On a beautiful Sunday in March, 21 recent University of Santa Monica grads and guests shared a lovely afternoon at Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens.
Last August, I had the honor of graduating from the University of Santa Monica’s (USM) with an M.A. in Spiritual Psychology. After two incredible, yet intense years of learning and growing, my Inner Counselor made it clear that the next step in my journey involved getting reacquainted with the Spiritual Science program at Peace Theological Seminary and College of Philosophy (PTS).
As it happened, Year 3 of the MSS program was being offered at Prana, also known as Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens (PAL&G). During my first MSS class weekend in October, feeling very nurtured by the retreat energy that was present, I became inspired to share this blessing with my USM classmates. When I suggested the idea of a USM Class of 2004 Labyrinth Walk, PAL&G Director Carol Jones responded with enthusiasm.
Several months and dozens of emails later, seventeen of my precious USM classmates (including my husband Jim) and three guests gathered in the magnificent foyer of Prana on Sunday, March 6th, 2005, at 3:00 p.m. for an afternoon of “Labyrinth, Tranquility and Tea.” Spirit had brought forward a delightfully sunny day, a welcome respite from the seemingly endless rain. Our timing was perfect, as the road closures from that morning’s L.A. Marathon, which came within blocks of Prana, had been opened just an hour before.
Carol, our warm and gracious host, first related the colorful history of the turn-of-the-century Italian Renaissance mansion and described the architecture and post-1994 earthquake renovations, pointing out details in the public rooms. I observed with amusement that my antique connoisseur friend seemed to be a little awestruck at finding such a treasure trove merely 2 miles from downtown Los Angeles.
Next, we visited the lush, tranquil Meditation Gardens, bursting with the aliveness and colors of spring. A gentle breeze rustled the avocado trees and bamboo stands, and water burbled from the many fountains, masking the sounds from traffic and neighbors alike. After a brief tour, several people chose to linger for some quiet contemplation in one of the many peaceful nooks or by the koi pond.
A short while later, we all gathered around the hand-constructed stone Peace Labyrinth, while Carol explained its symbolism. She shared that there are a number of possible ways to approach the journey into and out from its center. One by one, each of us reached into our hearts and stepped onto the path, completing the sacred ritual. Afterwards, we gathered in the large seminar room and Carol asked us to share our experiences of the Labyrinth.
“The Labyrinth reminded me of the twists and turns within the circle of life. There is wholeness at the center and on the journey itself; one need only be mindful, taking one step at a time, stepping off the path to rest and reflect when called to do so,” said Wendy Jackson.
Another classmate has this to share about her first Labyrinth experience: “As I waited my turn, I asked Spirit and the universe if there was anything that I could receive during this experience. Once I began, I heard a voice saying,
