A LIGNING O UR M IND & E NERGIES
W ITH C HANGING S EASONS
By Ananda Mata (Amy Laskowitz)
In New England, as the light of warm summer days gives way to cool crisp autumn afternoons, all of nature begins to prepare for the great rest that occurs in winter’s sleep. Trees begin to draw their energy inward as they shed their leafy green foliage and animals work with a hurried frenzy as they gather and store food in preparation for winter. For humans, this time of year signals a return to work, school and busy routines. In all this rushing, we forget about the need for one-pointed attention, discrimination and rest.
Driving down the dirt road that leads downhill from my house, I am always mindful this time of year of the wildlife darting to and from the sides of the road, on their quest to gather the fruits of the forest. In their one-pointed seeking, small animals often succumb to drivers rushing down the road on their own busied quests, completely unaware of the wildlife in their path. This cycle of endless rushing is not only depleting, but it also limits our ability to make conscious discriminating choices. We succumb as we proceed on our own subconscious mental cruise control. The faster we run, the more we diminish our capacity to be present, compassionate and loving to those around us.
This restless activity calls to mind a prayer central to Judaism, the Shema The very first word of that prayer opens powerfully with a call to action. We are simply asked to Listen. As Yoga Scientists, we too must accept the invitation to Listen by slowing down, and going inward so we may hear the unerring voice of our buddhi, or our Conscience, reflecting the timeless, perfect wisdom of the Higher Self. In our busy schedules, the call of the senses, the ego and our deeply cherished likes and dislikes become the loud, pushy prompts propelling us to habitual action and deafening us to our perfect inner voice. As nature moves toward the great stillness of winter, we too must consider how to cultivate our own inner stillness. The more we practice, the easier it becomes to heed the call of the Shema. Continuous practice quiets the mental noise so that we can Listen to the voice of the Conscience. This Listening grants us the freedom to consciously choose which thoughts to give our attention to, which words to speak and which actions to take. In this sacred act of Listening, we actualize kindness and empathy, and send light into the world.
Watching the cycles of nature through the window, I am always
reminded of the lesson of impermanence. Beautiful blossoms and their heavenly fragrances come and go in a matter of days, effortlessly coming up from the ground and returning to it, season after season. The perfected grace of the cyclical coming and going is not tainted by the super-impositions of the human mind, liking one phase or disliking another. Through our own limited perceptions and conceived likes and dislikes, we create strong attachments and a secondary experience, often entirely separate from the Truth. These mental projections and imagined fears are one of the greatest causes of our suffering. When the human mind is allowed to judge and label experiences as either good or bad, without the discrimination of the Conscience, we begin preparing the ground for faulty habit patterns to take root. The more we give our attention to our likes and dislikes, and serve them in thought, word and deed, the more they grow into large vigorous weeds, depleting our vital energy and shading us from the panoramic wisdom and light of Supreme Consciousness.
In the face of these cyclical changes, whether your personality welcomes or laments the end of summer, turning your attention away from personal likes or dislikes is one of the most powerful ways to boost your vital reserves of energy. When we allow our mind to dwell on that which appears unpleasant, it is similar to letting the refrigerator run all night with the door open. When we gently redirect the mind back to the next right action, our refocused attention repurposes that energy and gifts us with the clarity, vision and creativity to find light in every situation.
A few days ago, as I was preparing my children to return to school, I found my personality lamenting the loss of carefree summer days. Knowing that my
attention needed to be gently shifted from those thoughts, I went out to the garden and quietly began cutting flowers for my children to give as gifts on the first day. My work in that moment was to surrender the limiting and constrictive feelings that created sadness over my attachment to summer and give my full attention to the blooms. The next day, my children went off to school with bouquets in hand and to my personality’s limited vision, the karma was over. Yet, it wasn’t over. A photographer from a local newspaper had been waiting at the school that morning. He caught my daughter handing one of the bouquets to its intended recipients and snapped a picture. The picture froze in time an uplifting and beautiful smile in response to an act of giving. It was published and the light and warmth of that moment unexpectedly spread to others like ripples in a pond. That is the magnifying power of using conscious discrimination to filter one’s thoughts by Listening to the voice within.
