” (2020) Link for Judy Johnson’s YouTube Channel: Golden Drops of Peace for A Beautiful World https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhGVtIOXdJA&list=PLjIM3szDrOdQcG4CaQYxMHvfvxRmStuC4&index=28 Link for Brahma Kumaris Halifax: Peace Halifax - Eye of the storm meditative concert https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZNtuTNHsxo&list=PLjIM3szDrOdQcG4CaQYxMHvfvxRmStuC4&index=29

Self belief is a power that works from deep inside and makes for a fulfilling life. However, it needs to come from a true and authentic place. Our speaker will explore those beliefs that limit our capacity and choices and will offer simple and creative ways to transform them. Speaker: Mark Fleming Mark has been a student and teacher of meditation for over 30 years. He is currently based at the Brahma Kumaris Global Retreat Centre near Oxford but prior to that he was part of the team at the Lighthouse Retreat Centre in Worthing. Mark has a keen interest in understanding the effect our consciousness has on both our personal future as well as the future of the world. He shares these discoveries with lightness and depth.

The Samurai of old in Japan lived according to an ancient code of virtue and discipline. The Inner Samurai therefore becomes a powerful symbol when inquiring into the topic of self-mastery as many of the virtues required for life as a samurai are essential to us all as we deal with everyday challenges. Through stories and lived experiences, Tamasin will share some of the key lessons she has learned as a martial artist and as a meditator and explore how we can apply these simple lessons to enhance our own flexibility and resilience in our daily lives. Tamasin Ramsay is an Australian anthropologist and former actress. After an early and successful career in television and film, Tamasin switched tack and worked for some years as a paramedic before turning her talents to the study of anthropology and health at Monash University in Melbourne. More recently she worked as a senior policy advisor to politicians in support of animal justice and currently lives in a remote forest refuge and wildlife shelter in Western Victoria. A keen meditator with the Brahma Kumaris since her late teens, Tamasin also had a passion for the martial arts and earned her black belt in Gōjū Kai karate after winning a number of national and international titles. Having lived the codes of these two life strands together, Tamasin learned that many of the lessons of spiritual wisdom are reflected in the traditional teachings and practical requirements of martial arts.

Driven to Distraction Whether it’s our inner drive to avoid personal pain and problems or social media platforms competing for our attention, keeping focus and awareness firmly in our own hands is the key to peace and happiness. Once we truly observe the contrast between feeling driven and distracted and relaxed and focused, we can learn to choose what really satisfies over mere distraction and shallow entertainment. Based in Montreal, Eric Le Reste has been with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, CBC/Radio-Canada, for more than 35 years. As Journalist and producer, he has worked for the main television news and current affairs programs within the French services. Alongside his career, Eric has always maintained a special interest in spirituality, and for the past 40 years he has taught the meditation and philosophy offered by the Brahma Kumaris, an international organization for which he acts as the Canadian Coordinator.

The Special Nature of Friendship Friendship is a Sheltering Tree - Samuel Taylor Coleridge Friendship is such a powerful and strong bond, one that often lasts longer than any other relationship. Being close and supportive whilst remaining yourself is one of the essentials of being a good friend, but as with most relationships, work is still required to create and sustain meaningful friendships. So what does this look like and can we count God as our best Friend? Wendy Farrington, is a member of the national coordinating team for the Brahma Kumaris in Italy and an experienced and widely known speaker and teacher. Born in the UK in 1941, Wendy embarked on a very varied and colourful career which included being a member of the Olympic ski team for Great Britain, a dancer and choreographer in Rome, Las Vegas and Canada and even training and presenting a dolphin show in Paris. After coming across the Brahma Kumaris in Paris in 1982, Wendy went on to open the first Brahma Kumaris centre in Rome in 1984, where she is still based.

Hoping To Be Heard One of the most common laments in relationships is that of not being heard. The desire to be heard and understood runs deep, and is the foundation of good communication. However, instead of blindly hoping, it’s worth considering: Do I truly hear or do I ignore my own inner voice? Do I seek to understand others before being understood myself? And do I communicate in ways that make it easier for others to hear me? By learning how the spiritual laws of energy work, we can stop hoping and start listening, hearing and connecting to others effectively and authentically. Speaker: Masana De Souza has an extensive background in coaching, counselling, facilitation and mediation. She has been studying and teaching Raja Yoga meditation for 18 years and is also a facilitator for Values in healthcare: a spiritual approach. Masana has a warm and engaging manner which reflects astute insights and a deep compassion for people."

Inside a Champion’s Mind It’s commonly believed that to be champion of a game like tennis, we need to be super ambitious, focused, and relentless in our pursuit of victory. We have to ‘keep our eyes on the prize’. However, most champions speak of being in the zone, a state of heightened consciousness where only the present moment exists. How does a champion chase a goal and still be present focused? And what can they teach us about how to play the game of life? Neville Hodgkinson, author and journalist, will be interviewing Barbara Griffiths on the ins and outs of staying on top of the game. Barbara Griffiths has been playing tennis for over 40 years. Between the ages of 10 and 18 she was a top ranked junior in Britain, winning numerous tournaments. Barbara turned professional after finishing her A-levels and played the Women’s Tennis Association circuit for two years, including singles and doubles at Wimbledon in 1991. A year later she changed track, studying architecture in Nottingham and Oxford, and now manages some major projects for Reading University. After about 15 years of not playing competitively, Barbara returned to county and national level tennis and has had many recent tournament successes with some of her county team mates, including winning the over-40’s National and European Club Team championships in 2022.

Living in a world of fake food, pollution, soul draining social media, and demands from every direction, it’s not surprising that many of us are experiencing constant tiredness. However, just as a lotus thrives in mud, individuals who have connected with their true selves and their higher purpose, can live in this same world, yet be inspired, enthused and energised from a place that coffee can never take us! How can we let go of habits that drain us, and tap into the sources that restore our inner and outer energy? Speaker: Lotta Arbman Mostly based in Stockholm, Lotta is the National Coordinator for Brahma Kumaris in Sweden. At heart, Lotta is an inquisitive dreamer with an artistic

Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India but is now practised in various forms around the world. Recognizing its universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga and we are dedicating the Thursday talk to this special event. Mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita, Raja yoga, is the King of all yoga’s - the highest journey of meditation one can take to achieve full self awareness and self mastery. Our speaker this evening, Gopi Patel, will be sharing her wisdom and experience on this fascinating subject, and what it takes to fulfil the journey of complete self realisation. Gopi Patel is an international speaker and spiritual educator. A practitioner of Raja Yoga meditation with the Brahma Kumaris, for over 40 years, she travels extensively, emphasising spiritual values and growth as an essential ingredient in sustainable social, economic development and organisational effectiveness. In this capacity, she has spoken and run seminars on government platforms, ministries, businesses, social organisations and NGOs worldwide. With her roots in Africa, India and Europe, she is a unique blend of learnings from both eastern and western education and culture. She has over 25 years of experience co-ordinating various projects promoting the inner principles of leadership, for young leaders, women leaders, senior executives and thought leaders from diverse fields.

From being deeply connected to seed, soil, sun, water and the unseen energetic magic that gifts us with food on our plates, humanity has reached a place where pesticides, mono-crops and fast food are destroying our food chains and our health. Food links us to the earth, to our bodies, and to each other in a sacred symbiotic dance that sustains the experience we call ‘life’. Join us for this fascinating and inspiring talk which will change your perspective on food forever. Dr David Fletcher has been a social justice educator and advocate for over 35 years. He has worked with community groups, universities and NGOs in Canada and in many countries in Africa and Asia. He is deeply committed to revitalising a harmonious relationship with the natural world and all other living beings on this planet. His current research interests are in indigenous knowledge, community resilience and food sovereignty. David has been practising Raja Yoga meditation since 2002.

Why worry! Worrying is like walking around with an umbrella waiting for it to rain Wiz Khalifa Is worry written into life? It seems like it, if we have responsibilities, aims, if we love people. It’s said that if you’re not worried, you don’t really know what’s going on. And the news which bombards us daily, certainly feeds this acquired habit. Worry occupies a whole spectrum from occasional butterflies in the stomach to full-blown anxiety and is very expensive in terms of health and general wellbeing. Interestingly, the word itself derives from an Anglo Saxon word meaning to strangle or choke. So how can we stop worrying and start wising up? Join our speaker for this evening, Dr Kala Mistry, to unravel some of the threads in this pervasive habit and discover ways to move from worry into a loving concern. Dr Kala Mistry has been working in mental health as a community psychiatrist and studying Raja Yoga since 1992. She was the editor of the Janki Foundation for Global Health Care newsletter from 1999 to 2016 and a co-author of Values in healthcare: a spiritual approach, a training and educational resource for health practitioners. Kala conducts workshops for health professionals and the public on the themes of personal development, empowerment and spiritual values and has a longstanding interest in how thoughts and feelings affect wellbeing. Thursday 25th May 2023 7.00 - 8.00pm

Most of us will need a little, or maybe a lot, of help at some point in our lives, whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual. In infancy this is both natural and necessary but in adulthood asking for help can feel like an imposition which can cause unnecessary struggling, as we avoid it at all costs. The offering of help can also carry many associated risks: such as the fear of appearing condescending, creating dependency and so on. There are so many hidden influences that can get in the way of healthy, good natured exchanges of giving and receiving. Our speaker, Marcelo Bulk will unpick some of these issues and explore what it means to be a friend in need and to receive help graciously. Marcelo has been associated with the Brahma Kumaris for 40 years and is the National Co-ordinator of the University’s activities in Colombia. He has worked as a business consultant and facilitator with several major companies in Latin America, Asia and Europe and is currently associated with the Union Consulting Group in Colombia and the Oxford Leadership Academy (UK). Marcelo lectures internationally on topics related to self-leadership, human values and meditation and is the author of The Pathway towards Leadership published in Spanish and Portuguese.

