Join Us for the Ninth CM1111 ~ September 11th

As we come together today, let us join together in remembrance of 9/11 and spread peace throughout the world.

By setting a united intention at the same time, our collective energies will merge together to synergistically focus on world peace. At 11:11 peace will move like a wave, from one time zone to another, throughout the world.

Rather than being against something, this project is for something…and it's all about peace. Peace within our selves, our communities, our nations and ultimately the entire world.

Do Your Piece 4 Peace…wherever in the world you are!

Arrive around 11:00am at the Labyrinth in
Audubon Park (Uptown New Orleans, LA)
-- please note: although the usual organizer
is out of town, others may still be meeting on site --
or
Create your own group in your area
(write us and let us know when and where)
or
Take a moment of silence during your busy day
(email us your personal stories about how you
incorporate a moment of peace into your day)

How You Can Do Your Piece for Peace
There's no right or wrong way to participate!
By solitarily thinking "peace" for even
just one second at 11:11am on the 11th or
gathering with a group of friends/colleagues,
you'll be joining with hopefully hundreds, perhaps
thousands, of others who are beginning to
participate in our world peace project.

Continue Spreading the Peace with a special
45 minute Om Circle at Swan River Yoga Shala
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Tonight -- Thursday, September 11th
8:30-9:15pm
Visit www.SwanRiverYoga.com for more details.

Photographs from the 5th CM1111

Once again, eleven of us wound up gathering

for the CM1111. This time included our first

canine friend!

Two peace signs = 11 11

The weather was perfectly beautiful
as participants walked the Labyrinth

and shared stories, hugs and smiles after

chanting Om Shanti and many names of

the Divine Mother in honor of Mother's Day.

A mother-daughter moment at the Labyrinth.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Pictures from the 4th CM1111

A Happy, Peace-filled Mother's Day!

This fifth gathering of the CM1111 vision is
dedicated to my Mom and to all other mothers
everywhere throughout the world!

In New Orleans, we will be meeting at our usual spot
at the Labyrinth in Audubon Park. Bring yourself
or the whole family. We'll gather as a group for a
meditation/sharing for world peace around 11:00am.

Then if you'd like to stay and enjoy the beautiful park,
bring your own lunch and join us for a picnic.

No matter where you are, who you are with or what you
are doing this Sunday...may you have a happy, peace-filled day!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

A World at Prayer

WORD FOR THE DAY
Thursday, Apr. 10
www.gratefulness.org

"The world is holy. We are holy. All life is holy. Daily prayers are delivered on the lips of breaking waves, the whisperings of grasses, the shimmering of leaves."

-- Terry Tempest Williams
from Talking to God: Portrait of a World at Prayer (anthology)


Once we tap into the Oneness of Life, we cannot help but feel intricately connected to our fellow human beings, all of the animal kingdom and the plants which sustain our very lives.

Upon truly knowing this holiness, as a collective we will then act with reverence and respect for all life. When that critical mass of consciousness is reached, then our peaceful efforts will spread forth even more rapidly to all corners of the Earth.

Thank you for doing your Piece 4 Peace in holding this vision of world peace!

How to Change the World

One of my longtime favorite quotes...

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

~ Margaret Mead

The Moses Code: Inspirational Movie & World Peace Vigil

If you are interested in personal and planetary spiritual evolution, be sure to join James Tyman, Debbie Ford, Neale Donald Walsch, Iyanla Vanzant, Michael Beckwith and many others by watching this unique and touching film.



Check out www.themosescode.com for more details.

The authors, speakers, teachers and spiritual activists who were interviewed for this film were very insightful and inspirational.


The Moses Code Website invited us to...
Join millions of people from every corner of the globe in activating a 3500 year old technology that has been banned since the time of Moses. Then on April 6th, we will activate the Code and focus it on the Middle East.

For the first time a major spiritual film is being combined with a worldwide prayer vigil focused on shifting the planetary consciousness. There will be over 1000 gatherings that weekend, and you could help sponsor one in your town.

** Even though this event happened this past weekend, you can still view the movie online via video stream from their website and/or purchase the DVD and book. http://www.themosescode.com/

An Update from The Moses Code Website About the April 6th Event:
Hundreds of thousands of people joined together for a "virtual hug" Peace Vigil of Jerusalem on April 6th, using the Moses Code to awaken the destiny of the "City of Peace."

Where do we go from here? Our intention is to continue the momentum of this vigil and build a group of committed spiritual peacemakers for others projects and prayer vigils. You can help us by keeping attuned and spreading the word. We hope you'll consider joining our email list so we can contact you, along with thousands of others, at a moment's notice to participate in using the most powerful manifestation tool in history. Together we can realize our own destiny of creating a world based upon the laws of compassion and peace.

You can download or listen to the vigil meditation used on April 6th by clicking the links on their website. If it's anything like my movie viewing experience, I hope you will feel the same power of intention that each of us felt Friday evening.

