Testimonial – Golden Lotus Workshop
I attended Lujan Matus’s Golden Lotus workshop in October and I’m glad I did. It was a taste of heaven, to put it simply, and I didn’t want it to end, and since I got back, I’ve been pouting like a 5-year old who didn’t want to leave Disney World after her family’s first vacation there.
Except it was better than Disney World, because it wasn’t a mere escape. It was a unique experience with fellow earthlings, all of us seeking communion. And learning how to be open to it. And learning what it actually is, by means of Lujan consistently and thoroughly modeling a kind of inter-relationality that is rarely if ever seen in human society.
It’s impossible to describe totally but some examples were the fact that with him– and eventually, with the whole group– it was clear that a yes was as good as a no. Talking was as good as not talking. Drawing attention to oneself by questioning things was as good as sitting in the corner and not saying a peep. No one was cast out, no one was scapegoated, no one was put on a pedestal (well, except for maybe Genki ) . Even when he called people on the carpet, Lujan put in significant effort afterwards to touch base with that person and make sure he or she had the chance to express themselves again and also still be included in the joy of the group. I thought so, at least.
It was utterly weird at times to be around someone— a leader no less, in a group of people who clearly admire and respect him immensely— who had no ego, no mood swings, no confusion, no secret yearnings to dominate this person and placate this other person, no agenda to fulfill other than to truly teach, uplift, and appreciate the beings around him. Lujan repeated a few times that he views all humans as equal, and he is someone who walks that talk. I can’t emphasize enough how amazing this was to behold.
As for the routine, it was very hard, to be honest. There were moves I never thought I would get down but somehow, eventually, I did! This felt good, and was kind of a miracle actually, lol. Lujan’s teaching style was…I don’t know how to describe it…. It was challenging but also nurturing. Slow but also fast. Impossible but also possible. Anyway, it worked.
I’m not so “in touch with” my body, not a good dancer, etc. Most sets of moves whether it’s dance steps or martial arts katas are very hard for my muscles and my brain to learn. But I learned a lot and the Golden Lotus sequence just feels so sweet. It’s like my best friend now. I’m so thankful for it, and for your existence Lujan. Before the workshop I was basically just a few threads away from making the decision to permanently withdraw from human society, and have my spouse be my surrogate out there in the world, doing all my tasks and errands and work for me. Which the kind soul was willing to do to. Because he could see that I had reached some kind of limit. Your teachings give me strength to transform. Things are changing now.
Admittedly I haven’t had a complete life overhaul. I still wear perfume and I love makeup, I still eat meat, I don’t believe in aliens, I passionately support Hilary, etc. I just thought it might be useful to say this so that people know there aren’t uniform rules that students of Lo Ban Pai are expected to adhere to. At least not as far as I understand. I do listen to Lujan’s books (audio-books) almost daily. They are deeply satisfying, to say the least.
I’ll close with some quotes from the last day of the workshop. I didn’t take notes on any other day but during the final class, Lujan was giving us so many gems I had to take out my pen and paper—
-The only thing that matters is how you find the center of your own journey. And don’t fall from your own grace.
-The challenges are enriching. Youth is not wasted on the young. Your mistakes make you unique.
-Soft shamanism is to look within and proceed from the only opportunity that you’ve got.
-Be bigger than yourself by being of service to someone else.
-The craft that you practice is the craft of being who you are.
Thank you Lujan. And Naomi. And Mizpah. And to my Golden Lotus family, I hope to see you all again.
Adultchild
Your blend of child-like wonder and mature observation tells me you are very aptly named, Adultchild. This was a pleasure to read.
I appreciate your forthrightness in discussing your proclivities and beliefs. Being a child of the sixties during the Vietnam War and the burgeoning environmental movement, I had a vision then that soon the world would come together and “see” the “truth” of living in harmony with nature over disharmony,the value of peace over war; wisdom over ignorance, and honest communication over manipulation and propaganda.
In today’s world, this seems more and more unlikely.Of course, I was young and naive. I was and still am an Idealist. The dream of a pure planet dies hard.
I’m slowly realizing that in some ways the varieties of our beliefs are what make us human. And yet…are there not some values to which we can all aspire? And speaking of aliens, if there are advanced, peaceful races in the universe, how did they arrive at their stage in evolution? Can humans aspire to this advanced way of being or are we doomed to our seemingly constant need for self-gratification and violence due to some inherent genetic code in the human genome? Or is it due to a pernicious force in the universe that wants to see the human race fail, or equally as bad, wishes to use us for their own nefarious needs? Why does the human race seem mired in an eddy of self-destruction?
I ponder these thoughts all the while attempting to stay light in my beliefs, open to new interpretations, and hopefully, not always at the mercy of my unconscious, enculturated, socialized belief systems as I go about my daily tasks and interact with those around me. This is a challenge.
I’m weak. My internal dialogue is strong. But I find the movements of Lo Ban Pai combined with my meditation help me stay grounded. Each day I renew my commitment to my goals to remain strong and centered, to stay in the moment, and to stay in my heart. Most days I fail but that just makes me more determined.
This is not about all thinking alike. Lujan never requires that. It is about finding your own heart-truth and your own strength. I’ve said this before: Lujan points the way. Sometimes he has to pick you up by the armpits to set you on the path, but it’s always your own path.
Don’t give up or give in. I speak these words to you, Adultchild, and to all who read this, as well as to myself. Life is strange and difficult as well as beautiful. We’re all in this together now and each of us helps the others to remain strong. If I’ve learned anything it is that first and foremost this change I want to see in the world must start within me. That’s what I didn’t understand all those many years ago when I dreamed of a better world. Those of us who visit this site or who have witnessed the example of a teacher who is so true to himself, so strong, so grounded in his love are the fortunate ones. Being witness to that is beyond compare.
Love, peace, and strength.
Nice Elizabeth!!! Thank you for commenting. It’s good to have idealists around. Balances out the cynicism which is so easy to go towards in this world.
I appreciate that reminder– Lujan points the way. Sounds like you have a strong daily practice. That is a major accomplishment. Maybe you’re not so weak after all 😉
Glad you’ve forwarded this information which we all need to be aware of. Been following Dr Steven Greer avidly, especially in his recent warnings of false flag “ET” attacks which will be detailed in his forthcoming film. This video is further confirmation of the dark machinations of the Secret Space Programme.
I will watch it, thank you Lujan —
This genuinely made laugh out loud.
Also sharing the parts of your life and beliefs that have stayed the same was good for my brain.
Happy for you.
Thank you for your happiness and also for your comment! Always good to know when we can bring laughter to another.
Dear Adultchild – hug! Thank you for sharing the journey on the retreat, with so many beautiful moments. Thank you for your authentic reminiscences and reminder of the quotes. The Youth is wasted on the young was very touching for me at that time.
Hug back!! I have many things to thank you for as well!!! It was a very important journey to share. I delighted in getting to know you and to be around you.