A spiritual oasis… right in the middle of Los Angeles!

Although I know many of these exist, I never cease to be surprised when I discover a new one.  The Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness is headquartered right here in L.A., and I had a delightful and magical visit there recently.  Besides the beautiful labyrinth (http://www.peacelabyrinth.org/) and meditation gardens, their simple yet profound principles and guidelines made a huge impact on me.  Finding yourself and making the connection with who you really are doesn’t have to be a complicated ordeal.  It can be as easy as…

MSIA Principles:

Out of God comes all things. 

God loves all Its creation. 

Not one soul will be lost.

MSIA Guidlines:

Take care of yourself  so you can help take care of others. 

Don’t hurt yourself and don’t hurt others. 

Use everything for your upliftment, learning and growth.

That’s it.  Did you want more?  Or maybe you think there should be more?  Why?

I like it simple.  The less “stuff” we’ve got to worry about or focus on… the more time we have to love, be loved, and be joyful.

Remember my BIG 3…

Be present. 

See the God/perfection in everything. 

Always come from love.

That may not seem like a lot, but where the real challenge is in actually Being these concepts.  We’d better get busy.

Jerry

Lauren is 17 years old and very dear to me.  I’m constantly amazed at her timeless wisdom, calmness, and indifference to what “normal” seventeen year olds are usually most interested in.  Wearing the right fashions, listening to the right music, going to the right parties… none of it fazes Lauren, who seems to have been dropped here from a distant planet, one where everyone is truly who they are.

The poem below is a gift… a gift that Lauren has created, and one that she has chosen to express and share with us.

What is it that we have inside of us that is dying for a breath of air and the light of day?

Give your gift life.   Lauren did… here it is.

In time, love beats all

Ageless and limitless

Filling hearts of young and old

Far and wide throughout the world

Consisting of any and all ethnicities

Bright in smile and laughter

Blooming from dark burdens

Forming bonds from trust and safety

Adventurous or modest

Tender or rough

Love spreads in friendly gestures

Warm vibes and endearing touch

Thawing cold and stagnant souls

Swimming through uncertainty

Until finally it reaches exploding bliss

Everyone is capable of love

And anything is possible with it.

I’m inspired and a little embarrassed… there are words in me that are aching to be let out, and I’ve kept them covered up for fear that they won’t be accepted.

I have a feeling Lauren would like to see them.  That’s all the reason I need to get busy bringing ‘em up and laying ‘em down.

Thank you Lauren… I love you.

Jerry