The New Day Herald http://www.ndh.org/ Online journal bringing the MSIA community together, featuring inspirational, informative articles on practical spirituality and worldwide service. en http://www.ndh.org/http://ndh.org/images/ndh.jpgThe New Day Herald On the Road Again in South America with the MSIA Travel Staff & John Morton http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/t2lIr6LWrvY/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org (Angel Harper, photos by Angel) Our alarms have us rising this morning before the sun...way before the sun...so we can get to the airport by 4am. Vincent and Lesley Dupont rendezvous with Celia Allen-Graham and myself to check in for our day long travel from Los Angeles to Caracas, Venezuela. MSIA travel staff are currently in South America, providing MSIA Services (Innerphasings, Polarity Balances & Aura Balances) as well as MSIA events. Staff member, Angel Harper, provides this update from the trip:

Click here to view photo slideshow by Angel Harper from the MSIA travel staff trip in South America, 2009

DAY 1 - from Los Angeles to Caracas

Our alarms have us rising this morning before the sun...way before the sun...so we can get to the airport by 4am. Vincent and Lesley Dupont rendezvous with Celia Allen-Graham and myself to check in for our day long travel from Los Angeles to Caracas, Venezuela. Roger Wakefield, from NOW Crew, in spiritual warrior mode, delivers to us the sound cases that will travel with us...what a guy to get up in the middle of the night! We're in a mellow, go with the flow mood as we go through the check-in and security process. Before we know it we're boarding and settling into our seats for our first flight of the day to Miami. Some of us are asleep by the time the plane is up...I watch the movie and have some breakfast and then join the out-of-body part of our gang for a little dozing and a little se/z/ing.

Once in Miami we relax in the lounge appreciating some time to download emails and grab a bite to eat. We girls are already in the one-ness as we see that we're each reading the latest Dan Brown book....ah yes, good to keep well-rounded... Soon it's time to board our flight from Miami to Caracas and between reading and napping the flight seems to be over very quickly. No sooner do we disembark than we see Ani Pacheco, from Bogota, who will be joining us as part of our travel staff for this trip. It's great to see her again and she's also a great help in whisking us through immigration and customs. It takes a while for the luggage to come but when it does we get right through customs...Vincent and Ani had just a little blip with the customs clerk and then they join us outside hugging and greeting our good and old friends Santos Gomez and Gaby Grigorescu and Armando. They are such loves and take charge right away. Again in such a smooth fashion we are herded, boarded onto a van and are now snaking up the mountain on our way into Caracas. Lots of catching up on the way too. No matter how many years I've come to Caracas as we drive through these mountains I still feel like I'm coming into a frontier town with gunslingers...goodness knows what imagination is drawing from here.

Caracas is teaming with cars going every which way in this city nestled in the valley of the mountains. Hotel check-in is another breeze and then some of us choose to have a quiet night and others of us choose to go to dinner at our special restaurant, Limoncello. The servers there are so friendly and helpful and go out of their way to make sure we have no onion/garlic or pork in our food. Our friends have a special surprise for me in the form of a birthday torte. Even though I had been trying to be under the radar with my birthday they had sussed it out and the celebration was fun complete with singing Happy Birthday Venezuelan, Colombian and Brazilian style.
Great fun!! We take a moment to bless the land, bless and send Light to our whole trip and bless ourselves. Happy, well-fed and nourished in many ways we retire for the evening, each of us to complete the day in our own special way and prepare for the Traveler to be with us in our dreams and in the flesh tomorrow. Vaya con Dios!

DAY 2 — Caracas

We're in arepa country! Arepas are these wonderful thick corn mini-pancakes that go with just about everything. We stuff them with anything from butter and honey or jam at breakfast, to chicken, avocado, cheese and more at any other time of day. Yum! After breakfast las chicas--we girls--start our day of Services while Vincent with Armando, as his willing assistant, head for the event location to set up for tonight's Q&A and tomorrow's workshop. We girls have fun visiting with friends who come in for Services and we meet some new friends who are getting Services for the very first time.

While at lunch we hear that John Morton and Leigh Taylor-Young have arrived at the airport and are on their way to our hotel with Gaby. Magaly Sanchez and Santos keep us company at lunch and we're like a bunch of magpies or chickens chirping away with Santos as the king rooster. Back to Services we go and the afternoon flies by.

We've barely time to freshen up and then ride over to the event location which is near a famous landmark, at least for us, the Tamanaco Intercontinental. This hotel has many nostalgic memories for me as I recall my first year in Caracas we stayed at this 40's type hotel...done in the grand ol' style. But hey, it's back to the present and saying hello to all the friendly faces who greet us with basitos (kisses) and embracitos (hugs).

Soon John and Leigh appear and Santos, our MC for the evening, takes the stage to welcome the group of Discourse Subscribers and introduce John. Mariana Machado is John's translator and both John and Mariana soon take the stage. We are treated tonight to both a seminar and Q&A. Spirit seems to hold us in a velvety embrace and just when we're ready to float off we hear John's Baruch Bashan....and we jump back into our bodies. We wave buenos noches to John and Leigh as they head back ahead of us to the hotel to catch some winks. We follow shortly. What a day!

DAY 3 — Caracas

John and Leigh are up early with Gaby this morning driving over to appear on Elba Escobar's radio show by 8am. Elba is a beautiful and vivacious woman whose radio show is heard quite a ways around Venezuela. This morning John is her guest for 2 1/2 hours. As John talks and Elba shares about this evening's workshop, people start calling and texting in to register for the evening and ask John questions. It's a wonderful buzz. Meanwhile, we staff are breakfasting and getting ready for a day of Services. Alicia keeps us on purpose and on schedule as we go hour by hour through Services.

Lunch has all of us--John and Leigh included--getting together to swap stories and just in general relax and get some nourishment. Magaly has made a special treat for all of us--pumpkin and ginger soup. Goodness...it is pure delight...so great to have a homemade onion/garlic-free soup...and she brings to accompany it some parmesan cheese cassabas (cracker-like) that are yummy. We're like kids around this table just loving her dishing up the soup. Thank you, Magaly. Santos and Gaby have joined us too...and Lana Barreira is with us as she is our balancer-in-training for this trip. We are definitely one lively happy family. Then it's back to lunch and for Vincent back to tweak sound.

Once Services are over we have just a few minutes to freshen up and then we girls head over to the workshop. Lots more people here tonight as many have come because of Elba's radio show or have been brought by friends to experience for the first time an MSIA event. The theme tonight is Rest and Rejuvenation with the Beloved. Again Santos is our handsome MC and he quickly gives the stage to John with Mariana again his translator. Leigh makes a special guest appearance doing a meditation. John leads us through some key resting points and takes Q&A too. It is so nice to have a little mini-vacation just by doing some of the "resting" techniques that John shares from John-Roger's book The Rest of Your Life. The assisting team watches over the room as Liz, the team captain keeps an eye overall.

At the end of the evening the participants gather around the refreshments and visit and we staff start packing up the equipment as tomorrow we will be flying to Bogota. Santos, Magaly and Gaby escort John and Leigh off for a little dinner. The pack up goes lightly and quickly with a number of laughs--which is always fun. Kenny drives us gals back to the hotel. I'm happy that we get back so quickly to do our own pack-up of clothes. While we're packing, Ani corrals the kitchen into making us a light dinner snack. She is so amazing in that regard no matter where we are Ani seems to get the airport or kitchens to take care of us. Well, there are emails and Skype phone calls to make, maybe a little reading to do, and then it's time for sleep and perhaps to dream with the Travelers. Thanks for all the Light holding us along the way.
Buenos noches.

Day 4 - From Caracas to Bogota

I love travel days...there's a sweet mix of good byes and hellos. A little sadness to say goodbye to our brothers, sisters and friends here in Caracas and the anticipation of seeing our dear brothers, sisters and friends in Bogota. This morning Magaly and Ani go ahead of us to the airport to start check in. Armando and Chuyo have each stopped by for quick hugs and goodbyes. Mariana and her daughter, Sophia, and Gaby play with us while we wait to depart. Sophia brings out the child in each of us as we watch and feed the koi in the bubbling waters of the architected brook in the lobby of our hotel. Then it's into the van for our descent down the mountains to the airport near the ocean. Ani greets us with our boarding passes and passports--thank you, Ani---and sweet hugs and besos goodbye to our three musketeers, Magaly, Santos and Gaby. Our deepest thanks beyond words for all your loving and caring, and to all those in this fun and beautiful Caracas MSIA community who took care of us.

Our flight to Bogota is quick and soon we see the shining faces of our new hosts, John Marin and his wife, Virginia, our spirited Ana Maria Gonzalez and her groom-to-be and wonderful, Felipe, and father and son duo, Hugo and Erwin Gallo. Such a great welcoming! Bags in the van, our bodies in the cars and we're gabbing away catching up as fast as we can on the way to our hotel. At our hotel the MSS 3 class is in full swing. They just happen to have a break as we check in and we're hugged and loved as we get our room numbers. The catching up and fun teasing continues all the way through dinner at our favorite little Italian restaurant on the old square near our hotel. Already with full stomachs we're drifting off and it's time to lay these bodies down...a few more emails...a touch of reading and off we go to sleep.

Day 5 — Bogota

Oooh, must be the altitude that got to me this morning. My head is pounding and aspirin doesn't touch it. Ah, life on the road does have some bumps. Still there's much to be happy about as I look out and see the lofty mountain beyond my window and the green park below. Thank goodness for espresso and loving hands on my shoulders, the pain ebbs and the fun comes in. Happy bubbling spirits all over this morning as we greet anew old friends and meet some new ones as Services get underway. Ilse Arango is our mistress of Services and though she is in the MSS 3 this morning still has organized able assistance for us. Ana Maria Arango, is our translator par excellence, throughout the day. It's a full day too. John is on for sharing at the Masters class this morning, then Vincent heads over to Torre Samsung for set up for tonight's workshop. Les girls do Services.

Our lunch break provides us with one of our favorite Colombian taste treats, Ajiaco, a divine soup made of chicken, carrots, potatoes, corn and wonderful herbs....just the ticket for nourishment and comfort...not to mention the sides of avocado, rice, capers and fresh cream, and arepas...if you want them. Ana Maria Gonzalez seems to be everywhere today...my heart is so happy to have her spitfire loving and joyful expressions around us. Once Services are done we head nearby to prepare for the workshop.

As we enter the building there is a throng of people waiting to get in. A baby blessing is scheduled and quickly becomes part of the workshop program. Carmina Lopez is our glowing MC. She welcomes the group and introduces Juan Antonio, Sandra and Helena Ortiz who play on violins and piano a Bach Concerto. Wow, what a lovely and rich way to prepare the space for Resting and Rejuvenating with the Beloved, our theme for tonight's open workshop. John Morton is introduced and welcomes and invites the baby and family to the stage for the blessing. But, the baby has other plans so we have a rain check to possibly tomorrow for the baby blessing. These little Souls know the perfect timing for their blessings and tonight's not to be. Flowing with the Spirit, John and his companero and translator, John Marin, get us underway into relaxing and experiencing "resting points" that can bring us to a profound rest right in the moment. I get to lead the group in an exercise of breathing and find myself experiencing that rest that comes with letting go and letting God...such a blessing. The peace that surpasses understanding surrounds and holds us and we float out at the evening's end to sleep in the arms of the Beloved...after just a few more emails of course. You just gotta love emails...the Beloved is in them too.


Day 6 — Bogota

Whoa! We're off and running full speed this morning. Initiations, Services. Then we break for more ajiaco and a de-brief with our eager MSIA and PTS Bogota Reps -- Ligia Marcela, Carolina Rodriguez, Martha Cortes, Pablo Lipinsky, and our uncorked and fun Ana Maria G. The air is playful and sincere as we combine joking and updating looking at what is working and what refinements on both ends can be done. There is much gratitude all the way around for participating together in the Traveler's work...a little more ajiaco and then off to the next round of Services and initiations.

Just enough time for a quick freshen up and we're on to ordinations and yes, the baby has her blessing, and then Ilsa Chavarriaga Penuela welcomes us as ministers and initiates for a Question and Answer Seminar with the Traveler. Bringing in the beauty of movement Amalia Munoz dances Arabian style for us and then our multi-talented, Ani Pacheco, leads the group in the song Amigos expressing deep gratitude to the Traveler as the friend that is always there for us. The rest of the evening is dedicated to and expands on that blessed, enduring relationship and presence the Traveler carries with his initiates. It is hard to stay in our bodies but somehow we manage to get back in just enough to pack up. Amazing how grounding coiling cable and putting machines into foam packing can be. Looks like it's the mini-bar for dinner tonight...salted peanuts hit the spot as now we pack up for tomorrow we'll have Services and then a long flight to Chile. My goodness, the email is full-on tonight too. Even though we're on a different continent I'm always amazed how life continues on full-throttle...keeps it exciting. Well, enough excitement for today...how 'bout a few se's and some sleep. Take it away, Viajero, por favor!

DAY 7 - from Bogota to Santiago

Though we're traveling later today there's still a bit more to do here in Bogota. We gather for breakfast...I'm just loving this fresh papaya and the special star-shaped fruit that's indigenous to Colombia. All staff are doing Services and then we have our final lunch back at Amarti. The Arango trio -- Alberto, Ilse and Ana Maria -- keep us company and soon we are joined by Ana Maria G and Felipe. We are so happy to be filled with good food, good company and good laughter. We toast the soon to be married couple realizing when next we see them they'll be married. Light and happiness to Ana Maria and Felipe. Then we grab our hand carries and head out to the airport.

Ani has already gone ahead to the airport and is preparing our way. There's an unusual amount of traffic tonight. I fall asleep listening to the gentle talking and laughter of Alberto, Celia and Lana in my car. When I awake we're still a few minutes from the airport, but right behind Ana Maria and Felipe's group. Ah, must say goodbye again to our sweet friends...sniff, sniff. Our hearts have had the best time being close again. Hasta ano proximo! Y muchissimas gracias por sus amorisidad y cuidando por nosotros! Once in the airport we huddle waiting for Ani to appear. we're not alone for long as soon Pablo, Kaiser, and Veronica join us...Veronica to fly with us to Santiago, Pablo's going to Caracas and Kaiser back to Lima...Ligia Marcela to drop off Kaiser...how fun to touch in again. Then comes John Marin and Virginia to be with us 'til we get to immigration. Still no Ani...the clock is ticking. John Morton takes out his computer...usually guaranteed to bring on whatever we've been waiting for...but it isn't 'til Leigh pulls her computer out that there's magic, and here comes Ani to hand out our boarding passes. Our merry band escalate up to immigration. We take extra long and double-hug Virginia and John...we know the year will fly by and maybe we'll see them at Conference...we get thoroughly checked and secured and finally we board the plane...settling in for our overnight flight to Santiago. Our love and thanks to each of our Colombian MSIA family. Your big hearts make us so welcome. We are deeply grateful!

DAY 8- in Santiago

Boy, that was a quick flight! Try as we might Celia and I could only catnap, but hey, the Harry Potter movie was fun and I almost finished my book...and the s.e.'s were dreamy. As our gang debarks our plane and walk towards immigration we find ourselves in that zone of being half out of the body. We are blessed with an easy pass through immigration and customs and are welcomed, hugged and ushered to our cars by Ana Maria, Joaquin, Pepi, and Pecki. Nothing to do but go with the flow...brr, it's cooler here than Bogota...they are having more rain and cold than expected...figures there are always surprises that seem to come with the Traveler's arrival. Dear staff person, Nora Valenzuela, has prepared our rooms and is waiting for us. Ah, Happiness is having our sleeping rooms all ready for early early check-in...6:30am. Good news--breakfast is open. Though we could go to sleep, we are hungry and opt to eat together with Nora before catching some winks fully supine. John and Leigh provide a new coffee for our tasting and Vincent supplies the French press. As a special treat he prepares the coffee in true French style...it is so worth the weight.

Now that our tummies are satisfied, we can hardly wait to lay down the bodies...it's a free form day today for each of us. I for one am delighted to get some exercise and enjoy the beautiful water-fall and terrace near the pool outside of our hotel. Celia and I venture out to see some of the neighborhood and a huge nearby mall...noting some late night dining spots for possible forays in the next few days...then it's back to the hotel for email and dress for our social time with our Santiago MSIA family.

What a lovely presentation of tapas and juices this evening! Ana Maria Corvalan, co-MSIA Rep with Veronica Zarate, welcomes us and calls us forward into the Light. As we hold hands and chant, we touch to each other marveling at this Chilean face of our South American family. John shares with us for a few minutes. While still holding hands, he leads us in a blessing of Santiago and all of South America. He reminds us how just 20 years ago this week, the Berlin Wall came down and how he was with J-R when J-R and the MSIAers with him, put the "worm" in the wall just a year and some before it fell. For the next couple of hours we laugh and share how our year has been with one another. I'm loving the guacamole 'cuz it's rare we get to have it without onion and garlic. I also enjoy the chirimoya and strawberry juice mocktail. So many of our long-time friends-Reymi, Maria Cristina, Jany, Miriam, Nigel and Helio, and many many more have come to just to spend a few moments welcoming us here. My yawn signals me and the rest of staff that though we may have had a little nap earlier, we could use a little more rest. More hugs and then off we go to finish our day and tuck ourselves in. Lots more to come. Thanks for your Light along the way. It is so very welcomed and appreciated!
]]> Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1314 On The Road http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1314 Harvesting the Blessings: Our Fall Webcast with John Morton http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/SO9jP5asOhw/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org (Terilee Wunderman, photos by David Sand) Our beautiful Fall webcast with John Morton began with the lovely Leigh Taylor-Young welcoming us all from around the world. More than 16 MSIA communities in several countries hosted webcast gatherings, and more than 30 cities worldwide tuned in to reap the blessings of Spirit. Click here to view a photo slideshow by David Sand from the "Harvesting the Blessings" webcast with John Morton and Leigh Taylor-Young, October 24th, 2009.

Our beautiful Fall webcast with John Morton began with the lovely Leigh Taylor-Young welcoming us all from around the world. More than 16 MSIA communities in several countries hosted webcast gatherings, and more than 30 cities worldwide tuned in to reap the blessings of Spirit. Using my laptop and headphones, I joined with Leigh as she called us forward into the Light, a sweet and powerful invocation welcoming Spirit's loving presence with empathy and in divine oneness. From Santa Monica and around the world, we then "harvested" the sweet sounds of our loving hearts by chanting together in the name of the Lord.

Leigh shared how MSIA was founded by John-Roger, D.S.S., who continues to guide and support the organization and its teachings of Soul Transcendence --- knowing ourselves as Souls and as one with God. Leigh then introduced John Morton, D.S.S., Spiritual Director of MSIA, who has been serving us all through these webcasts since 2001. Leigh noted that John travels all over the world, assisting people in following their hearts and more fully knowing themselves as the blessings of God's love and Light. Recently, John, Leigh and many MSIA supporters celebrated John-Roger's 75th birthday in Israel and throughout Europe, sharing the teachings of MSIA through seminars, workshops, movie screenings, and informal gatherings.

John reminded us we can harvest the blessings at any time of the year. We can always choose to be in "thanks-giving" for all the Lord provides us. God is our source, John shared, the One who nurtures our Souls through His divine love. Reading quotes from John-Roger's many wonderful books, John and Leigh reminded us that there is one Lord of us all, regardless of what we choose to call It. And that loving source is within each and every one of us.

John encouraged us to be open and plant the seeds of God's loving so we can become more fully the blessings that we truly are as Souls. What we do in the world as we bring forth our blessings then demonstrates how we are bearing the fruit of our Souls. Leigh then shared how she sees all of us as God's harvest since we are His blessings. John agreed wholeheartedly and reminded us that God's harvest is the highest and most supreme, sacred harvest.

John then took questions from participants in the Brentwood Room in Santa Monica as well as throughout the world via the Internet. John explained that we are all learning and in the process of becoming more fully the blessings of Spirit. He noted that we always have the potential for ever-greater blessings to come forward. So we may never reach a limit for harvesting the blessings in this world because that takes place within our hearts and in the Spirit.

John reminded us that when we look into someone's eyes, we can be lit up by the Spirit. By sharing the Light of who we are with another person, we can help them to "light up" as well. Through this sharing of God's Light, we exchange the blessings of who we are and our gratitude and thankfulness come forward naturally. Love the one right next to you, I heard John encourage us, and transmit your love easily and fully through your loving eyes.

