In a world that prizes outer achievements - we often overlook the invisible force that fuels true resilience: our inner muscle. This talk will explore what it means to develop mental, emotional and spiritual strength and offer practical tools and perspectives to build the kind of strength that doesn’t wear out but grows stronger with use. Speaker: Dr Kala Mistry, who works in community mental health, has been studying Raja Yoga since 1992. She has conducted spiritual and self-development workshops for health professionals and the general public on the themes of self-empowerment and values. Kala has an interest in exploring the relationship between thoughts, feelings and health and how spirituality can lead to improving and maintaining positive mental health.

Holding fixed expectations of ourselves, others or outcomes can be a limitation and lead to disappointment and disagreements. ‘Should’ can be our downfall, closing the door to hidden possibilities. Better to keep an open mind and heart and see life as a continuous journey, often leading to unexpected places and a deeper understanding. Our speaker this evening, Urvashi Patel will be sharing her thoughts, experience and learning on the many aspects of this important topic. Urvashi has been with the Brahma Kumaris from a young age. Originally from Bradford, Urvashi has become an integral part of the International Coordinating Office of the Brahma Kumaris in London. Her friendly and adaptable nature has led her to play a wide variety of roles which span from producing large scale public events to supporting the maintenance of BK centres across the UK. She enjoys teaching Raja Yoga meditation and using practical examples when teaching and sharing.

Self-Respect is the foundation of a vibrant and meaningful life. It shapes how we see ourselves, how we treat others, and how confidently we walk through the world. Imagining your life as a canvas - every choice, relationship and belief adds colour to the picture. Our speaker, Judi Rich, will explore the role self-respect plays in personal growth, healthy boundaries and authentic self-expression. How doubt, fear or the weight of expectations can produce a rather grey existence and how we can re-awaken the colours within. Judi works as a graphic designer and fitness instructor. She also coordinates the activities of the Brahma Kumaris in Calgary which is her hometown. Though the intensity and activity of fitness and the stillness and silence of contemplation may seem incompatible, Judi has found that the opposite is true... that they actually enhance each other and create a sense of well-being when integrated.

Emotional highs and demoralising defeats, tennis offers profound tests of character and spirit. From discipline and resilience to humility and generosity it can become a pathway to inner growth. This evening’s talk will explore the test and triumphs of tennis through a unique spiritual lens, uncovering deeper truths about ego, perseverance and grace. Speaker: Eric Le Reste Eric has an extensive background as a journalist and producer for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation news and current affairs programs. For more than 40 years he has been practising Raja Yoga meditation. Based in Montreal, he currently serves as the National Coordinator of the Brahma Kumaris in Canada.

In a world full of noise, multiple options and instant gratification, true value often hides in plain sight. Discernment is a quiet power that helps us see beneath the surface, weigh what truly matters and make decisions which align with lasting value rather than fleeting appeal. In this evening’s talk we will take a deeper look at this essential ability, its relationship to decision making and how to fine tune the practice. Speaker: Maria Moreno is Emeritus Professor in Organization Behavior at the University of Valencia, with a long experience in researching and lecturing on this matter. She has been a Raja Yoga practitioner and lecturer with Brahma Kumaris for 33 years and coordinates the BK center in Valencia. She is also part of the National Coordinators Team in Spain.. Maria is a member of the BK Council of National Coordinators Secretariat and is currently very active in the organization of international BK programs, training and retreats.

Honouring The International Yoga Day This conversation will explore how we can create a meditation habit and experience 'Raja Yoga' in our life to help us navigate these uncertain times with renewed clarity and peace. It will also include 'yoga moments' with the speakers. Dr Tamasin Ramsay Tamasin Ramsay, from Australia, has been a committed practitioner of Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga for over four decades. She is also an applied anthropologist and conservationalist. A former NGO Representative to the United Nations, she has advocated internationally for animal justice and environmental policy reform. Her recently published book, Custodians of Purity, explores how spiritual living can bring about lasting inner – and so outer – change Jaymini Patel Sister Jaymini, a dedicated Brahma Kumaris educator, speaker, and meditator for over 45 years, is known for her ability to connect across cultures and professions. As Director of Brahma Kumaris Publications in London and Midlands Coordinator, she inspires transformation through communication, leadership, and service. Mentored by Dadi Janki, she promotes unity through interfaith efforts like Diwali in London. Her compassionate approach and strategic insight empower individuals to realise their potential and embrace inner change with the practise of Raja Yoga, as the path to fulfilment. Maureen Goodman Sister Maureen is Programme Director for the Brahma Kumaris UK and the Brahma Kumaris representative at the United Nations, Vienna. A teacher of Raja Yoga for nearly 50 years, she has studied with the world's leading female yogis. Understanding the connection between inner and outer change, she participates in UN environment conferences and is part of the Strategic Circle of the Spirit of Humanity Forum, creating a safe space for dialogue among leaders seeking transformation based on core human values. Hosted by: Kishore Krishan Kishore is a transformational business executive who has integrated Raj Yoga principles to practice value-based leadership in organisations