Probably most of us have experienced the feeling of rejection, even abandonment, at some time in our lives. A judgemental look, not being included, acknowledged or accepted can trigger deep beliefs that we aren’t good enough and hurt us in surprising ways. How can we build our resilience to rejection and be unashamedly our authentic selves no matter where we are or whom we are with? Maria Moreno has been a Raja Yoga practitioner and lecturer for more than 30 years. She coordinates the Brahma Kumaris centre in Valencia and is a member of the National Coordinating Team in Spain. Maria integrates her professional work as a Univers

Life is simpler for ourselves and others when we know how to create and maintain healthy boundaries. A boundary isn’t a 'no'. Rather it's a heart-felt 'yes' to ways of going about our everyday lives that are based on practical wisdom, respect and empowerment. A lively conversation between Rosemary Turberville-Smith and Christine Bell on this significant yet sensitive topic. Rosemary Turberville-Smith has spent many years abroad and her work has ranged from being an air hostess to running a busy MP's business office. Rosemary is a key player in supporting the activities in Global Co-operation House in London, where she studies and teaches Raja Yoga meditation and is part of the administration team. Bringing up a family and someone else's children brought its own set of problems but on discovering the Brahma Kumaris, Rosemary found a new perspective and focus in her life. Rosemary has a very warm and open personality and a wealth of insight and experience to share. Christine Bell has been a student and teacher with the Brahma Kumaris for over 30 years She is currently based at the National Co-ordinating office of the Brahma Kumaris in London where she is mainly responsible for organising and introducing their Thursday talks. Christine is a member of the Raja Yoga teachers group and gives occasional talks in London and around the UK which are renowned for their blend of humour, honesty and insight. She is the mother of three grown up children and grandmother of four.

A special evening with master yogi Charlie Hogg exploring the power of Love Our intellectual abilities help us handle the external world but often fall short when it comes to navigating the internal world, a world oftem dominated by an overactive mind, anxiety, feelings of self-doubt or a sense of superiority. When we cease to identify with our agitated mind, and drop into being, we experinence our true nature of love. In that stage, fear doesn't even have a side but melts away, leaving only love. Charlie Hogg, Director of Brahma Kumaris Australia, has been practising and teaching meditation for over 40 years. A senior teacher of the Brahma Kumaris, he has visited more than 80 countries as a speaker at international conferences and public programs. From his own experience, he believes meditation is an extraordinary tool to maintain mental, emotional and spiritual health in a world increasingly challenged by anxiety, stress and depression.

Many of us start off our day or even our lives skipping joyfully along the path of discovery only to trudge home at night laden with the worries of the world, compressing our backs and spirits into a distorted painful limp. How do we decompress stress in such a way that, not only do we feel renewed and refreshed but we stop picking up extra baggage in the first place? Speaker: Mathias Steffen Mathias lives in Switzerland and is a stress and resilience coach and a former headmaster. Since discovering Raja Yoga during his travels in India, Mathias has found that by practically applying a spiritual perspective in his life, he has been able to deal with all sorts of people and challenges in a positive way. Mathias coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris Centre in Zurich and is part of the National Coordinators Team in Switzerland.

Heroism is not only in the man, but in the occasion Calvin Coolidge Evidence of human greatness is all around us; whether it’s a professional going way beyond the expected, a parent who sacrifices personal comfort year after year or seemingly ordinary people responding to crisis situations in an extraordinary way. But what are the essential qualities underpinning heroism and are there common elements and experiences in unplanned acts of heroism? Join our speaker, Judy Rodgers to explore this fascinating topic Judy has spent much of her working life in media and as a consultant and communication strategist, working with businesses and universities. The emphasis in her work has been on the power of narrative, how the questions we ask ourselves and the stories we tell ourselves affect our life journeys. In 2004 she co-founded the Center for Business as Agent of World Benefit at Case Western Reserve University. In 2007 she co-authored a book on altruism called Something Beyond Greatness: Conversations with a Man of Science and a Woman of God. Since 2006 Judy has lived at the Brahma Kumaris’ Peace Village Retreat Center in the Catskill Mountains, north of New York City.

Conscience truly is that friend who gently or not so gently prompts us in the direction of our highest good. In fact a form of ‘conscience therapy’ suggests that most of our personal dilemmas can be solved by heeding its call. Whether it is improving health, relationships, mental well-being or finding our higher purpose, conscience faithfully guides us, and even if ignored, still waits in the wings for us to recognise it as the voice of truth that can truly set us free. Speaker: Rachel Priestman Rachel’s varied career has spanned librarianship, urban regeneration, PR and marketing, events and arts management - and a few other things in between. She currently volunteers with the Brahma Kumaris at Global Co-operation House in London, where she helps with media and public engagement activities.

Trusting the Journey If you feel impatient to move beyond obstacles and reach your destination as soon as possible, your very impatience can keep you stuck on a plateau. Each relationship, situation and moment contains the perfect conditions to unlearn the deceptions that keep you from seeing that the journey is timeless, and the destination is constantly present. Speaker: Linda Lee is based in Brighton from where she coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris in the locality. Linda has travelled to many countries around the world sharing her enthusiasm for the practical yet simple way of life that the Brahma Kumaris wisdom teaches. She has a deep love for truth and always speaks from her own experience with refreshing honesty and humour.

Regaining Inner Strength Whether it’s changing a detrimental habit or facing new or challenging situations; when we lack inner strength, everything feels like a struggle. Our speaker this evening will explore how we can cultivate our mental and spiritual strength and build the resilience needed to successfully navigate the ups and downs of everyday life. Speaker: Hans Haiert Hans has been a student of the Brahma Kumaris since 1990 and helps in the coordination of the Munich Centre since 1995. He also assists with BK service on a national level in Germany. His speciality is to look at this spiritual knowledge from the universal perspectives of science, psychology and philosophy. Hans has shared his insights in lectures and seminars in more than 40 countries. A qualified lawyer, specialising in environmental laws, he also holds a degree in economics.

Colourful and vibrant are words we use to describe people whose energy brightens our day. However, when we forget our true selves and get stuck in negativity it’s as if we’ve turned down the brightness level on our soul, and we get stuck in a black, white and grey world. Since colours are frequencies, what does it feel like to be living the full spectrum of our true selves? Speaker: Shantanu Mandal is a graduate in Fashion Design from the prestigious National Institute of Fashion Technology in Kolkata, India and also holds a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. Shantanu is passionate about values and how they can be lived and applied in the fields of education, well-being, youth and the environment. In 2019, Shantanu was one of seven youths to be funded by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to attend COP 25 in Madrid. Since then he has been representing the Brahma Kumaris Youth at a number of high profile environmental conferences. Shantanu is currently living and volunteering for the national coordinating office of the Brahma Kumaris in London.

Embracing Equity - From the Inside Out Honouring the theme of International Women’s Day In humanity’s journey towards higher consciousness, we are witnessing the birth of a compassionate human family which seeks for all to survive and thrive as equals. Equality however, isn’t just the result of a society that makes room at the table for all, it is an eternal truth, which if recognised by the heart, makes equity a natural expression of our deeper spiritual kinship. Join Jane Kay in conversation with Sarah Trueman Jane first started meditating with the Brahma Kumaris in Brazil in 1981. She spent time in Brazil, Florida and Costa Rica co-ordinating activities for BK centres. Jane is currently a Teaching Fellow at the University of Leeds. She is a warm, engaging and insightful speaker with a wealth of experience. Jane enjoys sharing the wisdom contained within the teachings of Raja Yoga and the benefits of their practical application in her life. Sarah is an engaging facilitator with a light hearted and down to earth approach. She enjoys sharing the methods she uses to experience self-esteem. Sarah has been a student of Raja Yoga meditation for over 20 years, creating self-development workshops both for the Brahma Kumaris and as a self employed trainer and coach in the public and private sectors. She currently facilitates and coordinates events and social media for the Brahma Kumaris in Leeds.

As the atmosphere of spring enters the soul, the desire arises to clear off the weeds, nourish the soil and plant seeds with the hope of creating a future landscape of colour, fragrance and beauty for all to enjoy. Such predictable abundance of nature, echoes the richness of our own inner being and the inspiration and impulse for growth. Speaker: Georgina Valentine With a background in the arts and a lifelong interest in the natural world, Georgina has explored the connection between the inner and outer worlds through meditation, work in the community and creative activities. Now based in Hebden Bridge in Yorkshire, Georgina spent 25 years helping to co-ordinate BK activities in Sheffield.

