Turning pain into power and wounds into wisdom

Read & Listen

A selection from I’m Not My Story


  • A deep sorrow
    grips my soul
    a relentless ache
    takes its toll.

    My mind teeters
    on the brink
    like a ship in a storm
    about to sink.

    Into the silence
    I scream in vain…
    tears falling
    like torrential rain.

    Pain pierces
    through to my core
    I’m completely broken
    sprawled out on the floor.

    I must find a way
    to lift this weight
    before despair
    dictates my fate.


  • When past and present
    overlapped
    I’d find myself
    in a familiar trap.

    Lost in a world
    I once knew
    old memories
    distorted my view.

    Unresolved emotions
    I had to allow
    confusing… for no one
    is hurting me now.

    Realizing some emotions
    don’t belong in the present
    I’m figuring out
    which ones are relevant.

    By grounding myself
    in who I am today
    I’m watching old fears
    slowly fade away.

    Emotions rise
    and then depart
    no longer holding dominion
    over my heart.

    With conscious effort
    I take the reins
    refusing to yield
    to past-born pain.

    Now when emotions
    suddenly appear
    I confront them boldly
    with courage, not fear.


  • I came to study Vedanta
    wanting to be free
    and when my heart was breaking
    you stood by me.

    I had never met anyone
    so honest, so kind
    your compassion and care
    restored my mind.

    Even when I was at my worst
    you were calm and clear
    your patience and wisdom
    lessened my fears.

    No matter the distance
    you took my calls
    offering your support
    every time I’d fall.

    I was plagued by doubt
    drowning in despair
    and you revealed my worth
    with such tender care.

    You broke down my walls
    taught me to listen
    helped me to grow
    to trust my intuition.

    Oh, how I wish
    you were still here to see
    the freedom and joy
    that now lives in me.

    Thank you, Swamiji
    for the gift you gave
    your wisdom and guidance
    helped me to be brave.

    You believed in me
    when I couldn’t find my way…
    because of you
    I cherish who I am today.


  • My soul now soars
    wild and free
    bathed in the brilliance
    of simply being me.

    In self-love I’ve grown
    to myself I commit
    victoriously I celebrate
    the light I emit.

    My mind takes flight
    my heart shines bright
    resplendent I bask
    in my being’s pure light.

    In this new chapter
    I’m in control
    a shining example
    of a liberated soul.