Let’s be real. We’ve all got addictions. Don’t drink, swear, smoke or touch that white substance called sugar? Congratulations. How long can you go without checking your smart phone? Or binge watching your favorite Netflix show? Most of us need some form of comfort. On planet earth a lot of curve balls and challenges are thrown our way. (If this is not your experience, please send the address of your cave pronto!)
How cool would it be though to upgrade our addictions to God? (Higher power, Spirit, you know what I mean.) In the City of Angels, there is a place to plug into the oasis of your Soul. It’s called Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens (PAL&G.) In the gardens, celestial melodies courtesy of the birds lift the gaze heavenward. Multiple water features sing soothing lullabies. There’s the ancient labyrinth, too, which is sometimes referred to as a Moving Meditation into the Heart.
Evening events like An Introduction to Meditation: A Deeper Experience led by Dr. Paul Kaye are also a beautiful way to de-stress. Although Paul’s approach is lighthearted, his training is serious. From Lao Tzu to Rumi, from tai chi to yoga and countless other disciplines, Paul has thoroughly researched the subject of healing through meditation and sound.
Due to numerous requests, PAL&G is now opening its doors, too, for a one day silent retreat entitled Unplug – Relax, Refresh, Recharge. Paul will lead the charge into stillness: “The purpose of the retreat is for you to completely relax, let go of worldly concerns and connect more deeply with who you are and with what breathes and sustains you.”
To ensure the clearest, truest connection, all participants are required to abide by PAL&G’s smoke-free, drug-free environment. If you’d like to attend, please e-mail paulkaye@msia.org with Silent Retreat in the subject line. To uphold the serenity fostered in the retreat, a maximum of 20 participants will be accepted.
The Great Dream for Happiness
“I have a dream…We will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope.” ~Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
We have video proof that Dr. King gave his famous I Have a Dream speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963. Controversy, however, swirls around the veracity of a quote by President Abraham Lincoln: “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.”
No argument about the eternal quest for happiness though. Maybe it’s in our DNA. Whether it’s the wish for a hot meal or Aladdin’s Genie with his golden lamp, happiness is a weighty subject. (Sometimes a pricey one. Countless seminars promise happiness in its various forms: How-to-Squeeze Into Your Skinny Jeans, How-to-Make a Million Dollars Before You’re 12!)
The United Nations has given serious thought to happiness. Since 2013, March 20 is decreed to be the International Day of Happiness. They’ve even complied "10 Keys to Happier Living" and created a clever acronym. The following is yours truly’s take on the “Great Dream.” Love to read your ways to happiness in the comments section.
- G R E A T D R E A M -
1) GIVING creates a sense of abundance. No money is needed. An authentic smile or compliment to another reminds us that an unending supply of divine love lives inside.
2) RELATING reduces risks of heart failure! According to the researchers at the Action for Happiness, “Not having close personal ties poses the same level of health risk as smoking or obesity.”
Note to Self and You: It takes courage to reach out. Dark cloudy emotions make it harder. Take the chance. Spill the beans to a trustworthy one and get a hug. Let them share their Light.
3) EXERCISING releases endorphins and apparently reduces the perception of pain. No wonder doctors recommend physical activity for those prone to depression.
4) AWARENESS like mindfulness is a marvelous way to come present. It’s also a fab way to truly savor the sweet moments in life. And figure out the crazy times. (Eckhart Tolle wrote a whole book about the Power of Now.)
5) TRYING OUT new activities is a terrific way to keep grey matter from shrinking. Mastering ballet or the Chinese language might be daunting past the age of 5. Still, baby steps of achievement and accomplishment can lead to higher self-esteem and happiness!
6) DIRECTION gives meaning to life. With goals, there’s a reason to get up in the morning. A few, maybe many follow a true North path. Even if the road swerves for those of us who have the need to redefine happiness; goals let us discover those deeper truths.
7) RESILIENCE is crucial to surviving inevitable losses. Psychologists cite faith and attitude as primary keys for springing back into Life. If circumstances haven’t helped to foster trust in a higher power, I humbly offer the meditation RX. Start small. Same goes for the attitude. Just notice the tiny things you and others do right.
8) EMOTIONS are excellent for everything when they are positive. A reservoir of good feelings produces success on all levels. No surprise that the folks at the Action for Happiness want you to focus on shiny, bright, beautiful things…I do too.
As someone who has suffered the slings and arrows of guilt because ugly thoughts and emotions have surfaced; here are a few tricks: Allow them. Be authentic. The pain needs Love! Write out the nasties on paper and burn them. Imagine how a fairy godmother or angel would counsel the hurt, angry one.
9) ACCEPTANCE can be challenging. It’s soooooo tempting to compare my insides to others’ outside alleged perfection. What helps is remembering that a) I’m on planet Earth aka The Classroom b) The course is designed by a loving Creator.
