New Life News
Articles and Banquet Reports

     Echoes of “Great Banquet” were heard in reference to New Life’s event held July 7th, 8th and 9th in Pagosa Springs, CO. Banquets always present just what we need to grow: a light and pleasant atmosphere with new challenges to the old nature that encourage change. Although the structure of the banquets is consistent, each of these unique gatherings provides a much-needed opportunity to lift our level of understanding and transform our lives through Vernon Howard’s life-healing teachings.

TALKS
     At the very beginning and throughout all of the talks we were told, “We should prefer a disturbing situation over a comfortable one, for we can learn from disturbance but not from comfort which makes us too lazy to see the predicament we are bringing about” (Chapter 10, Pathways to Perfect Living). So we were made aware from the get-go that this is a rare place offering insights which the world rejects but which we can take to heart and learn to love. It provides a safe and friendly atmosphere in which pretense can be dropped and we’re free to be honest with ourselves about our inner states.
     The banquet began Friday evening with talks elaborating on the topic “How to Abolish Life’s Troubles,” also from Chapter 10 of Vernon’s book Pathways to Perfect Living. Introducing another theme which continued throughout the weekend talks, Bill B. said the only way to get rid of the pain is to completely experience it. We must not avoid our fears but fully face them. “The real motive for why we do things unnecessarily is to escape pain,” for then our energy goes into evading reality instead of overcoming our troubles. Bill said to relax. “For you to relax, you [the false nature] can’t be there.” From 1500 Ways to Escape the Human Jungle, he read #799: “A right response to a higher truth is to relax and let it tell its whole story.”
     Dave N. explained how we must not confuse love with dependency, quoting Vernon: “To the exact degree that we are dependent upon another, we will be unconsciously hostile toward him.” Real love springs from the same force that created the universe and it is on our side.
     Talks on Saturday, banquet day, emphasized the need to see ourselves honestly. New Life director Richard Wooldridge said you attract what comes to you. “When you complain about having so much on your plate, who put it on your plate?” He explained that once you understand your true nature, you’ll be immune to all fear. “Fear is caused by fixed mental positions.” And since fear and hostility go together, being in fear is always followed by psychic attacks. Then you try to “play it safe” by hiding out or taking refuge in the intellect and thinking you know. You’re processing with the mental, relying on what causes your problems in the first place. He emphasized we should work to feel or sense Truth rather than think about it.
     Gary B. reminded us of the talk about a devils’ convention where Satan told them to “keep people comfortable.” To change we must “seek the uncomfortable.” At another devils’ convention, they were told to triple the attack on spiritual memory, to make people forget the higher. He emphasized that we must study both light and darkness at the same time, using the example of a bird’s wings to illustrate the point. One wing represents studying Truth; the other represents studying evil. To fly, to soar like a bird, which we were meant to do, we need both wings.

FEAST & ENTERTAINMENT
     Food at the banquet feast was bountiful and tasty, including barbecued meats, cole slaw, potato salad, green salad and many outstanding desserts, with the lemon buttermilk pie getting the most raves.
     Entertainment gave us more opportunities to relax and enjoy hearty laughter and beautiful songs. Lynne and Kyle topped the acts with their fun western songs, “Sioux City Sue” and the soothing cowboys’ lullaby for the roundup, “Cattle Call.” It was also clear in “If I Could Only Learn to Yodel” that they did learn to yodel well. Many light-hearted jokes and skits followed, such as the unhappy mother glowworm whose children were not all that bright, and the coach who yelled at the vending machine, “Give me my quarter back.”

HAPPY TRAIL
     After a delicious Sunday morning breakfast of steak and eggs, quiches, fruit and much more, we cheerfully made our way up the Happy Trail to the pergola. We enjoyed the refreshing atmosphere, inhaled the fresh scent of pines, and listened to more inspiring talks, accompanied by the chirping of robins.
     Moe J. reminded us we “could actually be at peace” when we follow Truth’s instructions. Rebelling against our wrong thoughts is critical. As he clarified we can either ignore them or feel free to yell “get out of here”; it’s only the mind which can’t make sense of what to do.
     Both Jeff F. and Robin K. emphasized that we must go through the storm, “go through the valley of the shadow of darkness,” and keep moving forward no matter what, in order to come into the Light. What is required is willingness and perseverance. Moe read what Vernon told us in Pathways to Perfect Living: “Are you willing to pass through the darkness necessary for the destruction of your false self?” For remember it’s just a haunted house which must collapse, nothing real.
     Enduring to the end of the banquet reaps extra rewards in spite of the usual and unexpected challenges, as the moppers, dishwashers, cleaners and packer-uppers know. We heard many exuberant comments on Sunday describing the events, talks and acts. Kyle mentioned that doing things outside of the usual routine shows you more. Karen spoke of developing an increasing gratitude for the banquets and the work.
     Lynne W. mentioned something Vernon once said about entertainment: “You’re there to entertain the audience, and not to be self-contained. Look out at the audience and make contact.” This contact of course applies to speakers as well. Moe said he saw how a performance will depend on the person’s state, though the lines may be the same, such as if one is more or less worried about an act. Other reminders from Vernon also came up: Don’t depend on the audience. Dare to not be nervous. Get outside of yourself. And finally, we’re here to wake the dead!!
     A wonderful story by Vernon was recounted of a man trying to cross a river to reach the other side. It became too difficult so in the middle he stopped. A guide on the other side of the river hollered loudly, “DON’T YOU DARE TURN BACK!” We left for home inspired to keep working regardless.

     Launching the spring May banquet in Westminster, California on Wednesday evening, director of New Life Richard Wooldridge said we need to come from a position of understanding, not from mental knowledge alone. He stated that everything on this planet is designed to put us deeper asleep. When the world is constantly trying to draw us in, we have the power to say NO! “We were not put here to suffer.”
     Preparation for the banquet feast and rehearsal for entertainment followed, with efforts to do our work consciously. Friday evening speakers based their talks on Vernon Howard's talk on DVD 23:2. Dave N related the story of an airplane that crashed, leaving passengers stranded in the desert. The pilot told the passengers to stay with the plane, but not one of them did. They all wandered out into the desert, desperately believing they could find the way out. Finally, one man came to his senses and returned to the plane to wait with the pilot. Following instructions, he slowed down, gave up, waited and was rescued.
     Asa went on to explain more about this same talk, “Let Rescue Come to You.”  We make so many excuses, thereby missing so many opportunities to grow spiritually. Christ said to let “Thy will be done,” not your will. Instead of making excuses, we can give up in the right way and let higher rescue come.
     Next Paul emphasized that everything Vernon did and said was to show there is a way out. People think they can keep the old life and still somehow acquire the new life.  The plane wreck describes our life on this earth. We try to rescue ourselves — with relationships, food, getting angry, buying things, feeling sorry for ourselves and in many more ways. Stop trying to rescue yourself and let rescue from God come to you. See your actual condition and don’t assume you know what rescue looks like.
     On Saturday banquet morning the topic for the powerful talks came from Vernon Howard's Pathways to Perfect Living, Chapter 8. Gary warned us that darkness is working overtime to pull you away from this work. The devil tries to make attacks seem frighteningly real, “but only zombie people like to watch zombie movies." Victory is possible by practicing “Silent Seeing,” an awareness that comes from above. Watch your thoughts silently; for example, it's just an idea that “Life has cheated me.” “Something else comes in to help us by seeing, not thinking.”
     Richard, speaking from a section called “How Happiness Comes All By Itself,” said people willingly put themselves under the tyranny of wrong thought, never thinking for themselves. For example, “Politicians do not speak from themselves, they always read from a script.”  We can practice “mental silence” and see this clearly for ourselves. “The only thing that matters is that we love Truth more than we love this world.”
     Three beneficial exercises were given for our inner work for the rest of the banquet and beyond:

• Know when you touch a light switch.
• Catch yourself complaining and drop it.
• If you have a sour look on your face, see it.