John then encouraged a participant in the room to share her Light with the world by looking directly into the camera. When she did, I felt a tender, powerful exchange as her loving eyes "met" mine through my laptop screen. What a beautiful blessing to experience this precious exchange of God's Light and love! Thank you!

A newcomer to MSIA asked about Soul Awareness Discourses, the series of wonderful books written by John-Roger that are the foundation of MSIA's teachings. John mentioned that in the newness of the experience reading Discourses, it's good to remember that we don't always have to know what to do. Be open to the learning and the opportunities coming our way, John reminded us. Just as Spirit provides a new day each day, we can claim the newness for ourselves in all that we do and reap the blessings of our own learning, upliftment and growth.

From around the world, we then sang together in a delightful round of "Happy Birthday", honoring John's October birthday. A particularly special moment touched us all when John introduced Grace, an adorable little girl whose baby-face adorns the cover of John's inspiring book, "You Are the Blessings: Meditations and Reflections on Life, God and Us." Held happily by her mother, Grace smiled and waved to everyone. She then called out a precious "Happy Birthday" to John from across the room, bringing forth ever-sweeter blessings and reminding us of the innocence and joy that is of the Spirit.

John then returned birthday blessings to everyone with a blessing of remembering that everything is good in God's creation, including each one of us and our own birthdays. We all are always one with the Lord, John reassured us. And if we forget, John reminded us that we are always forgiven through the eternal loving of God.

How wonderful to hear John's reminder that God's love for us is complete, whole and forever beautiful. We are truly God's glorious harvest as we become more fully the blessings we already are! Thank you, John & Leigh!

he date for the next webcast with John Morton is Thursday, December 24th, 2009, at 3:00PM pacific time at www.msia.org/live and at 2101 Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica, CA when the theme will be "An MSIA Family Christmas Eve."

You can watch the archive of "Harvesting the Blessings" at www.msia.org/archives.
]]> Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1313 Home Page Feature http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1313 J-R 9/24 - GEVUROT-HERO Scotland 2009 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/GR1mOgYMzmo/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org (Zoe Golightly) Our time in Scotland was magical for many reasons. And the way our Spiritual Warriors screening originated, was created, and how it left its mark, are among the most special and magical experiences for me. Photos by David Sand

Click here to view a photo slideshow by David Sand from the Spiritual Warriors screening and visit to Scotland.

Photos by Jsu Garcia

Click here to view a photo slideshow by Jsu Garcia from the Spiritual Warriors screening and visit to Scotland.

After a stunning road trip from rural South West Scotland through the autumnal colored tapestry of hills and heather, my partner Simon and I had a warm welcome upon our arrival at the Edinburgh Salisbury Holistic Centre for the Spiritual Warriors screening. We met with fellow Minister Liz Petrie and her husband Eddie, plus the beautiful Zoe Golightly and, of course, Hollywood actor and heart-throb Jsu Garcia.

The evening proved to be relaxing and intimate, the Spiritual Warriors screening (tirelessly shown by film technician Phil Danza) had excellent screen and sound quality. Even though we'd viewed the movie at home, it was lovely to experience it again with such a wonderful group of people. I'm thrilled that the MSIA travelers for John-Roger's 75th birthday got to see a slice of Scotland during one of the most visually stunning seasons of the year and I hope the hospitality you all experienced was warm and inviting in return.
Light and Love,
Jenny Rose

Our time in Scotland was magical for many reasons. And the way our Spiritual Warriors screening originated, was created, and how it left its mark, are among the most special and magical experiences for me.

Both Jsu and I have been in touch with a few spiritual 'movers-and-shakers' in Scotland for some time — via Twitter and Facebook - including Mike Berry (Founder of the Yes Group in Scotland) and Claudia van Zuiden (International Speaker, Yoga Teacher and Founder of Wo'Moon Circle of One). So starting with Mike and Claudia's connections we began searching for an organization to sponsor and host a screening in Scotland. Our journey lead us to connect with many beautiful souls and organizations, and we finally settled with the Salisbury Centre in Edinburgh — a mini 'Prana' of sorts — with residents living and working at this Holistic Spiritual Centre that offers Yoga, Workshops and a variety of events to their communities.

The screening was an intimate and magical one. Apart from Jenny Rose and Elizabeth Petrie — our two Scottish MSIA Ministers — everyone had received an email or some kind of invite from the online sharing and networking we had done for the short lead up to the event. It was a lovely validation for me how we put the energy out — put an event in the hands of Spirit — and watch the energy flow out and create the perfect connections.

But the most touching part of this story for me begins with a phone call I received the morning AFTER the screening — a gentleman inquiring whether we were going to have any more screenings — as he'd only just opened his email inbox and found our movie invite from a friend. I let him know that the only screening we had planned was last night, but that he was welcomed to come and visit me and buy a DVD if he was able to.

Having spent the morning already reading all he could on my Facebook sites and then Jsu's sites, and then all about J-R and the many organizations he's founded — all his incredible work — he was willing to do whatever he needed to get his hands on this movie ...

Well meeting him later that morning was one of those experiences that don't translate into words ... and my best attempt to describe our exchange is that excitement, that vibration when you meet someone in order for the Spirit to connect with the other — is one of the most beautiful and electric experiences I know. Having read all he could about John-Roger, and already sensing and knowing that he had been searching for him for sometime, when I met this man I immediately sensed the very special and profound connection we were making.

So after chatting for an hour — he was then happy to wait around the hotel for a few hours before we all met for lunch with Jsu and a few other friends — Mike Berry included.

It's connections like these that truly remind me that what we're doing physically on the planet is not the greater reality of what's going on. Yes we travel the world screening the movie Spiritual Warriors, or sell books, or hold workshops, or whatever ... but for me I'm so grateful to be aware in some small way that in all of this we are simply Souls, simply messengers of the Light touching to others and expanding its awakening through and for us, as we go about our ordinary daily lives.

To my family of Spiritual Warriors, to all those who do this work — we are blessed — I am blessed. And there is no appreciation, no recognition needed when the awareness of doing the work is present.

J-R, Jsu and all of MSIA ... thank you for letting me be part of this work.
I love you all,
Zoe Golightly

Read more articles from J-R 9/24 - GEVUROT-HERO

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    ]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1308 http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1308 Spiritual Warriors Screens in Bryn Mawr, PA http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/SyCJrJ7Ntfo/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org () Jsu Garcia was invited as the guest celebrity to appear at a Gamers Expo in Philadelphia Oct 23 — 25. So taking advantage as always of any Spiritual Warriors Screening opportunities, he and Zoë got to work quickly at creating a screening during his stay. Click here to view a photo slideshow by Jsu Garcia from the Spiritual Warriors screening in Bryn Mawr, PA.

    Jsu Garcia was invited as the guest celebrity to appear at a Gamers Expo in Philadelphia Oct 23 — 25. So taking advantage as always of any Spiritual Warriors Screening opportunities, he and Zoë got to work quickly at creating a screening during his stay.

    The Bryn Mawr screening was well attended by both our beloved MSIA family, and many new folks, and was concluded by an amazing Q&A from Jsu and Rick Ojeda.

    Below are some short and sweet comments from folks who attended ...

    From MSIA Minister Karen Cauley ...
    "There were two events at the King of Prussia Convention Center on Friday, October 23 - a Body, Mind, Spirit Convention and a Jewelry show. I was at the Jewelry show. As we were leaving a man handed me a flyer. I glanced at it quickly, looked up and saw that the man who handed it to me was none other than our very own Jsu Garcia. Rick Ojeda was with him. They were there to promote the Spiritual Warriors screening scheduled for the next day. What a demonstration of their tremendous commitment and willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done. It certainly worked on me. I had already seen Spiritual Warriors and hadn't planned to attend the screening but they inspired me and I wanted to support my Spiritual family members.

    Saturday morning as the trailer was rolling I slipped into my seat in the Bryn Mawr movie theater. I had seen Spiritual Warriors before and was surprised by my reaction this time. I was mesmerized from the start as if seeing it for the first time. I felt like I was in it, living it; I suppose in many ways that is true. When the movie ended it truly felt as if something had shifted inside—I was very much at peace with myself and the world. Spiritual Warriors is a reminder of the power of Spirit. I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the Travelers teachings and for the movie. To Jsu and all those involved with Spiritual Warriors, thank you, you gave me the kind of "bling" one can't find at a jewelry show---I am sparkling inside! God bless you."

    From Cris Hammonds ...
    "Spiritual Warriors reminded me that everyone carries their own hurts and past experiences. My choice is to look past the surface and see their Soul."

    From MSIA Ministers Gerda Paumgarten and Larry Goldfarb ...
    "We can all use a refresher course from time to time. For us, this well crafted, entertaining experience was a wonderful reminder of what caused us to join MSIA thirty five years ago. The Spiritual Warriors film is a blessing. With humor, loving and even a bit of sex, Jesus' film educates, entertains and challenges. See it."

    From MSIA Minister Peter Bort ...
    "This was my fourth time seeing the movie. This time I was much less distracted by mundane aspects of the film such as identifying extras I know. I found myself receiving spiritual healing and many inner awarenesses. I was moved to tears several times. I found myself in a place of greater clarity as to what is important in my life. I left with greater compassion for the human condition and for my place in all of it."

    From MSIA Minister Helen Collings ...
    "This is the third time I have seen Spiritual Warriors and each time I have seen new aspects. I walked away feeling lighter and more energized as if something had been cleared. "

    And from MSIA Minister Paul Mychulak ...
    "For me, seeing the movie Spiritual Warriors was like being at a J-R seminar. I was inspired, had spiritual awarenesses and emotional releases. I experienced a deep sense of loving and compassion for myself and others."

    From MSIA Minister Alice Fisher ...
    "Loved it! I gained a deeper experience of Spirit, and the infinite power of love."

    From MSIA Ministers, Areta Wowk and Ron Baker ...
    "Jsu was heading out to the East Coast near Philadelphia and so a last minute screening of Spiritual Warriors was set up in Bryn Mawr on Saturday October 24th at 11am.

    Spiritual Warriors is billed as an independent movie hit from NY Times #1 Bestselling Author Dr. John-Roger and actor Jsu Garcia (Che, The Lost City, Along Came Polly) . The screening was held at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute, a grand old theatre dating back to 1926 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

    The MSIA community from Philadelphia, New York and New Jersey were represented (great to see everybody!) - along with first-timers. We have seen the movie Spiritual Warriors about a half-dozen times and it seems to get better and better with each screening. How does J-R do that! We loved seeing Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens in the movie. It's so beautiful - and it's our home away from home.

    The experience of recognizing people we know in a motion picture is exciting! All that - and Ron Baker was overheard as saying "the monster drool is great." We are happy to support our film makers and stars while receiving great entertainment along with nuggets of the Traveler's messages. The movie brings to life the essence of living as a Spiritual Warrior. The actors and production crew are clearly committed to creating cinematic art that captivates and awakens their audience. You could say that Spiritual Warriors gives new meaning to the term "Cult-Classic."

    We also were treated to a showing of the awesome short-film Who Are You? with Jsu Garcia (and friends). After the movie, lead-actor Jsu Garcia and producer Rick Ojeda held a Q&A with the audience, sharing about their experiences in Egypt, climbing the pyramid, Petra (Jordan), and about the locals, including a sheikh who was involved with the movie. As a bonus, copies of the Spiritual Warrior book by John-Roger were given out and J-R and Paul Kaye's new book Serving and Giving, Gateways to Higher Consciousness was offered for sale.
    Ron won the raffled DVD of Spiritual Warriors (Yeah!!) Then, we were off for a bite to eat. Afterwards, enjoying the spectacularly brilliant autumn foliage along the way, we headed to our host Peter Bort's house to view the Harvesting the Blessings webcast with our Traveler John Morton hosted by Leigh Taylor-Young. Gratitude came easily for this fun and perfect day!"
    ]]>     Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1309 http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1309     Our Beloved John Morton Visit -- UK Year 1 Home Masters in Spiritual Science Class http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/soQtGD08c8M/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org (Stacey Medalyer, photo by Eric Lumiere) As we draw to the end of Year 1 of the UK Home Masters in Spiritual Science (MSS) class, I am reflecting on all the blessings that this class has brought. For me personally there have been many. There is one however, that stands out above the rest and it happened on Sunday 4th October.
    As the co-ordinator of the UK Home MSS class, I had been holding for and taking many steps towards having one or both of our beloved Travelers join us for sharing during our class. We were moving towards having a webcast with John, when I received an email saying that he would be available to have a special visit / sharing with the class - not on the weekend of the Masters but at a special one-off visit whilst the Travelers and team were in the UK..

    On Sunday 4th October I had the honour and the privilege of standing up and introducing and welcoming John to our class. The week prior to the sharing I was reminded about role models and John Morton is certainly a role model for me. His impeccability, his wisdom, his love and his commitment to humanity inspire me so much and to have his presence with our class (15 of us) was going to be totally magical.

    John gave of his time in abundance - we had over three hours with him! As John shared and answered questions with the group, each of us sat riveted listening to him. I felt like my heart was smiling throughout. The energy in the room was so beautiful. The love that was in the room was so bountiful. Having Leigh Taylor-Young with us, so clearly supporting John and so warm and lovely with all of us was an added bonus, as well as Liz Bixby who has been an ongoing support throughout our class.

    When the time with John came to an end, I know that I was certainly lit up and even more than ready to continue on my path with a heart full of love.

    John - you really are a spiritual warrior. Thank-you for being who you are. We love you and welcome you to be with our community anytime!
    ]]>     Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1310 http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1310     J-R 9/24 - GEVUROT-HERO Paris 2009 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/9a2SyOhqPKY/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org (Corinne Bayle, Vincent Dupont, Anne Tormo) No need to tell you that when we got to know that J-R, Jsu, John, Michael and many friends had decided to come and visit us again this year, we were already "floating on a pink little cloud" (French expression to say how happy and ecstatic we were). Photos by Jsu Garcia

    Click here to view a photo slideshow by Jsu Garcia from the trip to Paris with John-Roger.

    Photos by David Sand

    Click here to view a photo slideshow by David Sand from the trip to Paris with John-Roger.

    J-R and Spiritual Warriors Trip to Paris, October 5, 2009

    From Corinne Bayle:
    No need to tell you that when we got to know that J-R, Jsu, John, Michael and many friends had decided to come and visit us again this year, we were already "floating on a pink little cloud" (French expression to say how happy and ecstatic we were).
    We were 18 from France, blessed by the presence of 58 friends from England and States !
    Our Travelers and Michael took time with each of us, and enlightened Paris with their presence. A short but so intense day ! We are ready for next year !!!

    From Vincent Dupont:
    The skies were gray and rainy, but the hearts were shining. From the moment we stepped on the train platform in Paris Gare du Nord and into the welcoming arms of our French family, until the hurried goodbyes at the same station over 8 hours later, I mostly recall a warm blur of love, Light and heartfelt sharings. Along the way we enjoyed a tasty meal au Châlet des Iles, a picturesque restaurant located in my childhood playground of the Bois de Boulogne, and some Light anchoring stops at the Trocadero/Eiffel Tower and the courtyard of the Louvre -- all of it masterfully orchestrated by Corinne Bayle, our resident tour guide. La pièce de résistance, of course, was supplied by J-R as he made himself abundantly available to the French people who took turns sharing with him through the day. As I look back on the day, I am once again filled with gratitude for the opportunity to participate in these Light journeys with J-R and John, for the wonderful family the Travelers have gathered from around world, and for the love and blessings we share.

    From Anne Tormo:
    To welcome JR and his traveling Birthday party group, filled all of us in Paris with so much joy. We gathered from many areas of France, the East, the South West of France, converged to Paris' Gare du Nord to welcome JR's co-travelers who had arrived from London on the Eurostar across the English channel; from there, buses took us to Jsu's favorites restaurant, Le Chalet des Iles. It is set on an island in a park just outside of Paris, and the boat ride one must take to get to it contributes to the specialness of the place. Soon the large reception room we had reserved filled with chatter as English, American and French friends gathered around JR, John and the staff.

    Lunch went by quickly, JR talking to many of the French community. After desserts (different options of pear deserts, to celebrate the fall), we all journeyed back on the boat, and onto a couple of buses, and we toured some of the inevitable sites : the Eiffel Tower, which did provoke some ahhhs, and which got adorned with a refreshed Light column, and then the Elysée Palace, home to our governing Sarkozy; then we hit the Louvre museum, parking in the underground bus station which was a powerful diesel experience. As we followed Corinne who walked briskly through the museum, we surfaced to the Louvre plaza right next to the large glass pyramid and there called the Light and chanted some Ani Hu's; and just as briskly, we were gone, back on buses and off for the Gare du Nord again in time for JR and his travelling friends to catch the evening Eurostar back to London.

    The French remained in Paris, and went for tea to keep talking about that amazing day's experience and continue sharing the blessings of that special day.

    Read more articles from J-R 9/24 - GEVUROT-HERO

    • J-R 9/24 - GEVUROT-HERO Israel-Jordan 2009
    • J-R 9/24 - GEVUROT-HERO London 2009
    • J-R 9/24 - GEVUROT-HERO Paris 2009
    • J-R 9/24 - GEVUROT-HERO Scotland 2009
      ]]> Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1304 Community Spotlight http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1304 On the Road in Toronto with the MSIA Travel Staff http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/xvjkdBCIe1w/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org (Angel Harper, photos by Angel, Bob Newans) Gloriously clear and cool outside, eh?! Christina picks us up for our drive to her home for Services. On the highway we get a panoramic view of the new condos going up all around the downtown area. Christina lives in west beach and this Friday morning the neighborhood is bustling with activity. We are charmed by the coziness of her home and go right into Services. All day long friends from here and as far away as Alaska have come for balances. MSIA travel staff are currently in the Toronto, providing MSIA Services (Innerphasings, Polarity Balances & Aura Balances) as well as MSIA events. Staff member, Angel Harper, provides this update from the trip:

      Click here to view photo slideshow by Angel Harper from the MSIA travel staff trip in Toronto, 2009

      DAY 11 — TORONTO

      Gloriously clear and cool outside, eh?! Christina picks us up for our drive to her home for Services. On the highway we get a panoramic view of the new condos going up all around the downtown area. Christina lives in west beach and this Friday morning the neighborhood is bustling with activity. We are charmed by the coziness of her home and go right into Services. All day long friends from here and as far away as Alaska have come for balances.

      Lunch is warming, nourishing on many levels as we break bread with all who are there. I can't resist a quick walk outside in the still very brisk Autumn air. The sun on my face feels so good but barely warms me against the biting (for this hot-house flower) wind that has the leaves swirling around my feet. After Services we have dinner with a small group of MSIAers at a Japanese restaurant downtown. By the time we've all ordered there is plenty to share of delicious sushi, tempura, edamame and other more exotic delicacies. The stories around the table are entertaining, and it's particularly fun to hear from our Alaskan friend about her early days in the Movement.

      Full but not stuffed we quick-step it back to our car...my forehead feels icy...no kidding...and as she drives, Christina tour guides us through the University area pointing out buildings and giving us tidbits of Toronto history. We are so ready for some good sleep when we discover that our laundry has not yet returned AND there is no Saturday delivery. Hmm, given that we are leaving the hotel at 4am on Sunday, we know we are now on a mission (hear Mission Impossible theme song....). After a half-hour of various phone calls, I finally pay a visit to the hotel night manager. He rises to the occasion and a hotel search is on for the missing laundry that they are sure is in the hotel. A bit before midnight we surrender the quest for the evening as some of the rooms that have to be checked have their do-not-disturb signs on the door. Though we don't have our laundry, we do have comfy beds so it's time to let go and let God.

      DAY 12 — TORONTO
      I need to jump start my body this morning so before resuming the laundry quest, I head to the gym. Feels great to do a little workout. With a clearer head I check in personally with the Day Manager and he's on the job already as is the Manager of Housekeeping...no word yet but lots of assurances that we will be taken care of. At some point through getting dressed I relax and let go of having to have my clothes back and not 10 minutes later there is a knock at the door. Our delightful and very effective Housekeeping Manager has our laundry in hand...it was found in another guest's room and they had just looked into their closet and seen the new additions to their wardrobe. Smiles all around and the manager even gave us a discount for the hassle factor. Once again I am reminded of the grace that comes with truly letting go.

