The Awesome Benefits of Kindness

Kindness is making a comeback - in popularity - though I believe there are always people in this world who regularly and quietly do kind acts with no intention for reward.

At Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens, we champion in kindness, which contributes so easily to inner (and often outer) peace.

That’s why we are celebrating World Kindness Day, November 13.

““World Kindness Day is celebrated annually on 13th November. On this day, participants attempt to make the world a better place by celebrating and promoting good deeds and pledging acts of kindness, either as individuals or as organisations.” Awarenessday.com.”

We never know when a kind comment, kind gesture, smile, or small deed makes a macroscopic difference in a person’s day. Plus it feels good.

So this week, we are inviting you (and ourselves) to start the practice of doing one small “random act of kindness” daily - and discover the magic that can happen!

Here are suggested World Kindness Day activities (as reported on their website):

World Kindness Day Activities

1. Commit at least three random acts of kindness today
Give compliments. Smile at strangers. Hold a door open. Give up your seat on a crowded train. Do at least three random acts and see what magic follows!

2. Give extra and (extra-long) hugs today
Kindness and connection go hand-in-hand. Take a few extra minutes to hug your loved ones and friends today. They'll wonder what got into you, but after the first 10 seconds of they hug, we promise they're going to melt.

3. Write a love poem to yourself and read it out loud
We're serious about you being kind to yourself, today, too. Write a short (or long) poem highlighting the things you appreciate about yourself and your life. Read it out loud to yourself, in front of a mirror. You may just fall in love!

4. Share kindness on your social media
#WorldKindnessDay is real. Share quotes and inspiring pictures on your feed on Nov. 13 and let the internet help spread some love.

5. Get creative - make up your own!

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Join us November 13 for: The Awesome Benefits of Kindness Workshop, 7:30pm at Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens.

Service in Action – FUNdraiser for Venezuela [with Photos]

By Gaby Grigorescu
Photos by Doren Sorell

I am very happy to share with you about a beautiful activity that took place on Sunday, October 28 at 2:30 p.m., and that arose from an idea that Skyler Patton had through the Heartfelt Foundation to raise funds for Venezuela. So it was that Vanessa Zoghbi and I joined together with Skyler to make this event since we are both Venezuelan. The idea was to collect funds for Hogar Bambi, SenosAyuda, San Francisco de Asís Animal Shelter and San Juan de Dios Hospital, all Venezuelan non-profit organizations that suffer the consequences of a financial crisis where there is a shortage of food, medicines, personal hygiene products, among others.

The idea was to have a Venezuelan afternoon at the Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens along with the support and presence of Ros Cachitos, Mathy’s Shop, Helping Children in Venezuela, De Provincia, DJ Victor X, 3 For Rent, David Whitaker’s Pottery, Splash the Ink, Moccian, and Golden Studio. All are Venezuelan talents who wanted to join this beautiful cause.

We started the activity with a meditation in the labyrinth where we asked for peace for Venezuela, then our guests enjoyed live music by Venezuelan musicians, food, and desserts from my country, and we finished the event with the raffle of incredible prizes. The energy that was present was a mix of joy, solidarity, spontaneity, brotherhood, service, love, and peace. In particular, it was incredible to be able to see a group of people united by the same cause and know that we are all one.

I also want to thank the volunteers who supported us that afternoon with our activity. Without you, it would not have been possible to hold the event. Infinite thanks to Elizabeth Baralt, Galia Corie, Alexander Gonzalez, Omar Gutiérrez, Héctor Ojeda, Nélida Chávez, Lizet González, Ned O’Neill, David Jaramillo, Angela Parkes, Vanessa Zoghbi and Skyler Patton, you were our little angels that afternoon. I also want to thank Susan Valaskovic, Paul Kaye, Mark Lurie, Vincent Dupont, for the support they gave us to fundraise for Venezuela.

We set the goal of raising $2,500, but thanks to the generosity and kindness of the Venezuelan and MSIA community we managed to reach $7,721! Thanks to this, the organizations will receive more resources. Thank you again! I feel happy and blessed to have exceeded the goal thanks to the generosity of so many people.

Hopefully, we can organize more events like this where we can support those who are in need. It is nice to be able to serve and support other communities. Thanks to our beloved John Morton for his unconditional Love, and Light.