    We gathered for our delicious, bountiful meal, all prepared and served by the New Life ladies. Fresh and nourishing food was followed by more physical and spiritual work in the wholesome entertainment segment. We are fortunate to have extremely talented singers and spirited dancers, as well as students who provide clean jokes and welcome laughter for relaxation and friendly camaraderie.
     Sunday Bill started the class using chapter 10 of 1500 Ways to Escape the Human Jungle, “Let your Mind Work with Full Power.” He also emphasized that we are under constant attack by things both inside and outside of us.
     Jeff said to remind yourself constantly of these lessons. He mentioned Vernon's idea that "the devil’s pitchfork is always in time." In the latest MP3CD The Truth About This World, Vernon said if you want to control people, just make them afraid. #920 says,“Deliberately interrupt your thoughts during the day to ponder an idea of special interest to you.” Jeff also described how things go more smoothly with his job when he slows down.
     Ken, with a section about “The Power of Real Intelligence,” noted the difference between real intelligence and wrong thinking: "AI is us using Artificial Intelligence, while 'the Kingdom of Heaven resides in the space between two thoughts.'"
     Bill went on to explain that our gigantic self-deception makes us ascribe virtues to ourselves and others that don't exist. We can't do anything, but we can see and feel when a higher power in us is in operation. Nothing is more beneficial than to realize that “we can't do.” He gave that great instruction to just do a little more inner work than you want to do each day and you will make it.
     Dave H concluded the talks from a section in 1500 Ways to Escape the Human Jungle, “Let Your Mind Serve You.” It says in #990, "Just let the thought occur to you that there is another way to live, for that is a true and powerful thought." Dave said this world has become a horrible place because we don’t have God in our lives.
     The banquet concluded with comments by other students. Karen mentioned how at a banquet  — while hearing the Truth and in the atmosphere of a right place where it is spoken — we can experience true inner joy. And Kyle realized the banquet provides a glimpse into what our lives could be like all the time. Using these banquet experiences and higher insights, we can learn to “nurture our soul every day of our lives.”

     The right action of making the effort to attend New Life’s spring Irish banquet in Strawberry put us in the position to receive tremendous energy and insight from all the activities offered and all of the events that occurred. Messages in the powerful talks were heaven-sent reminders to seek rightness. Director of New Life Richard Wooldridge reminded us at the start, “Don’t think. Just quietly observe.”
     Nothing was missing to teach us how to wake up, pay attention and enjoy our lives. New Life banquets bring us everything needed to raise the mind, body, and spirit to higher levels. Despite our negative resistance, we push forward and keep walking — or dancing! How uplifting — to leave this awful world behind and to build a firmer foundation for a new one.
     The new speakers’ chair for the talks was the topic of many jokes, including Bill’s warning that it possesses an ejection seat. The Wednesday evening talks, based on an MP3 CD talk, Reach the Ocean of Oneness, presented the image of a stream heading to the ocean. The stream persists thru many obstacles to finally complete its natural purpose of returning home. One of the lessons of the story was to not think of yourself as a personality, but as a flow whose goal is to merge with the All. The story was also told of a man passing angels on a path who was repeatedly given the warning, "You're going the wrong way." If the man finally heeded the warnings, he could turn around and start heading in the right direction.
     On banquet Saturday Richard used the Conquer Harmful Anger 100 Ways booklet and talked about our hidden hostility and wrath, and how to “cheerfully study the false nature.” He explained how the world's power brokers, who have given over their lives to the pursuit of earthly influence and the crazed control of every aspect of society, manipulate people and try to divert us from the wish for eternal life. "The timeless life is real. But you say only Vernon could do that. No, you too can do it. But you're lazy.... Help is here but you fight it with everything you've got." In his talk, Eric P. mentioned that "All the pain we have is because we are thinking in the wrong way” and he gave the essential reminder that any effort “to impress others is pathetic nonsense.”
     Several exercises were given over the weekend for reminders of our work, including these:
1. For 30 days, don’t ever get mad again! You can’t do it because you are trying to make something grow where nothing can grow.
2. Self-interruption: When talking to someone, stop and notice that you are talking to someone.
3. The next time you get into a car, notice the first thing you say after you get out of that car.
4. Look up! “Let this remind you that there is God, who is above all human beings.” The world wants you to be downtrodden and wrongly worship fear and other negativities, while telling you the opposite. Look Up and feel the difference.
     The delicious traditional St. Patrick's feast of corned beef, taters and cabbage was the best ever. Entertainment followed. In the first act of the formal entertainment, Lynne and Kyle's spectacular, energetic singing of “MacNamara's Band” roused us out of sleep to get our toes tapping and hands clapping.
     Many classic Irish songs were sung, including two poignant ones about going Home. The purity and harmony of the lady singers’ voices touched and lifted our hearts. Another pretty song was the Irish version of the popular Scottish song “Loch Lomond” called “Red is the Rose.” And everyone had fun participating in the Sing-along of some familiar and favorite tunes. Also presented by students were limericks, sports and elephant puns, a poem on chopping wood in “Mudtime,” and silly weekly workout suggestions, such as “Fish for compliments” or "Make mountains out of molehills." More goofy puns followed, such as the waiter's job interview in which he felt he “brought a lot to the table.” The final act of the Pretties dance inspired an Irish student to rise for a standing ovation. Nearly everyone made special efforts to work from “dawn to dusk” to complete the new spring newsletter mailing and to make the informal dancing a rousing success.
     Sunday’s speakers referred to a talk by Vernon from 3/6/88 on MP3 CD Volume 18, where a Devil's convention in hell planned to make people even more scared, sick and miserable than they already are. Gary B. noted that people often refuse to leave awful situations for fear of abandoning the so-called comfort of the “familiar.”  Why do they stay when it would be so much better to leave? Well for one thing, the false self does not act swiftly in its own best interest because it is quite attached to its misery. But seeing where we don't want out and where we resist Truth’s help can start to break the pattern.
     Paul W. said what he likes right before the class begins is that “There comes a time when it just gets quiet.” In his talk, Paul mentioned our biggest roadblock is the statement, “I think I know.” “We’ve got to stop giving ourselves our own answers. Give up your way. Then wait to be shown.”
     Dave H. quoted, “In this room God is active and Satan is passive.” He said we are divided, we are not whole; banquets are unique events that “nurture the spark of essence.” The difficulty of waking up is nothing compared to the pain of staying asleep.
     Before enjoying a final meal and returning home, students commented on the banquet's wholesome camaraderie, great food, the fantastic singing, and how people changed from when they first arrived for the banquet. One new student from Texas stated that it was his first banquet, that he went against himself and was so impressed that no one at New Life had an agenda like the rest of the world does. And as a final helpful reminder of what we had learned, Richard said to make an extra effort, and to get over yourself!