      We celebrate over coffee as we look out over the city from the top floor. Soon we find ourselves again chauffeured by a bubbly Christina who is tour guiding us this morning through the city instead of the highway. We see more of the University buildings and the amazing architecture of the RAM (this incredible museum), such a mixture of old and new. Toronto, we come to find out, is not actually that old. Buildings there date from the 19th century for the most part. By the by I found out that the St. Lawrence market used to be right on Lake Ontario. Ships would dock right at the market pier and unload their produce. As the lake receded buildings were constructed between the market and the water. At some point the market became a jail for awhile, and then was restored back to its original intent and remains a thriving market and meeting place to the present.

      Back to today....Services fly by with another nurturing meal cooked by Christina and Eric who also contributed fresh farm eggs and produce...nothing quite like being nourished with good food and loving fellowship. Right after Services we are whisked off to Bryn Waern's home where many in the community have gathered for a good ol' fashioned home video seminar. We have one of the most delicious pot-luck dinners I've had in all my years of on-the-road potlucks. There are a number of ol' MSIA timers like Bryn and Yehuda Walk who are here tonight. Maya, Bryn's daughter, serenades us with three beautiful songs, Bryn calls us into the Light and then she passes the heart around for contributions. This is such the heart of these seminars and our MSIA--the beautiful, genuine sharings from each person as they contribute their energies into the Light. We all send Light to each person as they share. Then we settle in even more for an hour of J-R talking to us. True to form, I fall asleep or "go out" at some point only to come back like a snap a few minutes before Baruch Bashan (and I was sitting straight up too).

      The lights are kept low when all of sudden we hear some voices holding a cake with candles singing Happy Birthday and we join in to wish Yehuda a happy 80th birthday. He is radiant in the light of the lit birthday candles. Our laughter and loving continue over cake and pie and then after many hugs, Christina corrals Mary Ann and me for our drive back to our hotel. We thank Christina for all she did to make our visit here to Toronto so special, so loving, fun and nurturing. We thank all who assisted Christina in any way. This is a blessed community and they freely share their blessings. Mary Ann and I as we pack review all the wonderful treats of the trip and of our time in Toronto. And though still a little buzzed, we talk ourselves into laying our bodies down for hopefully some rest before our wake-up alarms tell us it's time to go to the airport.

      DAY 13 - TORONTO to L.A. and Santa Barbara

      My goodness...yes indeed, that sound that I'm hearing is an alarm...Mary Ann's...and that other sound is my alarm. Yee Haw! Time to jump up and get dressed...we have an eeaarrrrly plane to catch and customs and immigration to do first. Well, that was the smoooothest hotel check-out, ride to the airport, check-in, customs and immigration I have ever been through. We're on the other side...of immigration that is...with oodles of time for grabbing a coffee and maybe a magazine too. So very nice to just relax and enjoy some people-watching and espresso sipping. Once we board the plane and we're settled into our seats, I'm grateful for being able to participate and witness the grace, the loving, the wisdoms, the humor and so much more that comes with the Traveler working with us. We are truly blessed to be so taken care of and to share with each other this amazing journey on the way into knowing ourselves as Souls. Thank you from our hearts to all who have participated in this Midwest trip with us, for your Light, for your loving, for your assistance. We will soon again be back on the road...in just another week...South America. Join us, however you do, for the adventure!
      In Love and Light,
      Angel

      Click here to view Days 1 to 10 of the Midwest & Toronto trip
      ]]>       Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1305 http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1305       J-R 9/24 - GEVUROT-HERO London 2009 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/Nlka5_P34y8/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org (Nathalie Franks & friends) What can I say about 'Amazing Grace'? J-R and the Spiritual Warriors returned to London this October for another film screening, workshop, book launch, and fundraising event. Photos by David Sand

      Click here to view a photo slideshow by David Sand from the Spiritual Warriors screening in London.

      Click here to view a photo slideshow by David Sand from the workshop & booksigning.

      Click here to view a photo slideshow by David Sand from the fundraiser at Cliveden House.

      Click here to view a photo slideshow by David Sand from Bleinheim Palace.

      Photos by Jsu Garcia

      Click here to view a photo slideshow by Jsu Garcia from the Spiritual Warriors screening in London and Workshop.

      Click here to view a photo slideshow by Jsu Garcia from the fundraiser at Cliveden House.

      Click here to view a photo slideshow by Jsu Garcia from the tour of Bleinheim Palace.

      Spiritual Warriors Screening, London, 10-02-09

      Well worth the experience to take the time to finally meet Dr. John-Roger, Jsu, Zoe plus the rest of the team. Both the film screening and workshop events were an enlightening experience especially being in the presence of John-Roger who inspires those he comes into contact with. I was moved by the truth and words spoken in the messages given. I definitely shall look forward to another chance to be in everyone's company again, and am so glad to have had my first experience of this movie I have heard so much about.
      Andrew Mondia

      "It" started about three days before everyone touched down on good old English ground: an energy I recognize from the very first time I connected to it, which was three years ago at the first screening of Spiritual Warriors in London, at the Prince Charles Cinema. It is full of joy, very active, has no gender; it seems to mingle through my system and my everyday experience, and it brings a never ending smile to my face. It literally fills me up -- I have no big interest for food, because I am so full already.

      Meeting Zoe was the first energetic explosion for me: My little big soulsister, whom I love so much! Setting up for the screening of Spiritual Warriors again, one bright face after the other came into my field, and it was such a pleasure to feel these vibrations of joy and excitement.

      Seeing Jsu again, meeting him through the lens of his camera. Welcoming people that have been attracted, talking to passers-by, who are always there for a reason, embracing peoples emotions or questions, expanding and integrating this wonderful energy that was present.

      Can you imagine how many blessings were present just until then? And that was only the beginning of my first evening of J-R's time in London ...
      Inken (better known as Ink!)

      And the official commentary from Nathalie Franks ...

      What can I say about 'Amazing Grace'? J-R and the Spiritual Warriors returned to London this October for another film screening, workshop, book launch, and fundraising event.

      The song 'Imagine' by the Beatles comes to Mind.

      Imagine no possessions
      I wonder if you can
      No need for greed or hunger
      A brotherhood of man
      Imagine all the people
      Sharing all the world

      My prayer this time was to have the events filled with grace and ease, and as I put in the request it manifested perfectly for the highest good. The work seemed to have a different flow this time, assisted by the contacts Zoe Golightly and I had made over the last two years. Several adverts were placed to spread the news of our events in holistic magazines, newspapers, online spiritual groups, and free London web sites. Inken our flyer angel handed out flyers at spiritual events and the London College of Spirituality. Melba Alhonte flew in from New York and met a Romanian Princess who invited us to the Romanian cultural institute, where we invited everyone to the film screening, we had so much fun.

      We hired our favourite cinema the Prince Charles where we had screened the movie before, its location is in the heart of the West End Cinema's just off Leicester Square.

      So now let me take you on a journey where if you prepare the place Spirit will match it.
      Outside the cinema tables were laden with copies of the Spiritual Warrior books to be handed out to our guests. Our team of assistants directed by Sam Wigan chatted to people about the movie and the book. The excitement and buzz were tangible. Just over 200 people filled the cinema, with most of the crowd were there for their first viewing of Spiritual Warriors.

      As the movie started the energy of Spirit filled the auditorium. I glanced over my shoulder to see John Morton in the back of the cinema anchoring the energy. Once again the fundamental purpose of MSIA was being demonstrated by 'Making the teachings available to those who are looking for them'. The film Spiritual Warriors is a vehicle that brings people into the Light and connects them to their journey into the 'True Self'. After the screening ended there was a Q&A session with Jsu Garcia, Leigh Taylor-Young and Rick Ojeda. The first comment was from a London independent film maker who said she enjoyed the film very much and asked Jsu how they got the film made and distributed. Another question from the audience asked "Where are the quotes in the film from?" Another asked, "Who is John-Roger?" Jsu and his team answered the questions with humor and great sincerity.

      After the Q&A many people stayed behind to talk to Jsu and other cast members who freely gave of their time, while others handed out information for the next event 'Serving and Giving by Living the Way of the Spiritual Warrior': Workshop, booksigning and DVD launch. We left the cinema feeling uplifted; the grace of the Traveler's energy being extended to us.

      Baruch Bashan,
      Nathalie Franks

      ******

      'Serving & Giving by Living the Way of The Spiritual Warrior': Workshop, Booksigning & DVD Launch with Drs. John-Roger, Jsu Garcia and Paul Kaye, 10-04-09


      I attended the workshop at The Hempel with my baby Liron. As soon as I entered the room, I felt a warm and accepting atmosphere. No matter the question asked to J-R, the response was like a direct and understanding sword to the heart. I was also very touched by the care that J-R and John Morton took with my very vocal baby!
      Leora

      The most surprising thing about the events in London was that it was so much fun. There was a feeling of joy and lightness which pervaded both presentations. Everyone showed a deep commitment to their work combined with seemingly little attachment to the outcome, a kind of 'egolessness'. Notwithstanding an obvious desire for his project to succeed Jsu is able to laugh at himself and respond to others with a wonderful sense of humor.

      The same was true with Paul Kaye's talk at the book signing. In addition to the information about service we were given the unspoken message that being in Spirit is a joyful, light and loving experience which was contagious to everyone in the room.
      I live far from any MSIA community so it is always a pleasure for me to be in a group of people in the Movement.. Even three 'Ani Hu's chanted in unison is a powerful thing.
      Finally, it is always a privilege to be around J-R. There is something that goes on beyond the words and which left me with a feeling of inner peace, like a blessing.
      Love and Light,
      Jeffrey Hessing

      It was great meeting everyone at the book signing here in London. I want to thank you all for the opportunity for my family and I to meet J-R here during the visit, it's a moment I'll cherish forever and will never forget. It was my pleasure to help out, give something back to the community and to spirit in appreciation for all that God has done for me and my family.
      Much Love,
      Rosemary Wallace

      Sunday the book launch, where I meet J-R for some slow minutes. I observed my inner feeling I had for a long time already: It is beautiful to meet physically, and there is an addition in the intensity in my senses, my outer senses. And beyond the physical there is something that was, is, and will be present in any moment where ever we are.
      "You just call out my name, and You know where ever I am, I come running..." comes to my mind.

      The allowance of being together, letting everyone "in", not really the right word, because that would mean that an "out" is existing. I smile. Sharing, sharing, being. With a wonderful group of wonderful Beings. Wanting to know, wanting to grow. Being there.
      It feels like I know every one of You.
      Inken (now better known as Ink!)

      Paul's part of the workshop was calming, lifting and supportive and made me focus on myself, my ways of serving and my spirituality. Awesome. Can't wait to read their book. Once again J-R bought me home again.
      Love and Light,
      Susan Golman

      What an innovative book launch! Workshop, Q&A and Cream Tea to go to heaven for. Paul Kaye offered us a light look at serving -- ourselves and others and we got to explore how we could do more of that. His stillness exercises brought me into a deep peacefulness. John Morton blessed us with one of his blessings. When it came to Q&A, there seemed to be few questions but enough for J-R to give us two of his old time seminars. Then followed by book signing by J-R and Paul. And if that was not enough, the icing on the cake was, well the cakes -- and scones, divine clotted cream and blackcurrant jam. 175 of us fellowshipping. And the book — "Serving & Giving Gateways to Higher Consciousness" - is great too.
      Thank you all,
      Anne Naylor


      And the official commentary from Nathalie Franks ...

      Finding the venue for this event was easy. I put an ideal scene into Spirits hands and listened inwardly for my direction. Both Nicholas Brown and I decided that we wanted the venue to reflect a calm clear space that would reflect a higher quality of Spirit. The Hempel Hotel matched our vision and as I entered the lobby candles and low beige couches lined the walls. Across the road, the Hotel also had a beautiful zen garden. I knew I had found the perfect venue. The room where we held the workshop was painted in black and white and had small portraits of London life lining the walls in elegant frames.

      The workshop title was 'Serving & Giving by Living the Way of The Spiritual Warrior': Booksigning & DVD Launch. As I walked into the room Zoe and Inken had set up the room already there setting up the tables and books, Andrew John and Eleni and Sam Wigan were also part of the team, preparing the space for people to come into. We circled up and called in the Light, with Brooke and Phil Danza our sound team. The energy came in and filled the room and so did our guests. Judy Bud and Sheila Harvey, Linda Julian and Lily Waterstone and Joyce Jenkins sold books and DVDs at the back table, while the waiters were filling the bar area with tea and scones and clotted cream: one of J-R's favourite. I felt a different energy and I turned to see our beloved J-R walking in with Jsu Garcia, Nathaniel Sharratt, Michael Hayes, Rick Ojeda and Paul Kaye. John Morton and Leigh Taylor Young shortly followed, so we had a double blessing of two Travelers. Many of the MSIA ministers and initiates had traveled far to join us for this event, they had come from America, Australia, France, Spain, Sweden, and Germany. 175 people attended the event. We had answered the call to be present and we were rewarded by being enveloped by the Holy Spirit, giving us the opportunity and the blessing to share this event and our beloved J-R with so many new people.

      Jsu called in the Light and introduced Paul Kaye whose British presence was a delight to us all. Paul's eloquence and graceful style in explaining the content of his new book made it very easy for new people to follow. His simple one to one exercises assisted us in discovering ways of 'how we can be of greater service to self and others'. Then Paul asked the audience if they had any questions for Dr. John-Roger. J-R then answered the first question about trust which led to our delight into a small seminar. A hallowed energy permeated the room. I remember only the essence and I did hear J-R say 'Its here, and I felt the Holy Spirit touching to us all. He said it was a special occasion as two Travelers were present, and that grace would be visiting all of us in greater ways than ever before. At one point a lady who was new to MSIA brought her baby down the aisle and placed the baby on my lap, he was beaming and I faced him towards J-R and whispered in his ear that's J-R, our beloved. He started cooing noises and J-R stopped and said how sweet he was. By this time we were all experiencing the sweetness. J-R then introduced John Morton who told us about a new book he is presently writing called 'What you can behold you can become'. John then went on to share one of his special blessings with the group. As he ended the seminar with Baruch Bashan indeed it had not ended as a line formed right through the room with people queuing to get their books signed by J-R and Paul Kaye. Each person had their moment with J-R and it was something to behold. We had been doused with the Holy Spirit, scones and clotted cream.

      Baruch Bashan,
      Nathalie Franks

      ******

      Dr. John-Roger's Spiritual Warriors Fundraiser, at the beautiful Cliveden House in England, 10-07-09


      What a blessing! To sit and have deep one on one conversations with not just one, but two Traveler's over a cup of tea, scones and too much clotted cream. Thank-you. Come again. Come again soon.
      All best,
      Paul Hunting

      It's funny to realize that some of the happiest, most content experiences of my life have been sitting in hotel lobbies, hanging out with J-R and dear friends. Nothing much is happening, and perhaps on another day with different people the same setting would seem quite mundane and tedious. But when I am with J-R it feels like there is no where else on the planet I would rather be. I don't try to understand it, I just love experiencing it.
      Love and Light,
      Sam Wigan

      Being present in Spirit at Jsu's Birthday: the Fundraiser at Cliveden House. Dear Jsu, may the good wishes never end! The rain kept most of us in one room, so much giving from J-R and John. So much giving from others, too, some noticed, some unnoticed. The vast energy at this wonderful place, giving, just giving.

      I give my thanks to You who were there. The outside and the inside of You. Your presence and Your energy and that what travels with You. My Love flies to You all.
      I thank J-R for being physically present and I wish his body all the health he desires.
      Inken (better known as Ink!)


      The official commentary from Nathalie Franks ...

      For our John-Roger Spiritual Warriors Fundraising Event we returned to 'Cliveden' a country mansion in Taplow, Bershire, a place dedicated to the pursuit of pleasure, power and politics for over 300 years. Cliveden is unique: one of the world's finest luxury hotels, this grand stately home is set in the heart of the Berkshire countryside, surrounded by 376 acres of magnificent formal gardens and parkland. The chalk cliffs that give the estate its name provide visitors panoramic views over the beautiful Berkshire countryside and an idyllic bend in the River Thames. Guests have included every British monarch since George I, as well as Charlie Chaplin, Winston Churchill, Harold Macmillan, President Roosevelt, George Bernard Shaw, John Profumo and Christine Keeler. And our guests also flew in from many different countries to attend this event.

      Our event was held in the 'Terrace Dining Room'. This stunning south-facing dining room is bathed in sunlight and looks out over the Parterre, gardens and River Thames. Its classical elegance and fine works of art give it an enviable touch of romance, for which Cliveden is famous. It is a room where art quite literally meets nature. With its three impressive chandeliers, six sets of French windows, and numerous portraits. This was the setting for our beloved J-R to enjoy another dousing of scones and clotted cream, finger sandwiches and cakes, accompanied by English tea.

      Jsu our master of ceremony called in the Light and then tea was served in an inimitable British way by waiters dressed in tail coats. The party had begun for all 90 of our guests.
      I had the special gift of sitting at J-R's table I don't remember talking to anyone just watching J-R and holding a focus of light, and like the old song by Andy Williams ...

      "J-R You're just too good to be true
      Can't take my eyes off of you
      You'd be like heaven to touch
      I want to hold you so much
      At long last love has arrived
      And I thank God I'm alive
      You're just too good to be true
      Can't take my eyes off of you

      Pardon the way that I stare
      There's nothing else to compare
      The sight of you leaves me weak
      There are no words left to speak
      So if you feel like I feel
      Please let me know that it's real
      You're just too good to be true
      Can't take my eyes off of you"

      Lines of people queued to catch a moment with our beloved J-R. Michael Hayes stood at J-R's side diligently ministering to him and answering people's questions. John Morton was also assisting many people. All of them such an example to me of what service is all about. Then Jsu announced a surprise birthday cake to celebrate J-R's 75th birthday. Everyone gathered round J-R's table to sing happy birthday and a good old English song of 'He's a jolly good fellow and so say all of us'. Then Eric Lumiere sang a song called 'Star, Sword and Rose', which for me was the most sacred moment of this event. Watching J-R sitting there with his fedora hat, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit walk through the room. I asked God to bless this man a thousand fold for being with us again and sharing himself so unconditionally. I knew that Jsu was the vehicle to create these events around the world to bring the Traveler's teachings and physical presence to us all. I want to thank all those who attended these events and supported us in making a special time for J-R. A big hug to Zoe for assisting me and supporting the Spiritual Warriors events around the world in her gentle loving way.

      Baruch Bashan, Nathalie Franks

      Read more articles from J-R 9/24 - GEVUROT-HERO

      • J-R 9/24 - GEVUROT-HERO Israel-Jordan 2009
      • J-R 9/24 - GEVUROT-HERO London 2009
      • J-R 9/24 - GEVUROT-HERO Paris 2009
      • J-R 9/24 - GEVUROT-HERO Scotland 2009
        ]]> Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1303 On The Road http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1303 J-R 9/24 - GEVUROT-HERO Israel-Jordan 2009 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/snM-RpfifZw/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org (Candy Spitzer, Russell Bishop and Jsu Garcia) For the past 9 days I have been so blessed to visit Israel and Jordan in honor of J-R's birthday. We (150+ folks) joined Jsu, John Morton, and the MSIA presidency to be Light bearers and emissaries of peace. Photos by Jsu Garcia

        Click here to view a photo slideshow by Jsu Garcia from the Garden Tomb, Garden of Gethsemane, Mount of Olives, Israel.

        Click here to view a photo slideshow by Jsu Garcia from the Gethsemane, Israel.

        Click here to view a photo slideshow by Jsu Garcia from Masada, Israel.

        Click here to view a photo slideshow by Jsu Garcia from Mount Tabor, Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, Israel.

        Click here to view a photo slideshow by Jsu Garcia from the Founder's Dinner for J-R's birthday in Jerusalem, Israel.

        Click here to view a photo slideshow by Jsu Garcia from the trip from Israel to Jordan.

        Click here to view a photo slideshow by Jsu Garcia from the trip from Petra, Jordan.

        Photos by David Sand

        Click here to view a photo slideshow by David Sand from Israel.

        Click here to view a photo slideshow by David Sand from Petra, Jordan.

        Click here to view a photo slideshow by David Sand from Wadi Ram, Jordan.

        Click here to view a photo slideshow by David Sand from a Bedouin village, Jordan.

