The lyrics “we are spirits in the material world” by The Police play in my head shortly after my return from the Parliament of World Religions. I now look upon my materials from that spiritual microcosm, where I danced, ate, hugged, and listened to people literally from all over the world. My items from the conference are infused with memories of joyful new encounters from walking a labyrinth, attending a cosmic mass, and participated in an early morning fire ceremony. I received a Buddhist flower blessing, was educated on Voodoo and chanted in Hebrew with a Rabbi, so many memories come to mind. Everyone present was a giver and receiver of hope for a sustainable future, with a core of compassionate relationality to each other and the planet.
My collection is not merely nostalgic beads and bookmarks. Energized by chants, mantras, and ceremonies, they connect me to inner spaces, experiences, and emotions, reminding me that the primary spiritual relationship is always accessible within. They are signposts of inner journeying. However, the joy of being in such great company at the conference has my heart set on another outer journey to attend the next one….