     “LOOK UP!” is our new yearly exercise given at the December banquet in Strawberry AZ. This exercise serves as a reminder that there is a God, there does exist something higher that wants to reach us and to help us. See further expansion of this theme on the New Life website’s What’s New page. Another excellent exercise for the banquet weekend was to come awake when you pick up or put something down.
     Beginning the Christmas banquet week of celebration, we were told by Richard Wooldridge, director of New Life, to “have fun!” As Lynne related from a talk she heard, God and Vernon gave us permission to be happy! As Vernon once said, gratitude can take us all the way out.
     Beginning on Wednesday night of the winter solstice (which means that while it’s getting colder, there is more light) many powerful talks did not fail to uplift the spirit and give us new insights. Speakers referred to The Mystic Path to Cosmic Power, chapter 13, to provide numerous reminders of Truth and their own experiences for illumination. Richard told us about what he saw in a supermarket because he had an aim to stay out of people’s way. Bill told us to do one thing right, right now. We were also reminded that we must study darkness and light equally.
   “The Truth about this World,” a chapter title in A Treasury of Trueness, was the jumping off text for the  wisdom extended to us on Friday evening. You can review this incredibly high chapter yourself for especially profound principles regarding the battle between God and Satan playing out in this world right in front of our eyes. As Moe explained, a wrong part of us wants to cling to this world, so we absolutely must put first things first and value what we’re learning here above all else. We were also reminded that anyone can learn how to achieve worldly success if they put enough effort into it, but that is not the point of this life. Everything is upside down in the world and getting more so all the time.  But we do not have to live on society’s level of suffering and despair.
     The morning of Christmas Eve, a story about two trains colliding (from DVD 21:3) was used by speakers to illustrate why we have collisions in life. The problem is that both trains are in me; I’m divided inside, and when the crash comes, the personal damage extends itself out to other people and to events and experiences. Psychic criminals are responsible for the division. But if there is only one train, if I’m internally unified, there can be no collision. Happily, the cosmic police can stop the criminals because they know more than the criminals.
     Christmas morning we were greeted with merry good cheer and coffee, tea, bacon and eggs, cranberry and banana breads, fresh Arizona grapefruit and fresh doughnuts. Speaking from Esoteric Encyclopedia of Knowledge, Richard and Moe gave us vital facts and energized us to work harder. We were encouraged to go on to read the sections in the letter I (see “Information and Explanation,” and “Intuition”). With true intuition it’s not necessary to process with the mind but to “get beyond the intellect and emotion to direct perception.”
     Moe talked about the biblical reference, “Physician, heal thyself,” explaining the higher meaning of self-correction. Talking about instructions Vernon gave us and how we disobey and think we can fake it, he said, “If you really want to get more, you will, you can.”
     We can have Christmas every day. Richard said that we can actually hear the angels sing. Truth is coming down to us all of the time to help us.  By faithfully coming to New Life classes and banquets, we can begin to see how we have unknowingly sabotaged ourselves our entire lives. We resist and fight what is best for our own growth. In order to make more room for Truth to be taken in, we are to see how defiance creates a harmful roadblock that must be replaced with welcoming receptivity.
     A traditional Christmas dinner again excelled and surpassed all others with roast turkey, stuffing and all the fixings, prepared with care, while striving for awareness and cooperation in the kitchen.
     The entertainment augmented our learning and is always a special treat. With exquisite harmony in two favorite Christmas carols sung by Lynne and Kyle, there was also a special appearance by Alvin and the Chipmunks with Moe and Jeff joining in the fun of the novelty song, “Christmas, Don’t be Late,” followed by “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth.” Many Christmas jokes, puns, skits and a poem on the “Winter Chill” were performed by students. Bill, the “genius jokester,” again had us in stitches with his monologue on actual employee evaluations (such as “This woman is one neuron short of a synapse” and “It takes him 2 hours to watch “60 Minutes.”). A Christmas sing-along and a Pretties dance enhanced the formal entertainment. Informal dancing allowed us to loosen up our limbs and express holiday joy. All of this was very healing for mind, body and spirit.
     Come to the next banquet, so you can find out for yourself! Invite the Light! Like Vernon Howard, we too can become real and authentic. As one student described him, his life did not have pretense; he was a genuine and unique human being.

     All New Life banquets provide extraordinary opportunities to see more deeply and to be raised to a higher level of understanding. In September, right there in beautiful little Strawberry, Arizona, the secret messages of the universe lifted us up above the insanity of this low planet. Our attention was refocused on the only thing truly important to us, how to overcome the old nature and to discover the true one.
     Powerful talks brought us many reminders of what we should be doing with our lives, instead of pursuing the numerous distractions offered everywhere we look by today’s society. And we were filled with fun and frolic and an Italian feast as well, amid a gamut of sun, clouds and light rain with the occasional pounding drums of heavenly thunder.
     Saturday’s talks explored the topic of happiness using The Power of Your Supermind, Chapter 10. As Vernon said, “You cannot know happiness in advance. It must reveal itself from moment to moment.” Our concept of time and earthly desires interfere with understanding this. As Richard explained, happiness is not in when you attain something. “It is in whatever happens to you, not in what you prophesy should happen to you.”
     As Vernon said, “No person or no event has any power to harm us.” Gary also revealed mistakes in our thinking. He talked about how we are our own worst enemy: “See punishment as self-punishment.” For example, an event occurs but the punishment comes from within me. One diversionary trick of the mind is that it always insists any problem that comes up is someone else’s fault. This chapter on happiness also explains why “there’s no such thing as chance,” see p. 164.
     On Sunday speakers referred to a talk from the Vernon Howard Higher World series, Volume 13: 15, August 8, 1987, the AM banquet class. Bill said if you’re thinking of yourself, you’re in hell. He reminded us of our PDFs, our precious darling feelings, saying “If you have feelings that can be hurt, you also hurt others.” He related a story by Vernon about a man who was crossing a river, trying to reach the other side where his spiritual guide stood waiting. This of course symbolized leaving this low world for the higher world. About halfway across, the man got scared and stopped. He thought to himself, “This is getting too difficult, maybe I should go back.” His teacher saw his hesitation and fiercely told him, “Don’t you dare turn back!”
     Jeff encouraged us to remember the moment we first heard Vernon Howard, which evoked some references to powerful experiences. He said we must work as if our life depended on it, for it does. He highlighted one wonderful principle of this work, “If you can ignore the monsters, they will go away!”
    To make room for the Higher World, Paul gave us an exercise on self-interruption: “See the useless thought calmly and quietly. Don’t push back against it but calmly and quietly drop it.”
     Dave H. said to let it get worse: “Nothing can hurt you, not the true you. Don’t let people get you down.” His remarks took us back to the idea of self-punishment: “You let your thoughts punish you. Don’t!”
     A rousing Italian song, “Funiculi, Funicula,” began the formal entertainment, sung by Lynne and Kyle with dramatic gusto and humor. Clean jokes and goofy skits followed. Bill had us cracking up with laughter with some funny bumper stickers, while Gary and Jeff’s skit on chickens was full of corny jokes. We’re never at a loss for reasons to laugh and to get perkier during banquets. Without these events, it’s too easy to forget that Truth is both light-hearted and rightly serious. Richard told us, “You’re wrongly serious because you think you’re real.”
     Working with others during the weekend is a good chance to come face to face with Reality and to see we’ve been living in imagination, carelessly thinking we’re mostly free of problems already, like saying, “I’m close to being free of what others think of me.” It helps us to become aware of what really drives us. For example, it’s very likely we’re still looking for approval from others and care very much what they think of us. Without the strong, fierce talks and encounters while working with others, it is much easier to remain in delusion about our actual inner states. With that knowledge comes new understanding. And with the higher guidance of true principles and the good will and fellowship of a group wishing to learn more, we can rise higher.