We spend over one third of our life sleeping. Sleep is not only comforting but is essential for our physical and mental well-being. Yet over a quarter of the population report having poor quality sleep. The media have even coined a term for it: junk sleep. Too much stimulation, worry and anxiety are some of the main culprits. In this talk explore the mysterious world of sleep along with some practical tips to secure a more soothing snooze. Now based in Leeds, Joanna Kitto is the co-ordinator of the Brahma Kumaris activities in the Isle of Man. She formerly worked as a Psychology lecturer for over 25 years in Hong Kong and the Isle of Ma

In 2022, a new word ‘permacrisis’ emerged to describe the wave of political, economic, social, health and environmental crises that are erupting all over the world and challenging us in our everyday life. Not surprisingly, many people are feeling insecure, fed up, SAD (Stressed, Anxious or Depressed) or blue. In this evening’s talk we will explore alternative ways to support our mental, emotional and spiritual health, lift our spirits and give us hope. Speaker: John McConnel is a stress management trainer and former prison governor and social worker. He has been studying and teaching Raja Yoga meditation with the Brahma Kumaris for over 30 years. John has a strong interest in the practical application of spiritual principles and insights in daily life. He is the author of Breaking Through The Darkness:how to defeat depression, anxiety and stress - a spiritual perspective.

Those who live in the past talk of significant others who became less significant over time. Those who live in the present consider the significant other to be the person in front of them right now. Those who live in eternity will look to the One Significant Other, who is always with them, alongside all the others as they come and go. That One is truly significant and though sometimes elusive and mysterious, considers you a significant other too. Speaker: Maureen Chen is a native of Sydney, Australia, and is currently the Co-ordinator of the Yarra Valley Living Centre, a retreat centre near Melbourne. She is the author of a book: Mystic at the Edge, a Western Woman Coloured by Asia, a deep and reflective spiritual travelogue of her own journey. Maureen has coordinated med

We tend to make mistakes when we are off centre, rushing, anxious. And if we don’t know how to respond in a constructive way to these mistakes, they can multiple until we are overwhelmed and completely off course. But with the right response, it is possible to get back on track and we may even find that mistakes are the making of us. Speaker: Dorte Haun Nielsen Dorte has been practising Raja Yoga meditation since 2005 and works as a social worker in Aarhus, Denmark. She helps to coordinate the activities of the Brahma Kumaris Centre in Aarhus and is involved in planning and coordinating local and international retreats. Dorte brings a light, practical and authentic touch to the courses and lectures she conducts.

An Evening of Conversation & Meditation It's easy to compromise on our humanity and that of others when we're preoccupied with meeting our basic needs. A Compassionate response to life's challenges can be hard to hold on to. When our inner compass is guided by our natural goodness, we inherently live with care and respect - nothing and no one can take that away. Can we hopeful for a more dignified world? One without war or poverty? Equal of opportunity? No Suffering? Brahma Baba, the founder of the Brahma Kumaris, had an unwavering fath in humanity and our ability to change the world for the better. This event honours the vision and faith he had and we invite you to join us to explore what we can do as individuals to rekindle human dignity. With Sister Jayanti, Sudesh Didi, Glynis German and Nina Buchanon.

Life is a series of mini-deaths and new beginnings. Year by year, and even moment by moment, scenes, roles and relationships are embraced and then fade away. Life by its very nature is transient and yet sometimes we find it difficult to let go and move on. Join Ash Patel to explore how we can fully savour the richness of each experience in life without holding on and welcome a bright future free from shadows of the past. Ash works as a Sales leader in the IT industry. He is an experienced practitioner of Raja Yoga meditation and its teachings having realized the power of meditation and good wishes. With compassion and heartfulness, he continues to learn and apply its practical application across all aspects of his life, to bring about transformative change.

Something or someone has just upset you: a perceived injustice, a disappointment or a flash of jealousy, maybe. When an emotional storm is raging inside us, it seems we have two options. We either ‘express’ - let it all out, speak our heart, but often the repercussions double our trouble. Or we ‘suppress’ - keep it all in, allow it to fester and ferment and risk creating serious illness in the long term. Is there a third way? By ‘processing’ the emotions, checking the reality of the thoughts that are fueling the fire inside us, perhaps we can ultimately find the truth that sets us free. Speaker: Radha Gupta Radha is a meditation teacher based in Rome, Italy. She was introduced to Raja Yoga during her childhood in India where she grew up. She deepened her practice in the UK and subsequently in Italy where she currently coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris centre together with her work at a Rome-based UN Agency.

Whether it is blaming circumstances or blaming people this widespread habit of making others responsible for the difficult things that happen to us is endemic in today’s world. But is this blame culture helpful and what do we stand to lose by playing it? Our speaker, Erik Larson, will explore the deeper reasons behind this common but complex habit and share practical ways to move on to more enriching and rewarding responses. Speaker: Erik Larson Based in New York, Erik has been involved with the Brahma Kumaris for over 35 years. With a background in Civil Engineering and experience in property loss control for over 30 years, he blends the very practical with the very spiritual to achieve a common-sense way to look at life and to help others. Erik is a Director of the Brahma Kumaris (USA) and also BK representative to the United Nations. He is a member of the NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief and a member of the Committee of Religious NGOs. Erik is also a founding member on the Board of Directors of the Long Island Multi-Faith Forum.

Everything that we can measure fluctuates, whether it is our bank account, waist measurement or popularity. Abundance doesn’t have a number, but it does have a frequency. And once we tune into it, we truly break free of the fear of lack, loss and limitation; and ultimately start to dwell in a state of joy and abundance, no matter what life gives or takes away. Sister Dr. Jenna is the author of the recently released book Meditation: Intimate Experiences with the Divine through Contemplative Practices, which includes over 30 contributing authors. As an acclaimed, trusted spiritual mentor she is committed to bridging divides in societies and building relationships between global influencers. She is the founder and director of the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museum, located in the metropolitan Washington D.C.area, host of the popular America Meditating Radio Show and recipient of the President’s Lifetime National Community Service Award. Websites: www.MeditationMuseum.org & www.AmericaMeditating.org

Honouring World Kindness Day It is a well-known phenomenon that humans mirror each other. Kindness is contagious, you can’t help but pass it on, and when you do, the first person to benefit is you. Kindness offers the giver, receiver and even an observer of it, benefits of health and happiness. And yet it seems to be in increasingly short supply. Our speaker, Neville Hodgkinson, will describe discoveries that have allowed him to increase his own KQ – his Kindness Quotient. Neville is an author and journalist who specialised for much of his career in writing about health and medicine. His books include I Know How to Live, I Know How to Die – the Teachings of Dadi Janki, and Will To Be Well - the Real Alternative Medicine. He is a Raja Yoga practitioner with the Brahma Kumaris and lives at the Global Retreat Centre, Oxford.

In Wayne’s Dyer’s movie ‘The Shift’, he talks of the morning of our lives being a youthful time of egoistic pleasure and power seeking. Whereas the afternoon, when we mature, we shift into living with purpose and meaning, in service to others. This shift, is essentially one of perspective. From fear, survival and scarcity into love, abundance, faith and cooperation. Our speaker, Eric le Reste, will explore the understanding behind and importance of perspective and share his practical experience of making the Shift. A journalist, producer and award winning documentary maker, Eric has been with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, CBC/Radio-Canada, for more than 30 years. Throughout his career, Eric has always maintained a special interest in spirituality and serves as the National Coordinator for the Brahma Kumaris in Canada. He participates in various international projects, including ‘Images and Voices of Hope,’ a project dedicated to inspiring new restorative narratives in the media.

Lack of vitamin D eventually causes all sorts of physical and mental struggles. We need sunlight to survive and thrive. It’s the same with the soul. Without light, and the clarity, energy and inspiration it gives us, we start to operate as if we were existing miserably in the dark with no power. We don’t need to wait for summer to absorb this vitamin D, we just need to throw open the curtains on our minds anytime and let it in. Speaker: Elizabeth Padilla is a meditation teacher and practitioner with over 37 years of experience with Raja Yoga Meditation. She lives at the Brahma Kumaris Anubhuti Meditation & Retreat Center just north of San Francisco, California, where she manages the programming and retreats. She is a gifted actor and singer, trained at the American Conservatory Theatre. A facilitator in the Appreciative Inquiry method and Self Managing Leadership, she now designs and facilitates retreats, seminars, and workshops for personal development.

When you work with love you bind yourself to yourself, to one another, and to God Kahlil Gibran In Gibran's famous prose he paints a beautiful and powerful picture of what it is to work with love. But what if you hate what you are doing? Should you simply leave it and follow your dream, or learn to love what you do. Maybe neither seems possible. Our speaker this evening will explore this common and complicated dilemma which many of us face. Speaker: Rachel Priestman Rachel’s varied career has spanned librarianship, urban regeneration, PR and marketing, events and arts management - and a few other things in between. She currently volunteers with the Brahma Kumaris at Global Co-operation House in London, where she helps with media and public engagement activities.

