Awakening each morning at Prana meant opening my eyes into Heaven on Earth. Regardless of the sounds of the world around me, traffic on the streets and in the air, I heard the joyful noise of the Lord resounding in my heart. I could not hold back my smiles each dawn, inside and out, as I realized such blessings present through my choosing to show up and visit for a little while.

I first visited Prana in June of 2002 when the gardens had their debut. Plants, trees, and flowers were newly sprouting. Shade wasn’t yet present, but the promise of what was to become, a sense of quiet anticipation, was joyously abundant. I’ve visited a few times since then, but this year was the first time I’ve stayed for several days, allowing myself to move in a bit and feel at home.

Some mornings I rose gradually, still on Miami time, doing spiritual exercises before dawn, then meandering down to the gardens once the sun began to rise.

I made some tea and took it with me to sip amidst the flora and fauna, enjoying the soothing sounds of the garden’s gentle waterfalls and bird songs.

My toughest decisions were whether to stroll along the pebbled paths, commune with the fish and occasional cat, try to capture in my journal the exquisite beauty, or close my eyes and enjoy the peace present. I chose them all.

After sweet moments in the gardens, I enjoyed the community of breakfast friends. Being Conference time, each day meant a few more people to meet and say, “Good morning!” and “Nice to see you in person!” Not only was it a treat to have the assortment of wonderful food to choose from, but it was glorious to share the mornings with fellow students of the Traveler. The easy loving shared from one to another, often without words and just a twinkle of the eye, was so welcome. Such blessings of being with those who love the Lord and choose to share that loving kindness generously!

I was especially touched by how easy it was to receive help, whether it was how to fill my cup with ice or find a ripe avocado. People were eager to be of service, happy to share what they knew, and generous with their experience and useful tips. I loved the many invitations to join folks for meals. I appreciated the sensitivity when folks asked if I would rather have time to myself and other times when folks let me know they wanted quiet time for themselves. Gentle compassion along with lots of giggles and gratitude filled each meal time, along with all the delicacies so graciously and abundantly provided by the Prana kitchen staff, over and over all day long.

Being able to walk the labyrinth at any time was another great blessing, a true comfort and inspiration. What an honor and privilege to have that precious opportunity all day and night, to be able to move along that divine winding path whenever I felt moved from within. Now, when I walk at home using my pewter keychain labyrinth, I envision myself walking at Prana. I am there and here in the oneness and synchronicity of my spiritual journey.

As Prana filled with people each day, the quiet joy of the morning turned into the jubilant camaraderie of fellow students of the Traveler, joining together to learn, grow, and uplift one another. That loving energy filled the Home of the Traveler with such caring and sharing, such light and loving service. My heart was full to overflowing as we moved through each gathering, connecting with one another ever more deeply, sweetly, and joyfully. I especially relished the evenings when those of us staying at Prana had the blessings of visiting with one another, sipping tea and savoring our experiences, connecting more deeply and personally, and discovering our Oneness in perfectly wonderful ways.

Evenings at Prana also meant time to take a walk down to Prana West and beyond, into nearby neighborhoods where people smiled, said, “Good evening,” and let their dogs nuzzle my hands. The area around Prana has become such a beautiful, friendly environment, with children jumping rope and playing catch in their front yards while others are tending to their gardens and lawns. When I visited in 2002, I was warned to stay close to Prana when I walked as the neighborhood wasn’t all that safe back then. Now, as I walked each evening, I met up with fellow ministers, all of us enjoying the grace, safety, and freedom present around us. What a blessing to see and experience the growth and expansion of Prana’s light, the profound gifts of the Traveler’s works, spreading into the community!

Prana is such a lighthouse, a glorious beacon, serving and radiating in beauty and loving, and with the promise of so much more to become. In trying my best to bring the blessings of Prana back with me, I captured photos and videos of moments that resonated in my heart, moments that help me remember to tune in to the blessings of Prana’s light and love here and now.

View the Videos from Terilee Wunderman’s Visit to Prana, June 2024

Until my next visit, my heartfelt thanks, love, and light to all.

Baruch Bashan