Getting a Head Start on Conference at the Prana BBQ

By Teri Breier, Photos by David Sand

Some traveled for many hours from places as far away as Australia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Toronto, Maine, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina and more. Others bravely faced the perpetual traffic from every corner of Los Angeles. In all, more than 150 guests who converged on Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens (also known as PAL&G or Prana) on Wednesday were rewarded for their efforts with a beautiful afternoon, a delicious barbecue, and delightful camaraderie with spiritual family from around the world.

Throughout the afternoon, visitors socializing in the courtyard were serenaded by the musical stylings of Barbara Wieland, then Matt van Fossan.

Before and after lunch, tours of Prana, Prana West and Briggs House were given by docents to any visitors who wanted to see the three historic MSIA residential buildings and grounds. Later, Mark Lurie offered a tour of the Model Apartment at the Villa de la Paz property next door.

At 1:00, our Traveler, John Morton, blessed the festivities by welcoming all present, calling in the Light, and expressing gratitude for the gifts of this day as everyone gathered around the reflecting pool. Next, PAL&G Ambassador, Leigh Taylor-Young Morton, continued the global theme, speaking about U.S. President Barack Obama, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico, who were just then meeting in Ottawa, Canada. Leigh shared how moved and impressed she was by this extraordinary historic North American Leaders Summit, with its unprecedented focus on peace, unity, and cooperation between the three countries and with the rest of the world, particularly at this time of growing divisiveness.

Even the All-American BBQ that followed had an international flair, courtesy of the incredible culinary team, consisting of Head Chef David Funk, an American, and his talented assistant chefs Gabrielle Tormo, originally from France, and Noemi Camarillo. They served up a tantalizing spread that included potato salad, cole slaw, fruit salad, tender tri-tip and pulled chicken sandwiches, corn on the cob, and a mouth-watering assortment of ice cream bars, chocolate cake and more. No one left hungry, that’s for sure!

After lunch, special acknowledgements were given to all of the event volunteers, past Volunteers of the Year, and Jack Favor, celebrating 40 years as a devoted Prana resident. Some people stayed to schmooze until 4:00, and some wanted to get on the road to the Four Seasons Westlake Village hotel.

Yep, it’s official…Conference 2016 has begun!

---

VIEW ALL PHOTOS

---

NEXT PRANA SUMMER EVENT

The next John Morton live seminar at Prana will be on Tuesday, August 16 at 7:30pm — ‘Peace is Present’, co-facilitated with Leigh Taylor-Young. More info coming soon!