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a celebration of the homecoming and of regaining the lost sovereignty - very relevant to the current times and highlights our own story of victory of good over evil. Join us for a very special event - a lively conversation on the spiritual significance interspersed with reflective moments.

The world is a web of inter-locking, interactive communities of interest through which we fulfil our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs and connect with others in ways that give greater meaning and purpose to our life. This evening we will celebrate the essence of three very different but exciting communities where people feel valued and respected and able to make a contribution to making the world a better place. The UK Values Alliance and Brahma Kumaris (UK) are delighted to invite you to join two special online events exploring and celebrating this year’s theme of COMMUNITY – the theory and practice of how to create powerful, positive communities in which people feel valued, accepted and heard in a world that often rides rough-shod over our humanity. Contributors: Zina Manda is the compassionate co-founder and owner of an award-winning community café situated in a medical centre in an area of London challenged by poverty and isolation. The Lounge Café is mainly staffed by volunteers in need of work experience and provides high quality, freshly cooked meals at affordable prices. It also runs a pay-forward scheme to feed customers who have no money; offers classes on how to eat well and cook on a budget and supports asylum seekers and others in a variety of ways. Onjali Q. Raúf is a dynamic, multi award-winning children’s author and women’s and refugee human rights activist. She is the founder and CEO of Making Herstory which works to end the abuse, enslavement and trafficking of women and girls in the UK, and O’s Refugee Aid Team which mobilises aid convoys and funds to help frontline refugee response teams across northern France and beyond. She is the author of six books, including the Sunday Times bestseller The Boy at the Back of the Class. In 2019 she was listed as one of BBC’s 100 most influential women from around the world. This year she was awarded an MBE for her services to women’s rights and children’s literature. Daxa Shah is the inspiring co-ordinator of ‘Inner Space Wembley’ – a community centre that supports individuals, local communities and businesses to cope with the stresses of life today through a variety of free self development courses, talks and raja yoga meditation. In 2014, she was recognised by the Mayor of Brent as a ‘Community Champion’ for her service to Wembley’s ethnically diverse population. She works tirelessly with the local authority as a Multi-Faith representative.

Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.” – Howard Zinn A conversation between faith leaders and scientists sharing their vision of a flourishing and sustainable world. Many people now recognise that as citizens of planet earth we are living through a critical moment of choice as we wake up from the slumber of materialism and profit at any cost. Whilst our efforts have been focused on turning back the clock in order to reverse the damage done, perhaps the time has now come for a radical re-think, a re-envisioning of how to create a world in which we can all thrive. This event, as a contribution to The Great Big Green Week, brings together faith leaders and scientists to share their vision of what a flourishing and sustainable world would look like, along with practical insights as to what we can do to get there. Dr. Thomas Bruhn is a physicist leading the transdisciplinary research groupTransformative Spaces and Mindsets (TranS-Mind) at the Institute of Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) Potsdam.Dr Bruhn is also leading a project to explore how the transformation of mental paradigms and specific qualities like mindfulness and compassion can be integrated into processes for sustainability. Before joining the IASS he did research on semiconductor nanomaterials in Berlin, Rome and Marseille. He is also a member of the German Association of Scientists (VDW). Philippa Blackham is a journalist and radio presenter. Having worked for BBC Radio 4 in the UK for many years she now coordinates a national project, 100 Women of Spirit, which recognises the spiritual contribution to society made by women. She is an ordained Interfaith Minister and student of Raja Yoga Meditation with The Brahma Kumaris. Canon Giles Goddard has been Vicar of St John’s since September 2009. He is Chair of the Inclusive Church and is closely involved in helping the Church of England to be more fully inclusive. He is chair of Faith for the Climate which aims to support interfaith work on climate change and is a member of the Church of England’s Environment Working Group. He has also written a book: “Space for Grace – creating inclusive churches”. Maureen Goodman is the Programme Director for the Brahma Kumaris UK and the Brahma Kumaris representative at the United Nations, Vienna. Maureen’s work with the spiritual and ethical dimensions of climate change explores the nature of harmony and the connection between our inner state of being and the state of our Earth. She was a member of the BK delegation to COP 26, contributing to workshops and dialogues on the ethical and spiritual dimensions of climate change. She also contributes to the Spirit of Humanity Forum, a platform for leaders to discover new and values based ways to move forward. James Mair is Emeritus Professor of Marine Biology. He has done 40 years of research and teaching activities at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, together with collaborative research projects on marine biodiversity studies in various countries in Latin America. He is interested in the connection between human spirituality and its practical application in ecological sustainability activities. Prof Mair has been a guest speaker at Brahma Kumaris side events at the UN Convention on Biological Diversity COP14 in Egypt in 2018 and at the recent UN Oceans 2022 conference in Lisbon.

To be a true seeker of truth it is necessary that at least once in your life, you doubt, as far as possible, all things. Rene Descartes In a world plagued with 'post-truth' and false news, for the person who awakens through disillusionment, life becomes filled with meaning. Presenter: Jude Pemell will explore the paradoxical nature of reality and truth, skepticism, and enlightenment in life as we know it. Jude is a Sydney-based writer, filmmaker, and forensic psychotherapist with more than three decades experience in her field. She has been meditating since 1983.

Why we all express envy, resentment and hate …eventually! We are all violent at some stage in our life. It seems no one is exempt. It may not become physical but remain at the emotional and mental levels. Sometimes referred to as self sabotage, it separates couples, breaks up families, diminishes performance at work and makes some lawyers rich! But why is it inevitable? Tonight Mike will mark the International Day of Non-violence with an exploration into what makes some people think and act violently as well as how to transform both the impulse and the intention. He explores: • The origins of all violence • The different expressions of violence • Why is violence on the increase throughout society • How to cultivate the nature of non-violence Mike George is an author of 16 books, including Don’t Get MAD Get Wise, Being Your Self and The 7 Myths About LOVE. With insight and humour he brings together the three key strands of the 21st Century - self-awareness, emotional intelligence and continuous unlearning. J.Krishnamurti once said: “When you call yourself an Indian or a Muslim or a Christian or a European, or anything else, you are being violent. Do you see why it is violent? Because you are separating yourself from the rest of mankind. When you separate yourself by belief, by nationality, by tradition, it breeds violence. So a man who is seeking to understand violence does not belong to any country, to any religion, to any political party or partial system; he is concerned with the total understanding of mankind.”

A person without a sense of humour is like a wagon without springs. It’s jolted by every pebble on the road. Henry Ward Beecher Humour has the power to bring people together, smooth interactions and help us to overcome challenging or even potentially embarrassing situations with a light touch. But humour can also be divisive and be wielded at the expense of others. So where does humour spring from and how can it be used as a means of uplifting others along with enhancing our own ability to heal and navigate through life with equanimity? Speaker: Mathias Steffen Mathias lives in Switzerland and is a stress and resilience coach and a former headmaster. Since discovering Raja Yoga during his travels in India, Mathias has found that by practically applying a spiritual perspective in his life, he has been able to deal with all sorts of people and challenges in a positive way. Mathias coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris Centre in Zurich and is part of the National Coordinators Team in Switzerland.

No, may be a grammatically complete sentence but most of know that when we use it, the recipient’s raised eyebrows, or expectant expression, has usually led us to on to justifying our ‘no’ and sometimes even reneging altogether. How can we feel comfortable with a straight and simple no? How can we create healthy boundaries in our relationships, without getting defensive or aggressive? And how can accept the No’s of others, without feeling offended or rejected? Speaker: Lotta Arbman Mostly based in Stockholm, Lotta is the National Coordinator for Brahma Kumaris in Sweden. At heart, Lotta is an inquisitive dreamer with an artistic background in illustration and painting. For some 13 years, Lotta has been able to combine her creative flair with her administrative skills as Secretary to the Spirit of Humanity Forum. The Forum is a platform for leaders to discover new and innovative ways to move forward, based on deep human values.

Anxiety is a state of dis-ease, which disturbs our peace of mind, spoils our relationships, damages our health and takes the joy out of living. It is an understandable but not inevitable reaction to living in a world which seems to be spinning out of control. A chronic sense of indecisiveness, uncertainty, self-doubt and apprehension are all indications that a major shift of perception, rather than a temporary shift in circumstances may be required if we are to regain our natural state of calmness and live more from love rather than from fear. Join Marcelo Bulk to explore what you can do – or not do - to become free from anxiety! Speaker: Marcelo Bulk Marcelo has been associated with theBrahma Kumaris for 38 years and is the National Co-ordinator of the University’s activities in Colombia. He has worked as a business consultant and facilitator with several major companies in Latin America, Asia and Europe and is currently associated with the Union Consulting Group in Colombia and the Oxford Leadership Academy (UK). Marcelo lectures internationally on topics related to self-leadership, human values and meditation and is the author of The Pathway towards Leadership published in Spanish and Portuguese.