     “We are either moved by Light or darkness, either energized by Truth or drained by darkness,” explained director Richard Wooldridge at the July 2022 banquet held in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. In the same vein, Moe also referred to the cosmic law that depending on our receptivity to Truth, we are either absorbed by something Higher or by what is lower. It’s one or the other. Banquets urge us to leave the dark world and move up to a new, higher, and lighter state of being. In the weekend talks, many helpful examples were given on how to do this. One illustration of the vigilance needed to discern the difference was given by Gary when he quoted that “Worry is darkness masquerading as Light.”
     Using Chapter 6 of Vernon’s Esoteric Mind Power throughout the weekend, speakers at the banquet presented uplifting talks that spotlighted these powerful, life-healing principles. At Friday night’s class, Moe revealed the real problem, quoting from that chapter: “An individual’s problem is not defeat, inferiority, tiredness, etc…. The individual’s problem is unawareness of his personal immersion in the psychic hypnosis which commands mankind.” Part of this hypnosis is revealed by a glimpse of how most people live their lives; just getting by, trying to hang in there, but really choosing a life of defeat. As the antidote, we are very fortunate in being given the opportunity to live the radically different life offered by Truth’s guidance.
     Moe told an interesting story about how he went to a social event and made the decision to leave early to save energy. The party-goers expressed sympathy that he had to “go home and be all alone.” Moe didn’t view his departure from the party like that at all and we too can absolutely refuse to live from such a limited viewpoint. Coincidentally, Moe had begun his talk by quoting from Psycho-Pictography where Vernon had said, “You are not alone, and you were made to conquer.”
     The existence of cosmic laws was further touched on several times in Friday evening’s talks. We were reminded that these laws are always in operation and even if the individual is not aware of them, the doer must face the consequences if they are broken.
     At Saturday’s banquet Richard elaborated on the section, “The Sure Cure for All Problems” in Chapter 6 of Esoteric Mind Power. He described the tourists in Pagosa Springs as wanderers, looking around for something to do. As Truth students, we always have something to do, which is to wisely use all of our experiences to rise above them. He also related something that had happened the day before. Sitting at his desk, he stopped what he was working on and looked out the big window across from the desk. He noticed hundreds of dancing bugs on the other side of the glass. They were very small, winged insects. He said he hadn’t previously been aware of them because he’d been in thought. “It’s the same with Truth. It’s always there to help with every situation, but the mind and emotions are so active, we’re not aware of its presence.”
     In Saturday’s class, it was often pointed out that we’re limited by intellectualism and that thought is the whole problem. “Thought creates the problem,” said Robin. In his talk, Jeff called attention to the fact that unawareness of our never-ending parade of thoughts causes all our griefs. He said, “Drop the thought, drop the problem!”
     As an example, it was quoted from page 89, “When you see ill health in the light of these principles you see it quite differently; it is not a problem to you. For example, some people feel guilty over ill health because it exposes their illusion of having an all-powerful ego.” Richard said the mind will be very insistent that it must dwell on a physical ailment, but we can go against the mental fixation and refuse to be captured and brought down by it.
     On Sunday Bill added, “The maniacs running this world are dedicated to destroying you.” He said something is always trying to keep us from making the effort to break out. We embrace fear, don’t want to lose it. Bill quoted the recent Secrets of Life message from 50 Ways to See Thru People, #45, “Defeat Tyrants”: “No one has power to hurt you unless you yourself supply that power by fearing him…. You can actually ignore all tyrants out of existence!”
     Gary told a story of a tennis player who made a poor shot in one match and ever after, the first image he saw every morning when he woke up was a replay of that event. He was choosing the pain of defeat. We can either embrace the psychic pain or we can ignore it. As Lynne quoted later (from A Treasury of Trueness, #1224), “The most sickening self-feeling of all is the self-feeling of self-sympathy.” If we consciously ignore negative emotions, they will disappear.
     Lots more was given than can be included here. Many inspiring guides were provided for going against negative forces and leaving behind the false self and this world. For example, forcing and fighting and opposing problems doesn’t work; be still, be quiet. The irritation will get much worse unless you choose to be aware.
     People made super efforts to attend, enjoy the activities offered and learn how to end problems. As was mentioned in student comments, “multiple super efforts” are necessary. The ladies did a spectacular job with providing meals, snacks, the BBQ feast and scrumptious desserts. The lively dancing and pleasant music were also a special treat, with enjoyable entertainment from clean, jolly jokes. As always, Lynne and Kyle sang with exquisite harmony, and danced a polka that looked so fun it made you want to join in. In one skit three ladies proved that chocolate is a vegetable and is part of a necessary, healthy food group! And as Richard pointed out, if you get outside of yourself during the acts, that self-forgetting transfers itself to the audience. A different energy from the world’s arises as we participate and work for something higher. Shy people came out of their shells and actually had fun!
     Banquets always help to get everyone back on track, one person remarked. Invigorating. Encouraging. Each banquet where only truth is taught is unique. The banquet experience always inspires us to continue forward to get free from the psychic hypnosis of this mad world that surrounds and tries to envelop us.

     Heavenly angels really did come down for our Christmas banquet celebration in Strawberry, when three New Life ladies, Kyle, Lynne and Nancy, blended their beautiful voices in harmony. In particular, the opening songs, “Silver Bells” and “O Holy Night,” brought us deep joy, the singing later described as “exquisite, magical, divine and beyond words.” The purity of the singing was a reminder of the effort at New Life to protect the original source of Vernon Howard’s teachings, “which leads us back to our original nature.”
     So much is given to us at banquets, made available for extra efforts in driving in a bit of winter weather, preparing new booklet boxes, cooking delicious meals, working and studying together. As Director Richard Wooldridge said, New Life Foundation has been protected in the nearly 30 years since Vernon has been gone, and it was well demonstrated at the banquet how we are cared for and generously offered the secrets of the ages to lift our spirits.

TALKS
     “Something has to shake us awake,” Richard pointed out. He was referring to the fact that yes, we are asleep, the whole world is asleep and doesn’t know it. And banquets are especially helpful to focus attention on our sleep and give us the needed jolts to become more awake and aware. The false nature was well described in many ways, called out and put on notice that it wasn’t welcome here.
     We received generous helpings of truth principles from numerous talks, books, and speakers.

• At Wednesday evening’s class, the speakers focused on the 50 Ways to Get Help from God booklet, whose 50 lessons serve “to connect the human and the Spiritual.”
• Friday evening, “Mystery Stories for Winning Happiness” in the book Solved — The Mystery of Life were explored. These stories explain clearly and simply many current events and their human causes, such as the “Masquerade Party” explaining the effect of incessant societal propaganda in causing trouble (“accident accident”). (Mystery Stories for Winning Happiness can be downloaded as an eBooklet too.)
• Banquet Saturday morning, Chapter 6 of Secrets for Higher Success was expanded upon. It’s hard to believe how much richness is contained in just a few pages of above books/booklets.