A contribution to International Day of Yoga adopted by the United Nations in 2014 and celebrated across the world every year on 21st June. Often thought of, particularly in the West, as the practice of physical exercises or Asanas, including systems of breathing, the word ‘yoga’ derives from the Sanskrit and means to join or unite, symbolising the union of body, consciousness and the Divine. Our speaker this evening will explore the relationship and connections between Hatha Yoga in its various forms and levels and Raja Yoga as taught and practised by the Brahma Kumaris. Speaker: Bhavesh Ramji Bhavesh came to the practice of Raja Yoga meditation at a young age as his parents were regular attendees of the Brahma Kumaris Centre in Leicester. In 2016, he decided to become a Hatha Yoga teacher and trained in Rishikesh, India, making multiple visits to complete his training. He has been teaching Hatha Yoga professionally since 2018. Inspired by his joint yoga practice, Bhavesh enjoys writing poetry and has published a series of three books in 2023, entitled 'Oceans of Love'.

Criticism is something we can avoid easily by saying nothing, doing nothing and being nothing. Aristotle Unless you live like a hermit, criticism is probably inevitable, and some of it may be valid as well. So how well do you handle criticism? Do you get defensive and fire back justifications? Take it personally and let it get under your skin? Or do you just let it slide? Join us for tips on how to handle criticism gracefully and constructively, even when it seems harsh or unfair. Speaker: Neville Hodgkinson is an author and journalist who specialised for much of his career in writing about science and medicine. He has been a student of Raja Yoga for more than 40 years and is based at the Global Retreat Centre in Oxfordshire.

Have you ever thought about how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly? Within its DNA is a secret set of cells that scientists call ‘imaginal’. They contain the blueprint for transformation and vibrate at such a high frequency that nothing can stop them. Within us all is the ability to imagine our own highest self, because the memory is in our DNA. When we begin to work on our highest frequency, then nothing can stop us. Join Suman Kalra and learn how to activate our powerful ‘imaginal’ self. Suman Kalra has been connected to the Brahma Kumaris since her early teens and has subsequently been a pivotal member of the teams operating some of the key and busy UK Brahma Kumaris Meditation centres. Her ability to sustain personal spiritual growth whilst working in a busy environment, her strong organisational and leadership skills and intuitive sense of vision and direction have given her a wealth of insights and experience to share. Suman is currently based at the Global Retreat Centre in Oxford – an international Brahma Kumaris centre for values development, that welcomes 10,000 visitors from around the world annually.

Silence, Sound and Harmony - Perspectives on Music and Spirituality “After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.” Aldous Huxley Sound and soul are vibrational and a reflection of each other. Both contain the potential to enable healing, connection and transcendence. In this session, Rodney draws parallels between the dynamics of our human and spiritual experience and the fundamental elements of music, such as dynamics, pitch, harmony and silence. Speaker: Rodney Browne As a regular student of Raja Yoga, Rodney enjoys the transformative power of spiritual knowledge and silence, which he shares in weekly online i-movie meditations. Since age 6, he has found creative expression through music which he has studied up to MSC level (acoustic composition). Recently retired as Head of Music, he teaches piano, facilitates 'Spirituality and Men' events and delivers talks on spiritual topics.

Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking about yourself less. In a world that often rewards pride and self-promotion, it is often taken as a weakness. In reality, humility is a powerful, understated virtue that can open us to growth, build trust and strengthen relationships. Speaker: Rachel Priestman Rachel’s varied career has spanned librarianship, urban regeneration, PR and marketing, events and arts management - and a few other things in between. She currently volunteers with the Brahma Kumaris at Global Co-operation House in London, and is a member of the UK Media & Communications team.

It’s hard to explain, difficult, if not impossible, for the mind to see. Few people have an awareness of it. Yet we intuitively know that it feels like an accurate way to understand the reality that lies beyond separation. Sometimes known as ONENESS, it’s just that the mind, accustomed to seeing separated objects, is unlikely to ever know it! But an awakening intellect comes close when it becomes divine. Why? Is one of the questions which Mike will approach this evening as he reveals why there is another reality behind the things we think we know! Speaker: Mike George is a management tutor, spiritual coach and an author of sixteen books. In a unique blend of insight, wisdom and humour Mike brings together the three key strands of the 21st century – self-awareness, emotional/spiritual intelligence and continuous ‘unlearning.’ Mike is a highly entertaining speaker known for his ability to unite head and heart. For the last 30 years he has been guiding and facilitating the executive development of leaders in companies and communities in over 30 countries. He coaches and mentors individuals towards their own vision of inner success, and helps teams find more cohesive ways to work together and motivate themselves. His books include Being Your Self, Don’t Get MAD Get Wise, The 7 Myths About LOVE and Untangling Religion and Spirituality.