Talanoa fosters stability and inclusiveness in dialogue, by creating a safe space that embraces mutual respect for a platform for decision making for a greater good.” UNFCCC website. Join the Brahma Kumaris in partnership with Faith for the Climate as a contribution to London Climate Action Week, with a special focus on Africa, on the road to COP27. Inspirations from key speakers. Maureen Goodman is the Programme Director for the Brahma Kumaris UK and the Brahma Kumaris (BK) representative at the United Nations, Vienna. At COP26, she contributed to workshops and dialogues on the ethical and spiritual dimensions of climate change. Canon Giles Goddard has been Vicar of St John’s since September 2009. He is Chair of Faith for the Climate, which endeavours to support faith communities in their work on climate change, and is a member of the Church of England’s Environment Working Group. John Ndiritu is a Professor of Water Engineering in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand. He is a keen meditator and has been conducting research on the effect of consciousness on water and its applicability to sustainable farming. Take part in one of the group dialogues: Fair and Resilient Climate Transitions Adaptation and Ambition Inspiring Effective Climate Action Restoring our Sacred Relationship with the Land

A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you. Elbert Hubbard Instant access social media interactions can never replace the delight, depth, comfort, and sustaining security of face-to-face, heart-to-heart friendship. Yet how often do we have the opportunity for such quality interactions in today’s busy, fragmented world? What do we need to do in order to create meaningful friendships and nurture those bonds so that they endure over time? Speaker: Aruna Ladva Aruna’s first encounter with spiritual truths and experience of meditation was at the age of 8. Her deep personal experiences led her to realise her purpose by the time she was 14. For over 37 years Aruna has been practising meditation and has become an accomplished spiritual author. She also has her own blog. Aruna is fortunate to have the blend of two cultures – the East and West! She was born in Kenya, educated in England, worked in Canada, and has lived in various other parts of the world and travels regularly to India. Aruna is an experienced and dedicated teacher of Raja Yoga meditation and has helped to establish centres in Canada, Turkey, Bahrain and Kuwait. She is currently based at the Global Retreat Centre near Oxford.

In this world of rivalry and competition true cooperation is something rare. Whether it is at work, at home or in the community, cooperation is an essential ingredient which fosters unity and a sense of belonging. However, sometimes it seems that the more we try to cooperate the more resistance we meet. Find out how we can overcome barriers to cooperation both in ourselves and others and create the conditions in our lives for cooperation to naturally emerge. Speaker: Helen Sayers A school teacher by profession, Helen’s work has taken her to many different countries including England, Kenya, Swaziland and Canada. Her passion for integrating values into teaching and learning led her to become part of the Living Values Education movement and to become a trainer in the LVE experiential approach. Helen later founded and directed Oasis Life-Skills Training Company in Oman where she provided capacity building workshops at various educational and government organisations. Helen now spends her time between France and her native Jersey where she helps to care for her elderly parents.

Our world has been led in some pretty dark directions, not by leaders inspired from within, but by those under the influence and impulse of the ego. Let’s stop waiting for a lone wolf hero to save the day, and become our own leaders, by defining and then living according to a higher purpose, vision, mission and values and becoming the changes we wish to see in the world. Speaker: Ken O’Donnell Ken O’Donnell is a dynamic, stimulating speaker and a widely experienced consultant who has lived and worked extensively on five continents. Ken has a natural ability to question common assumptions in the business and personal development contexts in order to stimulate 'out of the box' thinking and greater creativity. Using an empathetic and supportive approach, he has coached individuals, teams, public figures, and executives to help them deal calmly and sensitively with the challenges of working in a complex world whilst managing the issues that sustainable development brings to all. Ken's wealth of experience within so many different cultures has given him the skill to help and motivate others thus enhancing leadership skills, building resilience and improving productivity and communication at all levels.

Yoga means to yoke, to connect, to be at one with out higher selves or witht he highest Source. But how do we know when we are connected or disconnected? We feel it! Emotions come and go, as the scenes of life change, but the feelings of a yogi are of a different realm altogether. Come and find out how to feel the soul, through the beautiful inward journey of yoga. Sister Jayanti has been a dedicated practitioner and teacher of Raja Y oga for over 50 years. She is the Additional Administrative Head of The Brahma Kumaris and their NGO representative at the UN in Geneva. She works tirelessly to promote positive human, spiritual values to all sectors of society. Her wise and compassionate insights shine a light of clarity and relevance on the complex issues of today.

When someone says: ‘Just forget it’, it’s easier said than done. Those old hurts buried inside can easily get triggered again and again and when the mind gets distressed, forgiveness and forgetting seem far away. In this evening’s talk our speaker will explore how we can finally learn to let go, soothe our hearts and move on. Speaker: Belinda Westcott Belinda is a member of the National Coordinating team of the Brahma Kumaris in South Africa and is currently based in Port Elizabeth. Belinda has overcome many challenges in her life and speaks from her own experience with great clarity and authenticity.

It’s a popular spiritual cliché, that we are human beings not human doings. But when the tasks and demands seem endless, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, and then confused about priorities. Often it’s our own needs that end up at the bottom of the to-do list. How can we stay on top and stay calm, even if the world won’t stop for us? Speaker: Margaret Barron Margaret has been studying Raj Yoga meditation with the Brahma Kumaris for 30 years which has supported change in all areas of her life. She has particular interest in how transformative thinking and personal practice work together to make spirituality practical for everyday living. She has a degree in Adult Education & Training and works as an Empowered Living Consultant.

Going around in circles sounds like a nightmare for anyone focused on getting somewhere. However sometimes, in our rush to get ‘somewhere’ we end up going in circles. Although annoying, it is also important, as it helps us to discover what we missed the first time around. For a linear mind the circle feels like an obstacle, but for a wise soul, the circle is the way forward. Speaker: Matthew Earl Matthew is a science graduate and former ‘spiritual sceptic’. An interest in self-development led him to explore meditation, and he began teaching to pass on insights and techniques that he used to quietly take all areas of his life to a completely different level. He takes simple & profound methods that work practically, and communicates them to great effect. Now based in London, Matthew teaches Raja Yoga meditation through courses, talks, and workshops.

Meditation is always very personal; the practice is more an evolving relationship than a technique...and it's easy. Gudrun Duwe offers simple and practical approaches that inspire experimentation. Speaker: Gudrun Duwe Gudrun loves meditation. She has practised Raja Yoga meditation for over 30 years. Gudrun is part of the team at the Global Retreat Centre near Oxford, where she lives, works and teaches. Known as a down to earth practical person she enjoys grounding her spirituality with hands on garden work.

Everything can be taken from a man but for one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given situation, to choose one’s own way. Viktor Frankl We live in a complex, fast changing and increasingly materialistic world in which many people find themselves in very vulnerable situations – people for whom loss of dignity is both a fear and a reality. What is human dignity? How can dignity be kept alive when the going gets tough? What is the deep basis of dignity? Speaker: Maureen Goodman Maureen is the Programme Director for the Brahma Kumaris (UK) and oversees the University’s activities in such areas as education, youth, women’s issues, interfaith dialogue and the environment. She is the University’s representative at the United Nations in Vienna. Sister Maureen is a member of the Executive Circle of the Spirit of Humanity Forum, a platform for leaders to discover new ways to move forward, based on deep human values. She travels widely giving lectures on themes related to spiritual development.

When working separately, the mind can become cold and calculating, and the heart can be warm but naïve and disempowered. However, when these two apparent opposites come together in harmony, we can find the path to a truly balanced and fulfilling way of being. Speaker: Ash Patel Ash is a practitioner of Raja Yoga meditation and its teachings having realised the transfomative power of meditation and good wishes. With compassion and heartfulness, he continues to learn and apply its practical teachings across all aspects of his life, to bring about transformative

A thought is like a seed from which a whole tree grows Launching a very practical, accessible and beautifully designed book inspired by the sharings of the late Dadi Janki, Spiritual Head of the Brahma Kumaris. The evening will take the form of a conversation between the author and compiler Juliette Polle and the co-editor, Amita Heeralall. Juliette Polle Juliette is a retired nurse of 25 years. She came across the Brahma Kumaris in 1998 and really loved the concepts taught in the Positive Thinking and Meditation sessions, which she later went on to teach. She is an enthusiastic and creative person with a big and generous heart in helping others to empower themselves. Juliette has 3 children and 6 grandchildren and is an active and engaging member of her community. Amita Heeralall Ami is a self-motivated individual whose aim is to bring a positive energy into every task. A brand and marketing expert by profession, she has been practising Raja Yoga meditation for over 20 years and plays a key role in the work of the Publications department in Global Co-operation House. Ami’s main focus is to help people to slow down and look inwards, so that they can discover their true innate beauty. Only I, the thinker, has the power to control my mind

Belonging finishes all kinds of longing According to Abraham Maslow’s famous hierarchy of human needs, a sense of belonging is essential to human happiness. However, in the name of acceptance, fitting in, and filling that need, we can often end up losing ourselves. How can we be true to ourselves, and belong in the broadest sense, not to a select tribe, but to the whole of humanity? Speaker: Mara Gomes Mara graduated in Languages and worked as a teacher in High Schools, Language Schools and private and state companies. She is also a translator. Mara has been practising and teaching Raja Yoga meditation for 37 years and is the National Coordinator for the activities of Brahma Kumaris – Academy for a Better World in Portugal. As an international speaker she has been sharing spiritual knowledge through courses, workshops, retreats and lectures in many different parts of the world.

