Soul Moments

New York Times best-selling author, John-Roger says, “The Soul is that essence of us that is a pure extension of God.”

If God is Love, we’re part of the divine spark. Lovely! All settled. Life is fantabulous. Unless under the burden of sorrow, surprise attacks of judgments from self or others become buried shrapnel. 

Digging deep to discover a blessing or a lesson can bring healing.  Prayer is a great tool, too. Here’s one of my top ten:  Dear God, I’m tired of turning the other cheek; my favorite MAC blush is out of commission. Please help.

Maybe the words don’t matter. What is important is that Step One in 12-Step vernacular is taken. The white flag of surrender is raised. Falling to my knees seems to allow a portal for Soul moments.

What is a Soul moment? Beethoven’s music on the radio? One of his compositions evokes rumbling thunder with the whisper of a rainbow.  Perhaps it’s the streak of a divine paintbrush of white clouds against a sky of blue. Or your darling pet licking wet kisses onto your hand.

On Tuesday, August 7th, Dr. Pauli Sanderson will address the question of What is Soul Awareness? (And awareness of Soul moments.) The 7:30 pm evening event will take place at the Guasti Villa, currently the headquarters for Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens. (Scroll down for details.)

Dr. Sanderson is the co-author of When Are You Coming Home? She also holds an M.S. in clinical psychology and a Doctorate in Spiritual Science. She is well versed on the subjects of human shenanigans and spiritual Rx. Dr. Sanderson also has a B.A. in dance from UCLA. She is one Bruin who can bust a move!

Visit peacelabyrinth.org/events for $10 tickets to What is Soul Awareness? With Pauli Sanderson. Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is located at 3500 West Adams Boulevard in
Los Angeles. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. 

Looking forward to more Soul moments…hopefully with you!

A Field of Dreamy Gardens

Did you read the exquisite write-up about Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens in The New York Times? The PAL&G piece is by best-selling author, Reif Larsen! (His books are also popular movies.)

Mr. Larsen’s depiction of PAL&G tours’ Guardian Angel is perceptive and accurate. “I was greeted at the villa’s entrance by a kind man named Juan Roberto.”

Through heat waves and cold spells, PAL&G’s bespectacled greeter, Juan Roberto Schulz gazes upon each visitor as if welcoming a long lost cousin. He also answers FAQs with great patience. Mr. Larsen remarks that at the end of his exchange with the PAL&G greeter, “Memories of Interstate 10 bedlam began to evaporate.”

Good thing I was sitting when reading Mr. Larsen’s Finding Yourself in Los Angeles. His masterful portrait of PAL&G is swoon worthy. He describes his labyrinth experience: “As you walk, the city becomes a distant dream, a movie half-remembered.”

Mr. Larsen also mentions shinrin-yoku ( 森林浴 ) – Japanese for forest bathing. He delights in being “serenaded by the gentle babble of small fountains.”  (Be still my heart!!)

Insights about other LA gardens and photos are offered, too. (PAL&G takes top billing.) Scroll down, and you’ll see two people familiar to PAL&G regulars: Anna Sugai and Jeffrey Morgan. An aura of confidence trails the duo walking the labyrinth. Maybe my admiration colors the lens. Anna Sugai is a Brazilian beauty who speaks three languages. Her good looks and smarts are surpassed, however, by her depth. Ask anyone who has seen her co-facilitate a PAL&G evening event. Jeffrey Morgan is an attorney who knows a thing or two about international and integrative law. He’s also quick with a reassuring smile. He serves on the Transcendent Leadership faculty at Peace Theological Seminary.

Mr. Larsen’s Finding Yourself in Los Angeles in The New York Times illuminates the spirit of PAL&G.  It is impressive. The masterful wordsmith’s work strikes my heart with awe for another reason, too. I came to this country from Japan a few decades back. The Guasti Villa stood proudly like a Grande Dame on West Adams as it does today. The mansion, however, was sans labyrinth and gorgeous gardens. It was an isolated island of beauty enjoyed by a few.

Two important men in my life – my beloved teacher and boss – inspired the creation of PAL&G: Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness (MSIA) Founder, John-Roger and MSIA President, Paul Kaye. They are both role models of living from the inside out.

Remember the 1989 film Field of Dreams? An Iowa farmer builds a baseball field at the bidding of his inner guidance.  Trouble ensues. Tears are shed. A happy Hollywood ending prevails.  “If you build it, he will come.”

Voices are tricky business. Is the whisper well-intentioned or rooted in illness? “Check it out,” is a phrase which John-Roger repeated on many an occasion. 