A personal, special thanks to Robin Cunningham Myers of Wholistic Alternatives who sponsored the local viewing of this film in Baton Rouge, LA!http://www.byregion.net/cgibin/users/profiles.pl?username=wholisticalternatives

Powerful Thoughts on Peace

In preparation for our upcoming 4th CM1111 Event at the end of this week, I was looking for some external inspiration this morning. I happened to run across my Power Thought Cards by Louise Hay.



I set my intention and specifically pulled a
card for each of the following.

The quote is from one side of the card and the paragraph is from the other side for deeper meaning/further meditation. These are followed by my personal interpretations.

~~~

MY OWN INNER PEACE

"As I say yes to life, Life says YES to me!"

Life mirrors my every thought.
As I keep my thoughts positive,
life brings to me only good experiences.

-- This reminds me of a part of the movie called The Moses Code that I had the pleasure of viewing this past weekend (see next blog entry for details). The speakers were explaining how when we say YES that things really start to happen! Getting the thought that we are not good enough, that we don't have enough money to get something started, that we don't the time, etc etc -- these are all just excuses to keep us from stepping up to the plate and doing something, that something which spoke to our soul.

Dr. Michael Beckwith stated that when he got the inspiration to say yes, he was not in the same place he is now...but he did it anyway. And when he said yes, the Universe said yes, too! It provided the right people, money, buildings, opportunities, etc. Through this process of trusting and believing that everything would be provided, it was and it allowed him to personally evolve so that he could help others.

The movie was a wonderful source of inspiration I hope you all have a chance to enjoy. Check out http://www.themosescode.com/ for more information.

~~~
SEEKING A MESSAGE OF INNER PEACE FOR SOME OF MY FRIENDS WHO ARE GOING THROUGH CHALLENGING TIMES RIGHT NOW

"The past is over."

This is a new day, one that I have never lived before.
I stay in the Now and enjoy each and every moment.

-- What a wonderful for message for all of us! Even though I am feeling that my life is becoming more and more in the flow, there are very often bumps in the road that can start to slow me down or tend to divert my path. By embracing every day as a new day, I give myself permission to reinvent myself and create my own reality in each and every moment.

This can build on my personal message of keeping my thoughts positive and it will have a rippling effect to others. For those of us going through challenges right now, it reminds us that this, too, will pass. The past is the past, yet we can be grateful for it has made us who we are today!

~~~
FOR MY LOCAL COMMUNITY

"I am willing to change."

I am willing to release old, negative beliefs.
They are only thoughts that stand in my way.
My new thoughts are positive and fulfilling.

-- Since Hurricane Katrina, I have found that the overall vibe in the city of New Orleans is different. Despite the devastation and countless tragedies that occurred, there is a tangible sense of the human spirit which connects us all.

People began truly helping one another and a sense of community has emerged greater than ever before. We were drastically and dramatically forced into change, and through it all that change is becoming more and more positive.

Please note: I am not saying there are no longer challenges to overcome which seem overwhelming and hopeless at times; rather, I cannot help but feel a commonality uniting the general population where before there were large(r) divisions. There is still a lot of change which needs to take place, yet I believe it has begun...in the hearts and minds of its residents.

~~~

FOR THE WORLD PEACE VISION AND MISSION

"Every thought I think is creating my future."

The Universe totally supports every thought I choose to think and believe.
I have unlimited choices about what I think.
I choose balance, harmony and peace, and I express it in my life.

-- When we each choose to think and be peace, there will be peace in our world! Thank you all for your continued support for a more peaceful planet.

I look forward to connecting with all of you this Friday, April 11th at 11:11am!

Namaste, my friends.

Rain or Shine in New Orleans

If at the time of the event it is still raining
in New Orleans, we will still meet.

However, rather than exposed to all of the
elements at the Labyrinth, let us gather at
the covered structure on the other side of
the horse stables.

If you are at the Labyrinth in Audubon
Park, take the road leading out towards
Magazine Street. Once you approach
the intersection the pavillion will be
on your left hand side.

Hope to see you there, rain or shine.

March Dedication to Bill

This third CM1111 Event is
dedicated to Bill Barksdale, LMT.

Since I have been exploring the

field of natural healing and the

joy of going on retreat, Bill has

been a regular fixture in my life.

For almost a decade now, he was

always there offering his sage wisdom
and peaceful demeanor in his gentle way.

For many years he would drive in from

Jackson, MS to work on Thursdays as a

massage therapist at my chiropractor's

office in New Orleans. Bill was also the

lead therapist at our annual New Year's

Eve and Mid-Year Retreats.

In fact, we were on retreat together when

I had the vision to begin this Critical Mass

11:11 peace project in January. By early

February, I relocated my private practice

into the same chiropractor's office.

He passed before I was able to share the

good news with him.

Thanks, Bill, for being a great professional

mentor and personal friend! You are missed.

On Tuesday the 11th, I know that he'll be

helping us spread peace around the planet.

Secrets of Inner Peace from Sri Chinmoy

"No price is too great to pay for inner peace."

-- Sri Chinmoy

SECRETS OF INNER PEACE
Consciously or unconsciously, we are all searching for inner peace. Inner peace is the foundation of lasting happiness and satisfaction. Without inner peace, humans can not know him/herself or be at peace with the world.

