A trip to New York City, old friends, delicious food and your pick of a Traveler for the evening… what could be better? Such were the screenings of the Spiritual Warriors movie in NYC on August 10, 11 and 12, 2006.
At the very well appointed Helen Mills’ theatre, a group of us gathered each evening in this intimate setting in support of the Spiritual Warriors movie and Jsu Garcia, who in turn was asking us to honor his teachers, our teachers, John-Roger and John Morton. While I was not in person for each of the screenings (I am likely in the minority however — I heard several people say they planned on attending more than one night, if not all three), I can relay my experience of the first screening, on August 10th.
We gathered just as the rain and thunder hit, finally cooling off a warm day. People trickled in, greeted by several faithful volunteers who guided us down the stairs to the theatre. There were several rows of black cushy seats, plenty of space for all, and an auction site for a signed movie poster by J-R and Jsu, as well as stacks of the Spiritual Warrior books for us to take and distribute as we see fit. The local libraries and senior centers are going to be so grateful!
Set up on the stage was a fine array of food that turned out to be really outstanding. Chicken kabobs and tortilla chips with several fresh dips were laid out and attended to by some kind and attentive staff. And best of all for us who drove in, plenty of bottled water! This, of course, was followed by a trip to the clean luxurious bathrooms, just to give you a sense of the atmosphere. Milling around with us was a photographer from the NY Daily News, a major paper here on the East Coast. This was his first MSIA experience and while he did say he was not there on assignment but on the invitation of a good friend, he did take pictures and who knows? That’s quite a seed to plant.
After an hour of socializing, loving J-R, and getting acquainted with some long lost friends, the movie began. While I didn’t have any particular expectations in mind, I found myself surprisingly caught up not only in the story of the movie, but in the reminders of the Traveler’s teachings.
It’s the story of a very ordinary man who stumbles onto the Traveler, is transformed and yet still experiences the fits and starts of life, still meeting with his karma and human desires. This reminded me my own journey with Spirit and somehow made my journey seem OK, like I wasn’t the only one who suffered from enlightenment and some less than pleasant karmic relationships. The story then leads us, through the main character’s experience, beyond personal awarenesses and growth to the greater chess match we are playing with negativity, both on a grand scheme and simple day to day interactions. This movie and that theme has kept me more focused on Spirit since leaving that day, replaying different scenes over as they mirror events in my life. Very cool.
I am no film maker, and although I fancy myself an artist/photographer, I am quite aware that I have no idea of the energy that Jsu, J-R and many others put into the making of this film. While I like to send my paintings away like grown children, no longer ruminating over what I could have done differently, Jsu sees his face and editing over and over again in front of many different audiences. I was suddenly so impressed with the strength it took to create the film and the continuous positive promotion: I must admit I was in awe.
As the movie ended, Jsu walked to the front of the stage and we all watched as each and every credit played, an honoring I rarely do. It seems as we cheered at the end, we were cheering for not only the film makers, but the whole process of Spirit both on and off the screen, and the strength we have in living our own lives.
