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.