Seven days into the New Year, a fire ravaged Australia. And then, miraculous rains appeared. More than ever I have an appreciation for the power of prayer. But I also feel a profound soberness. It’s a mixture of gratitude and helplessness.
Yet the eve of 2020 still illuminates my consciousness with great hope. GLOW, a New Year’s Eve event at Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens started with a New Year’s Resolution Workshop with John Morton. Instead of surface goals, John Morton, the Spiritual Director of MSIA and the author of You are the Blessings and The Blessings Already Are, spoke about New Year’s resolutions in the fashion of practical spirituality.
He encouraged everyone to “Resolve to let go of negativity completely. When we do that we let God.”
My mind cannot comprehend “completely.” However, John makes the point, “If you’re going to be attached; be attached to love, to freedom.”
Makes sense. When the inner sparkles, the external achievements feel even better. Besides the diamonds presented by John Morton from the stage, participants were encouraged to mine for their own jewels via journaling and discussion groups.
To add a bit of levity, the workshop ended with a Monty Python rendition of “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.”
Next an introduction to the mysteries of the labyrinth from award-winning architect Charles Bernstein was spotlighted. Shortly thereafter, visitors were walking the labyrinth and heading towards the Rose of Love.
Soon, however, we made a beeline for the spectacular surf ‘n turf dinner. In the dining room, the cheerful chatter was one indication of the feeling of upliftment – on all levels.
Later in the evening, Paul Kaye, the President of MSIA and popular sound journey artist, took the stage. Perhaps all the goodness of the previous events lent to my feeling of stepping into Narnia (Anyone remember C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe?). From the moment I sat down, it seemed other-worldly beneficent beings were standing guard. The sounds of the instruments from around the planet, the John-Roger (Founder of MSIA) video and audio clips and Paul’s masterful meditation tips had me soaring.
In light of all that transpires on planet Earth, it’s nice to remember GLOW. It’s comforting to know that there is a place inside where it is safe, where Love, the Divine exists.
In her sparkly stardust sort of manner, Leigh Taylor-Young, the stunning actress and wife of John Morton, shared her acronym for GLOW:
God’s
Loving
Optimism
Wow!
Oh, by the way, there was a chocolate fountain and dancing after the workshops, too. Never underestimate the powers of cocoa and cha-cha-cha!
Sincerely, when December 31, 2020 rolls around, come celebrate the New Year at Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens.
