Hello All

Hello Everyone,

I am Joshua. I am 25 and I am about to graduate with a BA in Latin American Studies from UC Berkeley. I grew up in a small town on the coast of California. My parents were hippies who ran away from their respective churches in their twenties. I grew up in a town that shunned religion and affirmed the virtues of cultural relativity. Mix and match, that was the best way to find your sprituality.

I never found it though. Up until about a year and half ago I had lived a life that from the outside that was probably enviable. But, on the inside something was amiss. I knew that there had to be something more but I didn't even have the confidence to search for it. Luckily, it found me. Last summer I reluctantly came with my girlfriend to the Center of Light in Oakland,  a school and community of Christian Mysticism. Her mom had been part of the community for awhile in Seattle.

My first experiences were confusing at best. I felt the immense Love and integrity of the priests that ran the center. But, I was put off by the pictures of Jesus and Mary that were on the walls. I had grown up around adults that didn't think highly of Christianity. For me, Jesus and Chrisitianty were synonymous. Despite my critical mind telling me otherwise I kept coming, partly to save my relationship, partly because I knew these people had something firgured out that I didn't, and mostly because my heart pushed there.

Soon I met Father Peter Bowes. He was the first person I ever met that I truly could not put in a box. He defied all my ideas of who people were and how they should act. I felt oddly at ease with him and at the same time I felt extremely vulnerable. I knew that he could see right through me. At first, I wanted to gain his admiration in my worldly ways. I made jokes, laughed at his, and sought to impress him with my wit. He was gracious but I wasn't charming him like I could others. I remember the first time he tested me by asking me something somewhat personal. I made a quick joke in order to avoid my uncomfortableness. He was unmoved. I couldn't run. I couldn't hide. He saw right through me. That was just the beginning.

Father Peter is a true Master Teacher. I know this for sure. He knows how to bring people in relationship with God. He knows how to lead a Spiritual Community. Having been part of this community for over 18 months and now living in the Oakland center I can testify to the amazing amount of healing that I have seen here. People really transform. People really let go and let god. Potheads turn into active, selfless, dynamic beings. Egoic chauvinists turn into humble servants. Spineless pushovers gain the gift of power and love. Handless maidens co-create. This is not hype. This is Love. This is a real path. It is Spiritual graduate school. It is for people who want to klck it into high gear. It is for people who want to change as much as they can in this lifetime in order to be in tune with God's will. There is something so much greater than our minds, our thoughts, and our pride. Here are real teachers who will love you all the way to real relationship with God. And it is nothing like what your mind says it is. Let go of your fears. Let go of your concepts. Real inner peace is possible. The Spiritual Path is the greatest rebellion you can ever manifest. It is the rebellion against the mind of the world that does not believe real love exists.

Blessings,
Joshua

Centers of Light

Father Peter on You Tube. Email him. Ask him a question. Let me know how it goes.