As if responding to a call from Higher Consciousness, we all met at 'The Center for New Beginnings,' a beautiful, peaceful seminar facility located in the North Georgia mountains about an hour's drive from Atlanta. Who can ever forget the dogwood trees in full bloom, the quietness of this natural sanctuary and, of course 'Big Dog,' the gigantic adorable pet of the proprietress, Ann Gilburth.
It was obvious that everyone present was
supposed to be there. We journeyed from as close as Cumming, Georgia,
(only a few miles away); New York City; Panama City, Florida;
Hot Springs, Arkansas; and from across the Atlantic ocean came
the wonderful contingency of nine German Releasers! Getting to
know and immediately love each other was almost taken for granted.
It was as if we had all met before and had gathered for a wonderful
homecoming with Isa and Yolanda.
The opening meeting was on the eve of the Passover and for the
first time we got to listen to the welcoming words of Yolisa.
Then we heard introductions from all the participants as each
one spoke about the reasons that had brought them there. Our hearts
reached out to each other as we freely shared in some of the vicissitudes
and challenges of our personal lives. We were, once again, a family.
Since these Intensive Releasing workshops
are totally directed by Spirit Most High, through the love of
Isa and Yolanda, we looked forward to each session with great
expectation and joy. Never once were we disappointed. Yolanda
started things off with one beautiful dissertation following the
other. Because several participants understood very little English,
each phrase was lovingly translated into German by volunteer,
Gabriela Neuruer, and I had the opportunity to watch their faces
as the messages were received. That was a beautiful experience
and right then I started recognizing the value of these workshop
gatherings.
Then we got into the Releasing process and the sounds of anguish,
fear, anger and despair were gradually converted into tears of
joy and personal insight, satisfaction and reward. Everyone could
feel what was going on though it is hard to put into words. There
was a general feeling of joyful expectation that gradually manifested
in all of us, no matter how long it took or how hard we had to
work at it. With the understanding and patient help of our partners
under the ever present supervision and love of Isa and Yolanda
we were able to benefit from the Release process. When the evenings
came we were totally exhausted but happy and looking forward to
the next day.
The Releasing continued throughout our activities. When Spirit
Most High directed, a radiantly smiling Isa worked with each member
of the group. In silence, he 'tuned in' to our needs and balanced
our energies, occasionally asking us to release specific hurts
and fears. I am sure some would have wanted to perpetuate it as
long as possible for here we were at the Mecca of Releasing in
a very small but loving group.
As a bonus, Spirit Most High directed us
to listen to the insightful work of the original owner of The
Center for New Beginnings, Dr. Joseph C. Whitner, Th.M. He carried
us through a short history of the development of civilization
from the tribal stage, through the agricultural, industrial and
present day global reality. His vision is to find areas of similar,
not separate, beliefs and philosophy for all religions and society
at large to reach a common ground. These were welcomed words.
Then we considered the channeled Prayer for Healing that I was
inspired to share with the group. It offered suggestions that
can be incorporated into approaches to help our fellowmen through
our eclectic practices.
We welcomed Naima, who was granted special permission to arrive
a bit late due to her busy medical practice in Florida. Being
a progressive thinking physician, she eagerly joined us to hear
the pearls of wisdom and experience the blessings that were being
offered to us from moment to moment. She, along with the group,
witnessed the beautiful channeling sessions through Yolanda. Once
more the faces reminded me of what it would have been like to
be sitting at the feet of our dear friend and brother Jesus. The
atmosphere was a holy one and the tears flowed out of sheer recognition
that we were in the presence of truth.
On a lighter note we allowed our creative juices to flow on Holy Thursday Evening. Thursday happens to be the special night of the week traditionally set aside during these 7 day events to allow the 'child within' to come out and celebrate life with fun and laughter. It all started with an email received from "Willy" Shakespeare dedicating an "Ode" to Isa and Yolanda. Then came the belly dancers in a spectacular presentation to Isa, as he sat on his throne. The feeling was that Isa would never be able to Release his harem. The dancing, choreographed by Lisa, was as exciting as if we had been transported to distant Istanbul. Who can ever forget Killol as the god of creation directing his human chain to join hands and move in symbolic manifestation of his will? There was Reiko and his stories, Kathy and Peter with their dancing to the chorus of the group singing. The philosopher chicken was next and we all joined in the commercial and the birthing of the magical egg, which we all signed and presented to our dear teachers in remembrance of this meeting.
But still, there was more. The masters themselves, Isa and Yolanda, presented a skit which transitioned two old folks from their contemplative state of feeling senile, bored and 'put out to pasture' into a rejuvenated couple who inspired us all with their song and dance. The occasion was one of laughter till it hurt. There is nothing like the sound of human laughter and this night was for the enjoyment of the moment. It was an evening to remember.
Personal breakthroughs were happening all the time and these were shared with the group of experienced 'Release facilitators' and teachers in the making. Once more we were joined by Joseph Whitner who guided us into the nearby woods to visit the tomb of an ancient native American princess. A bronze plaque told her story and we followed the tradition of hundreds before us by placing a small commemorative stone upon the mound of her gravesite. We all enjoyed the spring waters which flow in the area that legend proclaims kept the princess beautiful and prevented her from aging until a young brave from another tribe captured her for his bride. As she later lay dying he returned her to the famous healing waters and the tribe of her birth. She, nevertheless, soon died of a broken heart. We returned to our mountain retreat in time for dinner and as with all our free evenings, we ended the day in much merriment and exchange of ideas.
Saturday, Katherine Walker drove from Atlanta and directed our caravan to the Mountain Meadows Estates where we were given the rare privilege of visiting the beautiful Rose garden and common grounds so carefully created by the small community of beautiful souls in residence. This is too personal to describe, but from what I saw and experienced, too precious to forget. We walked through the gardens of higher vibrations and each one selected a gift thoughtfully prepared and presented to us by our hosts inside a sculpture of beloved Mother Earth. Thank you dear family at MME for this unforgettable experience!
I must express for the entire group our deep gratitude and praise for Killol and Gabriela who traveled at their own expense to offer their services at this workshop. The wonderful translation work done by dear Gabriela contributed greatly to the week's overall success. Both she, and her husband, Killol worked side by side with Isa and Yolanda, every step of the way. Killol, a licensed physical therapist, also trained in sacro-cranial therapy, facilitated what seemed a near miracle. He was able to clear in only one session, a longstanding problem that I had struggled with for many years.
Only a short souvenir shopping stop at Dahlonega, and a great meal prepared by the New Beginnings staff brought us back to earth. The food was wonderful everyday and the staff at the center was always kind and helpful.
Finally came the last day, Easter Sunday. Once more we heard from Yolisa. Then we exchanged our last, happy, tearful farewells, promising that when the call comes once again, we will all answer it with the same degree of expectation and gratefulness with which we left Isa and Yolanda at the Center for New Beginnings. And so it is!