In a groundbreaking (but fortunately for Los Angeles, not earth-shaking) event, MSIA Staff spent three days in retreat together at Prana’s beautifully restored building and stunning new grounds, including a labyrinth, reflecting pools, and meditation gardens full of lush plants, waterfalls, and ponds.

None of us knew what to expect — what a blessing it turned out to be! David Bransky gracefully intrigued and challenged us, leading us to explore our relationships with each other and with Spirit, and letting it all be fun. John Morton visited twice for sharing and meals, and John-Roger joined us to close the event with sharing.

We laughed. We listened carefully to each other and learned the value of conversation, including sharing and listening. We learned our various approaches to getting things done (Inspiration first? Caring most important? Just do it? Plan? Where to start!), and how they all work together. We did spiritual exercises together, some of us discovering the meditation garden as a great location for practicing Soul Transcendence, seated beneath a glass roof, listening to running water and plants rustling in the breeze.

We walked the beautiful labyrinth. This was my first time doing so since it was blessed by J-R. I kicked off my shoes and soaked up the warmth from the marble as I walked. I prayed and placed Light, felt blessed and listened to, and have been unwinding ever since.

These were days to look forward to. The rhythm flowed from large gatherings in the seminar room to conversations in groups, incredible meals (enjoyed by me and other nature lovers in the courtyard), quiet time for s.e.’s, journaling, and walking the labyrinth, gentle stretching, and sharings with John Morton and John-Roger.

This retreat was a deep experience of remembering who we are and why we are doing this work. We had a chance to relax together and get to know each other better as friends. We were reminded of the reasons we chose to work on Staff, and inspired to continue. Spirits were lifted, hearts lightened, smiles in place as we closed the retreat together over another nurturing meal.

Here are some quotes from Staff and assistants about the retreat:

I’ve always known that if there’s something Staff has, it’s Spirit. I think most corporate companies would pay millions to have it and see their employees do the work with the devotion, caring and generosity Staff does it. Having Spirit, along with the loving and the dedication is what makes our Staff a precious gem. —Ana Maria Vergara

I realized that the reason I want to keep doing volunteer work for MSIA is the caring, the loving. Without that aspect, I would probably be sending my light from a distance. —Sheriden DeWees

Working on staff is my ultimate dream come true. We work with the Travelers, and are in permanent contact with the teachings….and we get paid on top of that! What else can we ask for? We are soooo fortunate!!! —Nora Valenzuela

I experience Spirit guiding me, and helping me get the work done by nudging me in the right direction. —Ken Jones

We had our own retreat in the Kitchen, complete with piped in sharing with the Travelers. You should see seven spaced out people in a kitchen—oy! —Elaine Kitchell

I wouldn’t have missed a moment of anything we did, or with anyone I shared, or the incredible presentations of David Bransky’s wise humor, or the gourmet health food of Jone Novek’s expertise. Nor would I have missed a moment of the learnings, laughter, loving, Joy, and Soul Transcendent, and awesome sharings of our Beloved Travelers J-R and John. —Marjorie Eaton