The personality’s line of vision in the face of likes and dislikes is very narrow. We are blinded to the Higher Truth of the Supreme Consciousness when we inattentively respond from a place of habit or reactivity. Just as a parent lovingly urges a child to try new foods, we too need to remind our personality that there are gifts to be found in every experience, both challenging and rewarding. Our job is to Listen with discrimination, in every moment, to the voice of the Conscience so that we may realize our divine nature. When we listen for and hear this voice in the quiet depths of our heart, we find the love, the light and the wisdom to experience perennial joy in embracing every one of life’s great transitions.
Amy Laskowitz (Ananda Mata) has practiced Yoga Science for over 20 years, and teaches at the American Meditation Institute.
Originally published in 2005, The Heart and Science of Yoga (Ram Lev), is far more than a meditation manual. It is a visionary integration of ancient spiritual wis dom with contem porary scientific understanding––offering a fully articulated sys tem for physi cal, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.
Developed from his half-century of Yoga Science practice, and the curriculum of his acclaimed AMI Meditation® Foundation Course, this book represents a watershed contribution to the evolving relationship between Eastern wisdom traditions and Western healthcare. The rare value The Heart
Spiritual Poetry by
Vyasa Bob
I Fought the Change and the Change Won
Resist Change
And all of life Becomes a battle
Embrace Change And all of life Becomes a dance
Riding on a breeze
And the leaf said, “Look at me, I’m flying.”
And the wind continued To blow
Stating, “enough already With all that talk of doing, I’m taking you where You need to go.”
On attachment
Just So You Know,
If you don’t Hold on
You don’t have to Let go
Iwaniec DC
Right effort (I see the light)
“There is no such thing as right method, Only right effort” You got That right!
So be like the bud And break through the dirt
And do not stop Until you see the light
What’s in it for me?
What brings no benefit To the hive
Brings none To the bee
So enough already With your, “What’s in it For me?”
Uncluttered Mind
Do what is “right” At a given moment
And Leave it behind There is nothing More beautiful Than an Uncluttered mind
Bob Iwaniec (Vyasa) has practiced Yoga Science for over 20 years, and teaches at the American Meditation Institute.
January 2026 will mark the 7th Annual observance of National Conscience Month. Throughout the month Americans from all walks of life will be imagining new ways to celebrate the benefits of experimenting with their Conscience to guide their thoughts, words and deeds.
Here’s a special opportunity for high school seniors across the nation! You’re now invited to participate in a unique and creative way by writing a short essay about using your Conscience instead of old habits. Think of a real situation in your life or create an imaginary scenario in which you allowed (or chose not to allow) your Conscience to guide your thoughts, words and actions. What were the results? What were the benefits? Did you experience any unexpected consequences? What did you learn from your experiment?
One talented student will receive a $2,795. scholarship,* awarded for an original essay of 1,000 words or less. *$2,000 scholarship for Higher Education, and $795 scholarship for the AMI Meditation Foundation Course
Submission Instructions: No membership or purchase of any kind is required to take part in the National Conscience Month Essay Contest. Essay submissions should be sent by email to ami@americanmeditation.org. Submissions should be sent as a PDF attachment. Submissions must be received no later than Tuesday, February 3, 2026. The contest winner will be notified by email. Submissions may be featured by the American Meditation Institute either online or in print in connection with National Conscience Month programming and promotions, and the right to reproduce submissions is reserved by AMI. For complete information visit: ConscienceMonth.org E-mail essays to: ami@americanmeditation.org Essays must include: your name, address, phone number and high school name.