     Here are only a few of the numerous gems that emerged from talks throughout the five-day event:

• “Badness needs no motive.”
• You must give up the childish little bike with the training wheels.
• Seeking the Truth is the truth about yourself.
• You can be free of fearing everyone.
• The human mind is never satisfied.
• Hiding from conflict solves nothing; it only makes it worse.
• “The wheel is rigged.” (Referring to Vernon’s casino gambling analogy.)

     On Sunday the speakers explored a dated talk 12/27/87, MP3CD Vol. 16:25, which says to stay home and sit on the couch, which “allows a visitation from Heaven.” No longer try to make anything happen internally; allow God to come in.

FESTIVITIES AND FEASTING
     Coming to this banquet gave us the opportunity to make contact with an energy much higher than our own. Thank you, gentlemen, for the strong and healthy talks. And ladies, for the delicious, healthy meals and fantastic singing and Pretties dance, as well as to those in the comedy acts, which keep getting better too. We are well paid for our participation with pleasant experiences and deeper insights. In addition to the wonderful turkey dinner itself, a delicious soup dinner served Christmas eve exemplified how extra effort materializes in a physical manifestation above the usual.
     After the formal entertainment, here is where one discovers specifically how New Life is truly unique, as when Vernon Howard established it. There are ‘follow the leader’ dances in a large circle and for those who participate to the end, something magical happens. One’s state changes and feels a new spirit, as it has gradually expanded throughout the whole banquet. If you ever feel it, you will never forget it. You will want to know more. It’s your true self awakening.
     The new exercise for the whole year 2022 was chosen and announced: RELEASE TENSION. A huge idea which touches every part of our day, life and being.  See the What’s New page of www.anewlife.org for a fuller explanation.

     New Life banquets are an ideal place to make a fresh start, to drop the past, to leave thoughts of the future behind and to experience the magic of the present cosmic moment. We were told by Vernon Howard to “live purely in the now.” As director Richard Wooldridge said, “If we are connected to the entire universe, then how can there be loss?”
     Pagosa Springs, Colorado is a perfect spot to enjoy God’s country and learn how to “love the Creator, not the creation.” For Sunday’s class we climbed the “Happy Trail” to an outdoor pergola in a bright green mountain setting, a place to relax and be receptive to where we are at the moment. What is my inner state? What is around me? Wild asters and columbine, a robin singing?

TALKS
     Talks for the weekend were centered around the theme of “How to Smash Barriers and Speed Ahead” from Chapter 14 of The Mystic Path to Cosmic Power. A common underlying difficulty was exposed: though we study the facts, we are not seriously applying them to daily life. As Bill said Friday, “You can’t suffer unless you see yourself as a ‘victim’; but I’m a victim only because I won’t obey spiritual instructions.” We may agree with the idea to ‘Take no thought for the morrow’ [quoted by Vernon from Matthew 6], then we ignore it. Vernon says in this chapter, “We might as well turn into stones if we are not going to do this.” Bill gave a cautionary but uplifting quote: “Dark forces are able to trick you any time. Just do a little more inner work than you want and you’ll make it.”
     On Saturday, Richard explained more about our resistance to following higher instructions. Doug mentioned this contradiction: “We were attracted to New Life and Vernon Howard because we were in pain, then we don’t want to give up our suffering. So I must ‘dare to risk more than I’m willing to risk.’”
     Richard explained we’re not following natural laws because we’re always being tricked by the intellect. “Some of you are trying to process this with your mind. You have to feel something. Don’t think about it.” He said the situation or problem you’re experiencing is not real at all. Vernon cautions, “Do not let the gap between where you are and where you want to be discourage you…. Forget all else and walk ahead.” Our thoughts try to convince us, ‘I’m the exception; I can’t do this.’ “Vernon said you can do this; it can be done.”
     On Sunday, Moe reminded us to relax, and then provided a nice review of the helpful weekend insights. He asked us to prove what we’re learning for ourselves: “Am I better off because I come here?... Nothing is omitted in this work; Vernon explained everything.” Gary said that we forget to look up where something there can help us. Encouraging persistence, Moe quoted, “Endured self-exposure is the cure,” which leads to abolishing “the painful invented self.”

COMMENTS ON BANQUET
     That idea of exposing the false self leads naturally to the value of coming to New Life banquets:
     In the comments about the banquet experience, Kyle described how the mind tries to limit us. “It says, I can only do so much, like there’s no way I can make another quiche for breakfast. But we can do more, much more, than we know.”
     Lynne exposed the delusion that it is misguided and wrong to believe there should be huge numbers of people in our classes or else they’re not of any value. As a matter of fact, with regard to class size, Vernon himself said, “The fewer the truer.”
     Judith explained that, though the false self will feel stunned and uncomfortable in the presence of Truth, this is a safe place to work, and Truth wants you to succeed.
     Several men (Bill and Robin) described how they came across The Mystic Path to Cosmic Power or the right Vernon Howard book which appealed to them most at the particular time.
     Another student said, “I never really had real fun until I came to New Life.”
     Regina added, “What is unique is what one feels when somehow the slumbering True Self, the Spirit of Truth, begins to awaken. One knows he’s in the right place at last and that this is what we’ve been looking for all our lives.”
     Moe reminded us to protect the candlelight. “It’s not out there or somewhere else. Stop wasting time!”

FOOD AND FUN
     Work begins early for banquet prep, and as fabulous food is served all weekend, ladies reap the rewards of reaching higher inner states. Saturday’s feast, spread over several long tables, included barbecued beef, pork and turkey with salads and much more.
     After an especially tasty and bountiful BBQ dinner with deliciously tempting and numerous desserts, we enjoyed the formal entertainment. Drifting through the entertainment were reminders of the Southwestern theme of Rocky Mountains, yodeling cattle calls and cowboy hats. Beautiful harmonious songs included “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” and “In My Colorado Home.”
     The most popular skit performed was the family tree of Vincent Van Gogh (such as Winne Bay Gogh and her magician uncle Where-diddy Gogh) with Bill and Jeff. ‘Circle dancing’ throughout the afternoon provided a secret to the few who know it: when one participates in the dancing and all other activities all the way to the end of the afternoon, one’s state completely changes and he finds himself in a truly new place within!
     Vernon gave us the format of the banquets for us to learn necessary lessons available in no other way, for example to learn to enjoy clean healthy fun with good jokes, pretty songs with melodies, and lively, pretty dancing of polkas and waltzes. We come face to face with vanity and embarrassment in order to break out of our frozen self-absorption in thought.
     Newcomers are often puzzled at first by this and finally freed of negativities if they participate, persist, and come back in spite of the false nature’s wish to escape and hide out. We don’t even suspect how frozen we are until we begin to thaw out and our inner and outer states start to alter naturally.
     New students from Montana, Virginia and Washington took part in the activities, driving alone many miles to come, because something about the teachings of Vernon Howard touched their hearts and they were compelled to know more. “Only super effort counts” and they made that effort. As one first-time visitor said, “I’ve read a lot of Vernon Howard books and seen a lot of Vernon’s videos, but it’s just not the same as being in the class.” He and many others recognized that these unique banquets provide special experiences that nourish the spirit and if allowed, will immensely deepen our understanding of these very high teachings.

