By Ellan (Shanti) Catacchio

I have received Shaktipat from Gurudevi Nirmalananda many times over the years.  

Each one is different yet the same. After the immediate and unique experience of receiving Shaktipat, changes manifest over time.   

My most recent immediate experience was sublime.  When Gurudevi touched my forehead, I was infused with mantra.  I felt this go from between my eyebrows (aj~na chakra) to my third chakra (manipura).  It landed with a slight jolt just below my navel.

I have experienced subtle changes ever since.  Mantra is more present in my life, often running through the background of my day.  I am doing more out spoken japa before meditation and at the end of the day.  This, of course, brings me closer to Consciousness, closer to God, within.

I approach my practices with a deeper sense of reverence and calm, which I can carry through the day now.   I am more open and accepting than I was.  While I am aware of these changes in retrospect, they happened to me gradually over time.  Though I am grateful for them, I did not deliberately plan or work on attaining them.

With another opportunity to receive Shaktipat this year, I’m planning to attend.   It is important to me to keep the gift of Guru’s Grace flowing.  This helps me to get closer to being ME.