It is remarkable how, even after a semi-upsetting day, something like a Peace Theological Seminary and College of Philosophy webcast class can restore peacefulness and order to a troubled mind. And I, for one, was ready for it. On Monday, November 21st, John Morton presented “The Blessings Already Are” webcast class at 2101 Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica and live on the Internet.
We heard introductory remarks by the evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies, Jan Shepherd, who called in the Light (a process of attunement to Spirit), and led us in chanting the Ani-Hu (a Sanskrit name of God coupled with a word meaning Empathy). Next, Jan called Barbara Wieland to the stage. Barb sang a Thanksgiving Song she had written, accompanied by her own piano tracks on CD.
Then Jan introduced John Morton, Spiritual Director of the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness (MSIA), and facilitator for the evening’s class. John began by saying that some of our most profound moments are often in silence, when we can come into communion and awareness of the Blessings. He spoke about focusing on the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday (in the U.S.), and the idea of being grateful for what is already in our lives.
The text for the class, The Blessings Already Are by John Morton, was in use throughout the evening (and can be ordered at www.msia.org/store). John also explained the phrase “Baruch Bashan,” which means, “The blessings already are.”
John listed the ten qualities that are so often referred to in the teachings of MSIA: Health, Wealth, Happiness, Abundance, Prosperity and Riches, Loving, Caring, Sharing, and Touching to others with that. We have a choice, he said, to consider what the Blessings are, and he read (with some wry humor) a quote from his own book, regarding “Blessings in Disguise.” He gave an example from his own life, concerning his son’s Little League football team, and a situation that for several weeks did not look like a blessing, but eventually became a blessing for all involved.
As a class exercise, he asked us if we could make a list of our blessings, and could we get to fifty on that list? He asked everyone to consider things that don’t look like blessings. Then he asked: “What areas, things, or situations would you like to have blessed?” People stood up in random order, stating what they would like blessed in their lives. John also called on participants on the Internet who shared what they would like blessed. John pointed out that one of the ways Blessings come to us is to be open to them, and to ask for them. Then John led us in a Blessing Meditation, telling us to be open and to prepare, then to claim the Blessings as our own.
Next, John discussed “Blessings in Disguise,” those things that we don’t want or don’t like. He quoted John-Roger (founder and Spiritual Advisor of MSIA) as saying, “If you would know the secret of Soul Transcendence, look for the good in all things, and all the rest leave to God.” John stated that it is our practice to come to a greater awareness, and one way is to look for the Blessings, which can sometimes be a challenge.
We were then asked to work in pairs with another person in the room, sharing about the blessings or disguised blessings in our life. After that, it was Question and Answer time, in the Brentwood Ballroom and via the Internet. Questions asked included: “How can I use an opportunity to learn and grow, and not fall short of the mark?”, “How can I move into more joy?”, “How can I find greater abundance?”, “How can I stop complaining?”
As a closing Blessing, John read from “The Blessings Already Are,” including the phrases, “I love you. I am always with you.” And for this writer, The Blessings definitely Are.
To participate in an archive of the “The Blessings Already Are” 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!
The next Internet event will be “An MSIA Family Christmas Eve” with John Morton, on Saturday, December 24th at 3:00 p.m. pacific standard time at www.msia.org/live and at 2101 Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica, CA. John-Roger has been invited, health & schedule permitting.