     Spring sprung an invigorating surprise on us at this March banquet, as snowy weather alternated with sun and bright stars. One morning students were greeted with fresh snow that sent us scurrying about for winter boots and mittens. As one southern California student said, you don’t have to come to Strawberry just at Christmas to see snow. Reminders to pay attention and to be extra alert driving and walking were appreciated.
     One supreme lesson, as mentioned by director Richard Wooldridge and others as well, is that we want to “see directly,” without the interference of habitual thought. Bill pointed out, “A thinking mind cannot know all is well.”
     The Irish banquet was rich with inner growth and outer good cheer. New Life banquets are truly a time and place for learning new lessons. Even though we likely have read or heard the principles before, they emerge as fresh and personal when we gather together to learn, have new encounters with others and experience more.
     For example, in the kitchen and in the entertainment, surprises and yes, mistakes appeared as opportunities for seeing more. As one student reminded us, “When we fail, we learn.”
     In spite of the long hours of work for some, unusual cooperation abounded everywhere, in the food prep, at the work parties preparing the new spring newsletter for mailing, and with men cleaning snow off cars and assisting ladies safely with transportation up and down the hill. With a right spirit of relaxation, we had fun while working. Two new ladies joined us from Montana and Phoenix and jumped right in enthusiastically with the dancing and the work.
     The Wednesday night class began the beneficial talks of the banquet week using The Higher Teachings of Christ talk (MP3 CD “Heavenly Help Awaits You”). Bill reminded us of the enmity of thought toward spirit (“Thought doesn’t want/hates Spirit”). Eric recalled the vibrant and immediate presence of Vernon Howard, and gave us encouragement to be aware as we interact with others.
     Saturday morning Richard set a high level for banquet day, and returned to the topic of the limitation of thought. As Vernon said, “You cannot do with the mind what must be done with the spirit.” The chooser must overcome dependency on the intellect in order to awaken and transcend to the higher. To receive higher impressions, we must observe how we ourselves block them. The problem, as Richard explained, is that “you can’t be without disturbance.” The mind is nothing but a tormentor, but “relaxation is your natural state.”
     Spiritual perception is above the mental, Bill also explained. Vernon said, “Deep down no one is smarter than anyone else.” But the ego always wants to compare in order to keep its identity going. So, it falls for false fears, everything from the humorous “static cling,” an old advertising gimmick sold to us to cause us worry and embarrassment, to the current and constant stream of negative headlines meant to keep us off-balance. Problems keep the false self going and growing unless we refuse them. We came together for this weekend to get rid of more of that ego and not to feed it.
     On Sunday we got more great reminders of our purpose and aims here on earth. For example, one step down into hell also takes you one step up into heaven. Or leading a useless life does not take eternity into consideration. And quoted from a dated talk (on MP3 CD, Vol.10, 3/7/87), “You don’t want to be free of your hatred of that person.” But as Richard once said at a banquet, “You can change your choice.”
     Paul said the only problem you have is YOU. A good explanation emerged of how we suppress negative emotions until we “lose it” and then explode. The steps for the solution are to bring the negativity up to consciousness, be overwhelmed, and see I can’t do anything about it, until I collapse and finally get a glimpse of the higher way which offers me real help. As Lynne later recalled from Vernon, “God will not lead you into a dark place within only to abandon you.” He can go with us in our journey, to reach the other side of the valley of the shadow.
     We were offered a clear choice, either a return to more earthly success and desires and distractions in the world, the job and more money, the family, our health and diet, or a firmer commitment to these principles and classes. It’s not an either-or choice but a question of what really comes first. (Vernon Howard, June 1985, “Put God first, last and always.”) We have been offered the keys to the kingdom. If you want to see deeper and higher, come to every class and every banquet you can. You will grow and be of good cheer.

    “There’s only one way to win. It’s to replace your earthly nature with the heavenly nature, moment by moment.” — Vernon Howard. That sums up what the September New Life banquet in Strawberry, Arizona aimed for.
     As we arrived in preparation for the fun, feasts and powerful talks to come, the spark which brought us to Strawberry began to grow and flourish. An inner ‘miracle’ started to happen, something which frequently occurs at New Life banquets. Something began to awaken. This happens when our essence begins to stir. It is truly the most unique and nicest experience on earth!
     The banquet always starts before the actual banquet day when you make the effort to come early. You can include Wednesday night’s class in your schedule and begin rehearsals for entertainment. Friday brought more ladies into the kitchen to help prepare the food than we've had in a long while. The growing spirit of cooperation and awareness helped the tasks to run smoothly and led to some delicious meals.
     The unique cooperation with others emerges when the spirit yearns to be lifted, rather than to unload burdens on others. Those who worked together could experience the growing hint of Oneness which Vernon and other true mystics taught, sensing that the egotistical, false part of us could actually be dropped with work and awareness. Before our very eyes appeared the choice: whether instructions and corrections would be taken with a light spirit, or taken with resentment, self-reference and holding a grudge. Hundreds of lessons were offered to us each day and night to nourish the healing growth.
     Spiritual growth only happens when a student makes a special effort to go against life. And on banquet weekend, the more we went against ourselves and participated in the many activities, the more we experienced the miracle of a New Life.

TRUTH TALKS
     Saturday morning, comments before the talks began reminded us to be consciously pleasant. A point was made about cheerfully following directions and how the ego will do anything it can to resist obeying what Truth instructs us to do. The earthly nature doesn’t want to be replaced and it will fight back with everything it has.
     Director Richard Wooldridge began with a description and examples of the “irrational fear” in the current social, political atmosphere. He vociferously commanded, “You don't have to be afraid of anything! NOTHING!”
     Saturday’s talks were based on The Power of Your Supermind, Chapter 9, which is all about solving problems.
     Nothing is easier than to blame someone else, Jeff Fisher illustrated; instead we must FACE what’s wrong inside squarely. We can observe our fear about life events, look directly at it, and it will disappear out of existence.
     Richard was unequivocal: “You’re the only problem you have. Your negative nature duplicates itself outwardly.” He said to ask ourselves, what is blocking answers and higher impressions from coming to me? For starters, “Stop blabbing! You just won't shut up!”
     He described a specific event during the meeting in Howard Hall when some ATVs drove by the several open windows. They could be heard approaching, driving by and disappearing down the road. We can watch our thoughts do this and let them go. A deeper point was that this revelation simply came to him because he was receptive; he didn’t create it. Heightened awareness makes an unforgettable experience, as we release the mistake of clinging to thoughts. Richard concluded with Christ’s invitation, “What I have done you can do also.”
     Sunday speakers used MP3 CD 17: 20, #427, talk dated 1/30/88. Dave Netherton quoted, “There is one way to transcend what’s torturing you, and it is not your way. It’s to moment by moment replace your earthly nature with the heavenly nature.” Vernon explains at length the exercise to practice being One with the Room, with the “absence and suspension of all negative thought,” specifically when you get up from your chair today.
     Gary Blatchford asked us to consider, “You want your way all the time, but how is that working out for you?” He gave examples of how to mine spiritual gold when going to a supermarket or to Walmart by not being just another zombie. He gave an illustration of how an unconscious customer caused difficulties for the cashier and for those in the checkout line. Gary later added, “Shocks are friendly.” Stop fighting reality.
     Paul Wolfe, describing the one right way, said there’s no room for negotiation with Truth; you have to do the work. In the thought-factory, there’s a neurotic “insane demander,” a protester. “There’s no such thing as a peaceful protester and there’s no satisfying it. When you give in to it, it just keeps demanding more.” Paul concluded with that great instruction from Vernon that we so resist: “Stay with the pain,” stop running away from it.
     Speaking from the heart, Dave H. said we say we want a happy life, but do we really? “We want our torment; we don’t want the paradise offered. There’s a devil in all of us. Devils may come in here, but this is the last place Satan wants to stay.” Wrongness was put on notice that it wasn’t welcome and just naturally skedaddled.

