.jpg)
Melinda Staley
To reach true enlightenment you have to take all of creation with you.
About Me
I was born June 8, 1952 in the Los Angeles area. Although my parents were Christian, they had an interest in the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda. My father had met him before I was born. Our home was full of fun and music, and my mother taught us to read scripture (i.e. the Bible) through the eyes of Eastern wisdom.
From early childhood my experience was informed from a source of mature wisdom. Through the “near death” experiences of my brothers and me, my parents prayed. I did hatha yoga every morning with my father. At age 15 I began to meditate. In 1977 I entered a householder’s life. In 1999, my Guru rescued me. I am still married and have three grown children, a son-in-law and a grand-daughter.
Currently, I practice with the Buddhist Sangha, dance and Zikr with the Sufis, sing carols and hymns in church at Christmas and Easter, do hatha yoga and plug in the Holosync experiment every day. I serve on the board of the American Haidakhan Samaj as Center Liaison offering Aarati and Havan at my home, and kirtan whenever and wherever people want to join in.
My spiritual name is Madhuri Farista.
Career
Currently I substitute teach in the public school system. I am occassionally asked to offer retreats and workshops, usually involving chanting.
Hobbies and Interests
I love my herb garden. I love my vegetable garden. I love my flower gardens. I love watching my grand-daughter explore the magic of life. I watch the waxing and waning of the moon and treasure the gift of havan when she is new and full.
I frequently drive to Crestone, Colorado from my home in Missouri and enjoy camping in the mountains. I particularly love letting the icy creek water wash over me.