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Sweetness, Simplicity and Spirit in San Diego

On October 15 and 16, John Morton facilitated a public workshop (with Leigh Taylor-Young Morton) and a Ministers/Initiates Q&A in San Diego, California. This is the inspiring story of a long-standing MSIA community pulling together with a clear vision and intention to manifest a visit from the Traveler after a very long absence.

Located about three hours south of Los Angeles, San Diego has had a large and thriving MSIA community since the 1970s, and was a regular destination on John-Roger’s calendar throughout the ‘80s. However, visits from J-R and John Morton dwindled as their travels expanded to other places around the world. By all reports from community members, the last time John-Roger visited San Diego was for a Spiritual Warrior film screening in 2008. Before that was a public book-signing at the Encinitas Barnes & Noble in the late 1990s. The last open seminar was circa 1987 or ’88, and the last closed Discourse Subscriber Q&A was in April 1989—nearly three decades ago.

A year ago, local minister Sharon LaPaglia was hearing the call and had the inspiration led by Spirit to invite the Traveler to visit San Diego. “I kept getting inside that this would be an opportunity to re-energize our community by bringing in the Light in a much bigger way than we as a ministerial body could do alone, and increase what we have created here,” she shares. “There was a strong awareness that many people in this town might be waiting to find their way to the Traveler through John’s physical presence.

“Later, at MSIA’s 2016 Conference, I heard him say something along the lines of (not the exact words), ‘There are souls who are on the planet now that came in predestined or marked to work with the Traveler in this lifetime, so yes, go out there and share about MSIA.’ That really resonated with me, since I felt that I was meant to work with J-R in this lifetime, and I was so grateful when I heard his name for the first time years ago.”

Following her inner guidance, Sharon reached out to David Rodgers, San Diego MSIA Rep, and Angel Harper on MSIA staff in January 2016. As they fine-tuned their intention, the event proposal evolved in clarity. By May 20, the dates had been approved and John’s visit was on the calendar!

Saturday, October 15 would be an open evening Peace Theological Seminary (PTS) workshop, “1000 Ways to Happiness,” at the Seaside Center for Spiritual Living, and Sunday afternoon would be a Q&A for Ministers/Initiates only at the gorgeous Encinitas home of Ron and Tracy Bernstein. A core team was formed with Sharon, David, Ron, Jane Cremer, and Edie Willey Murdock, along with the entire ministerial community supporting these efforts.

In late September, a special “bonus occasion” was added to Sunday’s slate: the somewhat-impromptu wedding of Russell Bishop and Inez Hayes.

1000 Ways to Happiness PTS/MSIA Workshop, October 15

The entire weekend was a wonderful tribute to the power of a clear intention through Spirit. The public workshop on Saturday night attracted a full house of 98 participants, including the fabulous assisting team—one-third of whom were new to MSIA! Many people also came down to participate from Los Angeles and Orange County.

Says David Rodgers, “This was the first MSIA event for about 33 of the attendees. They came from lots of different places. People invited family members, from grandkids to brothers and sisters to friends; others saw the posters, found us on meetup.com or Facebook, heard from the venue where we held it, received an email invitation, and so on. What’s more, some people made money available for others who didn’t have it to attend, without even knowing who would benefit. One of our ministers even bought advance tickets for four people, not knowing whom they would invite.

“Near the end of registration, someone walked in and said they only had $8 in their purse—it was their birthday and they thought this would be a good place to go. Another person offered to pay the $7 difference and received a blessing on the spot in the form of a big hug.”

The workshop was co-emceed by Ron Bernstein (Team Captain) and Jane Cremer (Assistant Team Captain) and beautifully co-facilitated by John and Leigh. Simplicity was a recurring theme, as John emphasized that happiness can be found in common, everyday moments—whether playing golf, eating breakfast, playing with your kids, or any other time—and is always a choice.

He asked those present to consider, “Which are you: happy or unhappy? If you are not happy in a given moment, what are you making more important?” John acknowledged that many of us can be contracted in our relationship to happiness, but it is a natural way of being, especially when we remain open to Spirit.

Leigh spoke about cultivating happiness as a habit, and said she had discovered that, not only is the primary meaning of cultivate to “prepare the soil for planting,” but a secondary definition is to “make friends with someone.” She encouraged us to make friends with happiness, and understand what makes us happy, so we can prepare our soil for more to be planted. (Hint: it’s an inside job!)

Two joyful Moments of Peace and an audio excerpt featuring J-R were played, before exploring as a group what gets in the way of our happiness, and what makes us happy. Some of the latter included: music, art, colors, dancing, humor, surfing, play, connection, compassion, love, friendship, hugs, and sharing.

John reminded us if you want to be happy, you can simply do more of those things that make you happy! Leigh emphasized that, even when we are feeling down, “acting as if” can be a very powerful way to shift your energy and focus. Following a partner exercise, a few sharings, and a beautiful prayer blessing from John, the lovely evening came to a close.

Afterwards, one guest said, “What is great about all of this is that what is being presented is so powerful and yet so simple. It isn’t necessarily easy, but I love how simple the presenters made it for all of us.”

And a couple shared, “We were really down because of a recent injury that had a bigger impact on both of us than we thought…being around so much positivity tonight really was the medicine we both needed—thank you!”

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MSIA Q&A with John Morton, October 16

The next day dawned bright and beautiful, as a dozen volunteers descended early upon the spectacular hilltop home of Ron and Tracy Bernstein to set up for two blessed events. In the next few hours, furniture was moved, cars relocated, chairs aligned, flowers and decorations placed, and food prepared lovingly.

First up on the agenda—a wedding! The gorgeous bride Inez Hayes and handsome groom Russell Bishop were the epitome of happiness, joy, and love as they shared their vows and exchanged rings in front of John, Leigh, and about 40 ministers. Not many eyes were left dry during the deeply authentic, touching and inspirational ceremony that was a powerful testament to J-R’s concept of “marriaging” as an active process.

A brunch reception immediately afterwards continued the celebration with delicious quiches, colorful salads, and a luscious chocolate wedding cake out in the backyard with magnificent views of the surrounding hills. Tracy Bernstein and her kitchen team did an amazing job putting this together!

52 MSIA ministers and initiates attended that afternoon’s Q&A, including many who drove down from Los Angeles as well as a minister who flew in from Colorado! One fortunate person received an initiation in the morning and was then ordained in front of the group by Mark Holmes just before the event began. Local singer Cynthia Collier welcomed us all with her sweet, original “Song for the Inner Child.”

Over the next two hours, seven people had the chance to ask questions and share with John Morton. Among the highlights was a spontaneous, precious, sacred renewal of Ron and Tracy’s 20-year marriage and their wedding rings by John. He also placed a sweet, expansive blessing on their lovely home, anchoring the energy of the Traveler and encouraging the ministerial community to continue inviting him back in the future. John wrapped up the afternoon with his uplifting declaration, “J-R’s not finished with us yet!”

Advance deposits were collected and the dedicated team has already met to plan next year’s activities! Stay tuned for another opportunity to bask in the Traveler’s energy in San Diego in October 2017.

VIEW THE PHOTOS

1 thought on “Sweetness, Simplicity and Spirit in San Diego”

  1. Oscar Padilla

    Hi, I recently moved here to San Diego from Los Angeles and have been attending MSIA for almost 15 years. I would like to attend MSIA meetings in San Diego. Is there one still gathering?

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