The Gardening Project That Almost Cost Me Everything

The look on his face, bewilderment, even disbelief said it all.

 In that instant, something clicked within me. I realized I was about to trade something imperishable for something utterly temporary. I was choosing weeds over wisdom quite literally.

The Outreach That Sparked Reflection

For the past few weeks, many of us from the Art of Living Sacramento community have been reaching out, inviting friends, family, and neighbors to The Journey Within, a meditation and wisdom event with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Some responded with curiosity, some politely declined, others replied with a heart emoji, and quite a few never got back.

It made me pause and wonder, why is it that people can easily rearrange their entire schedule for a concert, a football game, or a dinner night, but when it comes to sitting in silence with 2,000 people in the presence of a realized master, the mind resists?

Perhaps it whispers, “It’s a weekday… it’s too far… I can’t leave my kids alone… why pay for meditation?”  Or it rationalizes, “He’s not my Guru… not part of my faith.”

And I get it. I truly do because I used to think that way too.

The Subtle Shift

I’ve been practicing meditation and breathwork for over 13 years now. For a long time, I measured these practices by what I had “gained.”

Yes, there have been real benefits, physical, emotional, spiritual. I live with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy, and though the condition has progressed significantly over the years, I sincerely believe that without these practices, I would have been in a wheelchair by now, if not worse.

But over time, I have realized: maybe it was never about gaining anything at all. Maybe it was about losing. But losing what? Losing layers of fear, rigid concepts and self-labels. Losing attachments to the stories we tell ourselves about who we think we are.

Buddha’s Lesson

When Siddhartha became the Buddha, people asked him, “Now that you’re enlightened, what have you gained? Please share your secrets.”

He smiled and replied, “I gained nothing… but I lost everything.”

Perhaps that’s the real journey, dropping what we’ve unnecessarily carried for a lifetime, or perhaps many.

In the Company of the Wise

The Yoga Vasistha, one of the most profound texts on self-realization, says being in the company of the wise, the enlightened ones is crucial for liberation.

The company of the enlightened ones doesn't just merely teach us wisdom, it dissolves what blocks it.

That has been my experience too. Through my time with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, through his wisdom, presence, and the simple yet powerful meditation practices that he has shared with hundred's of millions around the world through his non-profit Organization The Art of Living Foundation, I’ve seen my own misconceptions and identifications gradually fall away, one layer at a time.

Each time a bit of ignorance chips off, life feels lighter, freer, and more expansive.

The Gardening Project That Almost Cost Me Everything

About nine years ago, one of our meditation instructors excitedly announced that Gurudev would be in Los Angeles for a two-hour meditation event, similar to the one we’re hosting in Sacramento on October 22nd this year.

Everyone around me was thrilled and began making travel plans.

Meanwhile, I had scheduled a big gardening project that same weekend and even invited someone to help me. When the instructor turned to me and said, “Syed, you’re coming, right?”

I replied, “You know, I would love to, but I’ve planned this gardening thing for weeks.”

The look on his face half bewildered, half in disbelief said more than words ever could.

Something shifted inside me right then. I realized I was about to trade something timeless and priceless for something temporary.

So I changed my mind, packed my van, and took six people along with me. We drove to LA, meditated with Gurudev, and returned the same night, tired but deeply transformed.

Everything Worth Losing

Since then, I’ve made it a point never to miss a chance to be in Gurudev’s presence. I’ve driven to LA multiple times, flown to Boone, North Carolina, and rearranged countless plans along the way.

Travel isn’t easy for me because of Muscular Dystrophy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Because something always shifts in Gurudev’s presence. Not outside, but within.

So if you ever have the opportunity to be in the presence of Gurudev, don’t hesitate. Rearrange your plans and firmly but lovingly tell your voice of resistance to take a few days off 🙂. And just go.

Final Invitation

After seven long years, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is returning to Sacramento on October 22, 2025, for a rare evening of wisdom and deep meditation.

If you’re open to it, you’ll feel something move within you, something beyond words.

Join us. Bring your friends and family and let’s make Sacramento a sanctuary of serenity once again.

Register here: tiny.cc/SacMeditates