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Awakening To a Spiritual Life
In 1988, I began studying the Bible with the Jehovah's Witnesses. My life changed dramatically to one of meaning and purpose. I became fully engrossed in the movement for the next 6 years. A Sharp Turn Towards Academics In 1994, after a crisis of conscience, I officially left the organization of the Jehovah's Witnesses. I began an exploration on the literature of cult mind-control and new religious movements, and returned to school to pursue an academic education. In 1996, I completed a D.E.C. in Social Sciences at Vanier College and several years later I received a B.A. in Psychology and Religious Studies at Concordia University. Developing A Regular Meditation Practice After learning Vipassana Meditation and practicing sporadically for a few years, I finally made a commitment on May 12 2003, to practice meditation daily. This happened at a very difficult period in my life during which time my sister was going through a life transforming trial that was touching me deeply. Her ordeal brought home the point that "perception is projection" as everyone around me had conflicting ideas and interpretations that reflected more their beliefs than the factual situation. My meditation practice helped me to stay well grounded and focused, and to establish stability and clarity during unsettling, precarious moments. Undergoing A Powerful Energy Transformation In late June of 2004, I participated in a 3 day Mahatma Initiation. Similar to the work of shamans who invoke the aid of spirits and guides, this energy ritual helped facilitate the cleansing of my chakra system and prepare the way for new changes. In the following months, people and circumstances were serendipitously appearing in my life and responding to my new energy. Perhaps the most special and somewhat magical event occurred on July 24, one month after the initiation. As I was lying on the grass in front of a lake in Vermont, a little baby bird appeared as if out of nowhere and stationed itself on my leg for about a dozen seconds or so. To describe it poetically, it feels like the bird was signalling new beginnings in my life, the most significant one of which developed next with yoga. Integrating Yoga In October of 2004, I decided to attend what I believed was a beginners information session on yoga with Dr. Bali from Yoga Bliss. Much to my surprise though, the session was for his teacher training course! After attending Dr. Bali's regular drop-in classes throughout the year, I answered destiny's call by enrolling in the teacher training course in October of 2005. Though I was a shy person lacking confidence and terrified of public speaking, the training helped me to find my voice and calling, and to eradicate the insecurities and addictions I had been struggling with. I completed the certification in March of 2006 and have been teaching ever since. Becoming Vegetarian / Vegan After watching educational videos about how animals are exploited and tortured by the food industry, I became disgusted and appalled at how this is happening. I slowly stopped eating meat and chicken and eventually also stopped consuming dairy and eggs. I could not in good conscience eat any animal product knowing how cruelly he or she was treated. Even if done in a quick and humane way I realized that all animals feel more or less as we do and want to live a life free of suffering. I became vegan by 2009 and have enjoyed a healthier, vibrant life since. I love animals greatly as most of us do, and have been blessed with 2 beautiful cats living with me. I encourage you browse through these videos for more information on the subject. Discovering Tantra and Bhakti Yoga After a difficult ending to a long-term relationship, I went on a trip to California to discover Bhakti Yoga, a tradition that honors the devotional dimension of life through sacred chant music, and then a few months later to Ireland for a Tantra retreat. These trips helped me to take that extra step forward and to integrate unconscious parts of myself. The journey reached a climax with the the birth of a beautiful baby girl, Nell-Anne. A couple weeks later my first album, Birth of Ganesh, was released. 3 years later, Life of Ganesh, was created, and then in 2019 Ascension of Ganesh. Conclusion I have come to realize that practicing yoga and meditation in all its different forms is a powerful path at finding inner peace. Teaching it to others along with advocating a conscious lifestyle and creating music is the beginning of my life work at helping individuals find peace and wellness in their life. It is a medium to share with you what I have learned and experienced throughout my life, and to assist you in discovering your own potential as a human being. Life goes on, and there is more to learn and experience. I am ready for the next phase of my life and to share with you. Namaste, Marc-Joseph |