1. Inner Peace is a Choice
It is our own thoughts that will either bring us peace or restlessness. If our mind is clear of useless, undivine thoughts we can experience inner peace in abundance. If we maintain equanimity and detachment to events of the world, inner peace will remain a permanent feature of our mind.

2. Inner Peace is to be experienced Here and Now
It is a mistake to feel inner peace will be achieved in the future, when circumstances are more favorable. Inner peace can only be felt in the present moment. If we live only for the present moment we can learn to understand the immediacy of inner peace.

3. Inner Peace and Oneness are inseparable
If we live in the critical mind and are constantly judging others, we will never experience real inner peace. When we are flooded with inner peace, we feel others are an extended part of our reality.

4. Inner Peace is in the Heart, not the mind
To find inner peace in the mind is difficult. The nature of the mind is to think, analyze and create problems. The nature of the heart is oneness, love and joy. If we can bring to the fore the qualities of the heart, we will find peace. It is also in the heart that our Soul resides. The Soul is the divine part of our being and is inundated with peace.

5. Inner Peace is Dynamic, not passive
Inner peace energizes us. When we have a connection with inner peace, we spontaneously have a positive outlook on life. Inner peace is not a passive quality; it embodies great energy.

6. Inner Peace and Meditation
If we feel inner peace remains a far cry, we should not despair. If we sincerely pray and meditate for inner peace, we can achieve it. Our sincere aspiration for inner peace is the most powerful tool for making it a living reality. We cannot expect to be flooded with inner peace if we make no effort to attain it.

7. Peace does not require an escape from the world.
Inner peace does not require us to live in a Himalayan cave; inner peace can be experienced in the hustle and bustle of the world. What is important is the state of our mind, not the outer circumstances.

Join Us for Our 3rd CM1111 Gathering! Tuesday, March 11th

As we prepare for the third Critical Mass 11:11 Gathering,
I invite you all to Do Your Piece 4 Peace in your own
unique way! Please drop us a note at CriticalMass1111@gmail.com
to share your own 11:11 stories, experiences, photos, etc.

~

Our second event on 02/11/08 in New Orleans was attended
by six people, all of us representing others who could not
attend physically.

We each brought something to the Labyrinth that day
to share with the group:

