Miracles Do Happen

The Set Up

I had the opportunity to participate in a weekend workshop in Las Vegas, called 'Vision,' back in 1995. We were visting friends and were invited to attend with one of our hosts. I've always enjoyed opportunities to self-examine and grow to know me better. So many layers have been uncovered over the years. I use the term 'excruciatingly fun' as I've grown to recognize the value.

There were about 180 people in the workshop. Our first activity was to walk around a large room, silently and, based on eye contact only, find a partner for the weekend. Once the activity was done, we had a few moments to inquire of each other.

My partner was woman, a generation younger, with an interesting detail that could not have happened 'accidentally.' We shared the same birthday. How often do you meet someone's eyes and never explore why? We leave opportunity behind.

Continued Activity

The facilitator took us through a plethora of powerful processes, beginning with calling out those who needed to address personal issues in front of the entire group. That was a bit uncomfortable as I felt it was demeaning to others at the advantage of the facilitator. I offered myself just to check in, not knowing what was going to happen; open and vulnerable to whatever was to be.

Once I stood, in an open stance and silently, the first thing that came out of the facilitator's mouth was completely dumbfounding. "Oh, I feel like you're throwing psychic dangers at me," setting me up to be the bad guy. I was as I said; loving, open, vulnerable, empty and willing; without expectation or projection. I got the sense I was just a mirror.

I'd been taught by a mentor, that when someone was trying to take your energy, give it to them. Just be open and defenseless. The perfect protect is no protection, that way there is nothing for them to manipulate. What happens is they get their own 'stuff' returned instead. I said nothing during their poor me attack, though I did thank them, and let it go. It wasn't my stuff.

The Miracle

By Sunday afternoon, we'd had a number of diads and small groups in breakouts to experience prescribed exercises and processes. We came back together as a large group and were told we were going to be put in a ballroom with the mission of creating a miracle. No other instructions were given.

After moving into the ballroom, the only thing we were given was a microphone. Several people offered their ideas of what creating a miracle might look like, hoping to convince the rest of the group. After a while, no one else wanted to speak and the room fell silent. I walked over to the wall, sat down cross-legged, closed my eyes and went into meditation.

Several minutes passed in silence and then something caused me to open my eyes. My sight was immediately attracted to a vase with a single rose in it, sitting on the floor in the middle of the room. I was prompted to get up and walk over it. I sat down cross-legged again, and just looked at the rose with a sense of deep admiration and love.

After a few breaths, I felt a welling up of sorrow inside. It was profound to say the least. It felt like the rose, Nature, Mother Earth, was crying out in sorrow through me. I'd never felt anything like it and was lost in the sobbing, so deep it hurt even in the depths of my being. It felt uncontrollable. So I gave in.

Soon others were on their hands and knees in front of me, telling me everything was 'okay.' All I could murmer was, 'You don't understand,' over and over, as I sobbed even deeper. How could I explain what was happening. It was an intense and ineffable sensation. After about a dozen people attempted the same, without success in 'pulling' me out of the energy I was in, others started to gather around.

I couldn't look up, my eyes full and tears streaming down my face. I could hear people gathering around me, rustling a bit, though no words were ever spoken that I could hear. There was a 'moment' where the intense feeling subsided, my tears as well, and the energy completely shifted to a sense of deep love.

I was able to look up, finally. All 180 people were in concentric circles around me, with their arms around each other, in a silent unconditional loving embrace, evidently, as that's the only thing I could figure that happened. The moment was serene. There was no push or pull on my energy, no push or pull in attempting to achieve anything, only a sense of deep connection. It seemed our 'miracle' had happened.

The DeBrief & DeLight

I remained silent for a time as the microphone was in use again, only this time with each person sharing the acknowledgement of the 'miracle' of connectedness and their perception of how it was for them to experience it. I felt empty and full simulateously, in a state of pure awe. Then something happened that was so serendipitous and synchronistic in its perfection.

Obviously, whomever had set the rose in the middle of the room set the wheels in motion for the event to occur. I had no idea, so when I finally took the microphone and shared what I'd gone through, as well as I could articulate it, I asked the question. It was my partner, the young woman with the same birthday as me.

The example that I hoped to share here was that even when folks have agendas, desires to prescribe their notions of reality or perceptions of others, there is always a way that Nature (Creation) provides for experiencing connectedness - when we are open and vulnerable. In perfect love there is no fear.

As a male, we're not taught to be vulnerable; just the opposite. So this supposed weakness is actually our greatest strength. Men and women need to understand this if we are going to co-create harmony among people and planet. It is the only way. It is how loving and being loved can be experienced fully.

Zen Benefiel is a visionary author and coach , adept in the realms of personal, professional, and organizational development. He is an ardent explorer of consciousness, delving into the depths of spirituality and metaphysics. Zen's passion lies in uncovering buried knowledge in others, a mission he fearlessly embraces through hosting transformative "One World in a New World " apocalyptic chats. With a unique blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary insights, he empowers individuals to unlock their true potential and foster profound self-discovery. Zen's work reverberates with the interconnectedness of all beings, inspiring readers to embrace mindfulness and create a harmonious, enlightened existence.