June 30th, 2011
What keeps me coming back to MSIA Conferences is not just the camaraderie and the socializing with friends I’ve not seen for a year; nor is it the prospect of some genuinely tender and sacred moments with The Traveler (which is a big reason). It’s the element of Surprise! Each year I am astonished and amazed with what is new, what has evolved, how the blessings are being presented in some marvelous new way.
This year it was IIWP volunteer Dave Wright, who emceed the program with a boyish charm and humor that brought laughter and smiles to all. It was also his authentic fatherly pride in his two daughters, Ivy and Katy, who put together a truly admirable and reflective “slide show” (OldSpeak for Power Point Presentation) of the natural wonders and beauty of Windermere. Located in the mountains above Santa Barbara, Windermere Ranch is an approximately 140 acre Place of Peace. There are trails and ponds, pastures and an emerging orchard and garden; there are also horses, goats, sheep, llamas, and dedicated staff and volunteers to oversee them. All of these came through the “slide show,” with such loving and honoring.
Paul Kaye was his entirely funny self, with charm and wit in abundance. He offered his views on the principles of Peace, which had most of us laughing out loud. Joan Shea, also an IIWP volunteer and facilitator, led the group in a very sweet Peace Prayer, envisioning Light and peace and loving enfolding the whole planet and everyone on it. Debbie Roth, IIWP coordinator, offered an update on all the activities that IIWP supports, including the International Day of Peace that was celebrated in a wide variety of ways, and in countries all around the world. Leigh Taylor-Young facilitated a Peace process among partners.
And IIWP’s Spiritual Director, John Morton, brought the evening to a lovely high point, with a seminar that was uplifting and Light-filled. Blessings were all around us as we closed out a busy day, and prepared for the next day of Conference, the Wayshower Workshop.
Blessed are we.