Simple techniques to align our energies
Inspiring quotations
A beautiful song
Photo of a commonly shared hero "Peace Pilgrim"
Sacred items

~~~

Peace Pilgrim's Message

"This is the way of peace:

Overcome evil with good,

falsehood with truth

and hatred with love."

~

"Your Future", a poem by Peace Pilgrim

In this world you are given as you give
And you are forgiven as you forgive --

While you go your way

Through each lovely day

You create your future as you live.

~

"Peace Be Still", a favorite song of Peace Pilgrim that she would sing while walking
(These words were adapted from the original "...know that I am God")

Peace be still and know that we are One
Peace be still and know that we are
Peace be still and know
Peace be still
Peace, peace, peace
Peace is holy.

Peace Be with You, Grandma

I would like to dedicate this
Second CM1111 Event to my
Grandma Herminie. She just
passed on February 2nd, 2008.
She had recently turned 89.

After the tears and the funeral,
our family shared many hours
pouring over old photographs
and reliving her life. Most of it
was unknown to me, and I feel
very blessed to have been able
to be there in person this week.

One of my favorite things that
came out of Thursday's events
was that the family thought I
should have a piece of her
jewelry...a small silver and white
charm with the word PEACE in
bold, capital letters.

There could not have been a
more appropriate piece! I will
wear it with pride and in honor
of her, my peace lovin' Grandma.

Even though I was not able to
have a verbal two-way conversation
during my last visit on January
29th, I shared with her about our
first CM1111 event. I'm sure she
liked the idea and will be with us
today as we unite together to focus
on inner and outer peace.

May peace be with all of you...
and on this day, especially with you, Grandma!

2nd CM1111 Event ~ Tomorrow Monday, February 11th

We look forward to having all of you join us,
whether in person or in spirit tomorrow at
11:11am, no matter where in the world you are!

By setting a united intention at the same time,
our collective energies will merge together to
synergistically focus on world peace. At 11:11
peace will move like a wave, from one time zone
to another, throughout the world.

Rather than being against something, this
project is for something – and it’s all about peace.
Peace within our selves, our communities, our
nations and ultimately the entire world.

There’s no right or wrong way to participate!
By solitarily thinking “peace” for even
just one second at 11:11am on the 11th or
gathering with a group of friends/colleagues,
you’ll be joining with hopefully hundreds, perhaps
thousands, of others who are beginning to participate
in our new peace project.

Do Your Piece 4 Peace!
Arrive around 10:45am at the Labyrinth in
Audubon Park, Uptown New Orleans
or
Create your own group in your area
or
Take a moment of silence during your busy day

For every action there is a postive reaction.
Let us choose to give, and therefore receive,
PEACE.

Dedicated in Memory of Amber, the 11 Angel

Sitting at the center of the Labyrinth on 01.11.08, I started chatting with one of our participants after I asked if I could take her picture. “Looking peaceful,” she commented as I snapped the photo.

She remarked with surprise that my tiny point and shoot camera was the one taking the pictures posted on the site. “The only reason I decided to read your blog was because of the detailed photo of the Labyrinth.” She continued, “Yesterday I called a friend of mine who I knew was having a hard time. As I read (The Space Between blog entry) to her, she started bawling by the end of it.”

She relayed her friend’s explanation of her rise in emotions. “My daughter always speaks to me in elevens, and today is the anniversary of her death. Amber was speaking to me through this writing!”

While focusing on peace today at 11:11am, we all met where these paths cross at the space between.

This first CM1111 Event is dedicated in memory of Amber, the 11 Angel. May you rest in peace.

PJs and PJ’s

“Grrrrllll,” my friend said yesterday when he phoned me from a local coffee shop in New Orleans called PJ’s, “you can get it all done with a cup of tea, sitting in your pajamas at your house!” I readily laughed because that is exactly how this CM1111 Project has come to be in existence.

We discussed how technology has evolved to bring communities together, making it easier for like-minded folks to find each other. Yes we still put up flyers on bulletin boards at coffee shops and make phone calls to our lists, but the internet has become such a vital tool. The ease of spreading the word allows it to go further faster with just a few strokes on the keyboard.

I thank all of you for taking that extra minute out of your day to forward this information on to those you think might be interested. Together we can, and I truly believe will, bring about world peace with the click of a button and of course, focused intent and action.

As someone commented earlier today, “I don’t even need to leave my house; I just need to have the intention and commitment.” Know that you, too, can easily start doing your piece for peace…even in your PJs.

Yoga for Peace: The Yogic CM1111 Challenge

One local yoga teacher who was present at our gathering in New Orleans has already taken the Yogic CM1111 Challenge. Will you and your yoga students join her in helping spread peace on the 11th day of every month?

Let me begin by saying that to me a challenge is not a competition, but rather a way to encourage oneself to go deeper or higher and to push beyond one’s normal limitations. Rather than acting as a divisive measure, a challenge can bring people together in a united effort to do more than they would individually. This yogic challenge is a win-win situation for all involved.

When I was around nine years old my Grandmother used to do fundraising for a non-profit organization. I remember her pulling me before the cameras with her and putting out a challenge to all the other grandmothers out there who were watching the telecast. She pledged a certain amount of money in my honor, and challenged them to match her. The donations from other grandmothers around the country started pouring in almost immediately! The challenge connected these women on a level which they understood so personally, bringing them together to unite on a common goal.

This is why I challenge the yoga community to join CM1111 and other yoga teachers around the country to set aside a special time for focusing on world peace through their practices.

My idea is that a special Yoga for Peace class could be scheduled for the 11th day of every month. Starting at 10:30am and ending at 11:30am would give enough time for everyone to have their usual yoga practice while getting the brain and heart in alignment with the peace mission.

