Over recent months, since the Zone 3 meeting in Perth, Scotland, a number of members have been pooling together ideas and developing the concept for an initiative that has been making its presence felt for some time now. Titled Sanctuaries for Humanity, as the name suggests, it will be a safe space and facility open to any person, from any walk of life. The founding team is made up of Annabella Ashby, Andrew Holloway, Vincent Mount, Osanna Vaughn and Irwan Wyllie. The following is an excerpt of the intention and the impulse behind the initiative:
“The Sanctuaries for Humanity initiative is about reconnecting with universal love as the foundation of human interaction. This means adopting a holistic approach that touches every aspect of our lives: caring for our fellow human beings; striving for the well-being of all; seeking forgiveness and peace; exploring new models for nutrition; adopting new approaches to healing and education; celebrating creativity; and acting as the guardians of our environment and the many species with whom we share our world."
The initiative will be launched by the creation of a first Sanctuary for Humanity in Scotland – a haven where visitors can find refuge, renewal and inspiration. Over time, different aspects of human spirituality and endeavour will be explored – individually and collectively – through retreats, workshops, gatherings, or simply through spending time alone.
Please read the full intention document here
We have now secured the domain name – sanctuariesforhumanity.org – and have entered the phase of exploring the best legal structure to host the project, as well as the many different aspects and steps we need to take to realise such an undertaking. We are also eager to hear from, and create a data base of any member who feels touched by the concept and who has expertise to offer in any related area, be it creative, administrative or entrepreneurial. At the same time, thoughts, input and prayers are also welcome - and, if you simply want to be kept in the loop, let me know. Contact: osanna@sanctuariesforhumanity.org
Don't fly home too soon from World Congress
..... stay for the Yes Quest at Rungan Sari!
A ten-day Yes Quest is happening at Rungan Sari directly after World Congress - July 30 to August 9. This Quest is ideal for people wanting to explore their talents and how to put them into action in the world. It is ideal for anyone wanting to develop an action plan for their enterprise, social welfare, health, or cultural project.
You should be ready to commit to an intense, fun, and focused process. The Quest has been life-changing for many previous participants over 20 years - check out the movie of the first-ever Quest in Kalimantan on YouTube.
Costs for the 10-day event, including accommodation, meals, jungle adventure and full workshop program will be designed to cover costs. These are expected to be approx. US$750, or there are a limited number of places at US$200 (with basic longhouse accommodation).
To receive more information and an application form, please email info@yesquest.org
Photo: Attendees of the first Yes Quest in Rungan Sari in 2001
What I am writing here is very personal: my specific perspective of and feeling about the world at this time. I share it as such, without any particular expectations, and I ask for forgiveness if anything I say offends or hurts anyone. It is certainly not my intention.
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I'm not sure what exactly is happening, but I am sure something is happening.
It seems like a shift already began during the covid pandemic. Like most, if not all members, I found myself doing latihan alone (at least physically). And I was amazed, delighted and extremely grateful for how deep and connected those latihans felt. Had something shifted in relation to the larger human family? Could it be that the often dire and tragic circumstances surrounding covid, had also brought humanity to a willingness to rethink priorities and revive true values – opening a door that had been fairly closed before? Whatever the opinions and perspectives, humanity was faced with an event that touched virtually everyone around the world. Maybe, whatever our perspectives, we began to acknowledge our common reality and vulnerability.
Over the next few years, the increasing challenges facing us in every area of life have dominated the headlines. I have chosen not to feed on the negative news. It is not that I'm unaware of the often terrible things going on, but that I prefer to focus on the positive news that is also out there. I have discovered that there are millions of people all over the world striving to improve matters – looking for solutions in every area of life, that benefit the human family as a whole. And I have discovered a widespread desire to make spirituality a central part of people's lives. With that, I also include the intangible dimensions being revealed by many scientific disciplines.
Photo: NASA marks New Year 2024 with stunning image of celestial fireworks