From choosing a toothpaste, to choosing a partner or a spiritual path, our lives are a map of all our past decisions. Many of our decisions are influenced by fears, wishful thinking, others’ expectations and impulse rather than intuition. How can we learn to discern the best way forward, and make decisions using a balance of head and heart? Speaker: Yogesh Sharda A student and teacher of Raja Yoga meditation for over 40 years, Yogesh Sharda has been a Personal Development trainer and workshop facilitator for over 20 years. He has presented seminars, workshops and courses for businesses, hospitals, universities, youth organisations and local community groups throughout Europe, Asia, Australasia, the USA, and Central and South America. Currently based in Istanbul, Yogesh coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris in Turkey.

Imagine having no patience, imagine having unlimited patience. How do we move from one to the other? Patience has a strong support network in the form of qualities such as love, peace and perseverance but also formidable opposition forces, especially in our fast paced, instant satisfaction society. Can true patience and tolerance be developed with practice over time or does it always exist as a power to be used in the present? Speaker: Enrique Simó is a professional executive coach and a facilitator in leadership development programs, helping senior managers and their teams meet their personal and professional goals in the business world and in the educational field. He travels extensively lecturing on mindfulness, meditation, coaching and personal development. A student and teacher of Raja Yoga meditation for over 30 years, Enrique is a member of the national coordination team of the Brahma Kumaris in Spain and coordinator of the headquarters in Madrid.

Join us for a conversation with three guests who share the same study and meditation practice. They come from very different backgrounds, each with their own experiences and perspectives on facing loss. Marina Cavic Marina and her mother escaped the war in Bosnia in 1992 and came to the UK as refugees. Responding to a strong pull, Marina returned in 2013 to open the first branch of the Brahma Kumaris in Bosnia Herzegovina and now coordinates BK activities in that country. Marina has a deep love for truth, spreading universal values and practical methods for transformation that can help people become more stable, stronger and more deeply connected to their inner peace. She loves to teach courses in self-respect, stress-free living, authentic communication and meditation. Lernor Findlay Lernor was born in Jamaica to hardworking and loving parents who instilled in him the importance of education and along with that, good manners and self-respect. Growing up, he observed the differences between up-town and down-town existence which created a deep interest in how different communities live and the cement which holds them together. Lernor came to the UK aged 21 but within a year received the devastating news that his mother had died, bringing to the surface how much he missed his cultural home. After working in many different occupations Lernor pursued a degree in Social Anthropology leading finally to Social Work in which he worked until retirement. Lernor has been a student of Raja Yoga for over 20 years. Rosemary Turberville-Smith Born in England, Rosemary was three when she went to Beirut, Lebanon with her family. Aged 10 they moved to Persia, as Iran was then known, attending the American Community School in Tehran which brought her into contact with a truly multi-national group. Rosemary has spent many years of her life abroad and her work has ranged from being an air hostess to running a busy MP’s business office. Bringing up a family and someone else’s children brought its own set of problems but discovering the Brahma Kumaris gave her a new perspective and focus. Rosemary is currently based at the UK national co-ordinating office where she studies and teaches Raja Yoga meditation and is part of the administration team. Facilitating the conversation will be Dr Kala Mistry who has been studying Raja Yoga and working in psychiatry for 30 years.

Is justice just a mental construct or is it something that our souls recognise as a fundamental principle or truth? Although it appears that people get away with murder, literally, every day, the account keeps tabs, and often the payments are made in ways and at times that none of us can calculate. How does karma actually work, and how can we keep ourselves from going into the red? Speaker: Moira Lowe Born and educated in Argentina, Moira Lowe was a surgical nurse and also studied Museum Administration out of her passion for art. In 1986 Moira met the Brahma Kumaris at their headquarters in Mt. Abu, India. She is currently the director of the Brahma Kumaris centres in Argentina and has helped to establish meditation centres in several countries in South America. Moira travels around the world leading personal development and meditation seminars for organisations in the fields of government, business health and education. She is very cheerful and light and lives by the deep conviction that life is a wonderful game that we play. Love for truth, love for the Human Family and love for God are her driving force.

Some Native American Indian tribes give a special position of peace holder to one member of their community. No matter what form of chaos or tribulation was facing the tribe, that person’s job was to remain completely undisturbed. Being like the calm eye of a storm, such a person would influence the whole community. The world needs many such peace holders. Marcia Osbourne has been studying Raja Yoga meditation for more than 30 years and is currently based at the Brahma Kumaris Lighthouse Retreat Centre in Worthing. Until recently, Marcia worked for 13 years as a teaching assistant in a Pupil Referral Unit for teenagers aged from 11 to 16 years. An extremely demanding and high risk atmosphere which required her to accommodate a variety of behaviours/syndromes. Marcia runs weekly meditation sessions for the Lighthouse Centre and is also involved in the activities of the Croydon BK Centre. Carolyn Vetter, who is based in Derby, has been a student of the Brahma Kumaris for over 20 years and now focuses on personal development for herself and others. A former accountant, now retired, Carolyn is a mother and grandmother. She is also part of the events team for the Leicester BK Centre. In her personal, family life and business situations, Carolyn has often been called upon to stay calm in challenging times.

The feeling of being out of control, which lies at the heart of the stress, drains our energy, damages our health, spoils our relationships, and can leave us feeling a victim of life, not knowing where to turn, or what to do. In this evening’s talk we will explore ways of reducing the pressure and restoring a sense of peace and calm in the mind. This will help us to feel more in control of our life and seek positive solutions to the challenges we face. Speaker: Mathias Steffen Mathias lives in Switzerland and is a stress and resilience coach and a former headmaster. Although he was lacking nothing in life, for some inexplicable reason his inner happiness began to fade away more and more. On a long journey of search through Asia, Matthias discovered Raja Yoga meditation in India, which gave him back the key to his inner resources. In his many years of experience as a school director, he learned through a new spiritual perspective and with meditation how to deal with all sorts of people and challenges in a positive way. Mathias coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris Centre in Zurich and is part of the National Coordinators Team in Switzerland.

Detachment is often seen as an unhealthy factor in dysfunctional relationships. But what if this works the other way round? Greater detachment, means, rather than identifying someone or something as the source of our well-being, we live in the truth that we need nothing. Rather than leading to isolation, it is this true detachment that allows the soul to shine through, and enables us to be consistently loving and cooperative. Speaker: Sharona Stillerman has been a student and teacher of Raja Yoga meditation for more than 38 years. She is director of the Brahma Kumaris, Israel. Sharona was born in Wisconsin and studied in the USA and France. She opened the first Brahma Kumaris Center in Boston, USA, and for 15 years worked as a senior lecturer in English at Boston University. She is currently based in Israel but also travels extensively internationally, leading meditation and self-empowerment programs.

Marking the International Day of Happiness. You’re only human, sins of the fathers, original sin - these concepts have infiltrated our consciousness to explain our flaws. But whenever we smile, help another or think a happy thought, our bodies respond with health and happiness-inducing chemicals. Goodness feels good, so perhaps we should explore a new human narrative about our divine nature and origins, which despite appearances has never truly abandoned us.

Bias is a hot issue that flags up social attitudes which depend on preconceptions and attitudes considered correct for centuries. When unfairness, abuse and crimes against women are no longer completely hidden from view, then people start paying attention and questioning. Gender bias is as old as the oldest religions and cultures. The issue is not about making men and women the same, but it is a matter of social and legal systems that treat women as objects rather than as people, thereby denying women basic human rights. Simone de Beauvoir’s ground-breaking book, The Second Sex, published in 1949 describes the issue in minute detail. After 70 years of efforts to counteract systemic and institutionalised unfair and ill treatment of women we still have a very long way to go. Our speaker, Denise Lawrence, will define the spiritual laws that give key information for redressing the balance. Without this clarification, issues of gender bias will remain contentious, and attitudes are unlikely to change. Denise has been a student and teacher at the Brahma Kumaris for nearly 50 years and has established and coordinated many BK centres all over the world. She is a popular writer and broadcaster who has prepared a Diploma course in Education in Values and Spirituality which is now being taught at several Universities in India and Asia. Her powerful book Siamachy has been published in many languages. Denise lives in Munich, Germany but travels widely offering seminars, lectures and retreats on subjects related to spirituality, meditation and the convergence of spiritual and psychological inner work.

Mahashivratri – the Grand Night of Shiva is a major Hindu festival, celebrated in February/March. It symbolises the possibility of humanity overcoming sorrow and ignorance. Our topic this evening acknowledges the present state of darkness, uncertainty and untruth in our world while looking towards the dawn of openness, harmony, honesty and most of all light - in all its forms and meanings. Maureen Goodman is the Programme Director for the Brahma Kumaris (UK) and oversees the University’s activities in such areas as education, youth, women’s issues, interfaith dialogue and the environment. Sister Maureen is the University’s representative at the United Nations, Vienna and a member of the Executive Circle of the Spirit of Humanity Forum, a platform for leaders to discover new ways to move forward, based on deep human values. She travels widely giving lectures on themes related to spiritual development.

