Monday, November 2, 2009

THE UNIVERSAL FLAG in AWARENESS MAGAZINE - November/December 2009 Issue








THE UNIVERSAL FLAG...
A Resource for Peace
& Prosperity

By Lexi Soulios




Change can be simple... and it needn’t take heroic effort on any one of our parts to help the world spin in a more positive direction. Just think of all the issues that you would like to see resolved… poverty, hunger, violence, cruelty, greed. At the root of them all is one very simple,yet powerful belief: that we are all separate — that we are separate from the source who created us, and that we are separate from other beings and other things.

If we want to experience real peace and prosperity in our lifetime, we need not take it upon ourselves to change the entire world. Instead, we can simply embrace and share another belief, a different vision of reality — one that affirms our inextricable connection with all of life.

Together, we can recognize every living being, idea and energy form as a valid and worthwhile part of our own life experience. From this position, we become powerful, inclusive of that which may have once scared us, and we align ourselves with the monumental forces of Grace. When we do this, the world may seem to change before our very eyes.

Consider some of the great philanthropists of our time — Oprah, Bono, Bill Gates. Rather than living from a tiny, fragmented place of isolation, these humans extend themselves from a larger impulse of the heart, reaching out to those in need.

Their fundamental sense of connection with the world not only calls them into service in the first place, but it connects them with a larger flow of love bringing to them everyone and everything they need in order to be effective.

With each being they help, a bold and fearless statement is made, reminding us all that our world is beautifully connected and in that connection, it is sacred.

For those of us who may see ourselves now as having far less resources to work with than Oprah or Bono, we can still begin where we are. We can start right here by committing ourselves to the higher truth of life’s interconnection and sharing this understanding through a symbol that embraces us all, the Universal Flag.

Rather than representing any one group, race, creed or religion, the Universal Flag is a symbol that includes all of life. Without discounting the value of diversity and uniqueness, the Universal Flag elegantly beckons us to a higher way of living and being in our world.

Since its creation several years ago, people all over the globe have taken ownership of this symbol, proudly flying the flag in their homes, schools, offices, churches, and community centers. It is flying at the Center for Spiritual Living in Las Vegas, with Kaiwa in Uganda, in the town and provinces of Freetown, Sierra Leone, and with a man named Fred who teaches soccer to homeless orphans in America. And recently, its vital message of Oneness has even inspired the creation of a theme song.

Sharon Benson, a renowned songwriter, musician and lead vocalist of her band Soul Dogs (a.k.a. The Cosmic Rescue Team when the late legendary actor David Carradine took the stage), has teamed up with friend and fellow musician, Michael Zephro to write “The Universal Flag.” The song celebrates the flag’s message of Oneness and invites us to fly the flag for peace, unity, equality, diversity and harmony.

Benson and Zephro make it clear that the process of change is in our hands and that it needn’t be difficult. As we listen to the calming, sultry backdrop of jazz instrumentation, we can hear their invitation to a new paradigm and begin considering how easy it just may be to come together.

In addition to her work on “The Universal Flag” song, Sharon collaborated with Susana Bastarrica, founder of the Vigil for International Peace & Ecology, in order to bring the Universal Flag to the Peace Vigil during this year’s United Nation’s International Day of Peace celebration in Central Park.

In 2001, the UN unanimously passed a resolution designating September 21 as an “International Day of Peace,” with the intention of urging the entire world to observe a full day of “global cease fire and nonviolence.”

In support of this objective, Bastarrica’s Vigil for International Peace provides a venue for the people of New York City to come together and demonstrate the power of prayer and intent as a way to heal and empower.

It is a one-day event that took place this year on September 19 with art, music, dance, peace meditations, talks by international and local peacemakers and representatives from world religions. All day long, thanks to Benson’s inspired efforts, the Universal Flag was also there, flying high right alongside the flags of many nations.

The vigil culminated in the evening with a grand finale celebration, which included Benson performing “The Universal Flag” to the entire crowd. She was accompanied by water activist, William “Waterway” Marks on the Native American flute.

Sharon Benson’s involvement with the flag came out of a conversation with Brian McClure, founder of the Universal Flag Foundation. The two share a deep comprehension of the underlying reality of life’s inherent holism and a passion for helping to create a more peaceful, prosperous life for everyone on our planet.
They both understand how important a tool the Universal Flag can be in our times of political, financial and social upheaval. The flag can help us focus attention on what we want to create, rather than who is to blame.

McClure is excited to see so many people beginning to recognize the flag as a means of empowering themselves. As he says, “When we begin to see everything in our world as interrelated, our hearts begin to open and we find ourselves in a world of infinite possibilities. Positive change becomes a natural, organic outpouring of that.”

This is the kind of transformation he hopes to be a part of, where individuals around the globe change the world through a simple shift in their thoughts, an opening in their hearts.

We can each be a part of this forward evolution by realizing that the Universal Flag is a symbol for us all; it is a resource to help lift our spirits and raise the consciousness in our homes and communities. Every time we raise the flag or display the symbol, we send out a signal of love, a beacon of hope, a call to imagine the infinite possibilities that are available if we begin seeing our lives through the eyes of Oneness. And this is what will ultimately heal the world.

