EASE Workshop - Reflecting Six Months Later: Mid-Central Region
Members of the Women’s Wing of the Sri Sathya Sai International Organization (SSSIO) USA Mid-Central Region, connect regularly through various activities, including devotional gatherings, study of Sai scriptures, and community service. More recently, they participated in a workshop titled Happiness within Reach conducted by Dr. Ramadevi Sankaran.
Dr. Ramadevi conducted a two-day workshop focusing on different aspects of well-being - mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. She focused on the everyday tasks of life. Through her personal, simple yet profound examples, she demonstrated that by choosing empathy and compassion over judgment, love over duty or obligation, discipline over instant gratification, or comfort, one can experience this deep communion with God. She reminded the audience the happiness we seek is within us, and stems from the combination of our positive thoughts and actions, meaningful social relationships, personal growth, and a deep sense of purpose in life. One cultivates this deep sense of well-being through intentional choices and a mindful approach to life. Dr. Ramadevi not only enlightened the group with her wisdom but also stands as a beautiful model how one can turn mundane life into a divine dance.
Dr. Ramadevi introduced the EASE program to the group - Eat Responsibly, Awareness/Positive Attitude, Sleep Deeply, and Exercise Regularly to adapt in daily life. Drawing lessons from the EASE program and having incorporated these values over several months since attending the workshop, the Sai women shared how subtle changes have made a huge difference in their self-care, leading to greater awareness of happiness within. Here are a few reflections;
“I love the simplicity and practicality of the concepts. I have been applying EASE in my daily life, and I can feel a positive shift in my physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It’s been such a helpful reminder that taking care of ourselves doesn’t have to be complicated, just intentional. I am truly grateful for this experience and for Dr. Sankaran’s warm and inspiring guidance. The EASE program is a gift I will continue to carry forward.”
“Dr. Ramadevi’s EASE program has taught me to remember who I am, a sacred Being having a human experience”.
“I have adapted EASE into my everyday routine slowly and steadily, by being responsible for managing my diet by cutting down processed sugar and planning my meals. I am also working towards a goal of ten thousand steps a day and diligently monitoring my actions”.
“I learned how practicing EASE prevents DIS-ease. The workshop gave me tools to help myself at the body, mind, and spiritual level. I now make a conscious effort to control my thoughts, shower some self-love vs self-care or self-pity. Instead of simply focusing on mindfulness, I have been trying to get my mind out of the way and connect with my heart to connect within, to be in Constant Integrated Awareness, so with every breath I know who I really am”.
“I am more aware of what I consume, both food for the body and soul. I am watchful of my thoughts, get better quality of sleep, and have made yoga and meditation a sadhana rather than a mere routine!”
This precious group of Sai sisters continues to connect, share wisdom to inspire others, and dance with divinity.