Then just before 11:11am the yogis and yoginis would enter into a meditation pose (corpse or seated) they would hold for however long with the focus on peace. Perhaps “Om Shanti” could be playing in the background or everyone could be chanting this together. Whatever feels right for you and your particular class works great. In this way people would be uniting their intentions and spreading peace to the world while doing something that brings them solace and inner peace.

If you're a yoga student who would like Yoga for Peace classes to happen in your area, please contact your local studio(s) to see if they'll join in the Yogic CM1111 Challenge. If you're a yoga teacher or studio interested in participating, please use the comment link below to add your contact information to this entry.

Critical Mass Defined: We’re on the Edge!

When someone asked me the other night if I knew what critical mass was, I stated something similar to the definitions below.

The online Encarta Dictionary defines it as:

crit·i·cal mass (noun)

1. point of change
   a point or situation at which change occurs
   * Support for the measure has reached critical mass.
2. necessary size or amount
   the size or amount of something that is required before an activity or event can take place.
   * For our world vision of peace to be attained, enough people must join together in a critical mass.

If you break the word down, critical is defined as:

1. crucial
   extremely important because of being or happening at a time of special difficulty, trouble or danger, when matters could quickly get either worse or better
2. essential
   absolutely necessary for the success of something
3. undergoing change
   relating to a property of a system that is undergoing a sudden change

and mass is defined as:

1. collection
   a collection of many individual parts
2. great unspecified quantity
   a large but unspecified number or quantity
3. major part
   the greater part or majority
4. collect (verb)
   to be gathered in a mass

I gave an example of the well-known Critical Mass bicycle rides. The unified effort started in San Francisco in the 1990’s and has spread across the nation. I explained that my vision was more of a spiritual nature as we join together, either privately or with a group, to focus on world peace.

He, in turn, gave me a physics definition -- something along the lines of when atoms build up enough they begin to reach the tipping point. “And when you reach that point,” he said, “you’re on the edge!” I agreed saying, “We’re approaching that edge, and we need others to join us.” He responded, “I’ll be thinking peace at 11:11 with you.” His co-worker, the one who was into things exploding (see blog entry "Synchronicities Abound"), smiled behind him.

Thanks, guys, for doing your piece for peace! You’re helping push our numbers to the edge of something really wonderful.

Do You Have Any of These Symptoms? I Hope So...

The Symptoms of Inner Peace

A tendency to think and act spontaneously, rather than from fears based on past experiences;

An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment;

A loss of interest in judging others;

A loss of interest in conflict;

A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others;

A loss of ability to worry;

Frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation;

Contented feelings of connectedness with others and with nature;

Frequent attacks of smiling through the heart;

Increasing susceptibility to love extended by others, as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it;

An increasing tendency to let things happen, rather than to manipulate them and make them happen.


Thanks to MLS for sharing this with our group! She read this as we gathered in a circle at the center of the Labyrinth, setting our intentions as 11:11am approached. A wonderful piece that kept us all smiling.

Sticking Your Neck Out for Peace

A few days before the first event, I decided to visit the Labyrinth in preparation. On my way there, I was stopped in my tracks. Even though I knew that the zoo is right there, I didn’t expect to see them. The giraffes were out!

I admired them and their gracefulness, their diligence in reaching that higher branch which still had something on it that they wished to attain. And that’s when it hit me – they were not afraid to stick their necks out! In fact, they couldn’t help themselves. Those long, beautiful necks were their means for reaching up, constantly striving for what is above and beyond.

They inspired me to stick my own neck out -- to move forward fully with this CM1111 vision by continuing to speak my truth. Encouraged, I set intention for the project while walking the labyrinth that day. In my mind’s eye I saw the coming together of many, many people. Thank you for being a part of that vision. Let's stick our necks out together for peace!

~

I just looked up the animal totem explanation for giraffes – and the first site whose explanation came up perfectly fits my experience! An excerpt from www.sayahdam.co/cyc2.html is below. For more information on animal totems and their gifts, visit their site or google the name of your animal with the word totem.

“The giraffes’ strength and flexibility shows us how to gain control of our physical bodies while expanding our mental and spiritual faculties.

With their heads towering high in the sky and their feet firmly planted on the ground, they serve as links between the higher and lower worlds.

What we think and what we feel on a heart level need to be aligned in order for this medicine to benefit us.

Its flexible neck allows it to see what's behind it, alongside it and in front of it. This gives the giraffe the ability to know the future and understand the past while walking in the present moment. It holds the teachings of clear sight and can be a powerful ally for those with this totem.

They are quiet animals making little noise except for an occasional bleat. This silence is a great teaching for those with this medicine. The giraffes’ lack of vocal communication suggests that we follow suit. Words often distract us from silent reflection. Learning to balance one’s speech with quietude is important.

Although the head of the giraffe appears dainty, its three horns give it the ability to strike a nasty blow. One of its horns is somewhat hidden located under the skin just above its eyes. This placement is similar to that of the third eye in man and reminds those with this medicine to honor their visionary abilities.

The giraffe teaches us how to increase our perceptions by viewing life from all angles. When we look up, forwards, sideways and down the past, present and future is known. A wonderful totem to have, the giraffe is a bearer of many gifts.”