Resentment, revenge, bitterness, hopelessness, are amongst the feelings that can emerge when we feel challenged by the actions of others. Our instincts may compel us to protect or attack, and yet our freedom from suffering lies not in taking revenge, but by giving. By giving understanding, compassion, forgiveness, we ultimately give ourselves the gift of an open loving heart and the chance of healing and moving forward. Speaker: Neil Jordan Neil is a business and mindset coach who has been practising meditation since 2001. He was first introduced to meditation by his Mum who was worried about the destructive path of drink and drugs that he was on. Through a regular meditation practice Neil has been able to transform his life from one of hopelessness to one of purpose. He shares deep knowledge in a very practical way.

There are a million books to help you fulfil your personal vision of success but sometimes when our best efforts don’t seem to work, or success seems hollow, we are moved to question whether our efforts are focused in the right direction. Or, even if success itself, the whole concept of it, is to be found in a place far, far beyond any glass ceiling. Speaker: Philippa Blackham Philippa Blackham is an award winning documentary maker and radio presenter. Having worked for BBC radio for many years, including 7 years as staff reporter and presenter for ‘Woman’s Hour’ on BBC Radio 4, she is now working on a national project ‘100 Women of Spirit’ which explores and celebrates the role of women and spirituality. Philippa has practised Raja Yoga meditation with the Brahma Kumaris since 1982.

DOWNLOAD CHAT BOX SCRIPT: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14wiiuGOMBv77FWAp0YOjzyn9qw7XJ03n/view?usp=sharing Books/Music mentioned at the end of the event can be found at: www.inspiredstillness.com The LOVE SURROUNDS YOU Album can be bought here: https://www.inspiredstillness.com/product/love-surrounds-you-by-lucinda-drayton/ A mind, body and spirit event for people living with cancer and their care-givers The diagnosis and treatment of cancer is one of the great challenges that can face us as human beings. It has a huge impact on everyone involved because it brings us face to face with our mortality, often at a time when we least expect it. So what is the best way to face it? How can we care for ourselves in such a manner that we are able to turn a potential tragedy into a triumph? Join us for an afternoon of reflection, insights, tips and tools to help us make the journey through cancer an empowering and rewarding experience. Contributors include: Lernor Findlay, cancer survivor, retired social worker and meditation teacher. Dr Sunil Gupta, Consultant Haemato-oncologist and Clinical Director of Haematology and Cancer at a London hospital. Tessa Guy, Founder of The Diamond Project - a programme of healing and Self-transformation. Damyanti Patel, Cancer survivor and retired nurse with 47 years of nursing, health promotion and developing cancer services. Priti Wasnik, Raja Yoga meditation teacher who has worked with cancer patients in the community

Every time you say ‘I’ you might be telling a lie. It’s hard to fathom the idea that there is no one home. But it may be true. It’s not an easy lie to see. But tonight Mike explores and explains why every time you say ‘I’ you are affirming an illusion you learned a long time ago. Mike George is an author of 16 books, including Being Your Self, Don’t Get MAD Get Wise and The 7 Myths About LOVE. With insight and humour he brings together the three key strands of the 21st Century - self-awareness, emotional intelligence and continuous unlearning.

The last few years have made us aware of the climate, health, financial and political malaise around us. Yet whilst we may have been distracted by the drama of it all, our inner world is still waiting for our focused attention. Can 2022 be the year for a Super Vision, a time to get super clear about ourselves and our unlimited potential and what is blocking this? Join master yogis Sister Jayanti and Sister Manda who will share from their personal experience and understanding, this Super Vision for the self and humanity and therefore the possibility of a better world for us all.

When we have a clean heart and understand how the law of 'action' truly works, we have the best chance of enjoying the game of life, and all the consequences we bring back to ourselves. As a whole we can see the consequences of these on our dear planet and why people and governments across the globe are now seeking to address the need to change our habits and actions so the earth and humanity can flourish again. Let us explore how in any situation we need to stop justifying our negative emotions as right or necessary, and how nothing and nobody is to be blamed. Brother Shantanu will explain how this journey starts within each individual and how it is the time to strengthen our inner being so we can align our actions with our original benevolence. Speaker : Brother Shantanu, Mount Abu, India Brother Shantanu calls the entire planet his home, although he is based in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India. He lives within the community of Brahma Kumaris, a socio-spiritual organisation in Mount Abu.

By celebrating children's day we remind ourselves that there is a child inside each one of us. Celebrating the innocence we all have in our hearts. A conversation between Sister Geetha, Southall and 7 Stars

It’s often said that everyone is looking for love in all the wrong places, and that we need to look within to find it. However, although turning within and tuning into to the frequency of love is definitely the starting point, we experience love most powerfully when we share it. When we recognise that love is a verb - a capacity rather than a commodity - we stop looking for it. Instead, we start choosing to express it, in its myriad forms, in any given moment, with all living beings. This is how we create a life full of love. Speaker: Marcelo Bulk Marcelo has been associated with the Brahma Kumaris for 38 years and is the National Co-ordinator of the University’s activities in Colombia. He has worked as a business consultant and facilitator with several major companies in Latin America, Asia and Europe and is currently associated with the Union Consulting Group in Colombia and the Oxford Leadership Academy (UK). Marcelo lectures internationally on topics related to self-leadership, human values and meditation and is the author of The Pathway towards Leadership published in Spanish and Portuguese.

Only an undivided soul can be victorious, for they have realised there is nothing or no one to fight with. Battling and struggling on the spiritual path happens when we haven’t quite grasped the truth of the self. We’ve been busy sharpening our swords, but haven’t yet penetrated behind the veil of a 1000 paper tigers. Speaker: Denise Lawrence has been a student and teacher with the Brahma Kumaris for nearly 50 years, and has established and coordinated many BK centres all over the world. Denise is a popular writer and broadcaster who has prepared a Diploma Course in an Education in Values and Spirituality which is now being taught at several Universities in India and Asia. Her powerful book, Sciamachy, has been published in many languages. Denise is based in Germany but travels widely offering seminars, lectures and retreats on subjects related to spirituality, meditation and the convergence of spiritual and psychological inner work.

दीपावली हर वर्ष मनाया जाने वाला एक प्राचीन त्यौहार है। यह कार्तिक मास की अमावस्या को मनाया जाता है। यह दीपों का त्योहार आध्यात्मिक रूप से 'अन्धकार पर प्रकाश की विजय' को दर्शाता है। दीपावली यही चरितार्थ करती है- 'असतो मा सद्गमय, तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय'।' अर्हात् (हे भगवान!) मुझे अन्धकार से प्रकाश की ओर ले जाइए। सुदेश दीदी के द्वारा हम जानेंगे कि कैसे हम अपने आंतरिक जगत को रोशन करें। Diwali (or Deepavali) is an ancient festival celebrated every year on the darkest night of the Kartik month. This festival of lights spiritually signifies the 'victory of light over darkness'. 'Asto Ma Sadgamaya, Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya'. Arhat O Lord, lead me from darkness to light. Sudesh Didi, European Director of Brahma Kumaris, will take us on a journey on how we can illuminate our inner world.

An evening with senior teacher Sister Vedanti, who will take us into the deep and spiritual significance of Dussehra. What do the 10 heads of ravan represent and how was ravan killed? What is the method to rid of our vices and finish our ego? ... and much more.

इस नवरात्री करें कुछ नया : व्रत रखें काम, क्रोध, लोभ, मोह और अहंकार का। सेवन करें प्रेम, शांति और आनंद का। An insight into fasting and invoking powers as we celebrate the festival of Navratri. This Navratri let's do something new... Let's fast from the vices - desire, anger, greed, attachment and ego. And feed ourselves - Love, Peace and Joy. Speaker: Raj Didi, Director of Brahma Kumaris Rajayoga Centres in Nepal

An evening of cookery and mindful eating. As we move into the festive seasons, Sister Jasu will demonstrate how to make Indian sweets and savory items. Sister Bina will talk about the importance of our state of mind whilst we eat. Cooking and eating while in a state of peace and relaxation soothes the body and allows the digestive organs to function efficiently as they assimilate and distribute nutrients to the cells. Happy Toli Ingredients (25 to 30 pcs) 1 Cup Kaju (Cashews) 1 Cup Badam (Almonds) 1/2 Cup Pumpkin Seeds ½ Cup desiccated Coconut powder ¾ Cup Golden Syrup 1 Tea spoon Vanilla Essence Finely chopped pistachios for garnishing Blissful खांडवी Khandvi Ingredients for 10-12 Khandvi 1/2 Cup Besan 1-1/2 Cup Lassi 1 small piece of Ginger 1 tea spoon Salt 1/2 tea spoon Turmeric Powder 1/2 tea spoon Green chilli For Lassi 1 Cup Yogurt 1/2 Cup Water Ingredients for Tadka 1 tea spoon Sesame Seeds 1 tea spoon Mustered seeds 1 table spoon cooking Oil Finely chopped coriander and desiccated coconut powder for garnishing

What exactly is the significance of Shradh? Tonight, we will hear from a Raja Yoga teacher who specialises in the spiritual significance behind celebrating festivals in India. Speaker : Sister Usha, Mount Abu, India

Our pre-festive preparation is usually to clear out cupboards and get rid of dust from all corners of our house. However, sometimes the clutter is not just on a physical level because we often carry mental and emotional clutter too. So, spiritually, what does cleaning signify and how do we declutter our mind too? Speaker: Sister Nimu from Hounslow, UK

Lord Ganesha who is worshipped by billions of devotees across the world is fondly known as the "Elephant God”, God of goodluck,God of knowledge and the remover of obstacles. He is worshipped before any performance for blessings and auspiciousness. This evening, we will discover the spiritual secrets behind his four hands, an elephant's head and a big belly, and why his vehicle is a tiny mouse, from Sister Sukanti who specialises in delivering talks on the spiritual significances behind the Indian festivals that we celebrate. Ganpati Bappa Morya!!!!

