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2016 FMW Conference Report

August 13, 2016  /  Leave a Comment  /  Trackback  /  Posted in News

This year’s FMW Conference was very gratifying for several unique reasons. Ray Kerr, our Keynote Speaker, delivered a tour de force in his talk on “Convergence” that more than succeeded in filling in the content in the broad scope suggested by his statement presented in the Sangha. [RL—I shall present a review of it in the Fall 2016 issue of the Sangha.]

Doroethy exceeded her original intention to present “The Intuitive Approach to Franklin’s Philosophy” by also comparing it to Jung’s typology and contrasting it to Introception. I ventured beyond developing a succinct definition of the term epiphany (with examples from various traditions and from attendees) to attempt by guided meditations to create a space that would be conducive for those in the group to open to their own epiphanies. The result in terms of depth and altered consciousness I attribute mainly to the rare capacity of this group to be willing to engage in the process. Sherie and Jennifer provided very personal value in their Saturday evening special program—you just had to be there….

Everyone was present for the dream and tarot circles (a first), which had an easeful profundity. The music for the conference, arranged by Sherie and Jennifer, created the mood for each talk (except that I chose music targeted to enhance the guided meditations.) Baiba conducted a heart-centered Closing Ceremony that balanced our weekend and set the mood for our celebratory potluck.

For the (I’ve lost count.) year in a row we had new participants, who brought a fresh dimension to enliven our round table discussions and ensure new energies for the continuing conferences. Overall, the theme of realization (Yes, epiphanies may be viewed as realizations.) presented from different perspectives (emphasized by our readings in EP and Franklin’s tape summarizing them), reaffirmed Franklin’s concern in later life that those who seek to understand his philosophy as a guide to their own spiritual development not lose sight of the foundation.

Ron Leonard