So thanks, Giraffes, for showing up at the perfect moment! Their divine timing, along with everyone else who has been called to support this project, inspires me to continue sticking my neck out to reach for something higher. And that something is world peace.

When one puts forth positive effort, others will join…as seen in all aspects of the animal kingdom.

A World of Thanks on 01.11.08

Words cannot begin to express my heartfelt thanks
to each and every one of you for contributing
to CM1111's first world peace project!
Thank you
Merci

Danke
Tack

Grazie

Gracias

Ευχαριστίες

شكور

Dank

Obrigado

Спасибо

Please send us quotes, poems, pictures, etc about how

you did your piece for peace today! You can comment

directly on the blog or email us at directly at

CriticalMass1111@gmail.com.

11 Participants at the First CM1111 Gathering

~The Labyrinth @ Audubon Park, New Orleans, LA~

This piece by Pierre Teillard de Chardin was shared by MLS:

The day will come
When after harnessing the winds,
The tides
And gravitation,
We shall harness for God the
Energies of love.
And on that day, for the
Second time in the history of the world,
Man will have discovered
Fire.

More details, photos and comments on today's event coming soon.

Word for the Day: Compassion

This morning I awake, as usual, to find my word (or more typically quote) for the day in my inbox. Its message is so pertinent to my day ahead, especially after the resistance I encountered last night...

WORD FOR THE DAY
Friday, Jan. 11, 2008

You must not hate those who do wrong or harmful things; but with compassion, you must do what you can to stop them — for they are harming themselves, as well as those who suffer from their actions.
-- His Holiness the Dalai Lama

This quote reminds me to approach this day, and every day, with a focus on what I want rather than what I do not. May peace and compassion fill all of our hearts as we shine that light forth into every direction.

Check out http://www.gratefulness.org/.

It's Almost 11:11am on January 11th Somewhere in the World Right Now

Synchronicities Abound

The last 24 hours have been very interesting. The synchronicities which are occurring for myself and my friends, the excitement I hear in someone’s voice as she tells me she has chills covering her body as I’m explaining the CM1111 concept and the outward signs I’m getting are truly amazing.

They started last night when I was eating dinner with one of my dearest friends. We were discussing the project since she did not have a chance to get online and check out the blog just yet. In her wonderfully supportive way, she donated $3 to me for one of the bumper stickers. Then I gave $2 right back because we split an appetizer. I jokingly commented I should frame the remaining dollar for the CM1111 project, like a restaurant does when they open their doors. We started laughing, but as I looked closer at the bill my mouth dropped open. I had to do the math twice to be sure...

Not only were there four ones in the corner of the bill like every dollar, there were also four 11s on the inside corners (the others in our wallets had 12s and only one other had an 11), the K in the serial number is the 11th letter of the alphabet AND the serial number added up to 29 which, in numerology, is 11. WOW!




~

As I drove down a residential street to avoid rush hour traffic tonight, I was recalling a website I came across the other day. The man was interested in 11’s, too. He showed a picture of his house which he had just realized, after all this time, had four posts that looked like 1111. As I was hoping to catch a glimpse of some 11 posts as I drove down this new street, look what was shining before me at the intersection!


~

What has also surprised me are the polar opposite reactions I’m getting from a few people tonight. “Oh, no, I don’t want to participate," said the Office Max worker. He added with a smile, "I like when things get blown up!" I know he was mostly kidding (I hope), yet another I encountered tonight really played devil's advocate for a good 45 minutes. “World Peace? I don’t believe in it,” he said while shaking his head. As I listened to his stories and mini history lessons, I found myself smiling. In the past so many buttons would have been pushed I would have rocketed into outer space, yet tonight I smiled and thanked him for his opinion. Even though it was almost exactly opposite of mine, we did finally find common ground. His tone softened up as he said, "You know, I really would like for there to be peace in this world as my new baby granddaughter grows up." At that moment, after all the healthy debate about war and the human condition, I saw a spark light up in his heart -- he loves that little girl so much and wants the best for her. That is the very light I see being ignited within all of us as we participate in CM1111 and other peace projects. He still challenged me, though, as I bid him farewell for the evening. “So what do you really think you can do for world peace?” I smiled as I walked out the door saying, “I’m doing it right now.”

As I continued my errands I marveled at how rapidly this has all come together and actually began to wonder if I could do anything for world peace. I had always been an activist in one way or another for most of my life, yet in the last few years I let that take a backseat. Was I really supposed to be doing this now? Will others actually support the project? For all the visitors we’ve had to the site only 19 said they’re participating. Can little me in New Orleans really make a difference in this big world? The doubt crept in as these questions raced through my mind.

And at that exact moment, stopped before me at a red light (which I was only approaching now because I missed my turn while I was deep in thought), was my answer:



The license plate read "NOW 515" and in numerology, 5+1+5=11.

I smiled with renewed confidence and felt reconnected as I turned to continue on my new path, slightly altered from the direction I had originally planned yet very worthy of the detour. Unbeknownst to him, the messenger in the red car sped away in the opposite direction.

What’s YOUR Piece 4 Peace Look Like?

As we prepare for the first CM1111 World Peace Project event, I invite you to consider sharing how you are personally doing your Piece 4 Peace today/tomorrow.

Poems, prayers, journal entries, affirmations, photographs of your gathering or personal sacred space…anything you’d like to share with us is most welcomed. Merging our collective energies and inspiring one another is what this is all about!

May all of our efforts, which are as unique as every one of us, synergistically combine to create something more beautiful than we ever thought possible.

With gratitude to all you peace-loving people!

~