God bless us all and fill us with blessings!

Photos by Doren Sorell

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Gaby Grigorescu
Photos by Doren Sorell

Heaven on Earth May Be in Your Backyard

The Land of the Rising Sun, Japan, is a country of contradictions. Dichotomies of gracious smiles quiver on a balance with steel grit. Gleaming towers scratch the sky. Shadows may fall; still ancient temples maintain their dignity. 

In Nagoya, taxis buzz like bees collecting honey. Business people scurry from trains to buses. Yet, smack dab in the center of the city is Atsuta Shrine. Bow, step through the winged torii gates and Nagoya noise disappears. A serene hush embraces the sacred grounds.

Atsuta Shrine is a spiritual oasis in the city. It’s one in countless shrines across Japan which offers refuge from the world. Or should I say refocus visitors on their spirits? (Meiji Shrine in Tokyo is another example. The shrine resides right next to Harajuku train station – aka the gateway into the mecca for the fashionista.)

Many of the magical entry points into nature and spirit in Japan are surrounded by eateries. Entrance into Nagoya’s Atsuta Shrine is free.  However, a meal at the renowned eel restaurant, Atsuta Horaiken will cost you a pretty yen. (But well worth the visit according to satisfied Yelp subscribers.)

A trip to Japan – for most of us – demands saving dollars. Good news: While you are plunking pennies into your piggy bank, you can still enjoy a spiritual oasis in the City of Angels.
111 Places in Los Angeles That You Must Not Miss states that Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is the perfect place to “Find Your Self.” Indeed, the tiered garden and the labyrinth offer opportunities to bask in the tranquility which is ever present. If you like Asian accented gardens, you’ll love the bamboo and Japanese koi goldfish pond.

On Wednesday, June 27, 2018, there is an added bonus. A Heaven on Earth Summer Concert & Luncheon will take place at Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens. Doors open at 12 noon. A summer feast will delight the eyes and stomach at 1 pm. Tours of the gorgeous gardens and historic home are available. Docents can offer tips for walking the Chartres Cathedral inspired labyrinth, too.

Delicious music will also dance through the halls of the mansion. Award-winning composer and keyboardist, Merrill Collins will play the piano. She’s a voting member of the Grammy Foundation whose works have been hailed as “Gifts of Service to the World.” Adding her heavenly talents to the concert is acclaimed violinist, Nicole Bush.  Nicole has played with prestigious orchestras such as the LA Philharmonic and is heard on Frank Sinatra and Barbara Streisand recordings.

Are you in LA on June 27th? Claim your Heaven on Earth with a visit to Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens. See the link below or click here.

http://www.peacelabyrinth.org/events/summerluncheon2018  

Wishing you heavenly experiences wherever Life may take you.

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.

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What makes you feel happy? Post a Comment and we'll share on our "What makes me feel happy" board!

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.  

Better than Champagne Wishes, a Sacred Entrance into 2018

Congratulations. You have successfully thrived (or survived!) another year. At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, will you toast with champagne? Or will a chocolate truffle melt in your mouth as you dream of a blissful future?

For your consideration for December 31, 2017: A New Year’s Eve Sacred Tones workshop. The evening event takes place at Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens from 8 to 10 p.m. (So, you’ll still have time to attend other parties--or get home in your jammies early!)  Popular author and meditation teacher, Paul Kaye leads the group in powerful practices. A path to 2018 is prepared with ancient sounds of peace. Masterful meditations invoking soul wisdoms are played. Heart-centered processes also allow participants to burn past sorrow and open to new opportunities.

Clarinetist, Alethea Lamb, chuckles about her Sacred Tones experience “Getting paid for playing more music” was on her wish list last year. Alethea won’t be at Sacred Tones 2017.  She’s playing a “gig” with musicians she loves.

Sacred Tones is more than a mere goal-setting event though. As Alethea says, “You go really deep. There’s so much peace…It’s like being in a womb.” She also warns that the event is “well-attended.” (So get there early!)

More good news about the New Year’s Eve Sacred Tones Workshop:
Complimentary admission
Available online.
Detailed info at peacelabyrinth.org/events

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The Best Holiday Gifts Ever

“We need no wings to go in search of Him, but have only to look upon Him present within us.” ~St. Teresa of Avila

Faster than FedEx, gifts are delivered with each heartbeat. You don’t even need a saint or Santa to deliver the present. Yes, you already know you are:

·         A precious child of God

·         Adored by the Creator

·         At One with the Universe

·         All the Above

Wouldn’t it be wonderful though to know how truly, truly divine you are? Better than any Porsche or Jimmy Choo shoes!

