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A BREAK FROM THE NOISE!
A special message from Rev. Ed Townley

Dear Friends,

How noisy is your life these days? It begins, I guess, with our own gasps of shock and dismay as we pay to fill our gas tanks or buy food. It includes constant input from all sides on global warming, “green” issues, a frustrating war. And, to top it all off, we have the endless political cacophony of a presidential election. It’s all good, of course, and it’s all important. It’s just a little… overwhelming!

How about a twelve-day break in the dog days of August with beautiful scenery, fascinating history, powerful spiritual experiences – and warm, welcoming people who have no opinion at all about American politics? What if five of those days were spent in a silent retreat at a very peaceful Buddhist retreat center, under the tutelage and watchful eye of Bhante Wimala, the remarkable Sri Lankan Buddhist monk whose energy is expressing throughout the world, bringing hope, support and transformation where they are needed the most? And what if three of those five days were spent in total silence, with time for walking, meditating, journaling – and just resting?

For the second year in a row, Unity Church of Dallas is offering just such an opportunity – and the fact that many people from last year’s trip are eagerly returning again this year is a testament, I think, to just how powerful and joyful an experience it is. In addition to the five days at the Samadhi Buddhist Meditation Center, we will be experiencing two of the world’s great cities – Budapest and Prague.

This year’s spiritual pilgrimage departs from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport on Wednesday, July 30 – and returns on Tuesday, August 12. We will once again be in the care of Worldwide Pilgrimage Ministries, whose accommodations, guides and related services have proved to be superb through several previous trips to different parts of the world. You can see the exact itinerary by clicking here.

In addition to the Buddhist Retreat Center, the trip includes visits to some of the greatest spiritual sites in both Judaism and Christianity – along with plenty of free time to explore and experience the vitality of the cities. I will be with you for the full trip, so we’ll have opportunities to discuss and process what we are seeing and experiencing.

Our friends at Worldwide Pilgrimage Ministries have worked hard to keep the price at the same level it was last year, despite the dramatic trend upward in airfares and hotel rates. The package price – including air, hotels, local transportation, guides and most meals – is $2,869.00. This does not include the five days at Samadhi Buddhist Meditation Center, for which a love offering is accepted at the end of the stay. The suggestion is $35 per day, which includes room, three meals and Bhante’s personal attention and teaching.

Last year’s trip was an unforgettable experience. Its cumulative energy has never left me. I’m very eager to re-experience it myself, and to share with others who will be appreciating it from their own perspectives. Please join us! Because airlines are getting stricter about holding seats, we need reservations and deposits as soon as possible! Please call me, or my assistant Penny Willenborg, at Unity Church of Dallas (972-233-7106) to let us know you’d like to be included. We’ll guide you from there in terms of registration and deposit.

I almost think you have an obligation to join us. If people of spiritual consciousness are going to have an impact on the world in the weeks and months ahead, we need to be sure we are rested, centered and empowered. This trip offers it all! I look forward to sharing it with you.

Blessings!
Rev Ed

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