Sometimes life’s detours become the most beautiful part of the journey. The plans we make rarely survive contact with real life. Unexpected illness, job loss, relationship changes are just some of the happenings that can knock us off course. Our speaker, Lucianna Ferraz will share from her rich and varied experience the challenges and crises that can sometimes confront us and how we can reframe disruption not as a disaster but as an invitation and an opportunity. Luciana Ferraz is the national coordinator for the Brahma Kumaris in Brazil. Luciana bridges her background in sociology with a focus on the environment, exploring how our relationship with nature is fundamentally a practice of love, respect, and reverence for all forms of life. Luciana has given talks and facilitated seminars internationally across India, the USA, Europe, and Angola, on topics including human values, integral health, positive consciousness, and meditation.

A special conversation with Sister Jayanti, Additional Administrative Head of Brahma Kumaris. Join us in a heartfelt celebration of Janmashtami as we reflect on the timeless qualities of Shri Krishna - purity, beauty, and wisdom. Step into a vision of a world inspired by his presence: a world filled with joy, harmony, and inner peace. Through dance, guided meditation, and an inspiring conversation between with Sister Jayanti, Addl. Administrative Head of Brahma Kumaris, and Cllr Parveen Rani, Mayor of Hertsmere. Come and discover how to bring this joy into your daily life and help create a more peaceful world. Cllr Parveen Rani is the Mayor of Hertsmere, a dedicated community leader, educator and advocate for public service, women’s empowerment and young people. She has served diverse communities for many years and believes that true leadership is rooted in seva, compassion and creating opportunities for others. She is also the Founder of Hindi Shiksha Parishad UK (HSPUK), promoting Hindi language, Indian culture and values among younger generations. As Mayor, she is passionate about bringing communities together, strengthening cultural and spiritual connections, and inspiring future generations to lead with confidence, kindness and purpose. Her guiding belief is simple: titles may change, but service to humanity should always remain at the heart of leadership. Sister Jayanti is Additional Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris. She is also Director of Brahma Kumaris for Europe and the Middle East and CEO for Brahma Kumaris (UK). As a spiritual teacher for over 55 years, she has dedicated her life to self-transformation and service to humanity and has worked tirelessly to promote positive, human, spiritual values to all sectors of society. Her wise and compassionate insights shine a light of clarity and relevance on the complex issues of today.

Life doesn’t ask permission before it gets hard. This talk offers practical, grounded tools, blending everyday wisdom with deeper spiritual practice, for the moments when things appear to be falling apart. Speaker: Waltraud (Val) Idir Val’s professional background is in developing holistic national and international projects in training, education and self-leadership for young people and professionals. She is passionate about the transformative power of meditation and building inclusive communities. Val has practised Raja Yoga meditation for 20 years and co-ordinates Brahma Kumaris activities in Croydon where she is based.

Celebrating World Friendship Day 2026 We come into connection with many people in the course of our life but deep friendships are few. The first friend we make on starting school can be so important as well as the friendships formed at other significant moments. The frequency of contact may change but the foundation doesn’t have to. This talk will explore the essential elements of friendship, what it takes to create and sustain meaningful relationships, can we make genuine friends online and who might be my best friend? Speaker: Chrissie Mahoney Chrissy Mahoney has a deep interest in the human spirit. This interest has inspired her to use her skills as a professional actor, and her Post Graduate studies in Conflict Resolution and Psychodrama, to creatively assist organisations in making the workplace a healthier and happier place for their people. Chrissy has been studying and teaching Raja Yoga meditation for over 40 years, and it is this practice that has brought the greatest inspiration to her work.

Imagine facing life's challenges with encouragement rather than self-doubt. What might become possible? Join us for an inspiring talk exploring one of the most powerful shifts you can make in your life. Speaker: John McConnel John is a stress management trainer and former prison governor and social worker. He has been studying and teaching Raja Yoga meditation with the Brahma Kumaris for over 30 years. John has a strong interest in the practical application of spiritual principles and insights in daily life. He is the author of Breaking Through The Darkness: how to defeat depression, anxiety and stress - a spiritual perspective.

In our fast-paced and overstimulating world, anxiety often feels like an unwelcome constant companion. But what if peace is already accessible within you, just waiting to be discovered and utilised? Join us to learn tips to drop the burden of overthinking tomorrow and anchor yourself in the profound safety of the present moment. Speaker: Kala Mistry has been practising Raja Yoga since 1992. She works as a community psychiatrist and is especially interested in how we use meditation, thoughts and feelings for well-being. Kala has worked on several projects with The Janki Foundation, including being a co-creator of the training program Values in Healthcare: a spiritual approach. Kala facilitates workshops and talks on spiritually related topics such as positive thinking, building inner strengths, positive health and healing of feelings.

