Click here to view the photo slideshow from the Q&A with John Morton on August 4th.

We had an evening of soft summer breezes, a perfect blue sky, and fabulous, friendly faces at the Q&A with John Morton on August 4th at the 2101 Wilshire building in Santa Monica, California, also broadcast live on the Internet worldwide.

Our MC for the evening was Mr. Tom Boyer, and he began the evening by introducing himself and giving a short explanation of the Ani-Hu chant which he likened to the stillness of that moment in a concert when the orchestra has warmed up, and there is silence, and the Oboe sounds an A. He called in the Light, and we chanted (beautifully, I might add). He then introduced Bob Tackney, MSIA’s home-grown poet, who sang a song called “The Soul of Our Love.” Tom talked about the Spiritual Exercise CD (new from NOW Productions), and we watched a couple of Moments of Peace from The Traveler’s travels in Israel and in Africa. Then Tom introduced John Morton.

John began by listing the countries where listeners were tuned in via the Internet, including most of South America, Canada, France, and Australia, as well as Mexico. He told us that he had recently been back to Africa, and he spoke a little about the cheetahs filmed in the Moment of Peace, and their relationship to Land Rover vehicles. He quoted Bible scripture in referring to the “latter days,” when “lions will lie down with lambs.”

John then led us in a very uplifting Light Attunement, much like a living prayer. He said that this was an opportunity to awaken, to quicken the inner consciousness. Using the creative imagination, we brought Light through the head, pulling up the spine; and we were encouraged to breathe openly and fully, with our hands open and our feet uncrossed and on the floor. John asked that the sources of Light within and without work with us, and he explained that Grace can be extended because we have chosen to be here. He encouraged the removal of restrictions and then he asked us to allow it in, and to let it be.

The first question of the evening came from Vancouver, where the listener asked John to send Peace. John responded with several references to the Institute for Individual and World Peace (IIWP): Peace is always present, and Peace is a choice. He added that Peace can come through stillness, regardless of the external.

The next question was a request for comment about Sir Francis Bacon, his work, and his life. John acknowledged that he didn’t know much about Sir Francis Bacon, but the more interesting question is, “Why does that have your attention? What is it about him that applies to your situation?” And he mentioned how we all can aspire to become our higher nature.

From Guadalajara, Mexico, a person asked, “How are Spiritual Exercises different from prayer and meditation?” John said that Spiritual Exercises are an opportunity to move into something more than the physical. As we do them (regularly), the body begins to change vibration, to clear, and to allow the inner Teaching to take place. John reminded us that we are all loving beings and God loves all of Its creation.
From Central California, someone asked, “How can I reconcile the mistrust I have regarding a family member over a business deal gone wrong?” John responded that experiences are for learning, at all levels, and at all times. Ask yourself, “What is the purpose of this experience?”

A woman in the Brentwood Ballroom stated that her father had recently died, and that she had been feeling “spacey” ever since, which she described as living in “slow-motion.” John encouraged her to take the time to heal and clear any attachments completely, in order to come to peace with the situation.

From Woodstock, Georgia, someone asked, “How can I overcome my fear of success?” John reminded us all that it is our heritage to be successful, and suggested that we redefine what success is.

A person in the Ballroom asked if John could talk a little about being involved with people with addictions. John said that addictions can come from looking outside of ourselves for fulfillment, for answers. He recommended unconditional loving, like a parent has for a child.

John closed his portion of the program by saying, “Baruch Bashan”, which means, “The Blessing Already Are.”

Our next Q&A with John Morton at 2101 Wilshire boulevard in Santa Monica, CA, and live on the Internet will be on Tuesday, September 14th at 6:30 p.m. pacific time. Please join us. For more information on how to participate in these monthly Internet events online, go to www.msia.org/live.