"This afternoon, you all have a chance to laugh and feel relaxed." - Avatar Meher Baba

Your Friday photo...

“Avatar Meher Baba’s presence is very much imbued in Meher Mount’s landscape providing that sense of relaxation He felt in 1956,” said photographer and board member Agnes Montano.

“On a more tangible level, that peaceful feeling is also evident in Meher Mount’s many contrasts.

“This image of the mighty oak and the wildflower at sunset celebrates the diverse and contrasting beauty found in nature,” she continued.

“It is where both large and sturdy trees and the delicate flowers contribute to the overall landscape and harmony of Meher Mount.”

“This afternoon, you all have a chance to laugh and feel relaxed. Baba also has a chance to relax here for five minutes.

You had no chance at New York; in Myrtle Beach, little chance; in Los Angeles, none.

But here today, we feel relaxed, happy. I come down to your level so that we can laugh and be free together; but do not forget at the same time that I am the Highest of the High.”

— Avatar Meher Baba, Meher Mount 1956

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Source

Bhau Kalchuri, Lord Meher: The Biography of the Avatar of the Age Meher Baba, Online Edition, pg. 4066, accessed December 26, 2024. (c)Avatar Meher Baba Perpetual Public Charitable Trust.

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"I really need that right now..."

Your Friday photo…

Nearly 300 stickers carrying Meher Baba’s well-known message, “don’t worry, be happy,” were given to visitors at Meher Mount's booth during Ojai Day 2024.

When offered the free "don't worry, be happy" sticker, a common response was, "Yes. I really need that right now." And then the person smiled.

At the booth are Sam Ervin, Juan Mendez, and Ron Holsey talking to one of the many people who stopped by to chat.

See below to see why there’s always a happy ending — and to get your own free sticker.

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“I really need that right now..”

— A Visitor Reaching for a "Don't Worry, Be Happy" Sticker

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A Happy Ending

Mani S. Irani, Meher Baba’s sister and close disciple, reinforced the “don’t worry, be happy” message when she shared this story:

“When Baba said a thing it was with the authority of supreme knowledge, knowing everything. So when He says be happy, don't worry, He knows there is no reason to worry.

“…Baba would always like a happy ending. That is because His story, the story of His creation, has a happy ending. We are simply going through chapters.

“But somebody who has read the book and who knows the end, can very authoritatively say, ‘Don't worry, don't worry’ while you are in the midst of a chapter which is terrible.

“So whenever we go through something that seems so difficult, so disagreeable, don't worry, remember it is only a chapter... the next chapter might be different.

“When the end of the story comes, the story is finished. So, we might as well enjoy the story while we are in it too.”

Source: Bill Le Page, ed., The Divine Humanity of Meher Baba, Volume II, pp. 183-184.  (Woombye, Australia: Meher Baba Foundation).  ©Avatar Meher Baba Perpetual Public Trust, Ahmednagar India.

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"Say to yourself, 'I am meant to be happy...'" - Avatar Meher Baba

Your Friday photo celebrates National Positive Thinking Day…

Avatar Meher Baba making His general gesture for happiness in this photo taken by Faredoon (Padri) Driver

It's as if Meher Baba is saying, “It’s good, isn’t it?” or “You’re happy, aren’t you?”

“Say to yourself, ‘I am meant to be happy, to make others happy,’ and gradually you do become happy yourself and make others happy, too. ”

— Avatar Meher Baba

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There’s a story shared in Lord Meher in which a nurse named Mrs. Schreiber told Meher Baba, “I am so tired of life and very unhappy. I don’t see how I can improve.”

Meher Baba responded:

“Everyone is unconsciously tired of this life, because everyone seeks happiness, but knows not how to get it.

But life is so beautiful! It is meant to be happy.

I will help you. Then things will appear changed. You will see it.

It is always the outlook that counts, and not the object.

Today, you feel tired, upset, seeing nothing beautiful in things around you in life.

If tomorrow, you do not feel bored but cheerful in the same things that appeared so black to you yesterday — it is all due to changed mentality and outlook.

The easy way is not to make so much of things. Take them lightly.

Say to yourself, 'I am meant to be happy, to make others happy,' and gradually you do become happy yourself and make others happy, too.

Don't suggest to your mind, 'I am tired, haggard, depressed,' et cetera. That will make it worse.

Always say, 'All is well and beautiful. I will be happy.’”

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Sources

• Quote: Bhau Kalchuri, Lord Meher: The Biography of the Avatar of the Age Meher Baba, Online Edition, pg. 1631, accessed August 29, 2024. (c)Avatar Meher Baba Perpetual Public Charitable Trust.

• Photograph: Faredoon (Padri) Driver, Bangalore, India, late 1939/early 1940. Meher Nazar Publications. Used with permission.

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National Positive Thinking Day

Positive Thinking Day is celebrated on September 13th every year to highlight the rewards of positive thinking. Too much negativity can have an adverse impact on our emotional well-being. So, on Positive Thinking Day and other days too, it’s an opportunity to remind ourselves of Meher Baba’s words, “don’t’ worry, be happy.”

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