Join my conversation on what spiritual dating looks like…

This is a take on one of my all-time favorite dishes.  Featured on this week’s “Home Made Simple” - Chicken Tikka Masala is made from chunks of chicken marinated and baked in a spiced yogurt sauce, then tossed in creamy tomato curry. This Indian-inspired dish is a mealtime favorite in Britain and beyond.

I think it’s fun to be adventurous in the kitchen, so please – throw on your apron and give it a try!  Tell me how it goes! xxx, Jesse

During the Marriage Equality Movement, I believe we have an opportunity to truly practice compassionate living.  First, we must develop the ability to be compassionate and loving with ourselves, which starts with developing an awareness of what we feel and what might trigger reactive responses within us.  In this episode of “My Life. Redefined.” I open a conversation around the importance of releasing our anger and developing the skills to move from our hearts during this civil rights movement.

Please, let me hear your thoughts.  Peace within.  Jesse

Sammy, for lack of a better term, is my dog.  My friends lovingly call him, Bodhisattva (Wisdom Being) because he is such a loving presence.  I have learned so much in my life from taking care of the needs of my dog and in turn, Sammy has blessed me beyond all expectations.  Never cruel, never disinterested, Sammy offers me unconditional love and is always quick to forgive bad behavior.

Our teachers are all around, we just have to be willing to see them.

This weekend I participated in a dialogue where the topic of unconditional love was discussed.  I was surprised when a participant, a Jungian Psychologist, said the phrase “unconditional love” is over used and should be put to rest.  He believes that we should practice conditional love and shouldn’t be so willing to forgive and move on and by practicing conditional love we can support people in raising the social bar, getting more accomplish in this country.  As he saw it, unconditional love has become too soft and makes us a bit lazy.

I respectfully disagree.

I believe love is the most powerful force available.  We can transform the misperception that love is weak and release the idea that true power, strength, and courage comes from aggression and force; pain.  When a politician takes a stand as a humanitarian and is an advocate for peace, not war; many perceive them as having a frail stance.

Love builds healthy boundaries and empowers people to take a stand in self-care.  I have seen parents use love as a way to protect and guide their children.  I have seen love create peace through upset and destroy barriers that were blocking wisdom and light.  These attributes are anything but weak.

I don’t believe love is something we can fall in and out of nor do I understand it to be limited to relationships.  I don’t see it as being limited at all.  I believe we are meant to love so when we place restrictions and conditions on how we share and receive love; it is no surprise that we feel restricted and conditioned in our life experiences.  Where love is – endless potential resides.

My teacher, Jennifer Hadley has said that “Love Unites and Evil Divides.”  In this time of high emotions and social confusion, I ask that we all consider how we can love ourselves more.  When we feel loved then we are in a position to extend the same grace to others, no matter what their individual perceptions of right or wrong may be.

Love Unites.

It is time to get to work and move into our hearts; if we are committed to evolving into a truly powerful nation, then we have no other choice.  ”How are you loving yourself today?”  is the MOST important question that can be posed and the most important action to be taken.

Your life matters.

PSLA is a non-profit spiritual community for LGBTQI’s, our friend, families, and allies.

Join myself and co-founder, Jennifer Hadley as we celebrate life with music, the sharing of our stories, and spiritual teachings.

Services are held every Sunday at 11:30am 

HERE Lounge

696 N. Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

*Street parking is available

EVERYONE is welcome to join us!

Two years ago I began a journey that changed my life.  After six months of deep spiritual studies and soul searching I had an inspired idea that I decided to follow.  I didn’t know what it would look like or how it would happen, but I knew that I was interested in developing some kind of spiritual organization focused towards the LGBTQI community.  My intention was to make it appealing for people of all ages, accessible to the masses, a lot of fun, and deeply healing.  

I never attempted anything like this before and I had no idea where to begin, but I was committed to beginning.  I called every successful person I knew that had a spiritual practice that I was aware of and ask their advice.  Each person pretty much gave me the same answer which sounded like, “This is a great idea and you are the person to do it.  I have no idea what to tell you except Good Luck and tell me how it goes.”  Ok. So onward I went.

There are many twists and turns that led to the launching of Project: Service L.A. – most significant would be enrolling Jennifer Hadley into the vision of this community.  I never have met a teacher who is so passionate, committed, and pure in her aspiration to live in love. I know I am blessed to have her as a teacher, guide, friend, and co-founder.

I never dreamt that one day I would be the founder of a spiritual community; it seems like something beyond me.  I didn’t have the skill set or experience to run a non-profit organization and yet here I am.  If I was asked to share the secret of how to make something like this happen, I would have to say – show up.  For the last two in a half years I continued to show up and see what was available to be learned.  When my commitments seemed too overwhelming I showed up.  When I was tired and frustrated I showed up.  When there were a billion other things that I would rather be doing I showed up.  

Every time I showed up I learned something new.  I think this is an important idea to share.  In life there are going to be times when things are handed to me that seem impossible to get through.  The Universe is constantly bringing me new challenges and opportunity for growth.  If I didn’t know the power that showing up has, I don’t know if I would ever do anything.  It is so much easier to stay in bed, distract myself with nonsense, or find people to justify my procrastination.  It feels very empowering and fulfilling to rise to the occasion; especially, I believe, when you have no idea what to expect, but are willing to  see what is waiting to be learned.

I invite you to consider what you are NOT doing because you have no idea where to begin or what your life looks like with this accomplishment at hand.  Your dreams may be right in front of your face or more precisely, marinating in your heart.  Perhaps all that is required to recognize these dreams is to make a phone call or take a step in a different direction.  We are designed to shine our light.  I encourage you to say YES to the life you deserve.  It all starts with the willingness to simply show up.

We are blessed.  Jesse

TONIGHT @ 7pm

Join me, Project: Service LA, and the Gay Elder’s Circle for a night of powerful conversation for the LGBTQI community.

You have questions.  They have answers. 

FREE / Love Offerings gratefully accepted.

Location:

Plummer Park, The Great Hall – 7377 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046

*Parking Available @ Park.