Margaret “Meera” Ballonoff

Meera (Margaret) was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Jewish parents who had no interest in God, religion, or spirituality. Her community was ninety seven percent Jewish, and she recalls celebrating the Hebrew culture through holidays with family and ethnic foods. Her grandmother spoke only Yiddish, which limited their verbal communication, yet she had a reverence that Meera loved. At the age of nine, Meera had her first "spiritual experience" in the presence of her overnight camp counselor whose connection with the unseen was quiet and simple. Her love of music and nature were heart opening for Meera who had a month of ease as she tuned into something bigger than herself. This touchstone served her well on many occasions.

As an adult, Meera was restless, looking for something more and feeling there must be a better way of being than what her mind allowed. In search of “the answer” she investigated modern dance, and psychological and mystical paths. She became an elementary school teacher, married, and had two children. She also taught fitness, skiing, creative movement, and myotherapy (a trigger point modality). Finally, in her fifties, she dove into a spiritual quest that included six years with the Sufis. Her teacher introduced her to the concept of “I, me, mine,” which helped her see the limitations of the ego personality and made her wonder what was beyond her own ego character. Eventually she began to question the rituals and beliefs of both Islam and Judaism, asking herself, “Where is the personal connection with the Divine?”

Meera had spent years being angry, anxious, and depressed, and projected all this onto the world; especially onto her husband. After leaving the Sufis and practicing Korean yoga, she read The Disappearance of the Universe and A Course in Miracles. Ken Wapnick’s commentaries on the Workbook and Manual in the Course helped her understand that "projection makes perception." She also read the books of Byron Katie, Michael Brown, and Robert Scheinfeld. In combination, these readings changed her thinking forever.

As a child in religious school, Meera had read a book called The Still Small Voice. Connection with that Voice was what she had been longing for all along. Years later, she found herself sharing with Margie and Jo the path to remove the blocks that had prevented her from finding that voice within. Now she feels the joy of hearing It. These experiences have been the greatest gifts of her life. The three women have supported each other in asking the Holy Spirit for His help with every choice, every decision. The safety and security of doing this together has been invaluable, and Meera now feels that they are of one mind. She continues to release any attachments that are a source of pain and suffering. As a result, she has far less interest in worldly things than she did at the onset of her journey.

These days, Meera is drawn to the ocean. The rhythmic ebb and flow of the water connects her in the moment with stillness. More and more she relies on the Holy Spirit to "do her", trusting that everything is being taken care of. When faced with any dis-ease she steps back quickly, observes the insane thought patterns, and asks Him for help to see it differently. He often amuses her with light-hearted comments to brighten her day. Meera continues to enjoy teaching Nia (choreographed movement using dance arts, martial arts, and healing arts), delighting in her family, and preparing the "Daily ReMinders" on the One With God Facebook Discussion page.