Clearly, John-Roger was listening to a heavenly messenger about a LA labyrinth. A French accented angel, perhaps. Paul remembers the conversation with John-Roger about a labyrinth at 3500 West Adams Boulevard was ignited in Chartres Cathedral.

Maybe Paul’s whispering angel was from the East. MSIA’s President was instrumental in the birth of an Asian accented garden. He had a vision of something “mad, chaotic, and green with lots of water features.”

The French artisan crafted marble labyrinth was consecrated by John-Roger and MSIA Spiritual Director, John Morton in 2001. The following year, Paul’s idea for the garden was realized. A handful of spiritual warriors roamed the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens (PAL&G) upon its creation in the New Millennium.

Today sold-out tours prevail as peace seekers strengthen Soul practices. Including a New York Times best-selling author.

Do you hear a voice whispering? “Be a PAL&G docent…The visitors will come.”

Check it out. Call Program Director, Carol Jones at (323) 737-4055.

Click the link below to read Reif Larsen’s Finding Yourself in Los Angeles in The New York Times.

Stickybeaks & the World of Awe

Your luggage is checked to your destination. But you’re stuck at LAX. There are only so many laps you can take around the food court, right? Give yourself a sweet treat. Grab an Uber, a Lyft or a taxi and make a beeline for a place of peace, such as Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens (PAL&G.)

As a guide of countless tours around the PAL&G labyrinth, meditation gardens, and historical mansion, I’ve yet to figure out the magic of the place. Always a pleasure though to watch shoulders relax and smiles emerge after a dip in the verdant meditation gardens. No matter the mood, songbirds soften my rough edges, too.

Our Australian visitors say I’ve got a “stickybeak.” (Nosy in American English.) I’m fascinated by travelers who are drawn to PAL&G hours before they fly home. Like a mother/son team who love their English labyrinths. They stumbled last minute into our Chartres Cathedral-inspired creation.

Another women from Hawaii was en route to Finland. She was wilting in the shade waiting for the 3 p.m. tour. She may have questioned her choice of spending her layover at PAL&G. Sixty minutes later her body language said something else. Shoulders slightly stooped, deep in contemplation while ambling the eleven concentric labyrinth circles, her posture straightened as she emerged. No elixir did she slip from her purse. Only the willingness to open to Spirit is my guess.

When feeling like Mr. Shakespeare’s Hamlet (in Act 1, Scene 2), “O God, O God, how weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable seem to me all the uses of this world!” Run; don’t walk to the PAL&G labyrinth. (All right, walk briskly. Don’t want you slipping into the gorgeous reflecting pools.) Peace can occur when a prayer of surrender is said before twisting and winding through the labyrinth. That’s what someone very close whispered in my ear anyway.

If you’re a flexible type, or a yogi or yogini-in-training, check out Yoga at the Labyrinth. Or if you prefer an er, um less bendy approach, click the Visit tab at PeaceLabyrinth.org. Dare to explore the beautiful environment inside and outside of you.

Keys to Creating Heaven on Earth

As I'm flying over the Pacific Ocean, I’m transported listening to the “Keys to Creating Heaven on Earth Seminar” with John Morton, MSIA’s Spiritual Director, that was Live Streamed from Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens (PAL&G). It was an invite to dive into God’s infinite ocean of love and mercy.

Even as rioters surface on the Gaza Strip (as is happening in the news right now), “Heaven on earth is a decision,” says John. “If I find any peace in the Middle East, then there is peace in the Middle East.”

One candle can spark a holy blaze, which warms cold hands and fills hungry hearts with comfort. All right. Maybe such idealism belongs to the Lovers, the Dreamers and Me (and Kermit the Frog!). However, given the alternative, I’ll say, “Yes, please” to John’s keys to creating heaven on earth.

Please Note: The following keys are this writer’s interpretation of information presented at the seminar.

1.  Get Creative!
   “We can create it [Heaven on Earth.]”
   ~John Morton

John’s seminars have always had creative contributions. Last night was no exception. PAL&G’s staff, George Scott (in his late 80s) and LeAnna Sharp (a beautiful millennial) performed like Fred and Ginger dancing "Cheek to Cheek." Their song and swing dance sparkled with Spirit. I jumped to my feet to join in a standing ovation for the duo who brought so much joy.

Amazing how a dash of imagination and a dance or two can elevate life to another level. Next time the doldrums hit, maybe I’ll turn up the music and foxtrot around the room.