        For the past 9 days I have been so blessed to visit Israel and Jordan in honor of J-R's birthday. We (150+ folks) joined Jsu, John Morton, and the MSIA presidency to be Light bearers and emissaries of peace. The first 3 days we toured Jerusalem in many of the places that were visited by the PAT IV and PAT V trips. This time was especially significant as it was the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days. The peace and Light that we were all bringing first to ourselves, each other, and the people of the land was palpable. We toured the Old City of Jerusalem, dipped in the Dead Sea, and all got baptized in the river Jordan. We visited the Sea of Galilee and took a boat ride across it.

        These touring days were followed by 2 glorious days of sharing from John-Roger, Jsu, Michael Hayes, and John Morton. Between the shadings we were all entertained by stories of J-R's childhood from his brother Delile. If you have not met Delile yet, he and his wife Elda are 2 of the sweetest and kindest people around.

        56 people stayed over to continue the celebration in Jordan. We spent an amazing day in the ancient city of Petra, which is stunning. The town was carved into the rock over 2200 years ago. The beauty and majesty of the city is amazing. Later that evening Jsu surprised us all by taking us to the home of a Bedouin sheik whose tribe prepared a scrumptious meal for us (sans onion and garlic). We ate and shared our peace and Light in the tent in the desert.

        The next day we all climbed back on the bus for a real desert experience. We piled into Land Cruisers and headed out into the red sand desert in the Wadi Rum for a tour of the Seven Pillars of the desert. The rock formations in the mountains are the home for several Bedouin villages. The Bedouins are very kind souls who prefer to live in tents made of tightly woven sheep wool. They have camels whose feet seem to glide across the sand. Several of us got camel rides in the desert of Israel and Jordan.

        After wandering in the desert for a few hours we were once again fed by Bedouins before we headed back to the ocean city of Aqaba, where we swam in the magnificent waters brimming with coral reefs and amazing fish.

        One of the things I have learned from being in the Middle East is how loving each person I met is. I envision a time where each of us can drop our positions and just love one another. They describe this region as the land of milk and honey. I have experienced the sweetness of this land and it's people. What strikes me is how much each person loves God. And I will come home with the richness of the love of God and all His people.

        Thank you Jsu for making this trip possible. And Happy Birthday J-R!

        LL, Candy Spitzer
        ******

        Holy Zeus! J-R's 75th Birthday Celebration
        By Russell Bishop

        J-R turned 75 on September 24th and, as has been the custom for quite some time, wound up working for his supper. In the past, we would have called this The Founder's Dinner, a fundraising event for MSIA originally envisioned and coordinated each year by Jan Shepherd.

        Indeed, we had another Founder's Dinner this year, only with a Zeus inspired twist. Rather than gathering at Prana, 143 pilgrims found their way to Jerusalem for a combination mini-Pat IV, er PAT V, well something that looked like PATs gone by.

        Arriving over the Rosh Hashanah weekend, we gathered at the King David Citadel Hotel, just outside the Jaffa Gate to the Old City of Jerusalem. Jsu and Jan kicked things off on Sunday evening with a short briefing on the events planned for the following days. Benji Shavit was there as well, welcoming us back after 15 years.

        For those who don't know him, Benji is a delightful Israeli who met J-R when J-R was on an early trip to the Holy Lands, looking at possible sites for the yet to be announced PAT IV trainings. Benji has been with us on every PAT trip to Israel, and has become very much part of the MSIA family. Although he no longer works as a guide, having created a travel agency of his own along with a fledgling winery, Benji again headed up our touring for the next week.

        We began on Monday with a return to the Mount of Olives for a traditional communion ceremony overlooking the Dome of the Rock and the Old City. We were joined by Shraga and Berta, two guides who have also been with us on our previous Journeys to the East. Berta reminded me that they would love to have another Insight seminar in Israel.

        After communion, we walked down to Gethsemane and spent some time amongst the olive trees that were there when Jesus prayed that fateful night of his betrayal. John Morton treated us to an impromptu seminar in the Garden which further helped set the sacred tone for the days to come.

        From there, we were back on the bus and headed to the Old City for a walking tour. This time around, it was pretty surreal — most of the shops were closed and few people were out and about. Rosh Hashanah certainly had something to do with that, as well as the fact that Ramadan was just coming to an end.

        We walked the Via Dolorosa and visited the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

        We also found our way to the Western Wall, sometimes called the Wailing Wall, the only remaining part of the Second Temple and the holiest of Jewish sites. As much as this is a place of prayer, it is also a place of conflict; hopefully, a few more Light columns will help disperse some of the negativity here as well. For dinner, we wound up in a Bedouin tent in the desert where we were visited by Abraham.

        Tuesday, we made our way to the Mount of Beatitudes where we enjoyed another impromptu sermonette from John, then on to Capernaum where Jesus performed many miracles. We made our way to Kibbutz Ein Gev for a lunch of St. Peter's Fish and a sailing across the Sea of Galilee. From there, it was on to the Jordan River for baptisms at the Yadenit Baptismal Site before returning to the hotel.

        Wednesday morning we were again on board our buses, this time driving through the Jordan Valley and the Judean Wilderness on our way to Masada and the ruins of King Herod's fortress, the last stronghold of the Jewish Rebellion against the Romans. From there, we found ourselves floating in the Dead Sea, and smearing Dead Sea mud all over each other. On our way back, we stopped by the Qumran Caves, home to the Essenes and where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.

        Thursday was J-R's birthday and we began our marathon two day sharing session at noon with a lovely buffet lunch. One of the very special treats for this trip was the presence and Light of Delile and Elda Hinkins, J-R's brother and sister-in-law. Delile engaged us with many stories of growing up the J-R, most quite humorous and rife with Hinkins family humor.

        Words cannot adequately convey the Love, the Light and Blessings that were bestowed. J-R never ceases to amaze, as he keeps coming back again and again to tell us what he has told us over and over again. For those who did not have the opportunity to join us, allow me to share a piece of advice J-R offered me in response to my question: "Your answers will come in your SE's."

        After two days of sharing with the Chief, John Morton and Michael Hayes, the group split, some returning to their homes in Europe and the States, others heading to England for that part of the trip, and some of us joined the Traveler on the Zeus inspired tour of Jordan.

        Jsu took us on a mini-tour of the Spiritual Warrior movie, starting with a day touring Petra the "Rose Red City" of the ancient Nabataean civilization. We walked the Siq, a marvelous canyon carved in the sandstone cliffs to see the magnificent Treasury, Monastery, the Roman Colonnade, Amphitheater and the Silk Tomb. That evening, we were guests of the Sheikh of the Amarin tribe at his home in Little Petra. The sheikh had been instrumental in helping Jsu with the filming of Spiritual Warriors and displayed considerable hospitality and caring to us, right down to preparing a meal devoid of onion and garlic.

        The next day, we went on a Land Rover tour of the desert, visiting Wadi Rum and the Seven Pillars rock formation. The Seven Pillars represent the biblical Seven Pillars of Wisdom and the Wadi Rum is the site of T.E. Lawrence's base of operations during the Arab Revolt of 1917-18.
        We brought this part of the trip to a close by checking into the Movenpick Hotel in Aqaba overlooking the Red Sea. Crossing the border the next day went quite smoothly all things considered and we made our way back to the airport in Tel Aviv. Many continued on to London for the next part of the trip while others found their way back to homes in Europe and the US.

        Thanks again to Zeus and to Jan for putting this together and our eternal gratitude to J-R for his loving, Light and patience with us all!

        Russell Bishop

        ******

        I'd like to first thank Jan Shepard for her persistence in making the, "J-R 9/24 - GEVUROT-HERO Israel-Jordan 2009" trip the best I've seen. This trip was more then a PAT IV. She's truly a mama Warrior. We love ya.

        Our love and support go to Benji, Doris and family. Benji did a super job. We love ya Benji. Ziv's Spirit was present everywhere we walked.

        I want to also send my love and thanks to the Prez: Paul, Vincent and Mark. This trip ran smoothly because the Prez came with experience and focus. This made the trip awesome for me. I'd like to take all credit and say I did it all but I was awesomely aware that Spirit/Christ/J-R walked with me and all of us in the Holy Land.

        I'm home now writing this and I'm looking back at the trip and I can describe it as a "ZONE". I was in the "ZONE". I'd love to have that "ZONE space" everywhere I go in my daily life. The "ZONE", doesn't require thinking, emotions, it's only requirement is listening to Spirit as it speaks to all us saying, "serve with love".

        I want to thank Michael Hayes for standing in the healing for J-R.

        Delile and Elda Hinkins were so delightful to have in our presence.

        The continuing Birthday trip for J-R to London/Scotland/Paris gave us another miracle. Again I want to thank our Spiritual Warriors on the ground, Zoë Golightly, Nathalie Franks and Melba Alhonte did it again. This team-work of awesome ladies brought a "spiritual fashion" a "new style" a new approach to the venues for presenting J-R's teachings. Thank you so much for serving the Travelers.

        I want to say that Nicholas Brown was the "Make it Happen" man. Whatever we needed, and believe me people can be spoiled, Nicholas would make it happen. Thanks to you Nicholas for all you did and continue to do for the Travelers. We love ya.

        Paris happened thanks to Vincent Dupont and Corrine Bayle. The French again gave us in one day, a day we will never forget. Thank you.
        Thank you John Morton for all that you do to make J-R's life comfortable. It is clear, the reason why we all do this is to gladly serve our Beloved, our Wayshower, our Traveler Dr. John-Roger. We love ya.

        Dr. Jsu Garcia

        Read more articles from J-R 9/24 - GEVUROT-HERO

        • J-R 9/24 - GEVUROT-HERO Israel-Jordan 2009
        • J-R 9/24 - GEVUROT-HERO London 2009
        • J-R 9/24 - GEVUROT-HERO Paris 2009
        • J-R 9/24 - GEVUROT-HERO Scotland 2009
          ]]> Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1302 Home Page Feature http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1302 Harvesting Blessings in the Midwest and Canada — MSIA Travel Staff on the Road with John Morton http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/11KnDBvGpq4/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org (Angel Harper, photos by Angel) While some of the travel staff are still in Europe--London to be exact, Mary Ann Somerville and I are starting this year's staff trip visit to the Midwest. MSIA travel staff are currently in the Midwest & Toronto, providing MSIA Services (Innerphasings, Polarity Balances & Aura Balances) as well as MSIA events. Staff member, Angel Harper, provides this update from the trip:

          Click here to view photo slideshow by Angel Harper from the MSIA travel staff trip to the Midwest & Toronto, 2009

          DAY 1 — CHICAGO

          While some of the travel staff are still in Europe--London to be exact, Mary Ann Somerville and I are starting this year's staff trip visit to the Midwest. During our flight to Chicago we happily catch up on each other's lives--one of the joys of being friends as well as comrades. We have an easy and grace-filled arrival and transition from baggage claim to our rental car. Traffic is flowing and we're at our downtown hotel happy to unpack and grab a late night dinner before doing some email and studying our workshop scripts. Ah, bed feels sooo good tonight.

          DAY 2 — CHICAGO

          We're up and it's right to the gym...how gorgeous...the windows look right out onto Lake Michigan that is glistening in the sun this morning. After a quick breakfast we're on our way to Norine and Al Lever's home for Services. Mary Shimandle has organized the schedule efficiently and Norine is hostessing. All are in readiness. Bruce Rosenfeld and Elizabeth Frumin are waiting too to continue their balancer-in-training journey. It is a beautiful Fall day. The air is cool and the sun warm and the golf course beckoning. It's lots of fun catching up with our Chicago friends and we're so grateful for the delicious lunch that hits the spot. I get a little time to walk outside and smell the drying leaves as my face lifts towards the heat of the sun. The rest of the day flies by and we head back to our hotel for a little bite to eat, more email and some rest. Tomorrow is very full with Services here and then a drive to Kalamazoo. Light ahead to all our staff and Travelers who are on the road!

          DAY 3 - CHICAGO TO KALAMAZOO

          The sky is overcast today and the nip in the air is definitely telegraphing that Fall is here. I look out the window onto the slate green water of lake Michigan--quite beautiful. We pack up and after the best breakfast--just love blueberries--Mary Ann and I head over to the Lever's for a few Services and a quick lunch. Rebecca Bloomfield stopped by just to say "Hi." Then we're on the road to Kalamazoo. Traffic is amazing mid-afternoon. It takes us one hour to drive 20 miles. Just as the road finally opens up so do the skies and it rains and rains and rains. But one of the joys is that we can talk...must be the girl in us...for hours, so we chat through our journey through Indiana and the time change. Somewhere along the route we get onto East Coast time and arrive in Kalamazoo around 7:30pm. It's so nice to check in but we're really hungry too. I think I'm all here and grounded but when I get back up to my room I find my wallet is missing. Finally and gracefully I locate my wallet in security. Turns out I left it on a chair in the lobby while making a phone call....and I thought I was grounded...hmmm...another lesson in eternal vigilance is eternal awareness. Meanwhile I hear from Roger Wakefield. He's landed in Chicago and is just about ready for his drive with all the sound cases to Kalamazoo. Light to him for a safe trip! Now all settled in there are a few more emails to do and then sweet dreams. I also heard from Vincent that he, Lesley and Paul are on their way back to Los Angeles from London...and what a trip they've had. One thing for sure...the Traveler keeps us traveling here or in our dreams. Sure appreciate the Light you all send our way.

          DAY 4 — KALAMAZOO

          It's beautiful here...well it is to me...it's rainy and cold but still it's a perfect Autumn day in Kalamazoo. Roger got in safely around 2am and he still manages to get some good sleep and meet me for breakfast at our favorite K'Zoo restaurant, Food Dance. Lots of good organic food and relaxing easy atmosphere. We compare notes on how it is to be back in travel mode again. Ah, life is good! Then we're both on our way -- me to join Mary Ann and start a day of Services, and Roger to start setting up the audio/video equipment for this weekend's events. Barry Nobles, the new Kalamazoo MSIA Rep, has done a fine job of organizing all the details of Services and supporting the PTS Rep, Bob Skyliss, in preparing the space for the Spiritual Warrior workshop. Throughout the day so many come forward to assist by hostessing or setting up the workshop room--Carol Nyitray, Judy Kempa, Dyan Tomzak, Susan Wiltse, Cora, Tim---just to name a few. Bruce Rosenfeld is here too, deep in dedication to getting his training furthered in doing Services. There is such a friendly and welcoming ambience here as over the afternoon MSIAers from all over the Midwest-Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, even southern Florida check in. How fun it is as the buzz builds. By the start of the open Exploring Spirit in Everyday Life workshop at 7pm almost all the seats are taken. Mary Ann welcomes the newcomers and so many old-timers and then lovingly and deftly facilitates the group looking at keys to inviting Spirit into areas of our lives that may not be as balanced as we'd like them to be...and love it all too. Humor, sweetness, wisdoms punctuate the evening and people hang around so happy to be with each other. Though every city and region is unique the underlying love is always the same and always creates that "we're home" feeling. Well, it's time for more email and some sleep so we can be fresh for Spiritual Warrior-dom tomorrow.

          DAY 5 — KALAMAZOO

          Another beautiful Fall day here in Kalamazoo. It's sunny and cold for us hot house California flowers...in the 40's. We start off our day with a Food Dance organic breakfast and then hustle back to the hotel to meet with the TC, Carole Nyitray and her assisting team. All is in readiness for the Spiritual Warrior workshop. The energy in the room is already feeling grace and joy-filled. Friends from all over-Canada, Florida, New Jersey, Vermont and the Midwest have come together to learn, grow, awaken and strengthen as Spiritual Warriors. As the day progresses, we are touched by J-R's and John's words brought to us through videos and audio moments. We look at our commitments and intentions as Spiritual Warriors. Lunch gives us time for fellowshipping and tastes great too. We even have an ordination to celebrate and participate in. All too soon the day ends giving us time to rest and reflect....and even catch a little NCIS on television. Just before we sign off for sleeping we see that John Morton and Leigh Taylor-Young are in the friendly skies from overseas and heading our way. Time now to meet the Traveler in our dreams.

          DAY 6 — KALAMAZOO
          Ooooh, it's early rise and shine this morning as the workshop starts earlier. We so love our breakfast out that it's worth it getting up a little earlier. Everyone seems more excited today in anticipation of John's coming, and what more will be revealed and experienced through the workshop. All that takes place exceeds our anticipation. The meditations, the exercises and the videos bring forward such a majesty of Spirit in the room. We get to be witnesses as well as participants in this blessing. I am so grateful for the embracing loving that this Midwest MSIA community brings present. The place has been prepared and the Traveler comes providing the ice cream, whip cream and the cherry on top of the whole weekend. At first John and Leigh share about some of their recent experiences traveling with J-R and company in Israel, London and Scotland. Then John continues with sharing, touching and adding perfectly to the themes of dedication, commitment, acceptance, understanding, intention that we have followed through the whole weekend. It is a marvel that this Spiritual Warrior can come off of a long plane journey and be so very present with the Spirit as he's with us for a few hours. Afterwards, many hands and a few good pieces of dark chocolate make light work of the audio/video pack up. We say goodbye and thanks to Bob Skyliss, Barry Nobles, Lorraine Andrew, Carole and the team, the Stolsonburgs, and Bruce Rosenfeld for their perseverance and holding for this workshop to take place and generous assistance throughout the days we've been here. Now some of us opt for a bit of dinner and then it's up to pack up our things, a little bit of email and to sleep, perchance to catch up with the Traveler again in our dreams. Thanks for your Light along our way.

          DAY 7 - FROM KALAMAZOO TO MINNEAPOLIS

          We are an early-rise bunch this morning. By 7:30am our whole crew heads outside in the brrrisk temperature for a good breakfast. It's so much fun over warm espressos to listen to John and Leigh tell stories of their recent travels. We are so deep into the stories that it takes awhile to realize that we've been waiting a long time for breakfast. Finally our server tells us that the computers went down so the orders were interrupted and will be to us soon. Hey, we're warm and the fellowshipping is great. Soon breakfast arrives and we're grateful again to be well-fed for our long ride to Chicago to catch our plane to Minneapolis. The drive is a kaleidoscope of Fall colors that are so beautiful all we can do at times is to move into a silence of the deepest appreciation. I'm so happy...I got my taste of Autumn in a big way. Good thing too for no sooner than we're checked in we find out our flight is delayed due to snow in Minneapolis. Wow! We just were in Autumn and now it's Winter...more fun! While we wait we grab lunch at Chilis and our server is the most amazing woman. As we alert her to our no onion/garlic/pork restrictions, she rises to the occasion and becomes our champion in the kitchen. In record time our hamburgers come...each as ordered and she's still eager to make sure we're happy. What a treat to have someone demonstrate for us service with gusto! Afterwards we each go to email and a little zoning out as our flight keeps being delayed. Finally we're called to boarding. I can hardly wait for a snooze on the plane. As we head for take off our pilot tells us we must wait another 30 mins as the airport in Minneapolis is still not ready for us to come. By this time we're thinking that the Minneapolis airport runways must be buried in a blizzard. And though daunting, the image of our wading through snow is kind of exciting. Well we do get to take-off and in just over an hour we're touching down. Much to our surprise ALL that snow is nowhere to be seen. Apparently the pavement was still warm from the week's warmer temperatures, but the snow did come down voluminously...it just melted. Ah, sometimes the Light moves ahead of us in mysterious ways. Still it is cold and we hop to getting our cars and getting the luggage into the cars at a rapid pace. As we pull up to our hotel, Minneapolis MSIA Rep, Kathy Kornblum, welcomes us and quickly gets us and our luggage to our rooms. Great feeling! We are now like a pack of hungry kids. Kathy doesn't blink an eye. She guides us to a new restaurant in town and we are caringly looked after and fed. It's been a long day but filled with fun and Light all along the way. Now we settle down...some to sleep, some to email and then to sleep.