Below is a picture of the tree where I received the guidance to start this group. Some of you locals may recognize it as the large oak tree on the St. Joseph’s Abbey Retreat Grounds in Covington, LA. A wonderful soul will be on site holding the energy for us there at 11:11am CST. I was very excited when I received her email earlier today! As I post this photo that my friend just forwarded me, I see something that I have never noticed in the six years I've been visiting this retreat center -- the large metal poles which are helping support its heavy boughs look from a distance like 11 11 11.


And this CM1111 Project obviously isn’t just for humans! This meditation spot is a favorite of my feline friend where she regularly likes to contemplate a mosaic art piece called "Chakra Universe."

200 Strong and Counting

Just an hour shy of our three day mark,
we've had our 218th visitor tonight.

That means within the last 24 hours
exactly 100 new people have visited
the blog, with 4 of you from 4 new countries!

Let's keep spreading the peace across the planet.
Thanks for all of your support.

The Art of Manifesting

In order to manifest something, we need to be very specific with our intention of what we want to create in our lives. When we can clearly see it in our mind’s eye and be grateful for it as if it has already occurred, only then can – and will – it manifest!

By putting out our requests or prayers to the Universe/Source/Spirit/God/Goddess/Jesus/Yahweh/Buddha or who/whatever your version of the Divine is we are stating with intention, trust and belief that peace is real and attainable. That it is here within each of our hearts, even if only for a fleeting moment, and that it can be accomplished by all.

When we experience these moments of peace over and over again, it begins to forge a deeper path into our brains, hearts, spirits and collective consciousness. Like a river running over solid ground, the mud beneath will begin to give way. As these peaceful rivers continue to rush forth, something even more beautiful than the Grand Canyon will be carved within each of our souls. As any unwanted sediment and sludge is carried away, our true inner beauty will be revealed.

So rather than approaching 11:11am on the 11th (or any time of any day for that matter) with thoughts of what we DON’T want in our world (war, poverty, hunger, sadness, anger, violence, etc.) let us instead focus on what we DO want (peace, harmony, unconditional love, unity, etc.).

Let us truly come from a place of peace within our hearts and spread that love and energy to the rest of the world. Happy manifesting!

Peace Is Flowing Like A...Wave?!

“Your effort would create more of a rolling wave,” commented DJ Arth Mawr earlier today (see full comment listed under “How to Participate in CM1111” as well as for a link to their group).

As the visitor so thoughtfully suggested, “If each group could sustain the effort for at least one hour then the light would be passed gently around the world for a full 24 hours. Wonderful!”

Wonderful indeed! A great concept that I hadn’t put together yet.
Thanks for the insight.

The Space Between

It is often when we stop, when we pause, when we become still and quiet, when we take that moment between inhale and exhale that it happens. We tap into the Oneness and become one with it, with everything, with everyone.

This is where true peace resides.

I have chosen the Labyrinth at Audubon Park for the New Orleans gathering because it so profoundly holds this space of Oneness, that of compassion and unity. Thanks to a dear friend who was vital in getting this particular Labyrinth constructed, I have been using this walking meditation as a healing tool in my life for a handful of years now.

On its path one cannot get lost; one can only find his- or herself along the way. And often, very often, it is during my pause along its path to take a deep breath and reflect upon my rising thoughts, watch a bird in flight overhead or step aside to let another pass that the changes begin to occur within.


This is the main reason that I love walking the labyrinth. It doesn’t care what your spiritual or religious beliefs are, what language you speak or the color of your skin, educational level or sexual orientation. It is open, receptive, inviting, accepting and healing.

The labyrinth invites us all to walk its path because it is our individual path and however we approach it, we are never wrong. It is our personal journey and no one else’s, yet it unites us all at the very core -- human and spiritual -- as we tap into the beauty of its Oneness.



I invite you to
join me on the
11th day of
every month!

No matter where
in the world you are,
know that our paths
will cross here...
at the space between.

It's 11:11 -- Make a Wish!

Although I do not remember my age at the time or the wise soul who told me, “Look! It’s 11:11. Make a wish!” I do know that I was very young and loved the idea. Ever since then, every time I noticed that special configuration on the clocks or elsewhere, I would smile and make my wish. As I’ve progressed on this journey of life, my wishes began to extend beyond my immediate wants and gratifications of childhood. They have (mostly) matured into a more worldly, all-inclusive wish. And that, my friends, my fellow advocates for peace, is what we’re all united by today – my wish, your wish, our collective wish for world peace.

~

Earlier today, as I was working on one of my therapeutic massage clients, I had my eyes closed as I often do. As I gently pulled the energy up and out of her neck towards the occiput (which, according to some modalities, happens to be the seat of manifestation), I half-opened my eyes to check on the time. And it probably won’t surprise you to know that it was exactly 11:11am! I smiled to myself and wished for her exquisite peace and blessings for all of her wishes and dreams to come true. I also made a wish for the Fed Ex delivery I was expecting (I had some Critical Mass 11:11 bumper stickers made -- see photo below) to wait until 10 minutes after we finished our session. The fruiton of my wish happened at exactly 11:22am. I can only hope hers will be as immediate.

Thanks for Spreading the Word!

Within just 36 hours of launching this
blog, we have already expanded to 5
countries and reached our 100th visitor!

Thanks to everyone who has visited and
welcome to those who are yet to log on.

May this message of peace reach far and wide,
uniting people of all religions/belief systems
who know that collectively there can -- and
will -- be peace on this planet.

With gratitude for making this vision a reality,
dMb

Survey Says...?

We're curious about how many people are
planning to participate on 01/11/08.

Please answer the surveys located
underneath the city counter. Thanks!

I'm an Advocate for Peace! Count Me In on 01/11/08

Join our list of "peaceful warriors" who will be participating
