 | Last November (2021) we – Kehinde, Elaine and myself, celebrated our 70th birthdays. It was a spectacular occasion greatly enjoyed by all 116 guests. It was not just the day that was magnificent, it was the whole preparation leading up to the event that allowed for the foundation of this great celebration. |
Some weeks before my actual birthday I had posed the question to Rowena, my wife, as to what we should do to celebrate the day – did we want to have a large party, a small gathering, celebrate with just the two of us, or even ignore it altogether and treat the day as any other day? After voicing the question, we put it aside to decide later.
In the ensuing few days I discovered that both Elaine and Kehinde had their birthdays in the preceding week to mine and the idea of a joint celebration was born. However, as soon as I received the idea, I also immediately had the question, “What’s the purpose?” and nearly as quickly came “You would most likely be dead otherwise!” Ummm ......... I realised that if I had not met Serge Benhayon that statement would probably be true and if not, then definitely I would be in a very poor physical and emotional state, the thought of which has been nightmarish to contemplate.
I also realised that the significance of meeting Serge and reconnecting with the Ageless Wisdom also applied to Elaine and Kehinde, though not necessarily so dramatically, and not only to them but everyone we would invite and all those who have been touched by the love of Serge Benhayon and his family. If we were to go ahead with the celebration it was not just for the three of us but an opportunity for everyone to celebrate Serge, The Ageless Wisdom, and all that has been brought to each and everyone one of us – to be alive with Joy.
I presented the idea to Rowena who was immediately on board and then to the other two. Elaine immediately said yes while Kehinde’s initial response was to share that she had been considering a small gathering for close friends. However, as soon as I shared what I felt was the purpose she immediately connected to the vibration on offer and committed. From then until the day of the event we had regular zoom meetings to plan, take on different responsibilities and share what we were doing and feeling. Dress code for the party was to be Magnificence. Rowena was an equal member of the group taking on the responsibility of the admin involved.
The experience of the four of us working together was a truly gorgeous and joyous endeavour that brought a beautiful intimacy and feeling of trust and support from and with each other.
Everything flowed effortlessly, there was no panic and when queries came up or possible problems arose, they were resolved with ease. Whenever anyone was having a challenge sorting something out or feeling somewhat overwhelmed, support was offered. True group work. It was a continual surrendering process, letting go of any pictures about how the party might present. The flow and harmony were there when we came to set up and in the clearing up afterwards when there was so much spontaneous loving support – all effortless and joyful.
A beautiful comment from a member of the band was an observation she had made whilst rehearsing and we were decorating the space. It was that the common expectation of such an event would be for the 70-year-olds to be sitting back chatting and watching the ‘young folk’ do all the work. Instead, the three 70-year-olds were doing their own preparations, climbing ladders and hanging decorations. A complete breaking of the traditional 70th birthday party consciousness.
A central part of the party preparation was the making of a compilation slide show of photographs of the three of us. This challenged our technical abilities and meant a strong commitment from all of us. To see the changes from our first year of life through the decades to the present day and in particular the aliveness in the last decade was revealing to say the least. To witness our journey through the ups and downs of life to the Light and Joy in the last photographs was truly inspiring and hugely confirming. Of course, I had seen the photographs of myself many times before, however, I gained a new perspective by seeing them collected in this way.
I found it deeply healing, in particular the re-connecting to the beautiful innocent tenderness of my true essence captured in the very early photographs.
It was also wonderful to see the same beautiful light in Elaine and Kehinde.
Editing the photographs in this way was tremendously confirming, deepening our appreciation for where we have come from and where we have returned to thus far. I highly recommend the process.
With the slide show of photographs put to some great music, the amazing food contributed by everybody, the gorgeous decorations and marvellous live music it was a truly stupendous celebration that acknowledged and shared by everyone the feeling of True Family. So, it is a huge thank you to everyone who helped in the many ways to enable the day to flow so harmoniously and effortlessly, to the band Platform One for the amazing music, which lifted the celebration day to an extra level and of course everyone who came to celebrate the return to Magnificence and to thank the Benhayon family for guiding us All Home.
| Jonathan S., UK |  |