10) MEANING is given to Life, according to the experts, by believing in something bigger than self. To quote Sesame Street’s beloved Cookie Monster: “Life is not all guessing games. Sometimes we have to care about friends, especially friends who love cookies.”
So what are you going to do today to fulfill your Great Dream? Love to have you join us on March 20th for The Way of Happiness with author, meditation instructor, Paul Kaye and communications expert, Anna Sugai. Click here for more info or visit PeaceLabyrinth.org/events.
What makes you feel happy? Post a Comment and we'll share on our "What makes me feel happy" board!
Keys to Long-Lasting Relationships
Cupid’s bows gleam golden and the scent of roses infuses the air. Yes, that month of red hearts and rich chocolates is around the corner. The debut of romance is dazzling. A stream of serotonin rushing through the system may be better than any roller coaster.
Yet, there could be the inevitable day when the ride dips; reality hits. Yikes! Is Romeo giving Juliet the cold shoulder? Juliet’s smile has melted. Sigh. There is an empowering solution.
Do you know the answer?
- Yes--be that wonderful loving one to yourself! (That doesn’t mean dive into a pint of ice cream!)
- When tuning into your sunny self, life reflects back brighter scenarios. And more perfect partners.
- In fact, everything and everyone appears to be divinely ordained.
Even with a few loving tricks up your sleeve, if you’re open to expanding your self-care repertoire, then read on. Paul Kaye, author of Momentum: Letting Love Lead is sharing his tips at Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens (PAL&G) on February 6th. Paul is also a popular meditation teacher. The processes he’ll use in Loving Relationships Workshop will actively involve your beautiful spirit and heart. In fact, the only prerequisite is your willingness.
Even if you are not in an intimate relationship, you may discover the love of your life – YOU!
Loving Relationships Workshop takes place Tuesday, February 6, 7:30pm at Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens (3500 West Adams Blvd. LA CA 90018). A Meet & Greet with refreshments follows the workshop.
Virgil, Veritas (Truth) & 100 Ways to Health & Well-Being
“Health is the Greatest Wealth”~ Virgil
Philosopher, poet and pal of Roman emperors is the poster child of wealth. His dad was a cattle farmer. (Think Texas in Rome.) He went to law school; switched majors and published popular epic poetry. Perhaps you’ve heard of the Aeneid. (It’s considered one of the masterpieces of Western civilization…which this writer didn’t know until researching the prolific poet.) Oh, yes, and Virgil hobnobbed with the elites of the 40s and 50s. (BC.) He liked parties. In fact, one of his works is called Copa (The Barmaid.) Hmmm. The point is the fellow knew a thing or two about living well. Virgil was sincere when he said, “Health is the greatest wealth.”
So, it makes sense that admired author and meditation teacher, Paul Kaye is sharing his 100 Ways to Health & Well-Being at Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens. (Not 500,000 Ways to Strike It Rich in 5 Minutes!) Looks like there are no loopholes to: “Seek ye the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto to you.” (Matthew 6:33, KJV) Or as my Great-Uncle George used to say, “There ain’t no free lunch.”
The great teachers espouse the concept that when we are healthy and wise, there’s a greater chance for the wealth to slip in. Bravo, you may be ahead of the game and arguing that Tiffany rings and Mercedes are not the end-all, be-all. True enough. Seeing a baby smile is indeed a treasure. (But I still cherish the few times I’ve flown first class!) Whatever your goals or definitions of success, without health or a sense of good feeling, life isn’t fun. Fortunately, Paul Kaye lives in the New Millennium and we are able to receive his tips first-hand and in person at Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens. Paul promises that attendees can “expect to go away with at least one additional key to bring greater health and well-being into their lives.”
For more info and tickets, visit PeaceLabyrinth.org/Events or click here. Or take a chance and show up in person on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at 3500 West Adams Blvd., LA, CA 90018 for the 7:30 p.m. event.
New Year's Resolution "Spiritual Spa Morning" - Enjoy Pics!
We were "packed with peeps" - enjoy the pics!
Over 200 beautiful people gathered January 6 to start the new year deepening their commitments, intentions, and devotion. We enjoyed a workshop, sacred labyrinth walk - followed by a lavish buffet brunch - making the day like a "spiritual spa."
Enjoy the slideshow images.
Sneak Peek into An Evening of Abundance
An evening of abundance is about getting together with others to explore how to create greater abundance in our lives.
"You will receive in direct proportion to your clarity of vision, your definiteness of purpose, the steadiness of your faith, and the depth of your gratitude." John-Roger, DSS
It's about taking an opportunity to explore "opening to the blessings of abundance, clarifying our visions for the New Year, and giving thanks for our lives exactly as they are."
We asked Marizita and Rinaldo Porcile, ministers and business owners, to come volunteer and lead the evening for us. They have combined a life of service with a life of taking care of themselves and their family--and they just naturally created abundance in the process.
A sneak peek into some Abundance Keys:
- Giving
- Gratitude
- Receiving graciously
Join us and learn more!