This talk takes its point of departure from the idea that we are entitled to be happy and that the energy of love needs to flow in our lives in order to experience that. We will explore what that looks like and some of the barriers standing in the way - and how to gradually train ourselves in becoming more in touch with that happiness and love inside. More love for everyone! Speaker: Dorte Haun Nielsen Dorte began her practice of Raja Yoga Meditation in 2005 and since 2008 has been helping to run the Brahma Kumaris Centre in Aarhus, Denmark. In addition, she plans and coordinates local and international retreats. Professionally, Dorte works as a social worker. As a speaker, she is known for her warm, authentic and down to earth manner.

As Wimbledon gets under way this topic explores how focus, self-awareness and emotional control can shape performance as much as technique and fitness. What kind of mindset is required to excel? Which qualities are truly essential, and how do we navigate the "opposition" - both on the court and within ourselves? Speaker: Hans Haiert Hans has been a student of the Brahma Kumaris since 1990 and has helped in the coordination of the Munich Centre since 1995. He also assists with BK service on a national level in Germany. His speciality is to look at this spiritual knowledge from the universal perspectives of science, psychology and philosophy. Hans has shared his insights in lectures and seminars in more than 40 countries. A qualified lawyer, specialising in environmental laws, he also holds a degree in economics.

A seed holds more than a plant, it holds time, memory and possibility, a whole cycle of life held within a small, plain, humble element of the natural world. Every seed has a hidden life before it ever emerges into the light and carries within it an entire future. This talk explores the spiritual "secret life" we all carry - the hidden process where life experiences, both joyful and painful, act as the soil for our transformation. Speaker: David Goodman Based in Leeds, David helps to coordinate activities for Brahma Kumaris in the North of England. A retired community dentist, David takes an active interest in cultivating a healthy lifestyle: he is a keen organic gardener and loves all types of sport. He is also a trustee of the Janki Foundation for Spirituality in Healthcare, a charity which supports the wellbeing of health and social care professionals and patients. An experienced meditator of over 40 years, David shares with an accessible blend of humour and down to earth spiritual wisdom.

Finding the true seat of stability in a world in crisis In a fast-paced and unpredictable world, keeping our inner battery charged is more important than ever. As we reflect on International Day of Yoga, many of us know the wonderful physical benefits of yoga, but the word itself simply means 'connection'. Raja Yoga explores this connection through our thoughts and feelings, offering a practical yoga for the mind. Join us to explore "The Ultimate Posture", learning to shift our awareness away from external labels to settle onto the inner throne of the self. We will discuss how finding this true seat of stability recharges our innate resilience, and how taking our place as a master of the mind is the most powerful method to serve ourselves, our loved ones, and a world in crisis. Matthew Earl: A graduate in Genetics and former 'spiritual sceptic,' Matthew discovered the practical power of Raja Yoga over two decades ago. Based in London, his diverse professional background spans leadership as a Head of Business Growth to his current private practice as a Hypnotherapist. He uses this deep understanding of the mind and modern life to translate profound spiritual principles into practical, everyday tools, guiding students globally through courses, workshops, and retreats. Dipti Khatry: Dipti has been studying Raja Yoga with the Brahma Kumaris for over 30 years. During a demanding career supporting investment bankers in the City, she drew on her spiritual practice to maintain calm, balance, and resilience in a highly pressured environment. Today, Dipti dedicates her time fully to spiritual service. Alongside teaching, she coordinates courses and events at Global Co-operation House in London and supports major community initiatives, including Diwali on Trafalgar Square.

Everyone looks for the keys to success or to change, and many promise that key. But one of the most subtle keys is that of acceptance. To fully embrace ‘what is’ enables us to drop into a place of inner calm and gratitude. From that place and space of non-resistance, new energy, inspiration and wisdom can flow. Speaker: Margaret Barron Margaret has been studying Raj Yoga meditation with the Brahma Kumaris for over 30 years which has supported change in all areas of her life. She has a particular interest in how transformative thinking and personal practice work together to make spirituality practical for everyday living. Margaret has a degree in Adult Education and Training and works as an Empowered Living Consultant.