Om Shanthi
All hearts and prayers have been with the people of Italy as we have watched pictures of the terrible earthquake there on our television screens.
Here are 3 messages from each of our centres in Italy giving us the latest information on their situation and how they are coping.
From Parvathi in Milan:
Ciao Padma,
Hari Om!
Thanks for the concern, here in Milan no problem. We were not been affected at all, but in Abruzzo Region yes a lot, especially Aquila city. We don't have teachers there, but Uma lives pretty close, on the other side of the Gran Sasso Mountain and they have been all affected. Fortunately no people lost, but lots of fear and there are continuous movements of the earth.
A lot of the people left the city and went to the sea side which is very close. Some buildings are now under control and can't be used. Uma's home and center are ok. They are all pretty stressed. Last week I informed the Ashram and all are giving support.
Regarding Aquila city we had around 300 dead people and the city is distroyed. If anyone want to give help the best way they said is to send money. I am now in touch with a friend whose family live there to understand the best organization to send the money to. If you want I can keep you informed about it.
Om Shanti
Paola / Parvathi
IYC Milan
From Uma in Abruzzo:
Dearest Padma Priya,
With much joy I read your careful message, and I thank you for offering such loving support.
The terrible earthquake upset my region, Abruzzo. The main beautiful town was destroyed, which is about 30 km from my town, and many lives were lost.
We are all ok, just a lot of fear and damaged buildings.
The yoga centre kept on offering classes, in spite of the spread of anxiousness from continuous shakes during practice.
Then we closed for a two-day Easter holiday break.
A healing break we teachers needed, so we could re-center, overcome our own fears, and be inspired on the best practices to lead our students with.
So today we resume our classes again. Shaking is still going on, and we hope to learn how to be trusty.
I pray for the people who left their bodies, I pray for the survivors, for them to nurture the enthusiasm to start again. I pray for the mountain to calm down her anger, I pray for all of us so we can grow through this experience and become a better land and a better community.
I would like to share this prayer with you all.
Thank you for your support.
Om Shanti, Uma
IYC, Abruzzo
From Usha in Marche:
Dearest Padma Priya,
As for Vincenzo and me, we are safe. The Marche has
experienced some little shakes (some people say), but we have not noticed
anything, sleeping quietly in our beds at night.
It is a terrible situation to go through, but as in all adversities, through the suffering comes also something good. Often times people live in old homes, without the modern bathrooms etc. In this way, when they start to reconstruct, these people
will have new homes, and hopefully more solid. It does not console the
people who have lost their beloved family, friends, neighbours, as can well
be understood. But like with everything else, time will heal.
This earth is not an eternal home, although we have a deep desire it might be.
Let me give you a wonderful hug and thank you for asking and sending your loving
energy. Usha
