By Sydney Alexandra, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
“Women are creators of universes, not just in bearing children, but in the way we care. We are the caregivers, weaving the fabric of society for the greater good. When women become enlightened, their innate qualities of compassion and strength are nurtured, and wisdom is strengthened from within. This will have a ripple effect on society,” says Ioana Popa, the founder of 100 Seeds of Joy.
In a powerful initiative designed to honour and empower women, 100 Seeds of Joy: Sahaja Yoga Meditation Network will launch its “Her 16 E.M.Powers” program on November 25, 2024. Over 16 consecutive days, the program will offer virtual empowerment meditation workshops, each focusing on different facets of self-growth and mental well-being. With each session taking place at 7 p.m., the workshops, which are free of charge, aim to provide participants with tools and techniques that nurture their inner strength and guide them toward a path of self-realization.
Among the sessions is a highly anticipated workshop on stress management and self-care, which Popa views as a critical first step in this journey. “When we talk about stress, it’s not just external; we allow it inside,” Popa explains. “That’s why it’s essential to fortify your home — your inner castle. You need to know when to close certain doors and open windows. Self-care is crucial, and it’s not just about the body; it’s about nurturing your true self. Finding inner balance and practicing forgiveness is key.”
This holistic approach to stress management and self-care reflects the mission of 100 Seeds of Joy to empower women from within, providing them with practical tools for self-development and emotional resilience. The entire program, as Popa notes, is designed to encourage women to carve out time for themselves — time to focus, heal, and grow stronger.
The Her 16 E.M.Powers campaign is inspired by the United Nations’ “16 Days of Activism: Ending Violence against Women.” This global initiative, designed to raise awareness about the prevalence of gender-based violence, resonated deeply with Popa. Moved by the stories of resilience and strength among women, she recognized the many roles women play as emotional protectors in families.
“Women often absorb the frustrations of others,” Popa explains. “They act as emotional buffers, shielding their loved ones from conflict and tension. This emotional labour, where women carry the weight of others’ struggles while striving to maintain harmony, is both challenging and underappreciated. The program offers a space for all women to find safety, peace, and empowerment.”
One of the core objectives of the Her 16 E.M.Powers initiative is to provide women with the opportunity to reconnect with their inner selves. “We want women to have one hour for themselves each day, to focus on different qualities of empowerment,” says Popa. “It’s important to release burdens like guilt, which hold us back. Each meditation will focus on a different energy center in the body, guiding women toward personal growth and balance.”
These workshops will cover a range of topics related to emotional and mental well-being, allowing women to explore their own personal journeys of healing and self-awareness. The meditation sessions, which Popa highlights, are designed to help participants understand and connect with their “subtle body” — often referred to as “chakras,” or energy centres believed to influence certain feelings and characteristics. “Each one is like a realm, like a country governing certain qualities,” Popa explains. “For instance, we will absolutely talk about stress management and self-care.”
Popa’s journey into spirituality and meditation began in her early twenties, shortly after the fall of Romania’s dictatorship. At the time, yoga and other spiritual practices were forbidden, but Popa was determined to explore them. It wasn’t until she met Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, the founder of Sahaja Yoga meditation, that she found a deep spiritual connection that changed her life.
“I felt like Mataji came for me, like she touched my heart,” Popa recalls. “Her public program in Bucharest drew over 5,000 people, and the way she spoke, with such respect for the Romanian people and what we had endured, made me feel that she genuinely cared for us. She cared about our freedom and how we would evolve.”
Popa vividly remembers the impact Mataji had on her and thousands of others. “When she left, everyone stood up in respect — no one told us to; it was a spontaneous moment of reverence for this spiritual mother who touched our hearts. It was amazing, especially coming from a country where respect for spiritual teachings was suppressed.”
This transformative experience inspired Popa to pursue a life of unity and joy, spreading Shri Mataji’s teachings of connection, diversity, and spiritual growth.
“I wanted something that unifies people while allowing individuality to thrive,” says Popa. “As a yogini, I feel connected to every human being, no matter where they come from. During meditation, I felt an inner transformation and joy that I had never experienced before. That spiritual joy became my guide.”
To honour what would have been Mataji’s 100th birthday in 2023, Popa ambitiously launched “100 Seeds of Joy,” with a goal to organize 100 events that would spread joy and collective well-being through meditation. Ultimately, Popa surpassed her initial goal, hosting over 300 events that introduced thousands of participants to the transformative power of meditation and self-realization. While this is 100 Seeds of Joy’s first empowerment workshop specifically focused on ending violence against women, the organization has always incorporated conversations about female empowerment into its broader mission. Popa emphasizes that meditation is a powerful tool for healing and transformation, sharing the story of a woman who found immense relief from trauma through their meditation sessions.
“One participant had gone through significant trauma and had tried everything else, but meditation helped her immensely,” says Popa. “She brought her mother to one of our events, and despite her initial skepticism, her mother left feeling completely transformed, with her mind finally at ease.”
The story of the woman and her mother is just one of many examples of how 100 Seeds of Joy’s programs have touched lives. Popa recounts how another woman, who initially doubted her ability to meditate due to a busy mind filled with endless lists, found peace during one of the sessions.
“By the end of the meditation, she said, ‘I had no thoughts for the entire session — I was just absorbing everything.’ It was an amazing experience for her.”
The impact of these programs, Popa believes, extends far beyond the individual. “Even when everything around you seems lost or shallow, there is stability and tranquillity within you,” Popa encourages. “You belong to the universe, and by finding that safe space within, you can help yourself — and others — heal.”
The Her 16 E.M.Powers program offers a unique opportunity for women to explore self-care, empowerment, and personal growth through meditation. Each session is designed to provide women with tools for inner strength, balance, and emotional well-being. Popa emphasizes that this program is for anyone who needs a moment of peace and connection. “We hope to offer women a place to pause and reflect, to feel supported, and to experience the joy that comes from within.”
The Her 16 E.M.Powers campaign will run daily at 7 p.m. from November 25 to December 10, offering virtual workshops that are accessible to anyone interested. Popa encourages women to take advantage of this free opportunity to invest in their well-being and find support.
For more information about upcoming workshops, visit 100 Seeds of Joy’s website at 100seedsofjoy.com or click here to see more details about Her 16 E.M.Powers.