FEASTING AND FESTIVITY
     As food prep and music for informal entertainment began, cheerful songs brought an immediate call to a light and festive atmosphere. We dined on homemade Italian fare: Parmesan chicken was out of this world, as was the lasagna, roasted veggie marinara, a Bolognese sauce, salad and garlic bread. We left a little room for scrumptious pies, cakes, and cannoli to enjoy throughout the afternoon.
     Formal entertainment began with lovely songs sung acapella by Lynne and Kyle. Five-second acts and skits were witty, leaving the audience in robust laughter. In the informal dancing, if you were there you could have learned to dance like a chicken, or a bear “who went over the mountain/ to see what he could see.” Or to laugh at bachelors sharing their views on housekeeping. Or hear Karen tell the timely fable of “Chicken Little,” who cried “the sky is falling” when an acorn fell on her head, which certainly parallels current events. Or you could have heard the hauntingly beautiful “Waltz of the Hills” sung with superb harmony by Lynne and Kyle. Or be charmed by the graceful Pretties dance to “The Ash Grove,” which provided a soothing calm before the final thunderous applause for a banquet greatly enjoyed.

GRATITUDE GALORE
     In the inspiring comments on Sunday, someone said, “It been pretty incredible, hasn’t it?!” Students said it was so nice to hear people laugh and see people acting normal. One said people who want to get help come here; another noted the energy builds the longer we’re here. One quoted Vernon, “There's no thrill like the thrill of finding your own soul.”
     Often repeated was the phrase “We are so lucky to be here” in this harbor of safety from a dangerous world. A wish for more of this encouraging atmosphere was expressed by many, along with plans made to attend more classes and the next upcoming banquets. New Life is truly a lifeline as we escape the sinking ship of a world gone utterly mad.
     Our next banquet is Thanksgiving weekend, Wednesday thru Sunday, with Thanksgiving day on Thursday, November 26, held on the New Life property, Westminster, California. $25 total for the entire day. Make an aim now to attend and make reservations at www.anewlife.org or phone. Go against the ton of resistance from your temporary earth-bound nature in order to find the heavenly nature that lasts forever.

     Something beautiful happened at the New Life banquet in Pagosa Springs, CO, while we were engaging in a variety of activities throughout the weekend. Our efforts, including striving to be conscious, resulted in experiencing higher energy and spiritual gold! Here is the proof of the Vernon Howard statement, “Only super effort counts.” What the heart and spirit really want penetrated our essence.
     And, yes, New Life Foundation is different! In his talk, director Richard Wooldridge began with these stunning statements: “You don’t know anything at all. You don’t understand anything at all.” That was a shock Vernon once gave him as a young, new student. And it applied to all of us because if we did have genuine spiritual understanding, we’d be free of anything and everything that now bothers us.
     Using Vernon Howard’s There is a Way Out (chapters 3, 4 & 5) as a basis for all of the talks, this banquet included how to learn from the current social, political and health scares which are all trying to put us under more and more fear.

Friday evening
     Moe Janosec got things off to a rip-roaring start: “What’s wrong with you, being afraid of this world? Don’t do it!” Moe quoted Vernon, “We’re here to wake the dead!” We had to laugh when he said that “some people say I don’t need a microphone.” He encouraged us, “You can know everything you need to know.”
     Speaker Gary Blatchford clarified to the audience, “You’re in prison and need strong shocks to break out.” In a story he related, a friend is shaking a sleeping man to awaken him. The man can choose either to resent and resist the shaking or use it to wake up. Our classes and banquets are especially good and necessary to jolt us out of the stupor of our usual mechanical ways. We definitely benefited from this exceptional effect throughout the three days of the banquet while the spirit was energized and encouraged to come alive.

Saturday banquet day
     Lessons were legion and provided welcome guides to know ourselves. Richard said firmly, “You can’t get this with your mind. It can be done but you can’t do it.” You must feel the truth, but this can only happen when you begin to voluntarily ally yourself with God’s will.
     Richard explained how Truth comes in brief glimpses and quiet insights; there is no sudden transformation. In MP3 CD, Volume 34, Talk 15 Vernon said to hang on to the flash of light. Don’t be impatient; wait on God.
     Paul Wolfe also emphasized giving up our habitual ways. He talked about the sentry, who is on guard to keep the riff-raff out of the mind. “When you fail utterly and can’t help yourself, that’s a right prayer…. God loves a failure,” because the student can then admit, “I need help.”

Sunday morning
     The highlights Sunday morning are trekking up the scenic “Happy Trail” to the open-air elevated pergola for class on the New Life mountain property and partaking in an outdoor picnic lunch with more of the barbeque feast and desserts. Squirrels and birds accompany the talks with tweets and chatter. But as speaker Dave Netherton said, tourists who come here to “get away” can’t stand the silence. “We make our own lives difficult with our demands.” He gave an example of an acquaintance who is dating online looking for a lady — well, in particular a rich one from a warm climate! He warned us, “Don’t let the voices pull you away” from these teachings.
     Jeff Fisher later added, “Silence. That’s where God is, because we’re not there.” He reminded us that “Everything is trying to keep you from waking up.” So being aware you are asleep is a good thing, like the exercise of trying to notice the mile markers when driving and realizing you missed most of them. “See the fact without feeling bad.”
     Bill Brown gave an excellent summary, a précis of the weekend talks, which served as a great reminder of the many uplifting lessons given. We must come to class with complete humility, as Vernon said, even down on our knees if necessary. “My world is a battle. Relax instead of fighting.” Bill said to say this prayer, “God help me in spite of myself.”

Feasting and Entertainment
     The banquet goes far beyond the classes. It was working together in the kitchen, where breakfasts with quiches, tasty fruit and snacks, and a bountiful Texas BBQ buffet were created. Tempting meals were provided throughout the weekend. Gratitude for that goes to the ladies who worked long in the hot July kitchens.
     The banquet was also men busy rearranging tables and chairs and keeping everything clean, and packing and unpacking supplies. It was providing all of Vernon’s books and talks for sale at the appealing book table. It was participating in the entertainment segment, and dancing to pretty old-fashioned music.
     The formal entertainment afforded even more opportunity for fun, inspiration and observation. Western songs by Lynne, Kyle and Judy gladdened us all. The three ladies performed an amazing rendition of “Lonely Yukon Stars,” combining unique harmony with an exquisite bell-like sound of yodeling in a round. Entertainment was also accented by hilarious skits and fun light-hearted parodies, like the western song “I’m an Ole Cowhand” (“Step aside, you ornery tenderfeet, let a big bad buckaroo pass”), and a joke about a dude ranch (I’ll take a saddle without a horn, not much traffic around here).
     Right use of the principle to “risk rejection” in the speaking, dancing, entertaining and working was a signal to dismiss the ego and leave an empty space for higher guidance and a new life. One secret to acquiring higher energy is in going against ourselves, and participating in all the activities. The more we worked, the more our spirits soared — a cosmic law uniquely experienced at New Life events.
     All throughout the weekend, great energy miraculously appeared which left no room for negativity to disturb the atmosphere. Our states were changed, confirming we are on the right path at last, something that is exceedingly rare in this wicked, lying world in which we presently live. Richard pointed out at the conclusion of the banquet that it was evident from being there that we had “Let Truth breathe life into us.”
     In a talk, Vernon said, “You’re not going to find anyplace in this world like New Life where you can come and purify yourself.”

