For an MSIA Conference of Spiritual Promise kick-off event on June 27th, facilitators Deborah Martinez and Rick Greene gave us a solid seminar, entitled “Awakening to Spirit”. There were lots of new faces in the assembled crowd at the Sheraton Universal Hotel’s Grand Ballroom, all of them generously greeted and welcomed by Team Captains Dan and Janet Melbourne and their terrific assisting team.
Rick and Deborah did the invocation honors, and led us in chanting the Ani-Hu. They gave a short intro to MSIA (Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness) and PTS (Peace Theological Seminary and College of Philosophy), and then we were treated to a ‘behind-the-scenes’ video by Jsu Garcia from the filming of “Spiritual Warriors.”
Then, through the use a video Moment of Peace we had opportunity to choose awareness of Spirit through a breathing meditation. Our facilitators commented that “awakening to Spirit is as easy as breathing in and breathing out.”
We were then invited to participate in a discussion of the basic truths about Spirit, the Here-and-Now of Spirit, how it is always present. We made quite a list of the qualities of Spirit, with participants enthusiastically sharing words they associate with Spirit. Next, there was heart-felt audience sharing of experiences of Spirit in our lives, and a “partner exercise” that dealt with those moments in which we experience Spirit in our lives and how to choose those moments more.
Deborah wowed us with a profound and sweet meditation with guided imagery, and that brought in the loveliest peace. We got to watch a couple of Moments of Peace, one featuring J-R (John-Roger), and the other featuring John Morton, and these highlighted the keys to “Awakening to Spirit”, the intention of our evening together.
This was followed by participants sharing what they had learned from the experiences offered during the workshop. It was quite beautiful to behold their bright, shining, rejuvenated faces!
Following a few closing announcements, we were all invited for light refreshments and some time for fellowship. We just KNOW this is going to be a wonderful Conference!
Baruch Bashan
Read more articles from MSIA’s Conference of Fulfilling Your Spiritual Promise 2007
