Tuesday, March 31, together with their teachers and director, Rebecca Bernard, a delightful group of five to nine-year-olds walked to Prana from World City Center, housed in another historic building about four blocks away on Adams. Their purpose was to learn about the different styles of architecture in the neighborhood and to experience peace. Rebecca had prepared the group for a treasure hunt, so they came equipped with photographs of various artifacts here at Prana like the marble lions, stone angels, the intercom call box, fountains, and chandeliers. What fun they had finding these things!
Equally delightful was Kevin McMillan’s style of shepherding the group. Mr. Kevin, as they called him, interspersed historical facts with the sweet pastime of finding as many angels as possible depicted in Prana’s ceiling paintings, and on the chandeliers and sconces. Hand on his heart, Kevin had this little troupe follow suit–not just once but many times during their hour visit–and say “Peace”, explaining we can find peace inside.
They toured the meditation garden in small groups with great enthusiasm, convening in front of the central urn. More moments of peace there. Listening to the sounds of the water and birds, feeling the cool breeze. More sharing about how that felt. “Nice!” “Happy!” “Mmmmm!” At one point the teacher asked for quiet and got complete silence, which was an unexpected sort of mini-miracle. And just then the sweetest energy descended on the group. Kids closed their eyes, adults reveled in the stillness, and we all drank in the Spirit of the moment. So precious.
Some kids took our visitor cards with them to show their folks and teachers took brochures. And after more marveling at the reflection pool, touching the water at the fountain, scaring me by coming too close to the edge of the red bridge across the pond, and several trips to the restroom, they bid us farewell. Many of us who witnessed this idyllic scene had sore cheeks from smiling ear to ear! On their departure, they were heard to say in unison, “Thank You, Mr. Kevin.” Thank you, beautiful kids!
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