2. Change the Channel
“Guess what? This is Heaven on Earth.”
~John Morton

How we relate to ourselves, each other, and our experiences informs our realities. A subtle switch of focus softens the rough edges. I’m not an advocate of sweeping emotions under the carpet and painting on a Pollyanna smile. But I believe in asking, WWTNTTHTYT? That’s how my great Uncle George would sign his letters. (Yes, dear millennial, once upon a time when dinosaurs roamed the earth, handwritten letters existed.) What is WWTNTTHTYT? What was the nicest thing that happened to you today?

3. Twinkle, Twinkle Divine Star
“Let us consider the Kingdom of Heaven is already here.”
~John Morton

Maybe heaven is always here. As hard as it is to swallow, I’m the one responsible for not seeing it that way. I agree with John that, “God is love; and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him.” (1 John 4:16 KJV)

What happens though when rage and reactions to unjust accusations or attacks arise? “Call ourselves forward into the Light,” says John. 

Part of claiming heaven on earth (as I understand it) is allowing the divine to dance with us. To ask for the Light is to remember that we are one of the Creator’s precious kids. (Even when our oh so delicate ego begs to differ.) Enter the most excellent of tools – spiritual exercises (a form of active meditation).

4. Surrender, Dorothy
“We lay down whatever stands in the way of serving God.”
~John Morton

The big “F”…Forgive! The payoff is more freedom to have fun. Of course, there’s a caveat: Surrender pissed-offness and release resentments. My great Uncle George’s second favorite phrase was, “There ain’t no free lunch.”

“Patience is a virtue that will never hurt you” was his first favorite saying. So, when forgiveness seems impossible it’s time to double down on TLC from you to you.

When the hurt feels too deep: Besides therapy and crying to my husband, I hit my knees and free-form write like crazy. (Free-form writing is a technique to release negativity and unconscious blocks.) Then I repeat the process. Through gritted teeth I’ve also prayed for the allegedly antagonist one(s). Warning: Be ready for miracles!

5. Have Fun with Dick and Jane
“Come into the expression of loving regardless--it’s not the lamb ready for slaughter. It’s more, what would love do?”
~John Morton

The brilliant Master of Ceremonies of the “Keys to Creating Heaven on Earth Seminar” was David Bransky. He referenced one of the greatest mystery series of all time, Fun with Dick and Jane. (At the American School in Japan I attended, every first-grader read the books.) David spoke of the wonder on his child’s face as he poured over the big question, “Where is Spot?”

Spot was the dog. Dog is God spelled backwards. (Stay with me.) In the midst of growing pains, even saints like Mother Theresa have been known to cry out and wonder where the Loving Creator is hiding. Maybe we just need to keep turning the page. Along the way perhaps we’ll get glimpses into the Divine design. As we close the book, we very well may realize that God has placed the keys to creating heaven on earth in each and every one of us.

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A Chat with Soul Dance Creator, Alisha Das

Alisha Das is a spiritual counselor, former DJ, and holds a doctorate in Spiritual Science. Sixteen years ago, she created Soul Dance and has been facilitating these events twice monthly, volunteering her time as a gift. We recently interviewed Alisha. Here are some highlights from our chat.


PALG: What gave you the idea for Soul Dance? 
AD: During a trip to Israel and Egypt, I asked my spiritual teacher, John-Roger, “How can I learn to have more conscious experiences while meditating?” His answer: “Do sit-ups while chanting your spiritual tone.” I did this for about two hours and moved into bliss. I now had a technique of using outer movement to enhance inner movement, which I continued to utilize and explore. I later expanded that practice to other forms of physical movement such as dance.

AD: I had always been terrified to dance in public but on that trip, I found myself spontaneously dancing in temples in Israel and Egypt. At Giza, I began dancing with subtle movements, eventually leaping into the air, though I had never before felt free or comfortable dancing. This came from within; movement straight from my soul.

After this, I found myself wanting to dance with a spiritual focus more. I wanted to dance free-form with others in communion with God. I tried many dance classes and gatherings all over Los Angeles but didn’t find anything close to what I was seeking. Fortunately, your former PALG Administrator asked me to create a dance class for you.

My experience as a former professional DJ and sound volunteer helped me create (and facilitate) Soul Dance. I wanted to play uplifting music in a spiritual environment, but I also wanted fun dance music. (A key to DJing is the art of knowing what music to play to keep the crowd dancing.) I play a wide range of music, from current pop to world music. It just has to be uplifting. I have two kids, teenagers now, who help me keep my musical awareness current.

