Greetings to all, it is so great to see you all here to celebrate two years of Zooming together! I just have a short message prepared, after which the floor is yours!
In contemplating what to speak about today, it strikes me that I have received comments and questions about Baba Zoom, referring to it being a “group.” I think it’s time to address what Baba Zoom IS, because “group” isn’t the word I would choose to describe it. So who is Baba Zoom? The long answer is this:
“Group” to me conjures up “belonging” which is nice, but also “not belonging” which is not so nice. Any time we define a group, we automatically distinguish who is in the group but also who isn’t. This is true of any group descriptor: where you live, how old or young, what background, and on and on. Any particular description and immediately those who don’t fit the description are excluded.
But our hearts don’t discern in this way. Our hearts say “yes!” Present our heart with a bright sunny day, and it says “yay!” Present it with a dramatic thunderstorm, and it says “yes!” Your favorite Baba classic comes up at arti and the heart rejoices, no matter who is singing it.
Baba Zoom emphasizes the heart’s “yes.” We are here for everyone, with equal welcome. Not only every Baba lover, but also every not-Baba lover, including the UPS guy dropping by with a package. Not only adults but kids down to toddlers. Not only every human, but also every not-human, such as Gidget, Charlie, Taj, Tobias and all the other dog, cat and even bird regulars.
Well, that’s the long answer – that every living being on earth is invited to join us on Baba Zoom!
But the short answer, speaking pragmatically, is that Baba Zoom is limited to those who participate. Those who listen, either within Zoom meetings or afterwards from the recordings, and all those who are on our email list – you are the body of our community. Those who unmute and share in our meetings, and those who post on our community page or Facebook group, those who joined the Directory – you are our life blood. We live as a community through your communication. And those who have ideas for meetings, or who are willing to put into life ideas for meetings, volunteers willing to host or co-host meetings – you are the hands and the feet of our community. None of this plethora of offerings on Baba Zoom could manifest or carry on without you.
How Baba Zoom works is that people who express interest in doing something are put in touch with others with a similar interest, anywhere in the world that there is access to internet. That synergy reverberates and expands – and then Baba adds His magic. The result is always better than any single person could accomplish.
As you all know, Baba Zoom is not only the 50 or so virtual meetings every week. We are also in-person Sahavases (one coming up in April in Myrtle Beach, hopefully one in November in Meherabad!) As a community, we have supported service projects and some sizeable fundraisers. We also have a new community bulletin board that has been a centralized way to post news and updates too sensitive for Facebook. Everything we do is our opportunity to hold on to His damaan, remember Him more and more, love Him and only Him until eventually we let go of our fascination with Maya.
So, who gets to be the hands, feet, voice, heart? YOU. We are a “yes” organization! There is no audition process, no pre-approval necessary, no hierarchy and no coercion. Just your willingness to participate. Don’t be shy, we have plenty of room for you – and everyone gets a front-row seat! Your love for Baba, your passion and your engagement – these are what makes Baba Zoom so special and such an honor to serve. There is no limit to what we can do together – because together, anything is possible!
I very much look forward to hearing from each and every one of you. I will be hosting virtual Community Gathering meetings about once a month to hear your feedback and ideas for our worldwide Baba family. The first is planned for April 16, please find more details on the calendar.
And now, I hand over the floor to anyone who has something to share – some comments, a song, a poem, whatever you wish to share on this festive occasion of celebrating 2 years of Zooming together! Please digitally raise your hands, the button to raise hand is under “reactions.” I will also put instructions in the chat for how to raise hand.
Jai Meher Baba and thank you all for celebrating Baba Zoom with me!