Prana hosted a large “Thank You” and appreciation event for our MSIA, PTS, and NOW Productions volunteers here at Peace Labyrinth and Gardens on Thursday evening, August 25th, 2005. It was like the old days — from what folks who were here back then said — with folding rental chairs filling the ground floor rooms of this gorgeous house, and everyone all squeezed in cozy together. John Morton delivered a beautiful Question & Answer format seminar to over 240 attendees, and John-Roger was definitely in the house, looking great and shining his Light and ever-present loving over the proceedings. It was a momentous occasion in that it was also the 31st anniversary of Prana as MSIA’s headquarters, as well as a celebration of the contribution of our volunteers.
The event was beautifully orchestrated by program director Carol Jones, assisted by MSIA & PTS staff members, and the ever-industrious NOW Productions crew. Our chefs Claudie and Guillaume Botte, Elaine Kitchell, and volunteers extraordinaire David and Kelly Funk, presented a terrific down-home style meatloaf dinner early in the evening. Then folks milled about the courtyards and dining room enjoying one another’s company until time for the seminar to begin. After the seminar everyone retired to the courtyard or dining room again to sample teas, coffees, and lovely cupcakes. The atmosphere was lively and inviting.
The handsome and hilarious Jsu Garcia was host for the evening program, which started with an acknowledgement of J-R and John as our favorite and most-appreciated volunteers ever! It even said so on a banner. Then came an authentic Texan-style audience-participation comedy routine by PTS staff member Marsha Scott about the dangers of certain foods–you had to be there–and if you were it was quite funny! This was followed by an on-demand revival of the classic “Prana News Desk” starring Glenn Barnett and Paul Kaye. Glenn’s deadpan delivery and PK’s stylized news reporting were spot-on and got us laughing as usual. Then we were treated to Nat Sharratt and Brad Pie sharing Nat’s song “Walking in Paradise” from their recently released CD. Their skill in harmonizing, as well as bright, crisp, and clear individual voices, and Brad’s masterful guitar licks, carried us into their world. Next Nat’s natural charisma shone as he worked the audience (and the mic-stand, rock-star-style!), with a rousing rendition of the old standard, “All of Me.”
Than came the Q&A with the Traveler, focused on questions about service. John’s strength, caring, humor, and clarity were evident as he fielded questions from the audience, and engaged us all in the Spirit of service–what it’s about, and how we might be of better service to ourselves, each other, and our families and communities. He closed with one of his classic trademark blessings, perfectly encapsulating the essence of the moment, and the richness there for each of us.
After John, Jsu shared a couple more of his patented anecdotes: irreverent, spontaneous, and joyful, and then introduced a tribute to the volunteers presented by some staff members to close the program. Kim Guisinger, Julie Standing, and Kevin McMillan offered a heartfelt (and sometimes tongue-in-cheek) version of the song “The Wind Beneath My Wings,” dedicated to the volunteers, while staff members spread themselves out among the crowd, at times flapping their “wing” arms in the aisles, and finally thanking our volunteers individually, one-on-one, and heart-to-heart.
It was a smooth-running, graceful, and fun event, and we heard lots of the attendees were moved to be thanked for what they give and how they serve. It was a gift to acknowledge them. In singing the song to the volunteers at the end, our intention was to make essential contact with each of them in some way. Whether with a loving handshake, a touch, a nod of acknowledgement, or eye contact and a smile–we wanted to let them know that they are appreciated: for what they do, and who they are–and that we couldn’t do it without them. This is true for all of our volunteers who could not make it to this event, so if you are one of those, “God bless you, we love you and we thank you.”
Thank you is a powerful phrase. “Thank you… thank you… thank you… thank you…”, we sang repeatedly while the staff was reaching out touching to folks, almost as a mantra. We encouraged the audience to sing along on the chorus, and I dare say many of us in our hearts were directing our thank yous right over to John-Roger, there with us in the audience.
What a blessed evening it was. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank God for you. The wind beneath our wings,” as the song says.
