“Out of time.” What an interesting expression, rich with so many meanings!

As you may know, Jyotish and I have just returned from three months of sharing Yogananda’s teachings in different countries around the world. During our journey, we traveled through many time zones, constantly adjusting our internal clocks to the local time wherever we were. Now that we’re back at Ananda Village, we’re once again adapting to the rhythm here.

As we recover from jet lag and our minds remain a little foggy, I often feel “out of time” altogether. I found myself wondering, “Why do different time zones exist, and why do they affect us so much?” As perhaps you’ll recall, these variations are caused by the earth’s rotation. When the part of the earth we inhabit faces the sun, we experience day; when it turns away, night. Our biorhythms become tied to this rhythm. We adapt to outward conditions rather than living within ourselves in the present moment.

In essence, what we call “time” is dependent on the movement of material objects through space. The teachings of India tell us that time and space are both part of maya, or delusion, and have no ultimate reality. The seemingly objective thing we call “time” is, in truth, subjective, a mirage. True reality transcends time—it is eternal.

Throughout history, there have been profound moments that stepped “out of time” and transformed the consciousness of humanity.

When Christ was crucified, a wave of compassion and forgiveness spread outward, uplifting and guiding mankind to this very day.

When Buddha attained enlightenment, a wave of higher awareness swept over the earth, drawing countless souls toward God and noble purpose.

When Babaji initiated Lahiri Mahasaya into Kriya Yoga in Ranikhet, a divine blessing began to flow that enables ordinary people to know God through this sacred technique.

And when Paramhansa Yogananda stepped off the ship and set foot in Boston, a new dispensation of world brotherhood and unity was set into motion.

It’s as though such moments exist in an altogether different “time zone”—one that transcends the seeming reality of this world.

It’s important to remember those moments in our own lives also when we seemed to step “out of time” and glimpse our deeper destiny. Perhaps it was when you first saw Yogananda’s photo, or that of a spiritual figure who has guided you. Perhaps it was when you first read Autobiography of a Yogi, or realized that you wanted to dedicate your life to the spiritual path. These timeless moments define our lives far more than we realize.

They often bring with them a heightened sense of reality: Colors grow brighter, silence deepens, and all movement seems to pause. I remember once, when a group from Ananda went to hear a saint from India speak at a conference, and I saw him across a courtyard surrounded by his disciples. To my surprise, he appeared to be in technicolor, while everyone around him seemed in black and white. That memory remains vivid to this day.

Hold onto the moments when you have stepped “out of time,” and let them help you realize your eternal soul nature. In Yogananda’s poem “Samadhi,” he wrote:

Past, present, future, no more for me, But ever-present, all-flowing I, I, everywhere.

But, friends, “out of time” also has another meaning: that we’ve run out of time and haven’t yet accomplished our goals. Each incarnation is a small step in our soul’s long journey back to God, and we must make the best use of the time given to us. Set your goals, as we spoke about last week with The Future Saints Club, and hold fast to them with determination.

By stepping “out of time” in deep meditation, we ensure that we don’t run “out of time” in fulfilling our soul’s true purpose: finding the bliss of God within.

Yogananda concludes “Samadhi” with these immortal lines:

Eternity and I, one united ray. A tiny bubble of laughter, I Am become the Sea of Mirth Itself.

May we always listen for his Whispers from Eternity.

With joy and blessings,

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 (10:18):

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Out of Time