When I first stepped into the Center of Light, I felt enveloped by sincerity, warmth, and love. I was spiritually searching for this authenticity and genuineness and knew that this is where it existed in its purest form.  When first meeting with Reverend David and Reverend Monica, I became aware that my pursuit of transformative love is not only conceivable but also achievable, as they exemplified this in their subtle, day-to-day interactions.  My heart yearned for more.

I finished my Intro to Mysticism class and began attending the morning meditations and other classes. I found myself opening up and deepening my personal search for love and truth.  Surrounded in love and support, I am provided with a safe, comfortable environment in which to observe my vulnerabilities, work to transform them into positive strengths and let them go.  Working closely with Master Jesus, Mother Mary, Reverend David, Reverend Monica, and my newfound friendships within my spiritual community, gave me the freedom and confidence to follow my heart and create my own destiny through God’s will.  It just so happens that God’s will for me lays in Colorado.

Mother Clare Watts was with our community for long weekend at the end of April. I attended the daily seminars offered and was able to express my enthusiasm and gratitude of being able to experience her light and truth.  I told her how I have recently gone through some changes and ended up in the scary position of being totally open and in flux: no serious relational commitments (I’m single), no career (business partnership fell through), no children, no house (have an apartment). In this moment, as wonderful and empowering as this state has the potential to be, it definitely was not. I was scared and craved stability.  Mother Clare offered me a job in Colorado, at the Sophia Peace Center.  I was in awe. To have Mother Clare offer me this opportunity is wonderful. My gut reaction was: picking up and moving is not stability—it’s the opposite.  I was still on the emotional rollercoaster ride of my emotions from not only my own spiritual process but attending the seminars as well; I needed sometime to process this decision, out of respect for Mother Clare and myself.  For the next couple of days, I thought and felt, and fought with myself.

“I should stay here and focus on straightening out my life. Picking up and moving temporarily to Colorado won’t solve anything.”

“So what? I’m already unstable why not embrace it? I will never have this opportunity again. And even if I did, I probably won’t be at a better place to accept it than right now.”

After morning meditation, I told Reverend David and Reverend Monica that I accept Mother Clare’s invitation.  Since then, I have experienced a plethora of emotions and feelings—worry and doubt to gratitude and exhilaration. If it weren’t for the Reverends and my friendships through the Center of Light, I would not have found the courage to follow through on this journey, or the humility to write about it. Next week, I will begin my “physical” journey of transformative love, when I embark on my road trip from New York to Colorado.  I know within my heart this trip will not only bring me closer to knowing and finding God but also myself. And I have a premonition that they aren’t too far apart.

By Elise, Student, New York and Dolores