I still recall the first time I attended a Living In Grace retreat. It was 2011, in Asilomar, CA. John-Roger was still around. It was a sacred and profound experience. I have vivid memories of that time. Some of the friends that were there have left the physical plane and are no longer amongst us, but are in our hearts, and certainly doing well in the spiritual realms of light. Thank you John-Roger for being the “way-shower”.
In the following year, in 2012, many had the chance to attend the very first LIG — Living In Grace — in South America. Due to the effort of many, another edition, now named VELG, or Viviendo En La Gracia, was held in Chile. Another event of great magnitude and splendor. In my view and perception, the fulfilment of a “spiritual promise”.
These gatherings are a great moment to reconnect with my “true self”, and to become one with myself. At the same time able to share with many, as I can see inwardly and outwardly through the processes and sharing with the Traveler John Morton.
Years later, in 2016, another VELG was held in South America. This time in Rio Negro, Antioquia, in Colombia.
A decade went by for the next edition to happen and, in 2026, this time in Villa de Leyva, Boyacá, about 4 hours drive north of Bogotá. So, this last January we gathered in the freshness of the hillsides of this beautiful venue, at a resort ran by the Order of the Discalced Carmelites.
This time around, as we counted, people from 13 countries were present. It was a worldwide celebration, in a village that has kept its beauty over the years. The Plaza Mayor, the town square, is the same of the time when it was built by the Spaniards. We were thrilled to learn about the history of this corner of the world, learn about the ancestors that lived in the valleys and mountains, the sacredness that surrounds the place, and that Leigh Taylor-Young Morton was there 51 years ago shooting a movie. In her own words, Villa de Leyva could be our “Asilomar” in South America. For those who have been to Asilomar, you can grasp the idea.
Different of what happens in the US, we don’t have the chance to attend a yearly retreat in South America. The logistics and limitations make it a bit challenging for us to hold a LIG/VELG and have the Traveler John Morton with us. For many it was a great effort to attend, for various reasons. Even though, those that were called to be present, were the light bearers to all of us. As we know, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
Every time an event like this happens, a huge amount of energy is put in motion. And then one proposition came forward, and it is: “What if the next VELG takes less than 10 years to happen again?” And now, the call is in the air. What if more of us come together to be in the next edition of Living In Grace, or Viviendo En La Gracia, in South America, this time sooner than later? By the way, David Jaramillo has opened an enrollment list. My invitation, if you feel called, enroll and seed for it, and let’s witness another miracle unfold.
In my experience, every time I come to be in a large group with old and new friends, old timers and newcomers, my soul rejoices simply because I surrender to whatever spirit brings forward. It is never the same and yet, it is always a joy. The oneness that resonates is like the attunement of an “inner choir” that brings me to be atonement and at one accord with myself. All comes into alignment. That which is becomes clear, and that which is no longer needed gets cleared and dispersed and then I am filled with pure bliss. The loving and the light surrounds and protects me, so the spiritual warrior can continue to rise in the “movement of spiritual inner awareness”.
This edition of LIG/VELG in Colombia was a blissful experience. A bow to all of those who intentioned and got hands on to make it happen. Let’s plan the next gathering. It will be hard to match the 2026 edition, but as we know, it is never the same, but it is always a joy.
Baruch Bashan
