The Dream!

I’m A Dreamer ---But I’m Not The Only One!

A few thoughts on Paradise Found

Having just returned Mainland side from my Heart home, Kauai, I wish to share a few points.  Having spent two weeks in prayer and retreat on Island some very visceral points come to my Spirit.  I have said for sometime that the Spiritual centrality of this place is a microcosm of a path to a more peaceful world.  In the last two weeks I visited a Peace Garden, Paleaku.com, honoring many spiritual traditions and practices; a practicing Monastery; attended a Spiritual retreat in the Weimea Canyon; officiated at a wedding celebration on the beach; and participated in a webcast on “Unitive Consciousness”.  Each one a blessing in itself.  Probably the most impactful of the events was actually the last as it drew a connective link between the Spiritual traditions of the East and West in seeking a non-dual approach to resolving division and angst inherent in our tribal religious heritage .  If there is one place on earth this is possible, it is here.
In the past couple of months I was also gifted a link to a video produced to present the same synergy from an ecological as well as spiritual plane, http://ainafeeds.us/film
   We are the microcausm, Kauai, of the macrocausm, Island Earth.
Of course I visited the memorial labyrinth my son and I pieced together on the headlands of Easterly Maha’ulepu Beach and the intention was to also visit the Lawai International Center in Kalaheo, lawaicenter.org.  The volunteer work in support of culture and the international quest for peace among peoples is exemplary, but the visit will have to wait for another trip.
So where is the dream in all of this vision?  I envision an enterprise in the Resort/ Retreat industry, in Kauai, which would be a world class destination.  A destination to compliment the Paradise we are already offering the seeking public.  It would be an addition to vacation amenities already available, but with a twist.  The spiritual energy of the island would be sought, in a retreat fashion, moreso than just an adrenaline rush of a Zipline and the like.  These have a place, but in my hikes along the coast and in the mountains I have met many who are seeking the solitude of nature, or the wisdom of a great teacher, or the wisdom of peaceful communication and reflection.  A gathering place in a safe atmosphere for individuals, couples, maybe even families, but especially world leaders!
Besides meeting venues, yoga and movement studios, I foresee a large contemplative garden for the soul to stretch and heal.  This Garden of Peace, Transformational Energy, and Unitive Consciousness would look something like this….
A wide pathway in the shape of a labyrinth; and at each turn there would be a monument or reflective place.  These points of reflection would have a theme but instead of many world religions, as many “Peace Gardens” do, these turns would be focused on a person of  honor and integrity.  These persons may represent a religious or philosophical  background but would be more accessible to all.  Considering that most wars in human history seem to have a “Religion”  on both sides it seems pretty clear that truly Peaceful individuals would be better ambassadors of peace than any given institution.  This “Garden” would be large, with expansive walkways and comfortable sitting areas for reflection.  There may be water features throughout but certainly in the center, with a possible space for public gathering.  Ecologically sound but abundant irrigation would provide the lush factor.  I see the total size being somewhere between three and seven acres.
So that is the dream, and I am just putting that intention out there in the mystery of the universe to see if there are other dreamers, preferably at least one with the desire to fund such an ambitious project of enterprise AND inner prize.  If there is such interest and vision, I would dedicate the rest of my life and talents to facilitating the reality.
 Mahalo Nui Loa!
RV
bobvlach@gmail.com
541-890-0187
Medford, Oregon and Lihue, Kauai
http://praisegodviathespiritofthechrist.blogspot.com/