Your Business Plan for HEALTH, HAPPINESS, AND FREEDOM
FROM FEAR
Developed by Ram Lev / Leonard Perlmutter
Derived from his award-winning books: The Heart and Science of Yoga and YOUR CONSCIENCE ®
Yoga Science & Philosophy–WEEK 1
Learn to expand your creative consciousness
How to use the mind for the best choices
Understanding pain as an agent for healing
Increasing energy, will power & creativity
Antidotes for worry, stress and depression
AMI Meditation®–W EEK 2
Systematic procedure for AMI Meditation®
Diminishing distractions with your Mantra
Learning the one-minute meditation
Building focus and fearlessness
Breathing Techniques–WEEK 3
Breath as Medicine
How breathing irregularities foster dis-ease
Three-part diaphragmatic breath
Yoga Psychology & Ayurveda–WEEK 4
Coordinate the Four Functions of the Mind to access the power and Inner Wisdom of Your Conscience
Use the power of NOW to build and heal relationships
Ayurvedic Medicine & Nutrition for your health
Easy-Gentle Yoga Exercises–WEEK 5
Yoga stretches to detox the lymph system and benefit your muscles, nerves, joints, glands & internal organs
Physiological benefits of yoga postures
Mind / Body Self-Care Plan–WEEK 6
The healing power of prayer
The practical benefits of contemplation
Creating a therapeutic self-care plan for yourself
Learning to budget your time
Integrating spirituality into daily life
FOUND ATION COURSE – Live on ZOOM & A MI Home Center
Endorsed by Dean Ornish MD, Bernie Siegel MD, Larry Dossey MD
Ram Lev (Leonard Perlmutter)
Ram Lev is an American spiritual teacher, a direct disciple of medical pioneer Swami Rama of the Himalayas, and a living link to the world’s oldest health and wisdom spiritual tradition. A noted educator, philosopher and Yoga Scientist, Ram Lev is the founder of the American Meditation Institute, developer of The Foundation Course curriculum, and originator of National Conscience Month. He is the author of the award-winning books, The Heart and Science of Yoga® and YOUR CONSCIENCE, and the Mind/Body/Spirit Journal, Transformation. A rare and gifted teacher, Ram Lev’s writings and classes are enlivened by his inspiring enthusiasm, vast experience, wisdom, humor and a clear, practical teaching style. Ram Lev has presented courses at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, numerous medical colleges, Kaiser Permanente, the Commonwealth Club of California, the U. S. Military Academy at West Point and The New York Times Yoga Forum with Dean Ornish MD.
PROVEN PROGRAM DEVELOPED
• Anyone experiencing stress, uncertainty, anxiety or burnout
• Professionals and caregivers seeking sustainable self-care & mental clarity
• People navigating life transitions: career change, retirement, grief, or new beginnings
• Leaders and changemakers striving to lead with wisdom and purpose
• Students of yoga, meditation, or Ayurveda looking to deepen their understanding
• Physicians, NPs, PAs seeking Continuing Medical Education 18 CME credits
CALENDAR
You are invited to join Jenness (Devi) & Leonard (Ram Lev)
FREE: Every Sunday 9:30 -11:00am ET GUIDED MEDITATION & SATSANG
AmericanMeditation.org/sunday
LIVE on ZOOM and at the AMI Home Center
“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” – Henry David Thoreau
SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2025
SEP 14 - OCT 19: FOUNDATION COURSE FOR LIFE (6 wks) p. 7-8
Sun. Nights, 6:30 -8:30 PM ET Live on Zoom & at AMI
SEP 15 - OCT 20: GITA/ YOGA PSYCHOLOGY (6 wks) p.10
Mon. Nights, 6:30-8:30 PM ET Live on Zoom & at AMI
OCT 27 - DEC 1: GITA/ YOGA PSYCHOLOGY (6 wks) p.10
Mon. Nights, 6:30-8:30 PM ET Live on Zoom & at AMI
NOV 2 - DEC 7: FOUNDATION COURSE FOR LIFE (6 wks) p. 7-8
Sun. Nights, 6:30 -8:30 PM ET Live on Zoom & AMI Home Center
NOV 5 - NOV 19: ENLIGHTENED CHOICES (3 wks) p.9
Wed. Night, 6:30-8:30 PM ET
Live on Zoom & AMI Home Center
NOV 6 & 13: YOGA SCIENCE LAB (2 wks) see p.10
Thurs. Night, 6:30-8:30 PM ET
Live on Zoom & AMI Home Center
American Meditation Institute
Education for Enlightenment®
September-October, 2025 • Vol. XXVIII No. 6
PO Box 430, Averill Park, NY 12018
©2025 by Leonard Perlmutter (Ram Lev) and The American Meditation Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy, Inc.
americanmeditation.org \ Tel. (518) 674-8714 ami@americanmeditation.org
AMI is a tax exempt, non-profit 501(c) 3 educational organization. Donations are fully tax deductible.