Breaking the pot, stealing butter and creating other pastimes, did all this happen in reality? To understand all these things in depth, watch this special interview with Sudesh Didi, European Director of Brahma Kumaris, by Dimps Sanghani, Celebrity Hair Stylist.

The Spiritual Journey is the unlearning of fear and the acceptance of love” - Marianne Williamson A conversation to discover fresh insights and the deep secrets of our eternal journey; exploring the challenges, the fears and the joys that can come our way. Dr Prashant Kakoday is a long-time student and teacher of meditation and spiritual philosophy. An experienced international speaker, sharing in over 80 countries, including at the UN. He presently coordinates the Inner Space Centre for Integral Health in Cambridge UK. Dorte Nielsen is a long-term social worker based in Aarhus, Denmark. She is an experienced teacher and practitioner of Raja Yoga, conducting meditation courses, seminars and retreats on meditation and inner well-being. Both long time travellers of the spiritual way, they will share from their deep well of understanding and personal experiences.

Marking this day in remembrance of Dadi Prakasmaniji Dadi Prakashmaniji was the embodiment of two great Powers - Truth and Love. Dadiji was the second Administrative Head of Prajapita Brahma Kumaris from 1969 through to 2007. Tonight, we will hear Sister Manda’s personal experiences with Dadiji and tips on how we can all inculcate these two powers in ourselves. Speaker: Sister Manda, Oxford

Speaker : Sudha Didi, Moscow, Russia General Director of the Interregional Social Organization for the Promotion of Unity of Civilizations, Cultures and Religions "The Centre of Spiritual Development".

Speaker: Sister Priti, Clapham, South London

Friendship is the most valued of all relationships because a friend is totally our own choice. It is said that a friend of God is a friend of all. Friendship with God teaches and inspires us to be a true friend to others. Speaker: Sister Gopi Patel, London

An evening to explore the different tools we need to mix spirituality with work, and the secrets on how to become successful in life and in everything we do. Speaker: Brother Jignesh Panchal

“Death is nothing but a continuation of life, the completion of life, the surrendering of the human body, but the heart and soul live forever” - Mother Teresa Our Journey presents us with many issues and many challenges, perhaps none greater than what we have to encounter and experience in our final moments. A Conversation series Neville Hodgkinson A writer and journalist, and a student with the BKs since 1981. An interest in mind-body medicine led him to take up the practice of meditation and spiritual study in the early 1980s, and in 1994 he left full-time journalism to help establish the Global Retreat Centre, near Oxford. His most recent book, I Know How to Live, I Know How to Die, is about the teachings of the late Dadi Janki, former Head of the Brahma Kumaris. Judy Johnson For 35 years Judy Johnson has worked as a facilitator and coaching consultant in experiential learning, leadership development and organisational effectiveness. She works with government, private and community-based organisations internationally and locally.

सच्चे सद्गुरु को पहचानना ही सच्ची गुरु पूर्णिमा मनाना है | ... राजाओं का राजा बनने का ज्ञान गति सदगति का ज्ञान मुक्ति जीवन मुक्ति का ज्ञान दे करके सतगुरु परमात्मा द्वार खोलते है आत्माओं का को मुक्तिधाम में जाने ... Guru Purnima is a tradition dedicated to all spiritual and academic Gurus. It is said in yogic tradition that Guru Purnima was the day that saw Shiva become the Adi Guru, or the first Guru. This sacred day marks the first transmission of the yogic sciences from Shiva – the Adiyogi or first yogi – to his first disciples. Speaker: Didi Sudesh

Do you ever feel like giving up when things are just not going as expected? Have you made those resolutions to change things about yourself, but then felt you were not able to live up to them? Determination is the key to success. The power of determination makes even the impossible possible. Speaker : Sister Jaymini, London For the last 40 years Sister Jaymini has been a student, teacher and an experienced meditator with the Brahma Kumaris. Her life is one of simplicity yet of total dedication to the highest ideals. A gifted and inspiring speaker, Sister Jaymini is at ease in any company. She has represented the Brahma Kumaris in many countries and is the main co-ordinator for the community outreach in the UK, and also facilitates BK activities in the Midlands and London in particular. Since 1992 she has been directing the work of Brahma Kumaris Publications in London. Being a communications and marketing leader she has been able to take the work of the BKs into the wider community here in the UK and elsewhere. Jaymini has often been described as a catalyst in whose presence things begin to happen and the impossible truly becomes possible. "I never give up hope in myself, God or others. We all have a unique role to play in life! The secret is just realising it and then we can fulfil our potential to the full and become truly happy and content".

n evening with Sister Vidhatri as she shares spiritual significance and practical relevance of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita during current times. As one of the most revered texts in history, we discover the true depth of wisdom that the Gita has to offer and how it can help us in our lives today. Sister Vidhatri is an engineer, a medallist and a professional who found the real meaning of life in spirituality and dedicated herself for the cause of humanity. She has deep understanding of the Gita and its application in life, and has delivered a series of interactions based on the Bhagavad Gita. Sister Vidhatri has worked for IBM India Pvt. Ltd. as a Certified Siebel Consultant. She is also a dancer and artist with a creative mind and undaunted attitude, and always enthusiastic towards new learning and exploring new ideas.

Yoga has now become a part of every day language, globally. It is no longer 'alternative' but a truly positive, impactful and much needed part of peoples lifestyle. Spirituality is at the core of Yoga, it goes to the very essence and reason for yoga. Raja Yoga meditation, Yoga for the mind, underpins any physical practice of yoga. It allows us to dive deeper into our connection with God, our spiritual self, our minds and body in order to make spirituality a reality. This evening, Sister Jayanti, European Director of Brahma Kumaris and world renowned meditation teacher and speaker guides us through the practise of Raja Yoga for the mind.

When we have a clean heart and understand how the law of 'action' truly works, we have the best chance of enjoying the game of life, and all the consequences we bring back to ourselves. When we understand the actions of 'humanity' as a whole we can see the consequences of these on our dear planet and why people and governments across the globe are now seeking to address the need to change our habits and actions so the earth can flourish again. Raja Yoga Master Sister Shivani will explain how this journey starts within each individual spirit and how now is the time to strengthen our inner being so we can align our actions with our original benevolence. The afternoon also includes a question and answer session with Sister Shivani on this fascinating topic, facilitated by Samantha Fraser. Sister Shivani is a practitioner of Raja Yoga Meditation of the Brahma Kumaris for over 22 years. Her practical application of spiritual principles on the TV programme 'Awakening with Brahma Kumaris', for over 13 years, has empowered people to overcome issues of emotional distress, depression and relationship conflicts. In March 2019, she was awarded the prestigious Nari Shakti Puraskaar, the highest civilian honour for women in India, for her role in transforming human behaviours. She has been appointed as Goodwill Ambassador by the World Psychiatrist Association. She is an Electronics Engineer from Pune University Samantha has been a Raja Yoga meditation practitioner for 26 years. Although she was born in London and educated in the UK Samantha spent 20 years running personal development and meditation programmes for the Brahma Kumaris in different countries in Africa. Professionally she has worked in primary education for over 25 years

A Spirit of Coaching event (Please note personal sharings and breakout rooms have been omitted from this recording) For all coaches and people interested in personal growth and development It is often said that our mind can be our best friend or worst enemy. There is often a war doing on inside between these two aspects of ourselves and it can be quite draining and demoralizing. This afternoon’s event will explore how we can train the mind to support and empower us to live a happier and more fulfilling life. In this afternoon’s event, Judy Apps, the well-known coach and author of various books on finding your voice, will explore with John McConnel, stress management trainer and meditation teacher, how we can train the mind to support and empower us to live a happier and more fulfilling life.

Contributing to Sacred People, Sacred Earth: A Multi-Faith Global Day of Action Brahma Kumaris UK in collaboration with Faith for the Climate will offer an hour's online meditation with visuals and silent reflective spaces.