          DAY 8 — MINNEAPOLIS

          So nice to sleep in a bit today, but brrr the heat is off in our room. Gets me moving right to a workout just to keep warm. Turns out the heat is off in the rooms, but they're working on it. OK, so we quickly use the cold to our advantage by deciding that we must be burning up lots of calories so we can go for extra rich oatmeal this morning with real maple syrup. Kathy Kornblum is like an ever ready battery...she's right there and ready for us to start Services. Friends from all over Minnesota converge during the day to get a Service or just hang out before the workshop. Tracy Uttley pitches in to hostess. In the midst of the day the heat comes on and once again I'm thankful for the simple things in life like heat. Aaaah..... Meanwhile Roger is busy setting up the audio/video for tonight's workshop too. After Services we come together for an ordination and then it's time for the Spiritual Principles of Abundance and Prosperity workshop. To my eyes looks like 40 people or more are in attendance to focus on spiritual keys for creating abundance and prosperity in our lives. John shares a quote from John-Roger about receiving ".... according to the clarity of our vision/purpose, steadiness of our faith (do we deserve it), and the depth of our gratitude..." and "...to always win in our fantasies...". We take a deeper look at what we hold in our imagination, and how we can experience attuning to Spirit to line up our visions and to receive of the abundance that is here for us. John completes the evening taking some questions and then closes with a blessing for each and all of us. Afterwards, John and Leigh stay around for awhile to visit and sign books while our little trio pack up the sound cases. It's a travel day tomorrow again for John and Leigh and Roger as they'll head back to Los Angeles. Light ahead to the rest of our evening!

          DAY 9 — MINNEAPOLIS

          Our final breakfast as the whole Midwest crew is sweet. John, Leigh, Roger, Mary Ann and I bounce the conversation between favorite parts of the evening before, to juicy items showing up in the USA Today paper, to what's up next. John and Leigh are the first to take off this morning and after goodbyes and thank you's they head off to the airport. Sure has been fun while we all were together! Roger takes off a little later, and Kathy accompanies him to the airport to make sure he has extra help with the equipment. This extra help is such a godsend. Mary Ann and I find our way over to Kathy Kornblum's home where today's Services will be. Nestled in a suburban neighborhood amidst fall leaves and big old trees we see Kathy's home already decorated for Halloween. Kathy and her partner Claire's dogs, Violet and Corki, salute us in their own way and then follow us around the house as we prepare for our first Services. Our morning whisks by and we are ravenous for a lunch prepared by Kathy and Claire of yummy turkey and beef burgers...and an added treat of freshly made blueberry gluten-free muffins...in addition are veggies and gluten free buns...all made with love and care. Lunch hits the spot and the afternoon flies by as we greet more old friends. Each of them expressing their gratitude for the blessing of having the Traveler be with them at the workshop and for having Services. Before we know it the Services day is done and we're saying more goodbyes. Our heartfelt thanks to Kathy for being so willing to do whatever was needed and her tremendous enthusiasm; also thanks to Claire for her support of Kathy too. But our night is not yet over. Both Mary Ann and I have dates with our brothers (what a surprise to find out we both had brothers in this area) so we each go our own way to catch up with family. 'Twas a treat for both of us! Later this evening we share with each other some of the evening's highlights (I got to see my nephew's first baby) as we pack our suitcases. Then it's right to sleep for tomorrow is an early flight and a much earlier drive to the airport for our flight to Toronto. Love and deep thanks to all in this St. Paul and Minneapolis area who assisted in the preparations for our visit. Everything went so smoothly and lovingly.

          DAY 10 — ON TO TORONTO

          OK, it's good and early as my alarm clock gongs! Why am I getting up now? Right! We're flying to Toronto...gotta get going! Somehow we manage to keep our body and minds somewhat together to get ready, checked out and on our way to the airport. I actually think I'm doing pretty well 'til I get to check-in and realize that I've left my purse in the rental car. Yikes! Well, I get the opportunity to have a little exercise as I sprint back to the rental car facility which luckily is not too far away! Gratefully the car is still where I left it and so is my purse and all the contents. Another quick sprint back and soon I'm with Mary Ann and we're both checked in. Aaah, nice feeling to be early...time for a little breakfast and then we board. Well, no sooner are we on the plane then we find out that we're being delayed because of a mechanical problem. As the plane is being checked, Mary Ann and I wonder if we'll be able to make our connecting flight. After an hour's delay, we take off. At this point we are pretty sure that we need to let go and let God handle the next flight 'cuz right now it's looking like we'll have about 10 minutes once we touch down. Since there's nothing to do but relax there's no better time than the present to do SE's...feels great too. We arrive and indeed we have less than 10 mins to make our flight which is supposed to be leaving from Gate 29. Now neither of us know the gate number that we are arriving at, so again we figure we're going to find out what's up as soon as we de-plane. Such an exercise in let go and go with the flow. As I walk out the gate into the terminal I look up and see a "C". I'm hopeful...hey we may still make our flight...at least were in the C area. I then realize as I turn around to wait for Mary Ann to come out, that we actually arrived at Gate 29, which means our plane is the very same plane that will be traveling onto Toronto. So amazing and wonderfully perfect! And a total first for me! And the blessings keep on happening. Our flight is smooth and easy as is immigration and customs in Toronto. As we exit customs, Christina Beaubien welcomes us with big hugs and soon has us in her car and on the way to our hotel. Along the way Christina plays tour guide. As we approach the city we start to see the stadium, the water and all the unique architecture. Finally we arrive at our hotel. Christina makes sure we have everything we need as she drops us off. What a doll! Then we check in and what to do?! We have a luxurious afternoon and evening off and we are sooo grateful. Mary Ann is delighted to do a little work email and I grab my camera and head out on foot to take in some of the downtown sights. A blast of cold air has me moving very fast, but still I take time to take pictures of buildings that grab me. I'm fascinated by the St. Lawrence market which is a cross between the old Baltimore Lexington market and the San Francisco market down by the water. I don't yet know the history, but I plan to find out. I love the juxtaposition of older buildings amidst the new. I wend my way through buildings and inner courtyards 'til I finally surrender to the warmth of being back at our hotel. I go up to the club floor which gives a panoramic view of Toronto now at sunset. So beautiful! In honor of being in so lovely and romantic a setting I ask my waiter if he can create a mock Cosmopolitan with a little zip! With a wink he outdoes himself and his creation looks just like the real thing and tastes great. I can't resist taking a picture of it with the Toronto Needle silhouetted behind it. Moments like this on the road are quite magical! Well, plenty of time left in the evening for a bit of an in-door walk and dinner with Mary Ann and back for some email. And now perchance to sleep and maybe dream with the Travelers! Thanks for your Light along the way. Keep it coming!!

          Click here to view Days 11 to 13 of the Midwest & Toronto trip
          ]]>           Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1300 Home Page Feature http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1300           Update on IIWP Peace Events for the International Day of Peace http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/kDoWA4l0eK4/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org (Debbie Roth) Exciting News! Twelve communities around the world hosted an IIWP peace event to celebrate this year's International Day of Peace. The Day of Peace itself is on September 21st of each year, designated by the UN in 1982 to support individuals, communities, & organizations in promoting peace. Click here to view a photo slideshow from the various IIWP peace events on the International Day of Peace, September 21, 2009

          Exciting News! Twelve communities around the world hosted an IIWP peace event to celebrate this year's International Day of Peace. The Day of Peace itself is on September 21st of each year, designated by the UN in 1982 to support individuals, communities, & organizations in promoting peace.

          Five countries were represented, including Aruba, Australia, France, Spain, and the United States. In the United States, peacemakers offered events in eight states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Michigan, Minneapolis, Missouri, New Jersey and Texas.

          Communities held activities as simple as a group coming together with a focus on peace all the way to planting Light columns in the Capitol Building in Hartford Connecticut. We also had a number of communities offer IIWP's "Finding Peace in Today's World" workshop, a three-hour class to explore and release those things that block us from experiencing the peace that is always present.

          A DAY OF PEACE AT WINDERMERE RANCH
          At Windermere Ranch in Santa Barbara, peacemakers came together for "A Day of Peace" on Sunday, September 20th. Here's a report on the event from our Beloved IIWP Staff Lynn Cox and Event Team Captain Kay Turbak:

          Everything went very smoothly for the Peace Day, and people seemed to really enjoy themselves. About 51 people attended the Peace Day overall. We started with a Peacemaker Meeting for the adults in the morning. This was followed by lunch, horse-painting and schmoozing, and some Docent-led tours, including a walk to Quelin.

          Here's a quote from Kay Turbak, Facilitator of the Peacemaker Meeting: "We gathered together in the barn of Windermere Ranch. Joining peacemakers across the planet in that simple act of declaring, affirming, actualizing, visualizing, choosing and creating peace, we became One. Whatever language was on our native tongue did not matter, as we spoke the language of the heart. We blessed the land, we baptized each other, we prayed and we played. This is what it is, to be a Peacemaker."

          Oh, and Robert Zack had fixed up the hay wagon, with a bedding of hay, and drove the kids around for an hour and a half in the morning while the adults were in the Peacemaker Meeting. Hats off to Robert, as the kids were having a GREAT time in the wagon. Robert stopped at the swing and gave them all swing rides, which they loved.

          After the Peacemaker Meeting, we did a 'horse-painting' activity in the turnout corral at the barn. With Cathy Rennick and Ivy's help, we had groups of 4 to 5 children finger painting the horses like Indian Ponies. We had about 15 kids total painting Future, Shamra and Star. The kids LOVED doing this, and the adults were having a great time, too.

          Star stole the show during the horse-painting - everyone, big and small, was loving on her, and commenting how beautiful she was. Star seemed mesmerized by all the attention. Linda Boston was videotaping, and Windermere's newest staff member Ivy Wright was taking still shots, and they got some great shots. When the kids were finished painting, there were 5 or 6 MSIA Ministers near Star, and I asked them to do Prayer Communion with her, which was a very sweet 'Moment of Peace'.

          It was wonderful to witness the joy of the children - whether painting horses or going on the hay ride.

          In the mid afternoon Andrew Baille hosted a Garden Blessing, with the kids planting seeds of peace with great enthusiasm. It was a beautiful blessing to bring forward the peace present in Windermere's growing garden area. And finally, a Garden Circle walk and a watermelon feast for all completed the day.

          AND HERE ARE SOME COMMENTS FROM PEACEMAKERS IN OTHER COMMUNITIES.....

          Peace Meditation
          From Patricia Espinoza, SPAIN:
          The event started a 17:00 and at that time arrived at my home the first ministers: Esperanza, Magdalena and Luz. And the four of us with my husband and my two sons Rafael and Gabriel, initiated our sacred event. The Peace event which I'm glad to do it, is an inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
          The chanting and the simple and profound prayer for peace "I love you, God bless you, Peace, Be Still", was the main magic, feeling, and action of the peacemakers. From that moment those marvelous moments of peace, I have experience precious closeness with the Traveler, full of unconditional love, peace and gratitude.
          The sharings were beautiful, each one asked for the light in silence and from there on everything elevated like an army of angels where we were could get near of our true self, producing in ourselves peace full of grace.
          Sunrise Peace Chant
          From Anne Naylor, FRANCE:

          It was raining as we left to go to the designated beach. So instead we chanted here overlooking the sea anyway. The skies were amazing, the sounds sweet. We had one new person. Five of us altogether. And the coffee and croissants were great afterwards - sitting out on the terrace watching the sky change colors and patterns!

          I am just a great fan of chanting because of the peace it evokes within individuals and as a group. Any celebrations such as Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year can be peace-
          chanted.

          Click Here
          for a video from the Peace Chant.


          IIWP's "Finding Peace in Today's World" Workshop
          From Lin Mogitz, NEW JERSEY:

          Thank you for the opportunity to facilitate this wonderful workshop, IIWP "Finding Peace in Today's World." We're now thinking of doing the two-and-a-half day workshop!

          There were 4 participants in addition to me. They were: Mike Mogitz, Lisa Arencibia, Victor Arencibia, Mohammad Mobasseri

          It's a wonderful, and very powerful, workshop, and I enjoyed participating in it, and the students all said they enjoyed it, and commented on the peace.

          IIWP's "Finding Peace in Today's World" Workshop
          From Kathy Kornblum, MINNESOTA:

          The event went really well. We had 14 people including 2 newcomers. The newcomers participated and said they enjoyed it a lot. One of them is now coming to our upcoming event with John Morton. We shifted things a little, but pretty much went by the script. Added, "I love you, God Bless you, Peace, be still" as another resource. One non MSIAer who has done other classes attended and has referenced using "Awareness" as a tool from the class several times since. Lots of "thank you's," and "I loved the class and got a lot out of it" calls the next day. I plan to do it annually on the 21st and suspect most folks will show up again.


          Planting Light Columns of Peace at the Capitol Building
          From Leigh Hamel, CONNECTICUT:

          On Saturday September 19, a petite group of ministers went to the Capitol Building in Hartford. With the variety of budget issues all states are facing (and an un-passed budget in CT), this was an amazing opportunity to bring Light forward in the building, statues, chambers and a whole lot of paperwork!

          We had access to all the chambers and in the photos, you can almost see the Light emanating from the Light column planted in the center of the chambers of the House of representatives, on the CT seal in the Center of the room. In both Chambers there were large books, over a foot high that contained all the proposed bills that we could to look at (and bless). Louisa Holmes planted a Light Column in the "wishing chair" in the Representatives chambers, carved out of the wood of our famous Charter Oak Tree where the early settlers hid CT's constitution. In the main entry way, Leigh Hamel planted a Light column in the center tile compass.

          The visit was a great success, with Light sent to the tourists with us from Hong Kong, and planted from the deepest center of the earth to the highest heavens (up the gold dome).

          Baruch Bashan.


          Peacemakers-In-Action Team
          From Robert McCreight, TEXAS:

          The Austin Peacemakers-in-Action team met a Mozart's Coffee House, located right on Lake Austin. It was a beautiful Sunday morning. We sat outside on the deck under the glorious Texas sunshine and blue skies. There were seven who attended, including 19 month-old Evangeline Blackburn.

          The word seemed to have gotten out to the greater Austin community. Mozart's was extremely busy that morning. The deck was filled with people of all ages and an assortment of dogs, all sizes and shapes. Several of the dogs seemed to be carrying with them special energy radiating peace. They went from table to table willingly sharing their peace
          with one and all.

          We positioned ourselves near the water. As we called in the Light, the energy surrounding us picked up. The peace radiated out from the group, touching the surrounding people, animals, and even into the Lake Austin waters to the ducks, swans, and throngs of turtles.

          The Peacemakers-in-Action team hung out for awhile simply enjoying the beautiful Sunday and the peace that was so present with us and surrounding us. Those who passed by us frequently shared a beaming smile of peace with us.

          We each set an intention for the following day, stating how we would bring the blessing of peace forward the following day into our everyday lives.

          I stopped by Mozart's the following morning and talked with the staff. They commented about their Sunday business and how lots of people had stopped by during the day.

          As I sat on the deck that Monday morning, I felt the peace from Spirit's previous day blessing so present and continuing to bless all.

          It's always such a gift to plan an IIWP or MSIA event and then step out of the way and let Spirit do its thing.

          God bless you!

          238-Mile Peace Bike Ride
          From Stephen McGhee, COLORADO:

          I noticed your recent focus and intention on peace in the world. Of course, I want to do my part.

          This coming week I will ride 238 miles through the peace-filled mountains of South West Colorado. The ride is over four days and numerous mountain passes. The race is a fundraiser for peace.

          My internal focus on this ride is my devotion to the Traveler inside of me. I am devoting my first day of the ride from Durango to Ouray to my teachers John and J-R. This will be my way of pedaling for peace.

          You should know that IIWP's work in the area of peace has spawned this response from me as a way to bring greater peace to myself, and those around me.

          I am touched and inspired by the notion of greater peace.

          *****

          For the latest postings of community events, you can visit IIWP's Facebook group, and please feel free to join our Facebook group! Click Here (or you can simply go to Facebook and search "Institute for Individual and World Peace". And for more info on the International Day of Peace itself, Click Here.

          If you or anyone you know would like more information on creating an IIWP peace event in your community, please contact Debbie Roth at 323-328-1905 or peace@iiwp.org.

          I love you, God bless you, Peace, Be Still.

          Love and Light,
          Debbie Roth
          IIWP Coordinator

          ]]>           Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1301 IIWP News http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1301           Walking Through Your Fears http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/KPK6YXGwruc/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org (John-Roger, D.S.S.) To get past your self-imposed limitations, you have to walk up to your fear and walk through it. I'm going to give one physical-level example here, and you can apply the gradual, step-by-step approach to fears that you have. Let's say that you fear expanding on your job. That fear will be very similar to the fear of sky diving. You don't want to risk losing the job, so go sky diving. Find a way to walk up to the fear and walk through it.
          You may say, "I'm afraid even to stand and look over a big cliff."
          "How afraid are you?"
          You say, "I just won't do it," so that will be what we do: "We're going to go up to this big cliff, 3,000 feet up, and you're going to walk out and look out over the edge."
          You just say, "I'd rather go confront my job."
          "No, let's confront this one—because this is the one that is the father or mother of the fear."
          So you say, "Well, what will I do? I'm so scared."
          I say, "Here's what we'll do. We'll get a great big rope and tie it securely around your waist. We're going to measure from a tree to three feet from the edge, and then we're going to tie the rope securely onto this tree. No matter what you do, you will not be able to fall. You can lean out as far as you want, and you still will not be able to fall."
          In this way, we systematically desensitize you to the edge of the cliff by very slowly letting you take control of the rope. But I have control of the rope in case you freak out and let go, and I'm going to be able to hold you anyway. In other words, you're going to be so safe.
          When you get through, you may say, "That didn't take care of the fear," so you then have to walk up to the edge of the cliff and stand and look down. But before you do that, you have to realize that your reference point for gravity and balance is 3,000 feet because we don't have this playback as fast as we do for being close to the ground or floor, which is a ready reference point for us. (This is why a lot of people get airsick. Their reference point is looking out the airplane window and down below.) So you want your reference point to be one where you come to the edge, you lean out, and you look down. And maybe you sway for five or ten minutes.
          You say, "God, what if this rope lets go?" That's your thought that produced the fear. It was not fear.
          You say, "I feel like I'm falling." That's a feeling fear.
          So you systematically come a little bit closer, then a little bit closer, until you're up there and you're doing it. At that moment, you're still safe.
          Then comes the big test: you undo the rope and drop it. But if you look out, you won't have the fear of falling because people have "vista" already incorporated in us as a gravity pull. So we can see a vista. But to look down, we say, "Oooooohhhhhhh," because we're trying to put our feet on that spot down below, to maintain gravity.
          So you don't look down; you just look at your feet. (Now, if you have a big stomach, you would have to bend over a little to do that.) That is a way of coming up to the fear.
          If you say, "Well, that didn't do it for me," we say, "Let's find another one. How about being in a pen with a bunch of Doberman dogs?"
          You go, "Oh, no," so we say, "Fine." And we find somebody who has Doberman dogs who only "lick people to death," and you walk in there. We don't put you there. You take yourself up, walk through every instance of the fear in the body, through the mind and the emotions. You walk up through it. You're going, "Nice doggies, nice doggies. Smell, don't bite." You try to woo and romance the animals. Isn't that what we do, folks? "Nice doggie, nice doggie, nice. I have a dog just like you. Yeah. You're a good dog."
          And that dog is going, "EEEERRRRRRR," and you're going, "Oh, no. It's not like my dog at all. And I'm not going in there."
          But when you get in there, the dogs come up and smell you, and then lie at your feet, and you find out that you, through your own fortitude and perseverance, have broken the fear.
          The depth of fear is the depth of your energy measurement. Deep fear, deep energy. Little fear, little energy.
          Baruch Bashan.
          ]]>           Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1297 John-Roger Feature http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1297           The Divine Spark in Marriage http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/NNXicFdSCZg/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org (John Morton, D.S.S.) God instituted marriage, and what has been apart is now put together. It's as close as we can get, essentially putting everything close, and the last part of it is that the flesh comes together. That in traditional terms is when the marriage is consummated. And there's a reason that's a very powerful value in a marriage. I also see that in a marriage—that there's a divine spark in the marriage instituted by God, which is consummated in the flesh. You could interpret this as, "You're talking about two bodies coming together and having sexual relations." That's a form of it. But it's really when, in the flesh, the divine spark is allowed to illumine.
          The spiritual marriage takes place in the flesh. That means in your flesh. If it happens in that way, it can be something in which two have the opportunity to experience a unity. But it really could take place in a father and a son, in a mother and a daughter, and it's not something that requires a man and a woman for a spiritual marriage. It's just that in that act is this other opportunity called the creation of us, the creation of flesh. So by that act, the spark that comes through the Soul comes into the charge between the egg and the sperm. And that moment of conception is a moment of creation. Was it foreordained? Undoubtedly. It comes from an invisible source, something that is unseen and yet more real than what is seen.
          That level of sparking can also take place through an artist, through someone seeing a sunset—that there is a spark that is the illumination of God's creation being made flesh. When it happens, it's an ecstasy of tremendous power, like a nuclear radiation.
          At the time of conception, you are in this moment of very great power, so in an instant all the power of that is still enduring. And how much greater is it in the Spirit? As above so below. That's a great intention to align ourselves to, so that what we do here is causing the spark of the Divine to illuminate constantly.
          When we issue loving as a presence, as a radiation from our own being, that is a moment of conception, a moment of the divine spark. Something can be born anew every time we emanate the loving presence, the loving radiation of God toward the simplest aspect. The most mundane can be illuminated by that experience of loving, which transfers across like a bridge.
          The question is, "Is it transferring across from them? Is it the love that I experience awakening in me by their presence, or is it the presence of my love that reached out and touched them that sparks the Divine?" It's kind of like the chicken and the egg. Which is first? They're both first. It's like in the beginning is the end and in the end is the beginning. And this is eternity. But there is some moment when things are initiated and some moment when they're consummated, and how we experience it determines our relationship, whether we're beginning or we're ending, which is really another beginning.
          One of the cycles we work with in this world comes in a daily rhythm, a planetary rhythm that corresponds to the earth's rotation each day. And because we're functioning here, we have a relationship to that rhythm. There are others—such as circadian rhythms, rhythms of nature—that come in cycles. A very powerful one is a planetary rhythm, which we can become attuned to and vibrate with, that represents a new day, a new birth, every 24 hours. It's important in a marriage to have that new beginning every day.
          When you think about it, 24 hours give a lot of opportunity to begin anew. Every day you will need to find a moment when that spark of the Divine crosses over through you into the world so that it emanates from you and you're lit up today. The sun rises in you today. And if you don't do that, then you are endarkening yourself, you're not in balance with the rhythm that has been set forth and prepared for you.
          So it's a smart thing to look at your rising up today as a responsibility. When you arise with yourself, it will naturally extend all around. The sun's radiation doesn't pick on a particular planet; it just radiates and emanates from a totality perspective, in all directions. A true source emanates into all directions. So as you emanate into all directions, your spouse is going to be right there. If they are close to you, then they are going to be very close to that radiation. And if that is truly what you do with your day, that you do illuminate yourself anew through the rebirth of the Divine in you into the flesh, then your spouse is going to want to be around you a lot, to be close to you, to prepare a place for you so that when you walk in, you always experience a welcome. You spouse is going to want to serve you as a light in their life, as a source of light like a sun. It can truly become like that, so that it's as though when you come in the sun is rising, and when you leave it's setting.
          Some people look at that as something very old-fashioned or like the other person doesn't have a life of their own, but that is a very short-sighted view, and true love works in that way and is very powerful. And, of course, that true love would extend so that when your spouse walks in, the sun rises for you, and when they walk out, the sun sets for you.
          If you don't manage to ignite that experience every day, you'll tend to find the marriage dies, much as what would happen to the earth if it was gradually moving away from the sun. We already know that in the revolution of the planet around the sun, we have winter as the earth moves farther from the sun, and as it moves closer, we have summer. If you get too much in either direction, you tend to have a long winter or a very hot summer. So keep it in balance so that you have a light of your own and that your spouse has a light of their own.
          Baruch Bashan.
          ]]>           Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1298 John Morton Feature http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1298           Miracle at Chrystal Lake — Blessings of Your Ministry Retreat in Canada http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/ea3Ob-CB5iQ/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org (Suzan Schmekel, photos by Philémon Paquette) It was a lovely fall weekend at Chrystal Lake about an hour north of Toronto in that space between seasons when the days are Summery and the nights are Fall-ish, before the trees prepare for winter by shedding their leaves by first withdrawing their sap and displaying that rainbow of warm colours of yellow, orange rust and red. What a wonderful time for a Ministers' retreat! Click here to view photos from the Blessings of Your Ministry Retreat in Canada, 2009.

