She knew me
She asked questions
Through their exploration
Taught me about myself
What do I know?
What is my purpose?
Why do I keep myself separate?

I won’t pretend to know her
She could really see me
Taught me how to see myself
In her reflection
In my own
Maybe this (she and the ashram) is why
I can be fully authentic now
I was not when we first met
Hiding, so much hiding

A singer without a voice
Until she asked me
“Do you know how to sing?”
Followed by a trinity of days
Writing, reading, listening and singing
Singing after almost a year of being mute
“I DO know how to sing!”
Awe and overflowing joy
Decades of training and practise and money
Ended in silence
Swami Radhananda’s question
Lead to Freedom, joy and connection

Maybe I did know her.
Gratitude

Arlene Elliott (nee Roche)

ascent magazine

Cancellation Policy

To reserve your space we require a non-refundable $300 deposit at the time of booking. If you cancel prior to 14 days before the start date of your program, the deposit is non-refundable but may be transferred to another stay at the Ashram booked within a year of the original registration. Deposits for stays cancelled within 14 days of the start date will not be refunded and cannot be transferred to another stay. If you depart early during a program, full tuition and room charges still apply. Thank you for your consideration that will help make space available for other guests.

Cancellation Policy

To reserve your space we require a non-refundable $300 deposit at the time of booking.

  • If you cancel prior to 14 days before the start date of your program, the deposit is non-refundable but may be transferred to another stay at the Ashram booked within a year of the original registration.
  • Deposits for stays cancelled within 14 days of the start date will not be refunded and cannot be transferred to another stay.
  • If you depart early during a program, full tuition and room charges still apply.

Thank you for your consideration that will help make space available for other guests.

Deposits are non-refundable.