An Opening for the Mystical Dimension - Public Talk with Sadhguru in Atlanta

24 May, 2008

My experience of the May 21st book signing event in Atlanta started when I decided to extend my trip to IIIS to be able to participate in the events of planning and preparations in Atlanta. I am from a new center in Minneapolis, and this was going to give me an opportunity to work with the many volunteers who were instrumental in making my Inner Engineering program in Atlanta happen in 2006. I was excited to take part in an event which I felt could forever change this country and maybe the world.

When I arrived to volunteer the night before the event, the event manager of the venue commented that I was another one of the many Isha volunteers she had met and then stated with astonishment, “I have never worked with an organization with so many dedicated volunteers”. This is true of my experience as a volunteer as well as of the volunteers when I attended my first Isha program. It seems I have joined the ranks of unstoppable Isha volunteers, willing to do whatever is needed no matter what happens along the way.

The next day, when I arrived to continue the preparations, the number of volunteers present grew by the hour. Initially, I assisted with the flower arrangements working with two volunteers who turned their creativity and abundance of self-offering into truly magical works of art. Then I partnered with assorted volunteers attending to the many final touches. In the process, I was pulled in ten different directions responding to whatever was needed at that moment. Clear communication was not always present with the number of volunteers involved, a situation which would have been difficult for me before I started practicing Isha Yoga, but now I found myself easily transitioning to any task or activity and remaining absolutely involved. I was focused and calm despite the whirl of activity and time pressure.

Once Sadhguru entered the stage, the synagogue’s grand space filled with over one thousand people suddenly was transformed into a small and cozy gathering wherein Sadhguru’s wit and clarity seemed to take on a personal interaction with everyone present. The discourse was followed by a meditation that left our guests in such a state of ease that they quickly began asking their own burning questions knowing that here was someone who could answer these perplexing issues.

As an observer it was evident to me and extremely encouraging to realize that this simple book, Midnights with the Mystic, and events such as this talk, by reaching out to the mainstream US population was certain to have a profoundly dramatic impact on many human lives. This was made ever so clear as at the conclusion of the talk a seemingly endless line formed with people clutching the book in their hands with the hope of meeting and speaking to Sadhguru and the co-author Cheryl Simone. Many had also purchased other books taking advantage of this opportunity to have these signed by Sadhguru as well.

As a volunteer, this was an incredible opportunity to be a part of something that is bigger than me or anything I had experienced in my life. The diversity of people present made it clear that Sadhguru’s message was for everyone, old, young, whatever belief system or background one came from, the words of Sadhguru resonated for all. I feel empowered by this event and the opportunity this book offers for every human being who has a deep yearning to know the truth. In the process, I realized that this event is not just about a book release but about impacting human life in a most positive and deep way. When an opportunity such as this is created for many more to experience Sadhguru, change is inevitable. This profound change will happen to every human being that is willing. I am endlessly grateful such an opportunity will become a possibility for the masses.

Sharing by
Elsa Kiflu
Minneapolis, May 2008