It was a little misty after sunset in downtown Los Angeles on New Year’s Eve 2006, but that just gave a silky glow to the handsome gardens and marble stairway at Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens (PAL&G). As an architectural icon, the building is Italianate Beaux Arts in style. However, turned out in her holiday finery, she displays the true elegance of her bones. Exterior details were heightened with a zillion twinkle lights, and the interior was dressed in evening splendor, with lush winter greenery intertwined along the circular stair railing, and a huge decorated Christmas tree in the center of the Grand Salon.
New Year’s Eve is special for me personally, a time to focus inwardly. It is also my friend’s birthday. I felt as though all the loving Souls who attended this Sacred Tones event were there for her, as well as for the general upliftment. The guests turned out in their own versions of glamour and glitter, and it was an honor to be among them.
Carol Jones, Program Director for the PAL&G, welcomed everyone, explained a bit about the building and the various organizations that are headquartered there, and then introduced Rev. Dr. Paul Kaye, President of the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness (MSIA). Paul led the evening off by introducing each of the audio meditations by John-Roger, Founder of MSIA, and we all followed along, joyfully chanting sacred tones and watching our breathing. At various points we were encouraged to focus on what we’d like to let go of, and those things that we would like more of in the coming year.
Basic selves were clearly ready, and we were all invited to the Dining Room, which had been decorated by Paul Kaye’s wife Shelley Noble to resemble a forest at midnight. We were offered delectable snacks and desserts, some of which had been generously provided by Shallom and Jilla Berkman, owners of Urth Caffe, and some which had been baked by Prana’s own French Chefs, Claudie and Guillaume Botte. It was delightful to have such fabulous food for my friend’s birthday party, and the fellowship and camaraderie were evident. The ending of the old year and the fresh start of the New Year really begins inside each one of us, but it is nice to have outward evidence.
My fellow minister and dear friend was enjoying the whole thing, and although I went home before all the ballyhoo started (I’m such a wuss!), I heard from the Birthday Girl that dancing sprang up after refreshments were served, and it was like the Sixties all over again, only they were drunk with the Spirit in celebration of Life.
Join us for the Jan 27 Spiritual Spa Day, Loving Yourself Where You Are: Keys to Transformation. Brunch $15. Morning Workshop 10 a.m. Brunch 11:30, Afternoon Workshop 12:45-2:45 (ending time approximate).
Next workshop with John Morton, Spiritual Director of MSIA, at the Gardens: Grace and the Beloved, Feb 11. $50 including buffet lunch.
To register and or more information about Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens, go to www.peacelabyrinth.org.