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HERE ARE TWO NEW YEAR'S EVENTS. 
Embrace all that is great and holy. Let go of 2017. Welcome in a shiny Light and Love filled 2018.

New Year's Eve Sacred Tones Workshop, Sunday, December 31, 8-10pm PT

New Year's Resolution Spiritual Spa Morning, Saturday, January 6, 2018, 10am-2pm PT

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5 Tried & True Ways to Sweeten the Holidays

“To me every hour of the light and dark is a miracle.” ~Walt Whitman

Shadow fingers stretch across the sidewalk. Christmas carols blare as a car blasts down the road. Cinnamon and ginger, the star spices of winter, waft from the kitchen. The holidays must be here.

Sparkly diamond happiness is supposed to be the sentiment du jour. Yet when malls are jam-packed and competition for parking spaces mounts…Well, rekindling the childhood exuberance of the season can be daunting.

5 Tried & True Ways to Sweeten the Holidays:

1.     Give, Give, Give…to Yourself.
I know. This is a season for giving. Reduced sleep and increased sugar though may turn you into Mr. Grinch. Altruism is awesome but not at the expense of yourself.

2.     Take the Easy Path
Seriously. Your child will survive without homemade cupcakes. Swap time in the kitchen for conversations…even if it is via text!

3.     Be Sneaky
Slip extra time onto the parking meter. Tip your server with an extra dollar or two. Surreptitiously do something super nice for someone.

4.     Headspace Vacay
When the monkeys are chattering up a storm, turn up the meditation music. Even Western MDs agree that moments of Zen tune out stressors.

5.     Tell the Truth
“The Truth Shall Set Ye Free” Not a Bible person? Twelve steppers know that honesty is the key to healing. And the first law of Spirit is acceptance…which leads to cooperation…which hopefully leads to a happier you during the holidays!

Light the Menorah. Set the star atop the Christmas tree. Let your authentic joyful self shine.

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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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Celebrating the U.N. International Day of Peace

What Does Peace Mean To You?

#PeaceDay #JoinTogether #PeaceLabyrinth

September 21 is the U.N. International Day of Peace. Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens, together with the Institute for Individual and World Peace took part in celebrating and honoring this day with several events.

We started with a Peace Concert, listening to the exquisite, healing music of Merrill Collins, global peace song finalist. Her music swept us away with her beautiful, healing sounds. What a perfect way to help put our bodies, minds, emotions, and our spirit into peace.

We followed with an Acceptance and Peace Seminar. Many say the way to world peace is through individual peace. Using this principle, we came together to explore how to come to greater inner peace by simply accepting what is.

Lastly, we moved forward into celebration and action with a Peace Day Open House. 

We celebrated by sharing refreshments, music, taking fun "selfies," and with getting to know new people. We shared our love, togetherness, oneness, and our common purpose of wanting to create a better world internally and externally for ourselves, others, our planet.

We moved into action by placing our peace intentions and "blessings" at the Labyrinth, the Peace Pole, the Peace Tree. Many shared their photos on their social sites - spreading peace intentions into the world. 

At 12 noon we participated in the U.N. Global Minute of Peace/Moment of Silence. Paul Kaye, President of MSIA and Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens, led these moments as we all circled around the labyrinth. He spoke a bit about what is peace and what we can do to create peace. 

Lastly, we took it inward again, to what many call our "Source" by attending Peace Sound Meditations led by Paul Kaye. Paul sounded chimes, singing bowls and meditative instruments, and played guided meditations by John-Roger. These meditations assist us to attune more deeply to where many believe it all begins, within. As someone said, "Peace begins with you."

Some ways to create peace

Paul Kaye mentioned some points for how to create peace. 

• Peace is present. 
• Peace is an inner process. 
• Peace is the cessation of againstness.
• Peace is a choice regardless of circumstances.

Listen to Paul's Global Minute of Peace Address

What does peace mean to you? 

#KeepPeaceAlive #PeaceEveryday #SpreadPeace