I arrived at 2101 Wilshire in Santa Monica where the “Finding Peace In Today’s World” webcast class with John Morton was taking place on the evening of October 25th, 2005. I came with no expectations, no fancy get-up, just me ready and willing to find out more about peace in my life.
When the moment came to begin, we were welcomed by the lovely and radiant Deborah Allen Segal hosting tonight’s event. Deborah introduced herself and spoke about the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness (MSIA) and her long time experience coming home to God in practicing Soul Transcendence. She called us forward into the Light of God that we might come together in our hearts for this night of peace.
Next we heard a song about peace from the beautiful Denise Lumiere. After the song, Deborah returned to the stage and spoke of her experience of John Morton through the years in a stunning introduction. She described John as a true spiritual warrior. We all stood and gave John a warm welcome.
John Morton began by speaking about peace and the various ways that peace can take place. John asked the question, “What is peace for you?” Many participants in the ballroom and on the Internet answered. John’s next question was, “What keeps you from your peace?” One participant said it all with the answer that “life” keeps them from their peace. We all got a good chuckle from that answer.
John next took us through a reflective process with our eyes closed. He has a way of creating a safe space to do these types of exercises that are fun, interesting, deep, profound, enlightening, and very revealing. John presented the idea that our process of peace is a choice. He then invited us to bring our awareness in this process of peace to the outer by opening our eyes and remaining in the peaceful place we all seemed to have come to, as the room was quiet and calm.
John next read a list of principles for peace and touched upon each one giving us examples of how to work them, and how to take responsibility for having peace inside of us as a conscious choice. John then led us through another closed eye reflective process, asking “What if you let your guard down?” “Are you willing to be vulnerable?” “Do you have the courage to be vulnerable?” “Peace be still.” “What does it mean?”
As John continued, the questions became profound. John invited us to allow ourselves to have a consciousness of peace on the planet. It was an invitation to be a peacemaker, to make a commitment to the dedication of peace in ourselves.
Next we participated in an exercise with a partner. The exercise asked us what our issue is and how do we know when it is present? It also asked us how we can turn the issue towards the process of peace. We are also asked if there is something deeper, so that it is like a round that keeps us going and getting down to the bones of what is keeping us from peace in our lives. It worked for me. I got answers I never expected.
After the exercise, John invited questions from participants in the ballroom and on the Internet. At this point, John asked if John-Roger was tuned in and J-R came online and surprised us all. What a blessing to have John-Roger at an Internet class! From Australia, an Internet participant wanted to know about balancing a career, family, and other areas of life. John’s answer spoke to us about acceptance. In the ballroom, a participant posed a question about reconciling the concept of light and darkness. John reminded us that we are the Light, that we are a part of God, and out of God come all things. From Canada, a participant on the Internet asked about dealing with authority figures. John and J-R both spoke about loving ourselves. John concluded with encouraging us to make a difference in our lives as peacemakers.
I am very happy I came this evening. The Spirit was so present so palpable. Peace is Present. Peace be unto us all.
The next webcast class on the Internet will be “The Blessings Already Are” with John Morton, on Monday, November 21st at 6:30 p.m. pacific standard time at www.msia.org/live and at 2101 Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica, CA.
To participate in an archive of the “Finding Peace In Today’s World” class online, go to www.msia.org/class. You’ll find a link to the class archive, the handout and an evaluation form there. Enjoy!