          It was a lovely fall weekend at Chrystal Lake about an hour north of Toronto in that space between seasons when the days are Summery and the nights are Fall-ish, before the trees prepare for winter by shedding their leaves by first withdrawing their sap and displaying that rainbow of warm colours of yellow, orange rust and red. What a wonderful time for a Ministers' retreat!

          It was Canada's third annual offering of PTS's The Blessings Of Your Ministry Retreat for Ministers organized by Eléonore Goulet with her solid team of Toronto ministers involved in preparing the workshop logistics and then helping at the workshop itself. Once again, the Travelers had approved Ottawa's Philémon Paquette, currently Canada's only ordainer, as facilitator. He was aided by Anthony Wilson on sound. There were eleven plus the facilitator and his assistant. In addition to Toronto, people came from Montreal, Vancouver, Boston, and Brazil. And we were lucky to be able to participate in an ordination just before the Retreat.

          The venue is not perfect. It is a kids' camp that is somewhat rustic and this time, it hardly contained all the ministers who wanted to attend. But, as always, the ministers were able to overcome the limitations of the venue.

          Before the workshop was finalized, Toronto learned that John Morton wanted to be on-line for a period during the workshop. Learning that the Chrystal Lake venue did not have the required computer equipment, Bryn Waern offered her country home, Toad Hall. That was not compatible either and Toronto checked out a further venue, which also did not work. The Toronto Ministers then decided to invite John to come to Toronto physically at their expense. And, to everyone's surprise, he accepted.

          It was the first time in a very long time I had taken the retreat -- because of health reasons, I had not attended the first two. I have been a minister for almost thirty years (ordained in 1980) and was not sure what I could expect from the retreat beyond what I already knew and had experienced. But through the gentle exercises and Spiritual Exercises, I gained a new confidence and strength to practice my ministry even more fully than before. And because of that, I could feel myself relaxing even more into it, with the beginning of an understanding of what John would later talk about — ministering all the time. Even my day-to-day anxiety started to weaken as this newness strengthened through all aspects of me. It was the ordinary miracle that, as ministers, we have become used to experiencing in our ministries.

          The hours before John arrived were full of anticipation and when the retreat was over and we broke for lunch, the miracle of the Toronto/Ottawa communities was again evident. In the kitchen, the MSIA rep, Kristina Beaubien led the kitchen brigade in preparing and clearing up another wonderful meal. Watching it was like watching a well-rehearsed ballet. The individuals changed but the jobs got done without needing to speak or assign tasks — just a wonderful bunch of ministers ministering to each other.

          And toward the end of lunchtime, John arrived with a huge basket of fruit and his self and accepted our hospitality. He ate and willingly allowed everyone to have a picture with him.

          And then the Q&A session began. John repeated how important the ministry is, and what a sacred trust we are given as ministers to bring more Light on the planet. He shared with us a vision of the Light coming onto the planet. I realized then just how important my little beam of Light is, and how important it is to let my little Light shine and so join all those other small beams of Light that together would light up the whole planet from inside. Thank you John.

          It was as if the Retreat was developed just for me with John coming in at the end to reinforce my learning. But I just bet 11 other participants felt the same.
          ]]>           Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1294 Community Spotlight http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1294           "Spiritual Warriors" Screens with the Body Mind Spirit Expo in Pasadena http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/RXS5FyrS9Sw/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org (Zoe Golightly) After a hugely successful screening of the movie in Portland, Oregon last year, the Body Mind Spirit Expos invited us to screen again at their Pasadena Expo, and gave us a free booth to sell DVDs at during the festival. Click here to view photos from the Spiritual Warriors screening at the Body Mind Spirit Expo in Pasadena, September 2009

          After a hugely successful screening of the Spiritual Warriors movie in Portland, Oregon last year, the Body Mind Spirit Expos invited us to screen again at their Pasadena Expo, and gave us a free booth to sell DVDs at during the festival.

          We had around 80 people attend the FREE Screening Saturday Afternoon at 4pm. Jsu followed with a Q&A, and I have to say that I experienced J-R in the room and speaking through him.

          It was an incredible two days — meeting many folks, selling many DVDs (20!!!), and carrying many boxes ;) I was blown away by how many folks had heard of the movie Spiritual Warriors and had been meaning to see it, or had heard about it from a friend, or had seen our poster 'somewhere'. It was also great to chat to people about J-R, Prana and MSIA, and to engage and connect with so many in such a real and loving way.

          I emailed all the folks we had contact with during the weekend, and below are some of their sweet and kind responses ...

          Love you all,
          Zoe Golightly


          Thanks for the Spiritual Warrior book. It is amazing. I'm already half way through it. It truly was great meeting you. I hope to attend an event/service in the very near future.
          Best,
          John D.

          I just started reading the book last night (and thank you SO much for being so gracious as to give it to me!), and am now anticipating watching the movie! THANK YOU so much!!
          Natalie V.

          I finished the book on Tuesday and watched the film on Thurs. I enjoyed both...I guess we always like those who say the same things we do. I was going to work this morning and I decided to go to Prana instead. I feel drawn to the place. Peace,
          Phillip N.

          It was a pleasure to meet you on Sunday. I watched the film yesterday during work. I must say, I was blown away and will probably watch it another gazillion times. Additionally, I'm reading the book.
          Thanks so much,
          Debbie M.
          ]]>           Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1295 http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1295           How can I Communicate without Judgment? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/ZaCNMM1Ws1k/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org (John Morton, D.S.S.) If you do judge, the idea is not to beat yourself up about it. Don't say to yourself, "I shouldn't judge myself," because that's also an action of judgment. Instead, say to yourself, "I will be kind to myself. I will be good to myself. I will have peace and harmony with myself." Question: How can I Communicate without Judgment?

          Answer: In Forgiveness: The Key to the Kingdom, John-Roger wrote, "Judgments are one of the most unhealthy things we can do on all of our levels. If we were to ask what the big reason is that we're all back here, I'd say it was because of a judgment we placed somewhere, because our judgments are all held against us, and they're held into the place where we judged" (p. 183).

          If you do judge, the idea is not to beat yourself up about it. Don't say to yourself, "I shouldn't judge myself," because that's also an action of judgment. Instead, say to yourself, "I will be kind to myself. I will be good to myself. I will have peace and harmony with myself." There's no exception. So when judgments come up, say to yourself, "I forgive that judgment."

          John-Roger identified spiritual laws, such as acceptance, cooperation, enthusiasm, understanding and empathy. When we have empathy, it's also a form of compassion. I find compassion relates directly to forgiveness. When we have compassion for ourselves, others and all things, we're into forgiveness. We're present with it in such a way that we don't really have to think about it. Our compassion, our empathy automatically ushers us into the forgiveness.

          We don't hold judgment when we're in empathy because we realize, "There but for the grace of God go I." I find that humbling. It's an understanding that if I judge you, I'm judging myself. I'm also doing something that's unnecessary. I'm setting a restriction. I'm putting an againstness in place. And againstness is not necessary nor serving in the best way.

          If you've ever played golf, or something like golf, then you probably had an experience like me that life on the golf course can be frustrating. So life on whatever course you happen to play in --- maybe it's your work, marriage, parents, traffic --- can lead to some form of frustration or irritation. Our mistakes, our errs, our encounters with evil if you will, whatever the negativity is, is sufficient. It's already enough such that we don't need to add to the negativity and disturbance already created. When we judge, we add to the negativity automatically. If nothing else, we add to our own negativity. So choose to clear out the judgment. Choose to dismiss it or let it go.

          Imagine that if you were willing to forgive all of the offenses, errors and mistakes, you then would have a life of freedom. You would have the keys that go with access to the kingdom which is actually releasing yourself from the limitations, conditions, and all challenges that go on in this world. In Forgiveness: The Key to the Kingdom, John-Roger wrote, "You must forgive yourself all things. You must have compassion for all people and the things they have done" (p. 193). That includes you and your judgments.

          Here is a prayer for "Forgiving our Judgments", from the PTS Webcast Class on Forgiveness:

          Lord God, we ask for Your presence, Your light, to assist each one of us and all of us together in coming into the forgiveness. We are willing to acknowledge whatever judgment you bring to our mind and to our awareness. We give ourselves permission to freely and openly acknowledge whatever the judgment is, in whatever form it presents itself. We trust that You are forgiving. We bring this to Your mercy and Your grace. We place this prayer in light and love for the highest good of all concerned. And so it is.

          Baruch Bashan
          ]]>           Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1293 Traveler Q&A http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1293           Launching of John Morton's Book "Tu Eres Las Bendiciones" and Seminar at Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/Btf5zkBYy6s/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org (Alicia Landa, photos by David Sand) By organizing this event, the Latin Community intended to celebrate John Morton and his latest book in Spanish "Tu Eres Las Bendiciones". The Latin Community wanted to give loving back to him, he who is always giving to us. With that in mind, they started fundraising in order to contribute to the cost of the event. Click here to view a photo slideshow by David Sand from the Evening of Blessings with John Morton at Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens, September 2009.

          By organizing this event, the Latin Community intended to celebrate John Morton and his latest book in Spanish Tu Eres Las Bendiciones. The Latin Community wanted to give loving back to him, he who is always giving to us. With that in mind, they started fundraising in order to contribute to the cost of the event.

          The amount of $350 was given to pay for expenses toward the seminar. In addition, Rudy Contreras volunteered to raising money to buy $100 worth of books Tu Eres Las Bendiciones. Those books were given that night to the participants. No one who wanted a book that night was left without one. There are some books left that will be taken to the public libraries in the city of Los Angeles and vicinity.

          John Morton started signing and writing blessings at 5:50 PM until about 7:20 PM. Then, after the seminar concluded, he continued signing books until all the books were blessed. What is new for us is that he wrote all the blessings in Spanish. GRACIAS John.

          When people saw the flyer written in Spanish, more than one person asked me the week before, 'Is this going to be bilingual?' I looked at them puzzled. Yes, it was a bilingual Seminar. Ina Cristina translated the Seminar, although John ventured some words in Spanish and he even wrote them on the board. One phrase stood out to me, "The blessings come in action."

          The entertainment was gracious and delicate. Merril Collins played the piano 30 minutes before the seminar started, and after the seminar, she ended with a song called Baruch Bashan. The Latin flavor was added by Clara-Beatriz who sang her newly composed song: Traveler. To close the event, after desserts, Monica Chavez came with her new band, and there was singing and dancing to tropical rhythms.

          One hundred and one persons registered at the door, without counting the 40 assistants. Some people came from other community organizations. We counted 26 persons attending an MSIA event for the first time.

          It was indeed an EVENING of BLESSINGS.
          ]]>           Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1291 Home Page Feature http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1291           Spiritual Warriors at the Woodstock Film Festival http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/nCwSbRwMuKs/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org (Judith Johnson, MSIA Minister) It was truly an honor and a pleasure to be present for the viewing of 'Spiritual Warriors' at the Woodstock Film Festival on September 6th, 2009. Despite the late hour and the fact that it was the next to the last film in a weekend long festival, there were 35-40 Souls on board! Click here to view photos from the Spiritual Warriors screening at the Woodstock Film Festival, September 2009

          It was truly an honor and a pleasure to be present for the viewing of Spiritual Warriors at the Woodstock Film Festival on September 6th. Despite the late hour and the fact that it was the next to the last film in a weekend long festival, there were 35-40 souls on board! It was a real Woodstock crowd complete with tie die clothes and a performance artist named Benny from Australia pictured here in his political garb.

          It was quite wonderful to be the only MSIA person present and to observe an unbiased audience. I was delighted to witness their interest and enthusiasm. They were genuinely touched and very grateful to receive the free Spiritual Warrior books.

          Having been a bit nervous all day in anticipation of hosting the Q&A, I prayed on my way in that Spirit bring present only those who were meant to be there and that I not be concerned by how many came. Once I arrived, I was just fine and enjoyed seeing the Spiritual Warriors film for the eighth time. We had a good discussion of the portrayal of good and evil and one man's transformation of consciousness. One person asked how the movie is doing in terms of making money, noting how expensive it must have been to film on location. I said I did not know about the money side of things, but that I did not think that was the primary intention of making this movie. I suggested that the gratification was perhaps not financial but rather the blessing of advancing spiritual awakening and understanding.

          It was a great pleasure and honor for me to have the opportunity to serve in this way and I loved seeing all those Spiritual Warrior books going out into the universe. It was a very blessed evening.

          And from Woodstock Museum Film Festival Founder — Nathan Koenig

          Spiritual Warriors was effectively chosen to culminate Woodstock Museum's 10th Annual film festival whose theme this year was "change." Change in consciousness brought about by the consideration of infinite possibilities with forces we encounter each day, would probably do less harm than current social models and maybe even improve our chances for surviving the 21st Century. We thank the makers of Spiritual Warriors — Dr. John-Roger and Dr. Jsu Garcia for opening our minds to less mundane dimensions. Our audience thanks you too. We are also grateful to your associate Judith Johnson, who did a fine job fielding questions from a challenging Woodstock crowd.

          Please see attached photos. Thank you!!!

          Love & Peace is the Way,
          Nathan Koenig
          ]]>           Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1292 http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1292           "Listening to the Loving" Spa Day at Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/sD0MNQQCwIs/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org (Marjorie Eaton, photos by David Sand) I came in early to the "Listening to the Loving" Spiritual Spa Day to just sit and listen; first, aware of the buzzing of voices rising and falling, sprinkles of laughter, and with background music playing providing a cacophony experience. Soon, tuning out the outer volume, or hearing it lower in the background, it just became a humming sound. I was aware of Steve Chopyak, John Morton and Leigh Taylor-Young in the room as everyone gathered for the workshop. Click here to view a photo slideshow by David Sand from the Listening to the Loving spa day at Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens.

          I came in early to the "Listening to the Loving" Spiritual Spa Day to just sit and listen; first, aware of the buzzing of voices rising and falling, sprinkles of laughter, and with background music playing providing a cacophony experience. Soon, tuning out the outer volume, or hearing it lower in the background, it just became a humming sound. I was aware of Steve Chopyak, John Morton and Leigh Taylor-Young in the room as everyone gathered for the workshop.

          Kevin McMillan, Prana Guest Coordinator, welcomed everyone to Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens (PAL&G). He shared about the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness (MSIA) whose headquarters is at PAL&G, referred to as Prana by the residents who live here. Soon Kevin was introducing John Morton and Leigh Taylor-Young to the audience. Next he introduced the program for the Spa day -- a retreat to "Listen to the outer music and Inner Truth of who we are" — and the facilitator for the day, Steve Chopyak, MSIA minister and composer of many instrumental pieces we hear at MSIA events.

          Steve first called in the Light, which he explained was an Invocation asking for the presence of Spirit, followed by chanting 2 tones, ANI - HU. He asked us to sit quietly for a few moments listening to the inner loving of God and loving of Spirit.

          Steve quoted Dr. John-Roger , Founder of MSIA: "We want to listen to the sound of Love, that greater feeling that is the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness" ...and "When you stir the Soul, you have a sound, it is the sound of God. Wherever you are, be sure you listen....."

          Steve spoke of his own music, and said, "It is to take and use as a tool for stepping off, to use in your own experience." He said, "I do inner listening, and then bring it forward. The physical sound isn't the issue, it's listening to the inner silence. Listen to what it is, rather than what you think it should be. Listen to what is."

          He then quoted John-Roger again, "We come under grace when we're willing to listen and look at the face of God." Steve then strolled over to the piano for the first demonstration. He shared about his first piano lesson, where his teacher played just one note; and then said to Steve, "Okay. I'll see you next week." Steve started to play.

          In my listening to him play the same tone, middle C, that one note multiple times, in multiple ways, I could hear a melody much as a rock anchors in a stream of water, yet the bright shining water sparkles around the rock. Soon little grace notes turned into chords cascading, and yet that one note anchored, as Steve returned to it over and over again.

          I noted heads nodding in the room, as some slowly, lovingly, listened and gave way to ease and relaxing. Soon Steve ended his playing on that one note reverberating. The room became still, quiet in the silence as we were meditated within.

          Silence.

          The note was being played again, and many of the neighboring piano keys chimed in 'till all the piano keys were in community -- harmonizing a joyous sound skipping along with undertones reverberating in waves.

          Steve finished and came to the stage saying that listening can bring quite a range of experience. "Listen. Not just hear, listen", he said. So next he brought out an accordion. He explained the keys were like a piano, and the other side had buttons. He invited us to listen to every part of it, the clacking sounds, the hissing sounds, not just the music, but all of it is the sound.