     “This Work has to be the most important thing in your life.” This fact was emphatically stated by Richard Wooldridge, New Life director, and also emphasized by Lynne Wooldridge and many others at the banquet. It was underscored that we mustn’t be either lulled to sleep by the world or frightened by society’s insanity. The only solution which can rescue us from the world’s madness and from our own minds are these powerful principles and frequent, robust classes.
     Many strong lessons and methods were given; talks were loaded with helpful instructions as well as encouragement for our spirits. Saturday’s class on banquet day reiterated that we must go against ourselves and against all attempts to drag us down to the very low level of this world. Richard gave a good direction to use for the weekend while working together: “Allow Truth to unveil me for the phony I am…,” then not believe in the false nature. As Vernon told us, people are “ruled by unconscious attitudes,” and a prevalent one that is frequently exhibited right now is false sympathy, which Richard said we must see as phony. And “you can’t go around hating people either…. Try to bear being healed.” An essential exercise was given to see a fear-thought when it comes up and to immediately drop it.
     Bill Brown mentioned making a “cheerful effort” to get out, while at the same time we must “make it worse, worse, worse…7 times worse,” as Vernon said. In A Treasury of Trueness, #1505, Vernon says, “Make everything, every day as hard as possible on yourself.” Now where else are you going to get such direct truths to work with?! These forceful principles often illustrate that we must do the exact opposite of what everyone and everything out there tells us to do.
     Another really useful guideline from Secrets for Higher Success was read from the section The Outcasts Who Came Back: “The most profitable time to apply these principles is when you feel it is the most hopeless or difficult to do so. Nothing scatters darkness so quickly as sudden surprise by light.”
     Much practical information about the turbulent state of affairs in the world right now emerged over the weekend. It was emphasized how people allow themselves to be vulnerable to manufactured fears designed to drive everyone even more insane. As Vernon said in a 1985 talk, “When people are afraid, they’re easy to manipulate.” Talks 20 and 22 from Vernon Howard’s Higher World MP3 CD – Volume 10 were featured and read from when the book table specials for the weekend were announced. In these talks he makes it clear that “The aim of society is to drive you crazy, because then it can control you…. The aim of society is to cram everything down your throat.” And the higher meaning of “social distancing” was revealed years ago on that same disc when he said, “Get two people together and they argue…. STAY AWAY FROM PEOPLE!” This will help you spiritually and also improve your immune system! As did the unusually high energy generated at the banquet. Fear depletes, Truth heals.
     As always, our task is to look within ourselves, at our own mental and emotional reactions. Bill said, “Your house is on fire… and you think you’re going to somehow fit this [teaching] into your already existing life.” He referred to the new Spring/Summer New Life Newsletter that quotes: “There is heaven on earth when the spirit guides the mind.”
     The traditional Irish banquet dinner of tender corned beef, cabbage and mashed potatoes with all the fixins’ was the best ever. How does it keep getting better?! The informal dancing of polkas, waltzes and other light, harmonious music was also very enjoyable. Formal entertainment included many beautiful Irish songs to uplift our hearts, such as “Loch Lomond” and “The Rose of Tralee.” In the jokes and skits, Bill reminded us of some funny Burma Shave signs; Karen had a humorous list of “What I Want in a Man” as a woman changes with age; Judith read a description of the new season called “Hours of Spring,” and Doug added some new jokes to the perennial humor about forgetting things in a poem called “My Rememberer is Broke.” The funniest joke was about Democrats and Republicans, but you definitely had to be there for that one.
     As Vernon continually reminded us in talk after talk, keep coming back to every class and banquet. Thank Heaven our studies here are out of this world and can provide us with unfailing comfort and protection in an increasingly wobbly and crazy world.

     “The singing was the best ever,” commented someone after the 2019 banquet in Strawberry, Arizona. This Christmas banquet was unique for its grand abundance of song — Christmas carols bursting with joy and good cheer.
     New Lifers had the opportunity to attend four classes in five days, which greatly increased the power of the truth to change us while working together to apply the higher principles being taught. Strawberry is a little town about 90 miles northeast of Phoenix, where a fresh snowfall made it an ideal white Christmas, adding to the atmosphere of the five-day event.

Classes
     Like the strength of Truth and Vernon Howard, our true natures were heartened and strengthened by high spirits in the talks that were given. Vernon Howard’s “vocally vociferous” voice was echoed, especially in strong talks by director Richard Wooldridge and Moe Janosec.
     Richard recalled to us Vernon saying, “This message is the greatest gift ever given to mankind.” In no way did anyone there miss a tree surrounded by earthly gifts at this special celebration of the higher teachings of Christ. In fact, we were reminded that “happiness is the absence of me” — meaning the absence of all of my past memories, both what I call painful and what I label as thrilling.
     In the talks the day before Christmas, Moe was on fire with strong truths, explaining how “our suffering comes from defending the false self.” He quoted Vernon, who said that “I can chase out demons. Why don’t you?” To accomplish this, as Bill Brown mentioned, we must first strive to know that we’re presently wrong but can invite real rightness into our lives. And as another speaker expressed with right emotion, “We are loaded with hostility, but must understand that ‘my badness is not me.’”
     In the classes, students passed on lessons given through Vernon Howard books and talks, all available at the New Life book table and website at www.anewlife.org. All the materials are designed to transcend the mental level and reach a higher world that exists right now.

Entertainment
     Former opera singer Nancy Shade dramatized her rendition of “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” so well we could almost smell the comforting aroma of roasting nuts. She then contributed piano accompaniment and a strong, encouraging voice for all other songs and singers. Her powerful mezzo-soprano provided depth and volume, to enhance the other singers’ confidence and projection. Among others, we heard “Joy to the World” and “All Through the Night,” and joined in singing the frolicsome “Sleigh Ride.”
     Everyone working on themselves took part in the entertainment in a variety of ways, in humorous short jokes, skits, songs and light poetry. The buoyant finish to the formal entertainment was a dance by the perky Parisienne Pretties.

Workshop
     The New Life banquet atmosphere provided the perfect “Santa’s workshop” for working to expose and give up the false personality in exchange for a completely new nature. This can happen when allowing banquet activities and circumstances to provide a place for the higher spirit to guide us.
     Students worked hard to make the holiday gathering a huge success, but the secret lies in the reward of the higher energies received both while at the banquet and after returning home. (For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among you. Matthew 18:20.)
     Richard left us with this precept: “I have to relax and let myself go so something else can come in.” Then he gave us this work project for the year 2020: Be consciously pleasant.