Each January, Ananda Ministers gather for a retreat to draw inspiration for the year ahead. During the gathering, we choose a guiding theme; for 2026 it is “Be a Channel for the Light.” It feels especially timely now, in light of global events, as well as prophecies and predictions about what lies ahead.

A number of psychics, like Edgar Cayce, along with people who have had near-death experiences and communed with higher beings, describe a similar vision. They speak of 2026 as a year of upheaval and turmoil—but also as offering humanity a profound choice: unity, harmony, and forgiveness over divisiveness, discord, and condemnation. Encouragingly, the predictions agree on the ultimate outcome: After a period of struggle, humanity will in time choose the light and move forward spiritually.

At the Ministers’ Retreat, we outlined four steps to help us to become channels for the light. Several people asked if we would share these steps more widely, since all of us can become beacons—illuminating not only our own life, but those of others as well.

Step One: Longer, Deeper Meditations. We can’t share what we don’t have, so the first step is to strengthen the light in our own consciousness. This is done by putting more time and energy into our daily sadhana.

Recently Jyotish and I took a weeklong period of seclusion, in which we separated ourselves from outward demands and tried to rest in the thought of God as much as possible. It was remarkably rejuvenating, and we saw that this is really the way forward for us.

Take a period of time—even if it’s just an hour—and reset and raise your spiritual goals. Create a schedule of sadhana, commit to it, and stick to it. Every time you overcome the temptation to give in to distraction or laziness, you will find that you grow stronger, and that further progress becomes easier.

Step Two: Bring Light to Current Events. It is good to be aware of what’s going on in the world. This doesn’t mean doomscrolling or obsessively following the news, but rather maintaining a clear, general idea of what’s happening.

Then, without judging, or responding with anger or fear, respond with light. Pray for those making decisions. Forgive those who are causing harm to others. Feel God’s love and compassion for the world. Follow Christ’s example when he said on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Step Three: Be a Secret Service Agent. Share your light with everyone around you. Be proactive: Don’t wait for people to reach out to you. If you see a friend, or even a stranger, who seems to be in need of help, then without being obvious, quietly help them or send them peace and love.

Remember, too, that the light is conscious: If you are a willing channel, it will use you in ways of which you’re not even aware.

We heard a beautiful story from a devotee friend in India. After a long, busy day, he was just getting into bed when he heard an inner voice telling him to drive to a particular freeway overpass. Since it was already late at night, and reaching the spot would take at least ninety minutes, our friend tried to ignore the inner voice, but it persisted.

He got up, dressed, and drove to the spot—to find a young man standing there on the overpass. They began talking, and after more than an hour the young man admitted that he had been planning to commit suicide. When he heard how and why our friend had come, it renewed his faith in God, and he became a follower of Yogananda.

Step Four: Pray Daily for World Peace. At the end of your meditations spend five, ten, or fifteen minutes sending light into the world. Start by feeling God’s light within you, then expand it outward to your community, your country, across nations, and throughout the world. Consciously join your beacon of light with others, until you feel a sense of global unity with all those who are praying. The power of souls united in seeking and sharing God’s light is invincible.

May these four steps to the light offer you a roadmap toward God—and toward bringing His transforming light to a world that sorely needs it now.

With joy and blessings in God and Guru,

Nayaswami Devi

Listen to Devi as she first reads the blog, then expands on its meaning and messages for readers with behind-the-blog commentary. Subscribe to the podcast or download the audio recording by right-clicking here. Or listen to it here (9:00):

Add a comment

Four Steps to the Light