          As he played, I listened first hearing sounds of Italy, a cafe, merged with a deep pipe organ in a holy cathedral church service. The effect went back and forth, 'till the organ sound swelled like a Bach organ Cantata. Wonders! When the accordion sounds stopped, we once again listened within, as it was a time to pray.

          After this experience, Steve took questions. A lady asked if he heard the music first in his head or his heart? Steve's response was it was "from my heart." There were many sharings, one participant said that they were listening to God's note, and connected to the sound of God.

          Someone asked Steve "What do you do to practice listening?" Steve said he just allows himself to hear it all. Listen to what's present, accept it, including accepting his hands when they don't always play what he hears. It's not pre-constructed music. He said, "I encourage you, just to keep listening."

          I found it fascinating that many others also shared of hearing the accordion sound like a church pipe organ. Another participant asked Steve, "The healing aspect of the sound of music, how do you experience that?"

          Steve said, "The frequency acts as the healing facet. It is how we tune ourselves to the higher consciousness." He said that "It is desirable when we try to let go, and go for the experience, to really listen. Sometimes the outer music disappears and the inner takes over."

          Steve also explained, when asked how the accordion was a reed instrument, that inside the accordion there really are reeds, and the bellows blow the air over the reeds making the sounds.

          He then shared that "we're all creating this music together." Steve sat down at the piano once more. Silence first, and then I heard the sounds of the "black" piano keys first creating a melody. Soon after, many chords flowed to meet them. Then a wave of the major chords came in with a "modern" touch in the higher tones, as if they were walking all across the keyboard 'till they sounded as if the chords were running along merrily creating a "brilliance" of sound. The music kept moving 'till it seemed to soar skyward, the earth and sky embracing.

          Now I was aware of not just music flowing along, but also the energies flowing throughout my body and swirling around me from others. Everything was flowing frequencies of energy and sound. And finally in the last twinkling notes, moved to silence, the quiet low tone of the air conditioning echoed the inner Light frequency and humming sound inside.

          Steve quoted John-Roger again: "Take the time to prepare yourself in a listening state, then you will hear the Sound current."

          As this portion of the workshop came to a close, we all went to the dining room for brunch - a repast in multiple levels too! At the top shelves were tiny cupcakes and muffins, and under them salads, fruits, pancakes, eggs, sausages, etc. The coffee/tea bar was open and flowing.

          Our tummies replete with goodies, we went back into the seminar room to continue this amazing listening experience, and Steve called in the Light once again. All of us chanted Ani-Hu in sweet harmony. Steve introduced John Morton, Spiritual Director of MSIA, and explained, "John continues to surprise me and constantly inspires me."

          John told us he had some prepared scripture ready today. He spoke of the many things in his life that serve as a wake up call, or signs along the way. He encouraged us to listen to what's in accord and in harmony, and he noted that when we attune to God, it is in complete accord.

          John opened the Bible and turned to relate the story of Saul on the road to Damascus, sharing that he "found it very poignant in terms of what we are here to do today." John shared "whatever we are in discord about, there is still Love." Then John went forward in the Bible to the part where the Disciples come together in the upper room, after Jesus had ascended to heaven. He shared about the name Pentecost, and how "penthouse" comes from this word. John went on reading about the experiences of the Disciples in the upper room, and how they came into one accord. John read: "And suddenly comes a sound of a rushing wind".

          John then shared about MSIA, that this is a school of the Light and the Sound of the Holy Spirit. John asked, "what level of the Sound of God are you listening to?"

          John mentioned that we bring the consciousness that listens, that looks for the Truth that goes for all eternity. As the Lord said in the Bible, "How will you know that you are my disciples? Because you do love one another." So the news today is to love one another, and regardless, to love our selves.

          After a stirring, uplifting sharing, John took questions from participants.

          Next, Steve introduced the Labyrinth experience and a number of the participants went out to walk the Labyrinth.

          The Spa Weekend continued on! A number of the workshop participants stayed for Prana's Saturday night at the movies. Yes, popcorn was provided, and on the giant screen in the seminar room we watched an exquisitely uplifting movie called, "August Rush". If you haven't seen it, it's awesome! It's about a young boy who, from his earliest age, can hear the sound of God, in and around him, wherever he goes, and he hears it as music. It doesn't matter if it's on the streets of New York, the cacophony of sounds melding together creates dynamic music to his ears.

          Afterwards, I talked to a number of the participants, residents, and guests who had stayed to participate in this retreat weekend. One lovely lady from Florida shared with me how the entire weekend seemed to be so coordinated, like it was all "orchestrated" together.

          Many of our guests had arrived on Friday for a weekend retreat, starting with a taped seminar on Friday night, and on to the Spa day on Saturday, the Saturday night movie, and they also received MSIA Services -- aura balances, polarity balances, and innerphasings -- that were provided on-site. One lady flew all the way from Hawaii for the weekend!

          For me, the whole weekend reflected back to me, Listening to the Consciousness of God. Ah, that's it, it's replete inside of me, Living Love is perfect harmony.

          For a list of upcoming events at Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens, click here.
          ]]>           Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1289 http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1289           A Heartfelt Service Project Story http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/1ZrUWd90WQM/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org (Helen Collings) I want to thank you so much for arranging the service projects for the Conference of Heartfelt Service. Our group went to LA Family Housing and took gift baskets for the families that were either still homeless, or being transitioned into housing.
          I want to thank you so much for arranging the service projects for the Conference of Heartfelt Service. Our group went to LA Family Housing and took gift baskets for the families that were either still homeless, or being transitioned into housing.

          After the completion of our service projects all the participants gathered in their groups. Our group elected me to stand and share our service project experience. I did as good of a job as possible given the jitters I was experiencing and the one minute time limit. But what I really wanted to convey to you is that the concern (and gratitude) you shared with me regarding not having one-to-one contact (personal time) with people by choosing to do the baskets, became a moot point.

          What our group experienced went far beyond the physical. From the moment we came together we began moving as one cooperative group, breathing as one spirit. We easily settled on a project, we raised an abundance of money ($421.00 in about 2 minutes) of which we had enough left over after the project to place a seed! The shoppers came forward and did the shopping on Friday night, with the Target store where they shopped donating items toward this. On Saturday morning it was as if Christmas had arrived! Even the Sheraton Hotel contributed toiletries!

          As we began putting together the bags of toiletries, each person blessed their individual bag and carefully placed a loving note into each bag. After all 63 bags were made we did another blessing on all the bags. The aura surrounding the bags and surrounding our entire group was glorious to behold. After we piled our colorful bags into the two cars, and sent much Light and loving with our drivers, the rest of us broke into groups. One group went swimming and another group went to commune over cups of coffee. The group I was with shared life stories, heart-warming, personal stories. I was so touched by the genuine sharing. It was like sitting around a cozy fireplace with old friends, relaxed and open. The ladies who drove the bags to the drop-off location stayed for a while to place Light columns.

          This was a day of not only being of service but being served in much greater ways than I could have ever anticipated. I began this project with only knowing a few people in our group and ended with friendships that will last the rest of my life.

          So you see Patti, the service project seemed as one thing on the outer but grew to have a much deeper meaning and purpose in the long-run. Isn't that just like Spirit, to show us one thing and when we are open to receive the greater blessings abound!

          With Much Loving Gratitude,
          Helen Collings

          P.S. from Heartfelt: When the staff at LA Family arrived to find the amazing and love-filled bags that had been left by several groups, they couldn't believe their eyes. They had never received anything like it and were grateful beyond words at the abundance, the Spirit, the beauty and service that had been given to them and their families.
          ]]>           Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1290 Heart Felt News http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1290           Serving Whatever Spirit Allows — Webcast with John Morton & Leigh Taylor-Young http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/JlnX0bVsG4o/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org (Penelope Bright, photos by David Sand) On Saturday, August 22nd, we gathered for a live webcast featuring John Morton, spiritual director of the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness (MSIA), and Emmy Award winning actress Leigh Taylor-Young. Click here to view a photo slideshow by David Sand from the "Serving Whatever Spirit Allows" webcast with John Morton and Leigh Taylor-Young, August 22nd, 2009.

          On Saturday, August 22nd, we gathered for a live webcast featuring John Morton, spiritual director of the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness (MSIA), and Emmy Award winning actress Leigh Taylor-Young.

          Some members of the NOW Productions team appeared at the 2101 Building in Santa Monica a few hours ahead of the webcast. They set the stage, rolled out the video cameras, and checked the sound levels for the microphones. They turned on a vast array of electronic equipment which sends the webcast out on the Internet.

          An hour before the webcast goes "on air," the Assisting Team arrived, and they made ready plates of food, as well as placed informational flyers on chairs; a NOW assistant also puts out a number of small radios, for use by those who wanted to hear the webcast more clearly, or who wanted Spanish translation of the proceedings. There was a beehive hum as the NOW crew and the assistants went about their assigned tasks, with lots of loving and laughter.

          Just before the doors opened, Leigh Taylor-Young gathered the team and called in the Light, asking God's presence to be with all of us through the webcast.

          The theme of the webcast was "Serving Whatever Spirit Allows," a topic based upon the new book by John-Roger, DSS, and Paul Kaye, DSS, Serving and Giving: Gateways to Higher Consciousness, that is due out in November. The program was sponsored by MSIA and by Peace Theological Seminary and College of Philosophy (PTS).

          At the appointed time for the webcast to begin, Leigh called everyone forward into the Light, and welcomed the communities participating via the Internet as well as those of us in the room. We chanted the Ani-Hu, an ancient name for God coupled with the frequency of empathy, and a loving peace filled the space. John Morton, DSS, was introduced.

          John spoke about Spirit as our Servant, that we can ask for a healing or clearing of a situation or condition, and Spirit can allow the releasing. We must assume, he said, that whatever Spirit allows is coming at the highest, and best rate possible. Trust, cooperate, and accept that God is serving us in every way. He reminded us that we can align with the laws of Spirit: acceptance, cooperation, understanding, and enthusiasm.

          John stated that when we are disturbed or in pain or resistance, we can move to a buoyant, child-like, open and playful state, in which there is no self-judgment. He demonstrated this by inviting everyone to sing a nursery rhyme along with him.

          Leigh and John talked for a bit about their recent experiences in Tanzania, working on a service project brought about by Teen Insight participants, in which they worked to refurbish and complete portions of a village school. They described the loving, caring, touching, joy and affection that was present, along with the willingness to receive. John went on to elaborate on how we can serve by giving it up to a Higher Source, by asking Spirit for guidance, and by letting go of our own limitations. By knowing that God is directing it all, we can be of higher service.

          The Question & Answer portion began with a question about dealing with negativity. John described it as experiencing weather today versus the seasonal climate, and recommended becoming neutral, staying clear of it, and releasing negativity. The next question dealt with how to hold on to a joyous life. John sees it as breathing in and out, without resistance, and doing the best we can.

          In response to another question, John stated that God is in the redeeming and restoration business, that all of our needs are being supplied, and that spiritual wealth cannot be corrupted. He also quoted a song by Elton John, saying, "Love is the opening door."

          In closing the webcast, John spoke a powerful, direct and truth-filled blessing for us all. Leigh Taylor-Young concluded with a few announcements, including the date for the next webcast, Saturday, October 24th, 2009, at 1:00PM pacific time at www.msia.org/live and at 2101 Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica, CA when the theme will be "Harvesting the Blessings."

          You can watch the archive of "Serving Whatever Spirit Allows" at www.msia.org/archives.
          ]]>           Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1285 Home Page Feature http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1285           "Spiritual Warriors" in Miami & Fort Lauderdale -- Tour with Jsu Garcia http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/7VOg1vOxL2s/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org () Last night I attended a screening of the independent film "Spiritual Warriors" in Fort Lauderdale and had an opportunity to interview actor, co-writer, and executive producer Jsu Garcia Click here to view the photos from the Spiritual Warriors screenings in South Florida, August 2009

          "Spiritual Warrior: interview with actor Jsu Garcia"
          Article from Miami Interfaith Spirituality Examiner, Dr. Deb Brown
          © copyright examiner.com

          Last night I attended a screening of the independent film Spiritual Warriors in Fort Lauderdale and had an opportunity to interview actor, co-writer, and executive producer Jsu Garcia, who starred in films such as Along Came Polly with Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston. The New Age film is based on a book by John-Roger, who is Garcia's mentor as well as the founder of the Church of the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness (MSIA.)

          In the film, Garcia plays Christopher Finn, who goes on a spiritual journey with his mentor that leads to awakened memories of past lives, lessons about karma and forgiveness, and a battle with the devil himself. The movie is filmed on location in culturally rich locations such as Egypt, Jordan, and Syria.

          Garcia pointed out that the film is spiritual, not religious. It does not follow any particular dogma. He said, "I like all the great leaders" such as Jesus and Mohammad, and one line from the film is, "Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist — it's all the same." The focus of the film is on opening up and listening to one's own inner guidance, the voice of one's own higher self.

          When asked what advice he might give to spiritual seekers, Garcia said, "Follow your voice. Listen. Close your eyes. Meditate." He urged people to take care of themselves so they can take care of others, to live in spiritual abundance even if they have very little money, and to only ask God for what is in the highest good rather than trying to manifest something outside of the Divine Will. "You're going to supersede God's plan for you? You can't."

          Garcia also shared his own spiritual challenge to stop judging. "I need to step back and say, "I love it all. Thank you."

          In South Florida, people can attend a screening of Spiritual Warriors tonight at 7:30 at Cosford Cinema on the University of Miami campus, or tomorrow night at 7:45 at the EcoCenter in North Miami. Garcia will available for Q&A sessions after the film.

          The film is also available through Amazon's Video on Demand.

          View this article online here.


          Monday August 10th Miami Screening with Juan Esteban and 'Meditation Mondays'

          "I was blown away by Jsu's easy going demeanor. Never would I have thought this major Hollywood actor is walking the talk in spirituality. May he continue to be blessed by producing more excellent films like Spiritual Warriors."
          - Juan Esteban

          "This movie touches deep topics such as age of perfection (golden age), spiritual awakening, reincarnation, karma and illusion (maya) and puts it in a very creative Hollywood format, easy for anyone to understand. Hopefully it will awaken the curiosity of the viewers to learn more about oneself."
          - Yesyka

          "This was really a very special movie night. This group really rolls out the Spiritual Red Carpet."
          - Taunya Laya Rivera

          "I had such a good time. I was so glad to make it and so happy I was 4 blocks away. The movie we saw was so beautiful. I was really touched. I felt really proud of the actor Jsu Garcia, he did such a good job."
          - Maria


          Wednesday August 12th Fort Lauderdale Screening with John Kadela

          "The latest group of Spiritual Warriors gathered before the wide screen TV as if it were an ancient fire drawing them close. At John Kadela's in Ft Lauderdale the ancient and the new met as a small group of women sat in silence as the tale was told. The quiet and intimate setting made for a special experience for all. Afterwards Master Story teller and Minister Jsu Garcia shared details of making the movie while explaining its purpose and the meaning of some scenes, not the least of which was the inside story on the bubble bath scene! This highlighted the fun-loving and special night for the first time viewers of Spiritual Warriors."
          - John Kadela


          Thursday August 13th Miami Screening with the University of Miami Cosford Cinema

          "An intimate crowd gathered eagerly Thursday night for our Spiritual Warriors screening on University of Miami campus. Since students and faculty hadn't yet returned for the Fall term, the campus was rather quiet. Even so, Dana Artin and I arrived early and set up displays for the Spiritual Warrior books and DVDs. Just as we finished setting up, several guests arrived early, having learned of the screening during Jsu Garcia's inspiring interview on a local Spanish radio show. More guests arrived, noting they had learned of the screening through the University of Miami e-newsletter, flyers posted around campus and in local community spots, and through our MSIA network of friends and family. One guest said she had heard about the movie from a friend who had seen it recently in Madrid, Spain!

          Before the screening, some folks sat quietly and read their free copies of the book by Dr. John-Roger, Spiritual Warrior, some in English and some in Spanish. Several guests enjoyed the opportunity to chat informally with Jsu in both languages about his making of the film as well as future movie plans. Afterwards, some folks who had seen the movie before shared gratefully that they had profound, new awarenesses this time and were delighted to have the opportunity to see it again.
          Thanks to all, the screening went smoothly, providing us with a peaceful, enlightening evening for everyone. ¡Mil gracias por todo, Jsu. Eres nuestro guerrero espiritual!"
          - Terilee Wunderman

          Friday August 14th Miami Screening with the Earth EcoCenter

          "I'm glad I watched Spiritual Warriors. At a time when so many societal values are in question the film pulled some personal issues together with a pleasing blend of vivid photography, startling special effects and down to earth acting."
          - Jeff Tucker, Chair, Friends of EcoCenter
          ]]>           Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1287 http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1287           Insight II http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/x4ttMQwJyBs/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org (Zoe Golightly) It's the Monday after finishing Insight II, so for all of those of you who've done Insight II and can remember back to the first time you took it ... you know the bright shiny being of love and peace I am right now ... Click here to view the photos from the Insight II graduation, August 2009

          It's the Monday after finishing Insight II, so for all of those of you who've done Insight II and can remember back to the first time you took it ... you know the bright shiny being of love and peace I am right now ...

          Zeus asked me this morning to write a little something for the NDH about my experience doing Insight II for the first time ...

          There was such a deep profound experience that I had on the last day - a culmination of all the stripping away of what I wasn't; what I'm not ... and a heightened, illuminated awareness and connection with what it is that I am, with who it is that I am ... I found myself in a place knowing, experiencing and breathing that I am here to be the love and the Light I've been looking for, needing, wanting, searching for. I'm inspired by so many people in life and throughout history ... but realized I receive the greatest inspiration from ... myself. I know that sounds narcissistic and completely self-absorbed, but I have been most inspired by the physical experiences that I have personally been through - the growth, transformation, and actual real living breathing experience that is mine — those are the events that have inspired and empowered me onto bigger and better things in my life.

          And the Insight II that I did last week has inspired me, helped me see, helped me own, helped me claim and step into the person and the life that I truly want, that is truly joy, love and peace ... in a way that I couldn't comprehend at the beginning of last week ...

          It's a true blessing we have — the work that J-R has brought forward through Insight Seminars. I personally see Insight exploding sometime shortly in the future. These seminars - that are so easy to share, so easy to present and refer friends to — that given the new age we're stepping into where the technology and online opportunities to share and refer friends is becoming exponentially easier, and now has the ability to spread and continue reaching people exponentially — it's exciting to imagine what lies ahead. These are truly exciting times, and I'm looking forward to doing what I can to share my experience, share the gifts I have been given, and share about J-R, the teachings and Insight.

          It's days like these when I am most aware of the blessing that it is to be part of the Traveler's family ... and I'm breathing in now what a phenomenal blessing it is to be in touch and a part of all the great work we do.

          Having J-R, Zeus and Nat at my graduation was of course yet another blessing, and during the training I was able to more fully open my heart, accept, and step into what it is to work with these incredible Spiritual Warriors. It was actually during the PAT trainings in 2004, and the compulsory 'two weeks of waiting' that followed, that I made the decision to move heaven and earth to work for J-R and MSIA. Right now I am so aware that these trainings, all the trainings we do, give us these precious, precious opportunities to catch a glimpse of our lives aligned and full with Spirit ... and to create the change that will more completely help us live that oneness each and every day ...

          My heartfelt thanks to Candy and everyone with Insight, for the transformation and love you inspire and create.

          Thanks and much love to Zeus for his support, love and encouragement on all levels.

          And of course beloved J-R, God Bless You my love. I love you.

          Zoe Golightly
          ]]>           Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1288 http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1288           Calling All Peacemakers! IIWP Worldwide Peace Prayers -- September 1 through October 14, 2009 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/PKfeOKijjOM/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org (Joan Shea) Join us as we bring our loving hearts and our intentions toward peace together for the next round of the IIWP Worldwide Peace Prayers beginning Tuesday, September 1 and running through October 14, 2009. "The love I experience when I participate in the prayer replaces the hopelessness I sometimes tend to feel about the state of affairs here on earth. I know my participation makes a positive difference." (SG, USA)

          Join us as we bring our loving hearts and our intentions toward peace together for the next round of the IIWP Worldwide Peace Prayers beginning Tuesday, September 1 and running through October 14, 2009.

