The Intention Project

The firestorm in Southern California is not only displacing people physically but stirring up a tremendous amount of emotional energy. Sadness, grief, and anger are just a few of the intense emotions dominating the energetic space in Southern California right now.

In Hindu mythology, Shiva represents the destructive God energy that leads to transformation. The lives of those affected by the fires will be forever changed by this disaster...and while it could be said that their souls may grow in the long run, this does not mitigate the deep emotional turmoil being felt today.

The Global Mala Project is a worldwide collective to support UN International Peace Day. It will be held September 21 and 22, 2007, at cities around the world. The hub is here in Los Angeles, where Shiva Rea is organizing a huge event at the Los Angeles Convention Center that will include a ritual of 108 sun salutations, 108 rounds of mantra, 108 rounds of a kriya, and 108 minutes of meditation, movement, and kirtan.

I just saw an inspiring segment on CNN about a woman in Mexico who is helping save battered women in her community. You can check out more inspiring stories at:

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/cnn.heroes/

Sydney's "free hugs guy" grapples with global fame
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070426/ts_afp/lifestyleentertainmentaustra...

Beauty queen gives "voice to voiceless"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070428/wl_canada_nm/canada_canada_col_19

...and to the families of the victims. Most importantly: Send healing energy to any other potential shooters out there, who may be in pain and tempted to act out in a violent way.

Thank you.

What an inspiring story this is. Jonathan Grant, who lives in Los Angeles, started talking to a homeless guy named Edward who he met in front of his local convenience store. Edward was a nice guy who is proud to have stayed off drugs even while dealing with the harshness of the street.

Jonathan decided to help, and began to work towards getting Edward a place to live in a job. How? By trading items on Craigslist.

This is an absolute must-read article on The Secret, and explains very bluntly and succinctly why it is narcissistic. It's also a good reminder why the Intention Project is so important.

The Secret: The Spirituality of Narcissism

I have mixed feelings about the current popularity of The Secret. On the one hand, that the mainstream media are now covering what would used to be fringe is good for all of us who are working to change consciousness on the planet.

On the other, I find the basic message to be somewhat materialistic and simplistic in nature. Yet, there seems to be this rising trend of people interested in what is called the "Law of Attraction," people who are working to increase their personal wealth.

I was at Agape this morning, and during his sermon Rev. Michael said that the negative images from the world were "a call for prayer in drag."

The audience cracked up. This is a humorous way to remind ourselves to send positive energy when we see something negative in the world.

Here's an interesting article:

Genocide death tolls met with increasing indifference: study

It turns out humans are more likely to be affected by the plight of one individual than many. This is due to an "evolutionary hangover."

This may be why child sponsorship agencies are so popular, because donors can connect to one individual child. (I myself am a child sponsor.)

Spirituality, of course, transcends evolutionary habits, so it's worth understanding and then remembering as we do our meditations to help the world.