Once again we gathered in the Brentwood Ballroom in Santa Monica, CA, for a wonderful Q&A session with John Morton, the Spiritual Director of the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness (MSIA). And, as has become the norm, participants tuned in all over the world on the Internet to ask John questions.

We were welcomed by the lovely Ana Maria Vergara, Dean of Latin America and Spain for Peace Theological Seminary. Every continent was represented as the Light was called in and the group came together by chanting Ani-Hu. Ani is a chant for empathy and Hu is an ancient Sanskrit word for God.

Then, to set the tone for the evening, MSIA’s own Lucy Dickinson sang and played guitar for us. She performed a beautiful song of her own entitled “The Light and Sound Lullaby.” The audience loved it!

Next up was John Morton. In introducing John Morton, Ana Maria described him as a powerful carrier of the message of peace, and said that he has given hundreds of seminars around the world, awakening people to who they truly are.

At the beginning of his talk, John asked, “Would you be interested in getting better than you are right now?” Every hand went up. Then he shared a situation in which he was watching a late-night television program about a celebrity who had made a deal to have his and his family’s lives filmed for multi-millions of dollars. In another room, John’s wife was watching a different program, “Telling Nicholas,” about a family whose mother had died in the September 11th events. The father had agreed to be filmed during the difficult task of telling his son that his mother had died. The irony of the juxtaposition of these two very different “reality TV” programs touched John deeply. He described the moments when the grandfather was with the boy, and the boy was encouraged to cry, rather than to hold back. John noted that the young boy was willing to get through it quickly, and showed the wisdom to handle loss. It was a privilege, he said, to watch sacred moments, a powerful witnessing. There was completion, family grieving, and finally a memorial service. John stated that he found value in being reminded of the preciousness of life, perhaps at the expense of someone else’s loss. He recommended that everyone see it if possible, as it serves the value of showing one young man’s process, and that we can move on.

Then the questions from participants in the room and from participants on the Internet began. Laren Bright and Maria Teresa Kelber were on their computers, reading questions in both English and Spanish, for the benefit of the listening audience. Topics covered a broad range, and John’s answers seemed to flow from a deep pool within, carrying a palpable energy that can only be described as peaceful.

Topics covered a broad range. What happens when we die? How can I not feel like a fraud or a fake? How can I do better in living the teachings when I am around negativity? How can I know that I am doing the best I can, that I am doing what God wants for me? How can I stay grounded and not give my energy away in relationships? How can I experience gratitude during hard times? How can I know that the Traveler is working with me in my dreams if I don’t remember? Why does it seem like the negativity is never going to end? If whatever choice I make doesn’t matter, is there a way I can tell what choice will have the greatest value for me? How can I assist my 6-year-old child to adjust more fully to school? What can I do about a family situation that is painful, and seems to repeat itself? Are there any keys to parenting?

John was loving, encouraging, and insightful as usual. The participants clearly appreciated his words of wisdom and his caring.

At the end of the evening, Lucy Dickinson came back up on stage to sing “God Made A Poem”, which was dedicated to all the MSIA and PTS staff and volunteers who made the evening’s event happen. This song was another beauty and the crowd gave enthusiastic applause. Refreshments were then served, and a de-Lightful time was had by all.

The next Q&A with John Morton is scheduled for Tuesday, June 18, 2002 at 7:30pm PDT. For more information, go to www.msia.org/live. Don’t miss this opportunity to ask John your question. If you live in the Los Angeles area, you can attend this Q&A in person at:
2101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA