Fate indeed works in mysterious ways. As the ancient Chinese saying goes, “When the student is ready, the Master will appear.” In the end, my search for truth ended when I realized that truth and reality were actually subjective – just like the well-known example of the glass of water which can be correctly perceived to be either half empty or half full. It was only then that I came to the realization that no truth is greater than the one you discover yourself. I had tried in vain to get the answers to life’s mysteries from different temples, churches, scholars and philosophers, only to finally look in my heart and realize that the answers had been there all along. Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best when he said: “What lies before you and what lies behind you are tiny matters compared to what lies within you.”
When it comes to the human experience, no one is truly an expert since there is no absolute right or wrong. We have only the gift of sharing our perceptions that hopefully can help others on their own journey. In the face of adversity and uncertainty, we are reminded of our true essence while being introduced to our “other self”, which is central and all-knowing. When we listen closely and with genuine sincerity, we can unleash a new and invigorating power that will propel us to higher states of existence.
***
After we returned from the European tour, we were still in the clouds. We felt we were ready, willing and able to make our final and permanent move. One fateful night, David announced that the two of us would soon be leaving for America to make a life for ourselves there as musicians. My parents were beyond themselves. They cried many tears and pleaded, but to no avail. Our minds were already made up. We were headed for the Promised Land, America the beautiful, where all dreams come true.
Reflecting back on this particular event, I don't know whether this was an act of courage or sheer naiveté. Perhaps both are necessary for achieving greatness. However, had I known then what I know now about the process of “getting there,” I seriously doubt if I would have even considered taking such a bold step.
Images of my parents’ sad and teary eyes during our final goodbye in the airport are still very vivid in my memory. This marked the beginning of the end of an era. My parents were painfully aware of that fact, from which they never fully recovered. In a culture where the emphasis is on family values, this kind of separation is equivalent to a death sentence, and the feeling is even worse since you know your loved ones are living somewhere that you can't reach them easily. I personally never got over the separation. It created a permanent hole in my soul and left me with an unimaginable sense of sadness and loss. I felt like a plant which had been uprooted from its natural environment. Still I never had a change of heart, as if somehow I knew intuitively that this was something I simply had to do. But if it was an end of one era, it was certainly the beginning of another – we were going to America, in search of The American Dream.
***
As a parent, I feel a genuine concern for the future of our children and the kind of world we are leaving them with, especially in the light of the current threatening global, social and environmental climate. I am deeply troubled by the increase in violence today among kids growing up in an era lacking in genuine spiritual masters, mentors and role models. In place of adequate caring adult supervision and guidance, the media and peer groups end up shaping kids’ lives and minds.
I have always held the belief that true and lasting peace cannot be achieved through force alone, but through the power of education and by raising levels of awareness and consciousness. The words of John F. Kennedy capture my sentiments best: “No matter how mighty and powerful we are militarily, we can’t afford to forget that the real constructive force in the world comes not from bombs but from imagination, ideas, warm sympathies and generous spirit.” When we fail to honor all living things, including the environment, we invariably fail to honor life itself. It makes about as much sense as cutting off the branch upon which we are sitting.
Through my non-profit organization One Spirit, One World, I have now embarked on a journey in the quest for global unity and peace. It is a calling of which I am extremely passionate about, no matter what the odds. I choose to live by the spirit of Rumi who once said, “Start a huge, foolish project like Noah. It makes absolutely no difference what people think of you.” After all, it’s when we let other people do the thinking and choosing for us that we deny our own power.
Coming from a region of the world that has never known peace has served as the driving force in my pursuit for global unity and cultural harmony. Senseless violence has always been a near and dear subject to my heart. Albert Einstein’s words captured the issue best when he said “The problem that exists in the world today cannot be solved by the level of thinking that created them.” Since our very survival is dependent on our ability to co-exist, global unity and cultural harmony become extremely important. However, it’s been shown time and time again that the conventional way of attaining this goal – by having a piece of paper signed by some self-serving politicians – is completely ineffective. It is peace consciousness and the scent of kindness that unite people. It is only when people unite that genuine peace and harmony are created. When we finally recognize the sanctity of life and learn to be at peace with ourselves, it becomes virtually impossible to destroy ourselves and others, or the environment. In the words of Jimi Hendrix “Only when the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.”
In the quest for global peace, I have decided to use a completely different approach to solving the problem. My approach is based on the use of innovative solutions that will unite people and will ultimately help make peace a reality. It’s been said that, “the problems of the world cannot be solved by skeptics or cynics whose horizons are limited by their perception of reality.” This is true. Real solutions require daring and innovative individuals who can dream of things that never were. This reminds me of an advertisement by Apple Computer that best captured the spirit of innovation, “Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round heads in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules and they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify, or vilify them. But the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” While it’s always difficult to follow in the path of other greats who took the road less traveled, it’s far more difficult to deny who we are than to accept it.
As part of my efforts to promote a culture of peace and increase awareness, I wrote the following song to capture the spirit of my ultimate vision for our world:
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD
It’s time to unite
It’s time for our hearts to live as one
When we come together
Things get better
For everyone.
And through many tears
A flickering light will shine so bright
And a new tomorrow
Free of sorrow
Will be here.
This is a time to believe
In the miracle of life (love)
Healing our hearts
For the love of God.
This is the time, yes, it’s the time
For the world to live and love as one
For the world to live as one
It’s the only way to live as one
For the love of God.
The road may be long
We’ll learn how to walk by faith not by sight
Turning into heroes
Through the shadows
Of fear and despair.
Through love we’ll survive
And cherish the gift of love and life
Let’s remind each other
There’s no other
World for you and I.
We can say a prayer right here, right now
A prayer of peace for everyone
Let’s say a prayer right here, right now
To share one life, to share one light
For the love of God.
Like life, peace is a process rather than a destination. Peace is not something which occurs overnight, nor even in a lifetime. Rather peace is a worthy goal that will provide a safe haven for like-minded people who are trying to find some measure of joy and happiness while trying to survive on the battlefields of life.
As I travel down the road before me, I know not what I may encounter. All I know is that my destiny awaits me, beckoning me to go on. And the journey continues…
- THE END -
“The American Dream” is an enriching and uplifting book that will take you on a journey of what could be.”
- Juan Rodriguez Flores, Editor of La Opinion/ Leading Spanish Newspaper
“This is a very nice book, and an amazing story told with authentic voice. Geela displays a great deal of courage as she overcomes the odds, without compromising her beliefs and ethics. The reader follows her journey with curiosity and applauds her strength as she is transformed from adversity to awareness and then spiritual teacher/leader. Geela writes well and convincingly. A highly recommended read.”
- Writer’s Digest
“I wanted to thank you, Geela, for the wonderful experience that I had during my interview with you. Your passion, quality of work and genuine warmth made me feel at ease. I’m looking forward to working with you in the future while supporting your efforts to make the world a better place for all. Once again, thanks for the beautiful job you did.
- Maria Conchita Alonso, Four-time Grammy award winner singer/actress
“The American Dream is timeless as well as timely. It contains a message of truth and hope for all. It could easily become a classic.”
- Mary Ellen Bickford, Author of Music For Dummies
“The American Dream is a vivid and moving portrait that not only leaves the reader truly inspired, touched, and entertained, but perhaps more importantly reminds us all of the potential inside each and every one of us. That is the true ‘miracle’.”
- Mark Jeffries, Access Music Group
“The American Dream is a unique book that places itself way up there with some of the finest in the genre. It’s fascinating, entertaining, inspirational and much much more than that. It can easily make for a wonderfully inspirational movie.”
- Joseph Szew, Whamo Entertainment
“Just like in her unique and uplifting album ‘The Veil of Life’ Geela continues to lift the veil of life in her inspirational book to reveal our true nature which is pure awareness, creativity and spirit. Very bold and timely.”
- Katia Yovanovic-Yaksic, Genesis Broadcasting Systems