HOW TO MAKE ENLIGHTENED CHOICES
10 Indispensable Keys for Rewarding Decision-Making
Leonard (Ram Lev) and Jenness (Devi)
Level II: This course offers 10 practical guidelines for better decision-making. Known as the Yamas : ahimsa (non-harming), satya (truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (conservation of energy), aparigraha (non-possessiveness) and Niyamas: saucha (purity), santosha (contentment), tapas (selfdiscipline), svadhyaya (self-study), Ishvara pranidhana (self-surrender). These principles will help you reliably access your intuitive wisdom to resolve every issue skillfully. You’ll learn how to quickly recognize emotional triggers and transform the contractive power of those unhelpful, stress-provoking, negative emotions and habits into an expansive, creative and dynamic force. This annual course is highly recommended for all students.
WEDNESDAYS, 6:30 - 8:30PM ET $125. (3 WKS) NOV 5 - NOV 19 LIVE ON ZOOM & AMI HOME CENTER
ADVANCED TANTRIC HEALING “Yoga Nidra” Practices To Benefit Mind and Body
Leonard Perlmutter (Ram Lev) –– AMI Founder
Level II: This advanced 2-week course provides instruction on the subtle energy healing of Tantra, a system of powerfully effective tools for self-care and stress management. These therapeutic practices minimize tension, facilitate energy flow, calm the mind, awaken creativity, enhance memory and retard the aging and disease processes. You’ll receive instruction in the practices of yoga nidra, shitali karana, shavayatra, and tantric visualization.
SATURDAYS, 1:30 - 3:30PM ET $125. (2 WKS) DEC 6 & 13 LIVE ON ZOOM & AMI HOME CENTER
YOGA SCIENCE LAB ®
How to Practice Meditation-in-Action
Ram Lev and Devi & AMI Faculty Members
Prerequisite: Foundation Course for Life
Level II: In the AMI Meditation® Foundation Course, you learned that your thoughts are your most valuable asset. The Yoga Science Lab® will help you examine your thoughts and expand your ability to focus your attention. The techniques learned in seated AMI Meditation® are applied in every duty and responsibility throughout the day. This process is called Meditation-in-Action. As you experiment with the Truth reflected by your Conscience, you’ll develop decisionmaking skills that will enhance your confidence in all relationships. As you have already learned, to experience real freedom you must be centered in the present moment, know who you are, and follow your Inner Wisdom. The Yoga Science Lab® can help you achieve that freedom!
THURSDAYS, 6:30PM -8:30 PM ET, $75. (2 WKS) NOV 6 & 13 LIVE ON ZOOM & AMI HOME CENTER
YOGA PSYCHOLOGY
BHAGAVAD GITA STUDY
Ram Lev (Leonard) and Jenness (Devi)
Level II: In continuous six week installments this course presents the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita as a handbook on the science of life and the art of living. If you are seeking a manual or guide for the supreme task of living a fulfilling and purposeful life in the world today, this ongoing study will provide you the practical wisdom, tools, meaning, courage and confidence you need. Each week Leonard and Jenness will teach you how to reduce stress and enhance your health and creative abilities, while offering you a fresh, positive perspective on all your personal and business relationships. This course provides the practical blueprint to resolve all of life’s challenges.
MONDAYS, 6:30 - 8:30 PM ET, $150. (6 WKS) SEP 15 - OCT 20, OCT 27 - DEC 1 LIVE ON ZOOM & AMI HOME CENTER
Take this 2-Minute
Tel. 518.674.8714 • PO BOX 430, Averill
“My appeal to every caregiver would be to love yourself. Express the same compassion to yourself, as you would for those you care for. And look in the mirror and ask yourself: ‘Are you happy?’ ‘Are you thriving?’ And if not, why is that? AMI’s Foundation Course for Life is news to use! It is the antidote to so many of our day-to-day challenges.”
Mark Pettus MD
“Just as food satisfies hunger, your teaching has filled my need to nourish the soul.”
Judy Murgitroyde
“On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate this course a 10. On a scale of A to F, I’d give it an A+. On a scale of bad to good, I would give it a Great!”
Wendy Dodge
“Phenomenal course! Leonard is an excellent teacher and now a friend. This experience was so enlightening in comparison to the usual medical courses which are packed with data, but often not very useful. This experience has actually changed my life!”
Larry
Iannarone MD
SEE PAGES 7 & 8