PALG: How has Soul Dance evolved?
AD: In the beginning, I simply played great music. Then I was led inwardly to guide people to get freer as the music played. I watched people to see what they liked and what seemed to “move” them, both inwardly and outwardly. Later, I added playing short audio meditations, excerpts and soul moments. I tell folks that if they want me to stop talking all they have to do is dance freely and blissfully. I usually talk less as the evening goes on and folks let God take over.
 
I thought, “Now that I’m facilitating Soul Dance, I should learn to dance.” But I really did not like choreographed dance classes, the Spirit was not there for me. I said that to John-Roger before a dance performance. He said that no, in choreographed dance you learn the steps, but the Spirit may want to do different steps. He said you don’t follow the Spirit--you are one with Spirit. You can’t do that in choreographed dance classes the same way. That inspired me so at the beginning of that “performance” I determined I would not move until the Spirit moved me. I stood and stared at the audience until Spirit started moving me. I have no idea what steps I did, but I came off stage to a standing ovation. John-Roger looked at me and said, “Very, very good” That experience was transformational for me and reinforced what I am doing with Soul Dance.  

So my facilitating became helping people discover how to let themselves be danced by Spirit and to use dance as a spiritual exercise to allow Spirit to move them.  

PALG: What makes Soul Dance special or different?
AD: My whole intention is to support people to reach into their True Self and let their Soul guide them and to assist people to be present and spontaneous. For me, it’s about staying in the moment, in the Divine unknowing, trusting Spirit will guide me with the words and music that need to be heard at that time.

Soul Dance quiets the mind, the body, the emotions, and releases deep seated blocks to freedom and awareness. Then bliss and deep peace comes. I love to see people transformed, joyous and free.

PALG: What would you say is the key to get free through dance?
AD: I tell participants, “You’re safe. Just keep moving, don’t think, dance. Allow each move to be discovered by you. Allow each move to be healing." "I am endeavoring to guide you into a moving meditation, into a dance with the Beloved.” 

They start to forget what they look like. I keep the lights low so people feel safer to go within. People realize they are really dancing with God—and discover how they move.

People express more when they feel safe, and they feel safe at Soul Dance. I tell them, “If you just keep moving outwardly, it will move you inwardly.” Sometimes folks say they’re too tired to come dance. John-Roger used to say, “If you want more energy, demand more energy.”  I tell them, just come “call in the Light” (an invocation) with us. Almost invariably, if they dance one dance, they will stay the entire evening.

PALG: What keys have Soul Dance given you that you take into your life?
AD: Leaping into the Divine Unknowing and allowing God to dance me through my life. Getting out of my head. Risking looking stupid. Waiting, not moving until I feel Spirit move me—I use this in my work as a counselor. That we are all one people. One of my favorite Soul Dance memories was watching a really “Goth looking” guy with body piercings and tattoos dancing with a Muslim woman dressed in robes and head piece. Love is the healer. Seeing different types of people dancing in communion with one another is uplifting.

PALG: How do people respond to Soul Dance? 
AD:  At every class I get people sharing with me with tears in their eyes sharing gratefully about their experiences. Some just come to be in the energy and maybe don’t even dance that much but meditate the whole time.
People share with me about their emotional release, mental release, or that physical things start to clear. People tell me about a spiritual attunement they experience, about feelings of intimacy with others. People often spontaneously “puppy pile” on top of one another after class or stay to share with one another.

One women works with terminally ill children. She said Soul Dance keeps her going. With every move, she lets go. Another person told me she came in the deepest, darkest hole, suicidal and by the end of class she was joyous and hopeful.  

Many people share, “I stay in deep peace long after I stop dancing.” After every Soul Dance, people wind up laying on the floor at the end. They go into the Spirit. People want to stay there for quite awhile, the room is still and quiet at the end. 

PALG: What would you like to tell people who haven’t come before?
AD: I play fun, current, dance-able music. Soul Dance gets a range of people anywhere from terrified to dance, to professional dancers. Every class has new people and people from all walks of life. I tell people, “You might come nervous, but you’ll leave in bliss. It’s about dance, but it’s much more about letting God and Spirit move you.

Let Go, and Let God.

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Editor Note: Soul Dance celebrates its final evening Thursday, November 1, 2017 at Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens. Soul Dance continues monthly in Santa Monica.

>> Click to register for Soul Dance Santa Monica.

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Labyrinth Featured in L.A. Times Article, Oct. 25, 2017

PAL&G does it's part to help the South L.A. Community

The labyrinth at Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens (PAL&G) was pictured on front page of the Los Angeles Times, October 25, as part of an article about the impact of changing jet patterns in South Los Angeles. PAL&G attended community meetings on the matter and was interviewed by the Times.