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If some great idea takes hold of us from outside,

we must understand that it takes hold of us only

because something in us responds to it,

and goes out to meet it.

– Carl Jung

Yesterday, ElephantTribe.org hosted a fun-filled African-theme party, complete with African cuisine and spiritual drumming lead by Pop Diouf – master drummer from Senegal. This extremely successful afternoon marked the first ElephantTribe.org event! We had guests from all over the world. It was a like a true Olympics hosted right here in Los Angeles, California.  We spotted people from USA, Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Greece, Senegal, Russia, Norway, Germany, Iran, India, England, Hong Kong and Japan…….  everyone brought a unique piece of their culture to the celebration creating amazing positive energy.

The beginning of the event was greeted by beautiful Los Angeles weather with the sun wanting to take a peek at the festivities. Socializing and nibbling on delicious food prepared by Elizabeth and Henrik, eventually turned into a drumming session for all of the guests. Pop Diouf taught the crowd a few healing songs that involved drumming and singing. Everyone participated — drumming and connecting with their “inner elephant seed” making themselves grow into strong and positive human beings by the end of the day …..

Pop shared with us the stories of his country, where “family” is not just blood, it is your community. Unbeknown to us at the time of the planning of the event, Pops father had passed away a few days before the gathering.  A phone call to Pop reassured him that we could be of help to him in his quest to go to Africa and be united with his family at this difficult time. With the help of ElephantTribe.org and its members, Pop completed his quest. True to the intend of ElephantTribe.org, all the tribe members (guests) shared their wealth and made contributions to Pop Diouf. Pops was able to buy a ticket and  fly back to Senegal to be united with his family. Thank you ElephantTribe members. You’re making a positive difference already ….

Life can sometimes be rather unpredictable – and – we all need someone to lean on at some point in our lives – we cannot always do it by ourselves – this was one of those moments where one of my core believes could be lived out …. helping a person through positive action inspiring him to move into a better place within himself …..positive transformation … Pop needed some healing, money and love and all the guest needed to share and experience Pops wonderful energy.  It was all coming together. Being in the moment.

Seeing old friends and meeting new friends. Brightening souls with delicious food. Everyone brought so much love to the party, at the end of the day everyone left with smiles and filled with positive energy. We hope to see you at our next event!

Here are some words from our friends:

Larry & Sofia: “You certainly know how to bring joy to the world. The food was just amazing. One memorable great day. Thank you for having us be a part of this great experience … The drumming was better than any therapy available!”

Pop Diouf: I couldn’t believe how genuine all the people were at the event …… I have never met such are great number of loving and caring people in Los Angeles before.

Pop Diouf’s Son (actually it’s not his own son – but a friends): I’m in heaven – can I come back?

Janita: Thank s for a beautiful day. It was an unexpectedly healing experience. Your friends are lovely!

David: I’ll be drumming in the weeks to come and those primal beats reminded me of what drew to modern dance in the first place.

Gene: Thank you so much.  We both enjoyed, and I even liked the drumming, although my hands are kind of sore today

Peter & Kathleen: Thanks for sharing your sunshine! vistas, friends, music & tasty food with us. We had a swell “good vibrations” time

Mike: It was good to be back at the house and felt very comforting. Thank you for the time you allowed me to spend with you two special souls and the healing that I experienced there.

Marian: We had a wonderful time at yesterday’s party.  Thank you for including us.

During our journey to create ElephantTribe.org it became clear to us that Tina Spanos, the wife of my dear friend George Spanos (website programmer of ET.org), should create the first post in our blog. Tina is currently in treatment for cancer and we’re extremely thankful for her courage writing this post. Tina’s thoughts were exactly one of the reasons why I decided to create ElephantTribe.org. Our lives are more than just one’s self, it’s about caring for each other and sharing our journeys. It is our hope that this post will encourage many ElephantTribe friends to find their own inner-strength in making their own lives healthy, happy, and meaningful.

Thoughts by Tina

I have always loved elephants. I don’t know why or can’t put into words why I love elephants. Perhaps it was all the Barbar stories my mom read to me, or seeing them on nature shows. I always loved how Barbar dressed up like a person, but was far better behaved than the people around him. The only school craft I have kept from elementary school is an elephant piggy bank I made. I have it on my nightstand. When I went to college I bought Barbar bedsheets.

In the meantime I grew up, and have had a wonderful life. I am married to a great guy, have two beautiful sons and I work as an elementary school teacher, which is the best job in the world. Nine months ago I was diagnosed with cancer. My whole world came crashing down and I literally couldn’t feel the earth beneath my feet. For weeks I was in a miserable fog and didn’t know how to find my way out. I consider myself religious, but have never felt comfortable in organized religion, so I somehow ended up at the Self-Realization Fellowship in Pacific Palisades. It was there that I started feeling like I could face my war ahead. My first battle was a radical six hour surgery that I  knew would change my life. I found my courage in Ganesh.

There he was, with his broken tusk, so serene and confident. I immediately identified with him and his difficulties. Ganesh is the Hindu god who overcomes obstacles and through acceptance attains wisdom.  After much meditation, I found my courage and before my surgery bought a beautiful brass Ganesh. He was in the hospital with me for a week, comes with me to chemotherapy and spends the rest of his time next to my elephant piggy bank on my nightstand. I still don’t know why I love elephants, but I am happy to join the tribe at Elephant Tribe. I hope anyone that reads this has a beautiful day and appreciates all the people in their lives.

Tina