Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/610464
Sometimes people unconsciously wait for permission from others to complete their transformation. I've met many timid artists and writers who hesitate to call themselves such—even though they spend all their free time creating—because they don't think they're good enough. Call yourself what you want to be and you'll grow into it. Ordering business cards proclaiming you are what you are is also helpful. Teresa Bergen (Pg. 28) contributors I used to think that transforma- tion was about the fi ght to make the world better. But I grew tired of turning my life into "good" things to seek and "bad" things to fi x. Now I think of trans- formation as the constantly unfolding process of life itself. Moment-to-moment life conditions change and I respond. I am no longer separate from a world I want to transform—I am instead embedded in its ever-evolving change. Lora Wedge (Pg. 26) Ten years ago, while visiting New Mexico, I found myself watching the birds a lot (the sky is very big there). It felt so good that I made a vow: whenever I saw birds in fl ight I would stop whatever I was doing and watch them. The keeping of that vow has become a meditation. The birds remind me to also notice sky, clouds, light, weather, vastness. My inner landscape has transformed as a result of these momentary immersions into visual grace. Diana Rico (Pg. 23) With no expectations, I walked into the Zen Center (a Buddhist sangha) as a confused, frustrated and struggling 20-something attorney. I wasn't sure what I was supposed to do or why I was drawn to be there. But I embraced it. I embraced the hours of silent meditation. I embraced the monotone group chants, gongs and Dharma talks. Four days later I walked out more calm, clear and open than I have ever been in my entire life. I transformed and everyone around me knew it. Laura Baker (Pg. 42) In physics, "transformation" is de- fi ned as "the induced or spontaneous change of one element into another by a nuclear process." We asked our writ- ers: What does transformation mean to you? The Benjamin Creme Museum, now open in Pacific Palisades, California, aims to present the life and work of Benjamin Creme as an artist, author and worldwide lecturer. Mr. Creme's dual life mission has been to present one of the most extraordinary and critically important messages of our time – the emergence into the everyday world of Maitreya, the World Teacher, and His group, the Masters of Wisdom – as well as to forge a unique union between his prophetic message and his groundbreaking esoteric art. Profoundly symbolic in nature, his later paintings are visual representations of deeper spiritual truths and constitute a genre of artistic expression the world has never before seen. Visitors will have an opportunity to view a variety of Benjamin Creme's paintings, spanning many decades and illustrating his striking and original personal style. The Museum currently features Mr. Creme's painting, Thangka for the coming Buddha Maitreya, plus ten other original esoteric paintings and lithographs along with art from his earlier period. This new cultural center seeks to benefit and educate the public, as a center for a permanent collection of Mr. Creme's art as well as for the dissemination of information about Maitreya, the World Teacher, and to answer the public's inquiries about Benjamin Creme's books, lecture videos, and esoteric art. Location: 881 Alma Real Drive Suite 320 Pacific Palisades CA 90272 Museum Hours: Wednesday 3pm-7pm Saturday 11am-6pm Sunday 11am-6pm Free Admission Information: benjamincrememuseum.org info@benjamincrememuseum.org 424.744.8121 A non-surgical treatment which promotes the body's own natural healing ability to stabilize and strengthen weak ligaments, tendons and joints. G. Megan Shields, M.D. and J. Keller Wortham, M.D., are experts in the delivery of this breakthrough pain relief procedure. Also read about facial cosmetic rejuvenation at www.doctorprolotherapy.com Optimum Wellness Medical Group, Inc. 1030 S. Glendale Ave., Suite 503, Glendale | 818-547-5400 8 wholelifetimes.com