          The Inner Peace Process and Prayers
          ************************************

          Whenever you "tune in", see yourself, those you know and all of us from around the world together, regardless of time zones. See us surrounding our planet with other Peacemakers chanting...

          "I Love You,
          God Bless You,
          Peace, Be Still."

          Check inside to let go of any againstness you may be running with yourself or others. Envision a dawning of peace taking place in the hearts of people throughout the world.

          **************************
          We invite you to do the Peace Prayers daily. Some people do the prayers at the same time each day, others do it at sunrise and sunset, and still others do it whenever they think of it. Whatever works for you is fine.

          Over the course of the prayer, IIWP will be sending (via e-mail) inspirational notes and updates twice a week with an invitation to you to share your experiences with the peace prayers.

          To sign up for the Worldwide Peace Prayer, click here.

          Once you have signed up for the Prayer, your name will remain on the list of participants until such time as you choose to Unsubscribe.

          The Worldwide Peace Prayer is also available in Spanish. If you would like to sign up for the Spanish version of the Prayer, send an e-mail with your name, country, and your e-mail address to: peaceprayer@iiwp.org .

          Si te gustaría recibir la oración y las actualizaciones en español, por favor envía un correo electrónico con tu nombre, dirección de correo y tu país a : peaceprayer@iiwp.org .

          Click here to read the sharings from peacemakers who are participating in the peace prayers.

          ]]>           Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=976 IIWP News http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=976           Spiritual Warriors' Yogi Style Screening with the Yogi Tree http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/JvikrCTr36Y/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org (Todd Jensen, Yogi Tree Owner) After unspooling in venues as diverse as sold-out movie houses and jam-packed Miami living rooms, Spiritual Warriors played its first yoga studio August 15, entertaining an enthusiastic reception at The Yogi Tree in Toluca Lake, California. Click here to view photos from the Spiritual Warriors screening at the Yogi Tree, August 2009

          After unspooling in venues as diverse as sold-out movie houses and jam-packed Miami living rooms, Spiritual Warriors played its first yoga studio August 15, entertaining an enthusiastic reception at The Yogi Tree in Toluca Lake, California.

          The film was screened "drive-in style" at the studio, finding audience members relaxed on pillows, bolsters, blankets, and yoga mats, many of them snuggling or holding hands while the film played. Audience response was warm and passionate.

          "I found the film to be rich and complex, and a really beautiful examination of good and evil and how our perspective on the world completely shifts the course of our lives," says Gloria Slate, a Yogi Tree regular.

          Critically-acclaimed actor/filmmaker Jsu Garcia joined The Yogi Tree for a 30-minute Q&A, during which he shared stories about the film's making, his own spiritual journey, and the importance of surrendering ego to finding peace in this life. Garcia took photographs with fans and enjoyed a light dessert reception, as well.

          "Building community is a key component of The Yogi Tree's mission," says Todd Jensen, who owns and operates the studio with wife, Jennifer Kelly. "It's deeply meaningful to us to build, entertain, and enlighten our community with provocative, moving, uplifting works of act, like Spiritual Warriors. We are so grateful for the kindness and enthusiasm of everyone at MSIA. What a wonderful night!"

          The Yogi Tree is an uplifting yoga studio, wellness center, and performance space in Toluca Lake, California, offering a mix of yoga styles, family activities, live music, special screenings, and spiritual workshops. First class is always FREE! Full schedule available at www.theyogitree.com .

          Gratefully,
          Todd Jensen
          www.theyogitree.com

          And from another guest ...
          "The movie Spiritual Warriors gave me insight and clarity on how easy it is to develop amnesia and how we subconsciously block our ability to connect with God. I used to believe as long as I obtained a college degree, work hard/make a lot of money, attend church and have faith in God — that I would live a prosperous life. What an illusion that is. As I continue on my journey of the Soul, I highly recommend movie Spiritual Warriors as a MUST see movie ..."
          - Sheila Alexander
          ]]>           Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1284 http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1284           Loving Spiritual Exercises http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/hFgzXsqkyNM/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org (John Morton, D.S.S., Spiritual Director) Look for the deeper experience that is always found in what appears as invisible and silent. Question: For a few months, I have been having great difficulty focusing on my tone. I begin chanting and then realize I am off on other thoughts. I pull myself back to my tone, and I am off again. What can I do?

          Answer: You can always benefit from the discipline and dedication that comes from doing spiritual exercise and chanting your tone regardless of your experience. Look for how you can focus on holding the Light and being loving as you find resistance and boredom with the process. Have compassion for your process of learning and growing as you navigate this temporary state of doldrums. Look for the deeper experience that is always found in what appears as invisible and silent. Be the spiritual scientist that you are by observing your experience and later reflecting upon your observations which could include writing in your journal or to the Traveler. Be happy in your trust and faith that you are well on your way to fulfilling the spiritual promise that was made to you when you first incarnated into the psychic material worlds.

          Baruch Bashan
          ]]>           Sun, 16 Aug 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1283 Traveler Q&A http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1283           "Spiritual Warriors" Brings Great Transformation to the Hamptons http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/PoQF4T9SBY8/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org () The East Coast summer tour of 'Spiritual Warriors' came to a wonderful crescendo with two showings at the Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor, Friday and Sunday afternoons, July 24 and 26, 2009. Spiritual Warriors Screenings from friends, both new and old ...

          From Howard Lazar:
          "Spending many days chatting with folks as I handed out postcards along the streets of the Hamptons with Jsu and Zoe -- and then seeing many of these folks at the screenings and hearing their feedback after seeing the Spiritual Warriors movie -- I was amazed at the transformation I saw in so many people -- and am grateful to have been part of two incredible events. It seemed to me that something really touched them -- and the way they responded to Jsu during the Q&A -- and the way they thanked me or others after the screening -- showed me there was great value for them in seeing this film.

          I also observed so many folks responding profoundly to the short film 'Who Are You?' (click here to view the short film Who Are You) that was screened before Spiritual Warriors -- it was amazing how it brought up many interesting questions in the Q&A -- and a few people commented to me about how that film had prompted them to really start taking a look at what's going on within themselves.

          Both Screenings (Friday July 24 at 2PM and Sunday July 26 at 2PM) were well received with powerful Q&As and long chats afterwards in the foyer. And in particular the second screening held on the Sunday -- with over 150 people -- almost entirely of 'new people' -- was particularly powerful. We also had a lot of young people attend both screenings at the Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor, with a mixed crowd presenting diverse questions and points of views from the audience.

          It has been such a pleasure to host J-R, Jsu and the rest of the Spiritual Warriors crew in the Hamptons, and was wonderful to return to the Bay Street Theatre."

          From Author of 'Abracadabra- Create As You Speak', Lori Barbaria:
          "Spiritual Warriors is a mini epic with a maximum message that there are no mistakes. If you don't work it out here you will get another chance until you do. The darkness does not come from out there even if it blares out there, and this journey is such a great adventure. It was a gift to see it twice."

          From Hamptons Health & Mindfulness Expert, Lorie Miller:
          "I loved the subtleties of truth and the simplicity which Spiritual Warriors delivered. The most amazing visuals of the pyramids in Egypt and Finn climbing them -- made me envious I hadn't done so on any of my initiation journeys. A must see to those enlightened and seeking continual awakening of the Soul on the earth plane."

          From Christine Lynch:
          "First of all the Hamptons is awesome. The Atlantic Ocean, the Townspeople, the Week-Enders, the Scene. The Theater - It was Packed. Some of "our" folks -- our East Coast MSIA folks -- were outside the theater when we arrived. And.. it was very tempting to hang out. But for some reason Jim and I wanted to see the last 2/3 of SW once again........ Let's face it, Jim and I are just SW Junkies.

          So here's the deal... The theater was packed. It was a packed house. The majority of people in attendance I had never seen before. (There were several of our folks. But they were definitely in the single digit percentages for what the house could hold.)

          Getting into the darkened theater, Jim and I realized the only way to find seats was to walk in from the front - in other words on either side of the projector screen. My concern was we would disturb people. And then we went "hey, it's just a movie." So we crawled over some folks and found our way into watching the last 2/3 of the film. So that was that part.

          The Q&A with Jsu and Rick was great. I could end it with that. But because I love to chat, I will go on...The Q&A was great because there were people (civilians, as Jim calls them, former navy man that he is...challenging premises for the film, gender casting choices, asking about the Teachings, questioning the J-R voice over, what did Jsu learn, etc.

          And...... there was "call and response" from the audience to each other's concerns. They were answering each other's questions. And...... it was oh.... so..... beautiful.

          Jsu was so loving with all of the folks who asked questions. He was very supportive and allowing. He totally respected their questions, appreciations and concerns. He supported them in being fine with whatever they were feeling contentious about -- or appreciative of. He let them know he invited their comments. In other words, he totally loved the audience in attendance.

          Jsu shared from that place of Integrity -- sharing from his heart with the truth as he knows it with care and consideration for others. (I think, awhile back., J-R said something like that once as a definition of "integrity.")

          So now... we go Home. From what I could/can see, even those who were initially challenged and, perhaps, argumentative, left the movie happy and free. I know Jim and I did. Light for the Highest Good. So let's send the Light to all of those who attended the Hamptons screenings. God bless them. Let's send the Light to all of those who have come in contact with Spiritual Warriors - the film - at any time -- and to all of those who are looking to be touched by the Traveler."

          From Deborah Kovitz:
          "There definitely is a change in the attitude and awareness of the people in the Hamptons. It was inspiring to see how in one year's time the attendance for the Spiritual Warriors movie not only grew, but included people of many different spiritual paths, backgrounds and ages. It was beautiful to experience the shift in consciousness to one of turning within to the abundance."

          From Robert Brenner:
          "This past Sunday in the Hamptons I was privileged to be part of a packed house screening of Spiritual Warriors and the short film "Who Are You" (click here to view the short film Who Are You). Spiritual Warriors always has been special for me, each time I seem to experience a new awareness and understanding. But what comes forward for me even more so, was how moved I was by Jsu's new short "Who Are You" (click here to view the short film Who Are You). This little film is profound and thought provoking. Absolutely fantastic! My congratulations go to both Jsu and Rick for producing this little masterpiece. It's perfect, just the way it is. Of course, the "creme de la creme" of the weekend for me, was being with J-R and in the Traveler's energy, not much can better that! With my Love and Light."

          From Ezra Mack:
          The East Coast summer tour of Spiritual Warriors came to a wonderful crescendo with two showings at the Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor, Friday and Sunday afternoons, July 24 and 26. Thanks to the generous support of Heidi Banks and Howard Lazar, the theater was made available to the public free of charge, making the events inviting and available to a much larger pool of local residents and out of town guests.

          The Friday showing was very intimate, with our beloved John-Roger in attendance, numerous family members and friends, and some local artists, writers, and film enthusiasts. There was a brief Q & A and then a lovely opportunity for drinks and conversation afterwards, followed by a yummy dinner.

          Sunday's screening unfolded in somewhat of a different manner, with over 90% of the seats filled, mostly by first time viewers, and was followed by one of the longest and liveliest Q and A's to date. My observation is that with each screening of the film this summer, newer and greater interest in the movie, by folks who are just coming into an awareness of Dr. John Roger's book Spiritual Warrior, and Spiritual Warriors (the movie,) has come forward, with the greatest percentage of first time viewers filling seats since the film's initial release. It is evident that the effect this movie has on folks continues to expand and deepen in profound and wonderful ways, demonstrating that there is still a calling not only for quality entertainment, but also for opportunities for audiences to be engaged in their own search for deeper meaning, truth and greater loving in their lives. Spiritual Warriors continues to be just such an experience.

          On a personal note, it continues to be a great honor, joy, and privilege to support Spiritual Warriors and participate so closely with its creators.

          Read more articles from the Spiritual Warriors Northeast Tour, 2009

          • Spiritual Warriors in New York City

          • Spiritual Warriors in Woodstock

          • Spiritual Warriors in Cape Cod

          • Spiritual Warriors in Mystic

          • Spiritual Warriors in the Hamptons
            ]]> Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1279 http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1279 "Spiritual Warriors" Screens in Rockville Center, New York http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/31ZY2KKkgEg/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org (Steve Fogel) So I get a call Friday Morning at 7:30, I pick up the phone to look at it, assuming calls at 7:30 in the morning are not going to be good news and I see it is from Melba Alhonte, the ring master of all of the great New York Spiritual Warriors events that have taken place over the past two weeks. Spiritual Warriors events that have taken place over the past two weeks. I answer the call and hear the angelic voice that I associate with pure positive energy and have for almost 25 years. Melba wishes me a happy birthday and tells me she is in Sag Harbor with Jsu and J-R and the rest of the Traveler's Spiritual Warriors roadshow; would I be willing to take Q&A for a just scheduled screening near Queens, NY. After a little estimated geography, we figure out that I am going to Rockville Center, NY.

            Later Friday I get all the details from Zoe Golightly, the worldwide zen master of all things Spiritual Warriors: The Movie with an address and the name of my destination; Blue Firmament Holistic Center.

            Saturday afternoon I arrive at Blue Firmament with my sixteen year old Jessica and her friend and fellow movement kid Chelsea Marie Katz (daughter of Hillary Levion and Barry David Katz). Manny Stissi has already gotten to the center and provided the DVDs and Spiritual Warrior books and flyers. We are met by our host and the woman who runs the center named Sheiva. The center is large and inviting, with a selection of organic dry goods, crystals, and reading materials, there is a raw juice and food bar in the back and our screening will take place in a seminar room right behind. Downstairs is a group of treatment rooms for facials and bodywork.

            My understanding is that Sheiva found out about Spiritual Warriors through some form of list or network and her email inquiry found Zoe who responded immediately. Sheiva got the word out to her network overnight and by the time showtime arrived, there were twelve attendees including four MSIAers (Manny and I, Jim John and Mary Jane Weis) two aforementioned teenagers and six folks who had never seen the movie before (one of whom did attend the book signing in Manhattan).

            The screening began with the new short movie called "Who are you" (click here to view the short film Who Are You) and concluded with Spiritual Warriors. There was a real sense of blessing and as I watched the movie and the other attendees I had a strong sense of value and gratitude. I had introduced the movie with the following analogy, Spiritual Warriors isn't really Jsu's autobiography, although it does contain a reflection of his own life's work as a spiritual being and the impact of his spiritual teacher and friend, John-Roger. The movie is really a meta-biography by which I mean it is the auto-biography of every person who sees it. We are all on a spiritual path and this wonder movie is filled with sign posts that both confirm our past experiences and provide reference points to the inner journey upon which we each find ourselves.

            Blue Firmament hopes to host additional screenings of the movie based on interest expressed by clients and customers who weren't able to attend on the 25th. Look for more information to come...
            ]]>             Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:00:00 PDT http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1280 http://ndh.org/template.php3?ID=1280             "Let Spirit Be Your Guide" Spa Day With Mary Ann Somerville -- Receiving God's Inspiration in Challenging Times http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ndh/~3/VCYCwyvjV8M/template.php3 webeditor@ndh.org (Andrée Leighton, photos by Peter Leighton) What a great title for a Spa Day workshop at Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens. Sitting here now, just reading it, the words do something inside of me that touches my heart and brings me a feeling of calm and relaxation. It is a quiet feeling of inspiration. What happens inside of you? Click here to view a photo slideshow by Peter Leighton from the Let Spirit Be Your Guide spa day at Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens.

            What a great title for a Spa Day workshop at Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens. Sitting here now, just reading it, the words do something inside of me that touches my heart and brings me a feeling of calm and relaxation. It is a quiet feeling of inspiration. What happens inside of you?

            This is such a nice way to begin reporting about a lovely event. The day began with a warm (July warm!) welcome with MC and Director of Programs Carol Jones. Carol invited everyone to open our hearts and minds to experience whatever Spirit had for each of us personally.

            Our facilitator for the day, Mary Ann Somerville, is a long-time facilitator with The Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness (MSIA) and Peace Theological Seminary. It was a gift to experience her warmth, humor, clarity and loving. When we called in the Light together, Mary Ann noted how in MSIA we often refer to the Light as "Living in God's Holy Thoughts." That was a beautiful—and inspiring!—way to set the tone for our time together.

            Mary Ann shared about how appropriate the workshop is for this time we are experiencing in the world, when challenges can seem both constant and larger than life. How can we turn to Spirit for guidance amidst these times, and experience the inspiration that comes from God?

            While inspiration may seem like something that comes from outside of us, like an external force rather than something that is always present and available, Mary Ann invited us to explore how we can open up inside to connect with inspiration in the moment. In our openness, we can begin to notice how we do experience inspiration regularly in our lives (we just might not be recognizing it for what it is!).

            One of the greatest keys Mary Ann shared for opening to inspiration is relaxation. The more we can relax and receive, the more our worlds can get bigger by opening to possibilities with God as our partner. In MSIA, we consider God the source of inspiration, and embrace the premise that God is always present. Whether we refer to our spiritual source as God or Spirit or Loving, this is always available to us in our lives.

            The morning session included a short and powerful breathing meditation with Dr. John-Roger (The meditation we listened to, "Breathing and Peace with John-Roger," is available as part of a CD that comes with John-Roger's book, The Rest of Your Life). Through the simple act of breathing, we are literally in-spiring with God (drawing Spirit into us, like drawing air into our lungs). Mary Ann invited us to look at inspiration as "In-Spirit-ation." Since "-ation" usually indicates some kind of action, inspiration = being in the Spirit action. All that, right at hand, simply through the willingness to just breathe, and even allow ourselves to be breathed.

            Mary Ann also shared how the scientific community is now discovering that the heart has a brain of its own, and that this brain is activated by gratitude and appreciation. This echoes things that John-Roger has shared for many years; how the heart is the center of natural knowing for each person, and we can activate our hearts and this knowing by coming to the Light, breathing, and relaxing with our hearts. Science is catching up with Spirit!

            Continuing with a Spirit of discovery and gratitude, the morning session also included a partner exercise, where we could connect with another person and clarify where we wanted to open up to greater inspiration in our lives and identify how we experience inspiration. After hearing some personal sharing from participants following the exercises, it was time for a culinary round of inspiration: Brunch!

            Chef Victoria Ross and a cadre of great volunteers served up a brunch to inspire every palate. Fluffy eggs, perfectly browned chicken-apple sausages, delicate baby asparagus spears with slivered almonds, a fruit salad bursting with color... All this and more awaited us, served beautifully on the buffet. A highlight of the brunch was a slice of pumpkin-walnut bread, impossibly moist and freshly-made by guest chef Kelly Sheehan-Funk (people were talking about the bread for the rest of the day!). There was ample Urth Caffe coffee and tea to wash everything down, and people filled the dining room, patios, and courtyard with the tinkling sounds of silverware mixing with laughter and conversation.

            Ready for more inspiration? After brunch, we reconvened and prepared to come into Spirit's action with another powerful tool: the labyrinth. By relaxing, setting an intention toward God, breathing and opening up, we could walk the labyrinth as a sacred journey to bring more inspiration from Spirit into the practical reality of our lives. Mary Ann noted how all of these tools—workshops, meditations, exercises, etc.—are all designed to support the discovery process inside each of us. "MSIA" stands for Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness: the name is the action, the process, and it is ongoing and unique to each person. It is really inspiring to reflect on that. We have so many reasons to be grateful...

            The day completed with some more sharing about experiences with the labyrinth and the workshop as a whole. Inspiration. Breathing in. Letting ourselves be breathed. Relaxing. Cooperating with Spirit's action. Feeling gratitude in our hearts. What a great day.

            We have some wonderful upcoming events: Sunday, August 9, join us for the PTS Abundance and Prosperity Workshop followed by a scrumptious good old-fashioned outdoor barbbeque. Workshop is free. Barbeque is $12 and we ask that you RSVP please. Email registrar@peacelabyrinth.org or call 323.737.4055 ext 1137.

            The next Spa Day is titled Listening to the Loving scheduled for Saturday, August 29. Inspired composer Steve Chopyak (with a smile like a cherub) will join us as facilitator, and MSIA Spiritual Director, John Morton, DSS, will be on hand to participate (health and schedule permitting). If you feel inspired to attend, please follow that action and come join us! You can register online or by calling 323.737.4055 ext 1137.

            Thank you for joining us for this spiritual spa day, and for sharing your loving and Light. Enjoy the slideshow, and all the ways God's inspiration is present in your life!
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