Shop
Close 
LANGUAGE

New Day Herald

Happiness at Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens

Tuesday, June 23 around 2PM, I walked out the front door to greet 4 quiet, timid girls, welcoming them to Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens. These girls are from the local Girl Scout chapter in the neighborhood, one of the few chapters in the area, I was told by one of the leaders. They were accompanied by 3 younger women who served as their den leaders.

Before living at Prana, I ran after-school creative arts programs and had particularly worked with middle school kids during the summer. So I was very excited to be giving a tour to these girls. I was also happy to find out that they all lived close by and were part of our local community. It brings me much joy to meet people who come to the property who are in the neighborhood. So many people in the area don’t even know we exist, as did these young girls. As they entered the house, their eyes grew wide and the expression of wonderment passed their faces.

The intention for the group visit was to have an experience that related to the current badge they are working on, which is the Science of Happiness. From what I understand, they are learning to track the things that make them happy — not so much the external things but the inner qualities. I instantly explained that this is the headquarters of MSIA and that we are practicing Soul Transcendence — a gold moment with the girls: I could feel their hearts open.

At first the leader wanted to go out to the labyrinth and gardens, but the girls were so taken by the house that she decided on a house tour first. It was apparent that these girls had never been in a house like this. It reminded me how powerful an experience it can be to come into a beautiful environment, then compounded with the energy of the Traveler… people walk away touched.

One highlight of the tour was as I was leading them out to the rotunda passing through the reception office, we stopped to look at the HU symbol. All of sudden, everything got very quiet as the girls were listening very intently. I spoke of its origins and what it meant and I also chanted it so they could hear how it sounded (or if they ever wanted to try it themselves). They didn’t say anything, but it is one of those moments that I know Spirit was touching to them. I could feel it, like a quivering and quickening passing over our heads.

I took them out to the labyrinth and explained to them its origin, what it could symbolize to them and how it related to happiness. It was another golden moment where Spirit was so palpable. We talked and shared about how they can use the labyrinth to let worries, concerns, questions go up to God or a higher power. We talked about how we walk the labyrinth and practice gratitude by counting our blessings as we walk the path. We discussed how we can fill ourselves from the inside out by acknowledging our inner strengths and qualities as we walk the labyrinth — all tools of awareness to bring us back to happiness.

I then took them to the gardens and invited them to take a seat, journal, reflect and enjoy the beauty around them. I also invited them back to the property and assured them that our doors are always open to them and their families. It was such a beautiful exchange as we spent time together. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

5 thoughts on “Happiness at Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens”

  1. Zoe Golightly

    I love this! Thanks for sharing LeAnna … it’s so amazing to see so many folks around Prana these days. And it’s thanks to amazing people like you!

  2. I was enjoying reading this article and was even more delighted to read that you were the guide, LeAnna. I remember the week we spent assisting at the Teen Insight at Cazadero for the teens affected by AIDS/HIV. I now do guided labyrinth walks here in Sonoma County. The labyrinth is a wonderful way to connect to Spirit.

  3. Veronica Zarate

    Thank you for this wonder…full experience. It touched my heart. I have seen you Leanna with Kids you have an angel touch with them. God Bless You.. for your loving Service.!!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *