The North American AOL Center welcomed the New Year with festive celebrations, as over two hundred people came together to bring in the New 2010 Year. The evening program was complete with a succulent vegetarian dinner, followed by a breathtaking ceremony of meditation, singing, and dancing held in the beautifully decorated meditation hall.

The New Year's Eve festivities fell in the midst of several courses taking place at the Center over the holidays. Students as well as professionals took part in the Art Of Silence courses offered by the Art Of Living Foundation, which provide participants with an experience of deep relaxation, rejuvenating yoga, and the calming power of silence. Visitors from across Canada and the United States spent the holidays at the retreat center, contributing their skills to daily service activities, attending meditation and knowledge sessions, and enjoying the natural beauty of the frosty landscape.

In preparation for a lively holiday season, the ashram was transformed into a winter wonderland. Snowy trails were lit by christmas lights woven from tree to tree. Evergreen pines sparkled with decorations. The atmosphere of serenity and silence was sustained despite the center brimming with joyful visitors. As New Year's Eve approached, tireless cooks poured their enthusiasm into the creation of savory delicacies and exotic sweets.

Following a supper in silence, the New Year's Eve ceremony commenced in the main hall. Dressed in festive attire, both young and old came together to give gratitude for the abundance and joy that Life bestows. Led by a youthful Vedic priest, the ceremony was an interplay of soothing meditation, heartfelt prayer, and jubilant chanting in the ancient Sanskrit language. Highlighting the beauty of every religion, and reminding everyone that the Divine dwells within each individual, the priest encouraged the audience to help him pray for positive change in society.

Gathered around a bountiful centerpiece of fruits, flowers, nuts, and candles, the crowd delighted in the joyous melodies played by live musicians. The evening culminated with an inspiring message from Swami Sukhchaitanya, director of the North American Art Of Living Center. Speaking about the importance of faith in the Divine and having a focused vision, Swami Sukhchaitanya emphasized that chasing fun can lead to misery, while following the path of wisdom inevitably gives rise to fun in life. Noting that in Life, every moment is a celebration, Swami Sukhchaitanya encouraged everyone to take part in service, and live each day with wisdom and joy. Observing a moment of silence, positive intentions were set for the New 2010 Year.

An extraordinary occasion marking the dawn of a new decade, this New Year's Eve at the Ashram was a splendid celebration of inner silence, wisdom, and prayer for a stress-free, violence-free world.