In Tucson, we had over 500 people take part in our WAVE1 ceremony, which included contributions from the Buddhist, Catholic, Johrei, Navajo, Sufi, Unitarian Universalist, Yoruba, and Global Chant communities.  That night, we were clearly one community.  We were all speaking the same language, talking about peace, love, joy, kindness, compassion, respect, and healing.  WAVE1 made it apparent to many of us in attendance that our similarities are far more compelling than our differences; that we can come together to heal the Earth regardless of our beliefs; and that we more or less agree on the approaches to take in doing so.

Less than a week, after WAVE1, I was in Washington DC to serve on a government panel.  After a day of meetings, I walked to the Lincoln Memorial in the rain.  When I reached the top of the stairs at the Memorial and looked out over the Mall, the rain let up and suddenly there was the biggest, brightest double rainbow I have ever had the pleasure to experience.  Over the next hour, as I sat at the feet of Lincoln's statue, I received an important teaching about something I call The Pledge.

The Pledge is a tool for personal action that gives each of us the ability to make an immediate and lasting difference in the world.  It consists of nine statements, which you can find on our new webpage: Take The Pledge.  These statements are really aspirations.  Simply saying them once a day will have a powerful impact on our lives. When we actually apply these aspirations, the effects become absolutely profound.

I invite you to take The Pledge and to let others know about it. Please feel free to share our new YouTube video, as well.  In the days and weeks to come, much will be said and written about The Pledge.  It's the next step in a movement that will lead to the creation of a new age of peace, sustainability and balance on the Earth.

This is a very exciting time to be alive.  The challenges we face are enormous--at times they may even seem insurmountable--but we have no choice.  Those of us who care about the Earth, about humanity, and about all of the precious life forms that share this planet with us, need to act quickly--and wisely.  The Pledge gives us a very clear idea of what we can do to make a difference.  Since WAVE1, a number of people have asked me, "What can I do?  How can I help?"  Here is a simple yet incredibly powerful answer.  I urge you to Take The Pledge with me and to join me for the next phase of this very exciting adventure. 

http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/243702.php

http://radio.azpm.org/kuaz/podcasts/2008/6/13/kuaz-listen-to-june-13-2008-edition

The interview can be found during the last five minutes of the program.

http://www.souledout.org/festivals/globalmeditations/global.html

Please take a look at their site.  They are doing some interesting things, including the Power of One vigil and a monthly full-moon meditation.

http://www.mapquest.com/mq/4-Jew9iXLY
Because June 18 happens to be a Wednesday night, Global Chant will be meeting at its normal 6pm starting time.  We will have a short chanting circle that night, which will go no more than 30 minutes.  Then, we will act as hosts for those arriving for the WAVE1 ceremony, welcoming them and helping them get situated.  The ceremony will begin at 6:45pm and go until 8pm. 

Our ceremony will include offerings from the Triratana Thai Temple,the  local Sufi community, the Johrei Fellowship, a youth choir, Allen Smith (didgiridoo), Damaris Drewry (toning), among others.  This will be a beautiful event and everyone is welcome.  Please feel free to bring your loved ones.  As I mentioned in an early post, this is a very auspicious day, and we want everyone we know to reap the spiritual benefits of taking part.  St Pius X church can accommodate over 700 people and has ample parking. 

What this means is that we have a BIG opportunity to benefit others on June 18.  Each person who does a spiritual practice on that date, whether or not it's part of WAVE1, will benefit greatly.  I also believe that those for whom these practices are dedicated will benefit, as well.  So, please, please, let's make every effort to get the word out.  We have a very unique opportunity to reshape the world in positive ways on June 18.  This is a tremendously auspicious time.    Your involvement is essential--and the ripple effects of your efforts will be felt for years to come.  Just let others know about WAVE1.  You can e-mail them the simple invitation below, or write one of your own.
 
Anyone you know who is taking part in WAVE1 will be added to our world map as soon as you send me their name, location and e-mail address.  WAVE1 contacts around the world will have the opportunity to serve as a resource for other individuals in their community.  As the wave spreads, so will the spiritual benefits.

I am honored and delighted to be part of something of this magnitude, and I'm even more excited that you have the opportunity to be part of it, too!
 

The following Sunday (5/18), I was at the Interfaith Congregational Church in Ballard, where I had a chance to co-facilitate several chants with my spiritual sister and very talented musician, Yana Viniko. ICC is a lovely old church on the corner of two residential streets.  Even though I had never been there before, I felt a powerful connection with the congregation members.  In fact, I was invited back to do a Global Chant-style circle there on Tuesday, May 27, which was a very heartfelt experience shared by over 20 people.

On Thursday, May 22, I returned to Unity of Olympia, which has been the site of one of our larger chanting circles in last year's West Coast tour.  I traveled from Seattle with another good friend, Paul Ferriz, who did some beautiful drumming for our circle that night.  It was great to be back in Olympia, my former home town and a place that always remains close to my heart.  I had a chance to talk with Sheryl and Carol from Pt Orchard and Alan and Erika from Olympia, who have all taken the initiative to start Global Chant circles in their respective towns. I had a chance to share with them my enthusiastic support of their efforts and my plans to visit their circles in the near future.

Then, on Sunday, May 25, I returned to West Seattle Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, which is a very dear group of kindred spirits.  The response to WAVE1 and to the new CD was overwhelming.  Many thanks to my beloved friends in West Seattle for making me feel so welcome!

The last chanting event of this trip was in Vancouver, WA, on Wednesday, May 28.  Last year, I had the pleaseure of meeting Rev. Bernadette Voorhees' dynamic daughter, Phaedra, but was unable to meet Rev B herself because her husband Jim had taken ill.  I am happy to report that Jim is feeling better these days and that Rev B was able to be there for our chanting event this year.  The connection with her and her congregation runs extremely deep, and it was a very sweet gathering.

I have already received e-mails from several people who attended these events reporting some powerful effects, such as the experience of chanting all night in their dreams.  It is wonderful to chant with such open, spiritually potent individuals, and I am grateful to have had the experience.  I look forward to my return to the NW, perhaps as early as August and definitely accompanied by my beloved Jhan.