in the first Critical Mass 11:11 event on Friday, January 11th.

To sign the list, click the comment box on this blog entry.
* Your name (real, initials, nickname or anonymous)
* Your city/state/country
* Other details

If you're initiating a gathering in your area, please
make a note of that in your entry. If you would like
others to reach you, include your contact info such
as name, phone number and/or email address here.

Create a Local Group!

We must be the change we wish to see in the world.
-- Gandhi


If you feel called to initiate the creation of a Critical Mass 11:11 Group
in your area, please leave a comment with the following information:

Location of Gathering (address, city, state, zip, country)
Meeting Time
Time Zone
(optional) Contact Name, Phone and/or Email Address

Once your information is received, it will be posted on
our blog so that others may join you for the first gathering
taking place this Friday, January 11, 2008.

If you are uncertain that you are able to commit to
organizing future gatherings in your area, it would
be wonderful if you are able to get the peace ball rolling!

Once the first event occurs and more people join in,
there will be others who will step up to volunteer
in organizing your local event.

After your event has taken place in your time zone,
please log in and give everyone an update. Stats, stories
and pictures are most welcomed!

Thanks so much for joining us and helping to spread
the word about this peace project!

Gathering in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Friday, January 11th
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, USA
In the New Orleans area, we will be meeting at the Labyrinth in Audubon Park (near the zoo and the Tree of Life) at 10:45am CST. This area is next to the horse stables off Magazine Street, headed towards the Mississippi River in Uptown New Orleans.

Critical Mass 11:11 Dates for 2008

THE NEXT GATHERING WILL TAKE PLACE ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11th!

MARK YOUR 2008 CALENDARS
Friday, January 11
Monday, February 11
Tuesday, March 11
Friday, April 11
Sunday, May 11 (Mother's Day)
Wednesday, June 11
Friday, July 11
Monday, August 11
Thursday, September 11 (Remembrance of 9/11)
Saturday, October 11
Tuesday, November 11 ***THIS IS A VERY SPECIAL GATHERING DAY***
Thursday, December 11

How to Participate in Critical Mass 11:11

Some basic ideas for participating in Critical Mass 11:11 ~~ Do Your Piece 4 Peace!

1. On the 11th day of every month at 11:11am in our own time zones we will collectively do our piece for world peace. In your own way, either privately or with a group, connect with what makes you feel peaceful -- meditatation, prayer, chanting, being silent, walking the labyrinth, yoga, gardening, singing, etc. while holding a focus on PEACE. If someone is not able to attend a gathering in person, they will still meditate at 11:11am wherever they are and energetically tap into the energy. The time 11:11 has been chosen because eleven is considered a very spiritual and powerful number.

2. The group will gather whever they can, ideally in nature or at a sacred place -- perhaps a labyrinth, garden, temple, etc. around 10:45am. This will give everyone time to settle in and reach a deep meditative state by 11:11am.

3. During the meditation the focus will be on PEACE: inner peace, non-violence, world peace, community, unity, we are all one, etc. At 11:11am everyone will intently focus on spreading their peaceful, inner light out to the rest of the world for 11 minutes. Here the glowing network of peace will connect and spread among us, no matter where we are located in the world.

4. The group will be open to any and every one who is interested in PEACE. Everyone has a unique perspective and all are welcome. Remember, this is about peace and peaceful interactions with others!

5. Spreading the word about this group to your friends in all cities, states and countries will help us achieve a critical mass needed to raise the love vibration of the planet. Please forward this blog on to others who might be interested in participating.

6. If you would like to participate, please add your name and location to our growing list (anonymously if you prefer)! If you would like to begin organizing a group in your area, you may use our blog to list the gathering place specifics as well as create a link on your website or personal blog.

7. After your gathering please post the stats on this blog site: number of participants (in person and absentee), significant insights, synchronicities and any other feedback you'd like to share.

A Collective Call for Peace in 2008

Hello and thank you for visiting Critical Mass 11:11.


Last week while I was attending a New Year's Eve retreat
in Southeast Louisiana I sat beneath a very large, old and
wise oak tree. It was there that I was guided to start this group!

The concept is very simple, yet I feel it will have a very profound
impact as more and more individuals join, reaching a critical mass.

As Osho stated so profoundly:
"Only when there are many people who are
pools of peace, silence, understanding,
will war disappear."

During my meditation I witnessed that each one of us has a bright light
within. When we focus our awareness on peace, love and happiness
our light begins to shine even brighter.

Its brillance begins to envelop our very being. It grows
brighter and stronger with every peaceful thought and by
practicing acts of loving kindness towards ourselves and others.

As we interact with other souls, our light adds to theirs. Sparking
and feeding off one another, an interconnected, glowing network
is created. Together it has a wider-reaching, synergistic effect.

As I was surrounded by 30 like-minded people bringing in this
new year with grounded intention and peaceful thoughts,
I could feel our group's network growing stronger each day.

During meditation I kept seeing this network extending beyond
our retreat group, reaching out to the corners of each of our
individual lives. The glowing network of peace emminated from
each of our heart spaces and touched everyone we met throughout
our daily activities.

The rapid pace at which this peace spread was fascinating and thrilling.
The more people we each interacted with, the wider our circle of influence
became. I saw the energy spreading through our neighborhood, to surrounding
neighborhoods, to the entire city, then the state, the region, the country and
ultimately the world. The Earth was glowing under a web of peace!

There are no longer 6 degrees of separation! We are all connected.
By focusing on peace within ourselves, the world will become more peaceful.
Would you like to join other like-minded people in making 2008 a more peaceful year?

I look forward to hearing from all of you soon.

Om Shanti!
Peace,
dMb