So in the words of Sharon Benson and Mike Zephro, “Let’s raise the flag, the Universal Flag... fly it high for everyone to see.”

Universal Flags can be purchased at the non-profit Foundation’s website, www.universalflag.org
To have Brian speak at your event: please call Steve at (818) 848-3213 or email: thebusinessmuse@gmail.com

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 9 A W A R E N E S S M A G A Z I N E / 31

Visit Awareness Magazine here:
http://www.awarenessmag.com/sepoct09/so09_page_one.htm
http://flipflashpages.uniflip.com/1/19152/40407/pub/index.html

Vigil Grand Finale Photo by Lysiane Ribeiro, MD, MPH

http://asseenbymephotosbylee.blogspot.com/2009/10/peace-day-in-central-park-9-19-09-part_16.html


Friday, October 9, 2009

SOUL DOGS Rocks @ CASTAIC DAYS - Saturday, OCTOBER 10th at 5:30 PM!


SOUL DOGS will be Rockin' at CASTAIC DAYS this Saturday, OCTOBER 10th - Showtime: 5:30 PM!

We are proud to be part of the Entertainment Roster of Original Bands playing all day for Santa Clarita Valley's ONLY Outdoor Festival featuring ORIGINAL MUSIC ONLY!!

CASTAIC DAYS is an outdoor Music & Family Festival at Castaic Lake.
Saturday, October 10, 2009 - 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM.

The event itself is FREE! Just pay for parking.

Bring a Blanket, Cooler, Chill by The Lake, & Listen to lots of Great Original Music! Who Knows... Ya might even want to get up & DANCE!!!
Some Additional Festival Activities include: Hot Air Balloon Rides, Rock Climb, Vintage Car Show, Interactive Drum Circle, Arts & Crafts vendors and more!
Castaic Lake is a perfect place to picnic, play and hang outdoors with family & friends!!

LOCATION: Castaic Lake Recreation Area - 32132 Castaic Lake Drive - Castaic, CA 91384

Directions from South to North:
I-5 North - Take the PARKER RD exit, EXIT 176A, toward CASTAIC - Turn RIGHT onto RIDGE ROUTE RD.
Turn RIGHT onto CASTAIC LAKE DR. - 32132 CASTAIC LAKE DR is on the RIGHT.

Directions from North to South:
CA-99 S becomes I-5 S - Take EXIT 176 toward LAKE HUGHES RD/CASTAIC. Turn LEFT onto THE OLD RD.
Turn LEFT onto SLOAN CANYON RD. SLOAN CANYON RD becomes LAKE HUGHES RD. Turn LEFT onto RIDGE ROUTE RD
Turn RIGHT onto CASTAIC LAKE DR. 32132 CASTAIC LAKE DR is on the RIGHT.

For more info call: 661-257-4050 Or visit: http://www.castaicdays.com

We hope You'll come join us!!!

Peace & Blessings!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

The UNIVERSAL FLAG & UF Song @ The Vigil For International Peace 9/19/09 - Central Park Bandshell, NYC

The UNIVERSAL FLAG & The UNIVERSAL FLAG Song @ The Vigil For International Peace 9/19/09

We are excited to announce that on Saturday, September 19, 2009, as part of the weekend celebration leading up to The International Day Of Peace (September 21st) The UNIVERSAL FLAG will be hanging at the Central Park Bandshell in New York City, during The Vigil For International Peace and Ecology. (http://www.vigil4internationalpeace.org/index.htm) and The UNIVERSAL FLAG Song will be part of the Grand Finale!

The UNIVERSAL FLAG Song - A Celebration for PEACE DAY Every Day!


"THE UNIVERSAL FLAG" theme song, co-written & performed by Sharon Benson, and Michael Zephro, was written as a tribute to Brian McClure's Universal Flag Foundation ( http://www.universalflag.org ). The Flag is a Symbol for PEACE, Unity, Equality, Diversity and Harmony, which definitely rings true as a Tribute to the International Day Of Peace. The intention is to raise awareness, and help cultivate a culture of Peace for future generations on Peace Day and every day.

Join Us & Sing Along!

Music & Lyrics by
Sharon Benson & Michael Zephro

THE UNIVERSAL FLAG
Theme Song for Brian McClure's Universal Flag Foundation

WHAT'S IT GONNA TAKE TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER
WHAT'S IT GONNA TAKE...EVERY ONE
WHAT'S IT GONNA TAKE...BRING THE WORLD TO A NEW BEGINNING
WHAT'S IT GONNA TAKE TO DO IT NOW

HARMONY, COME TOGETHER FOR EACH OTHER
WE'LL DISCOVER IT'S ALREADY DONE, WE WON
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, EMBRACING EVERYTHING WE SEE
NO MORE SEPARATION

LET'S RAISE THE FLAG, THE UNIVERSAL FLAG
FLY IT HIGH FOR EVERY ONE TO SEE
RAISE THE FLAG, THE UNIVERSAL FLAG
SYMBOL FOR PEACE AND UNITY(Unity Is We)

SUN SHINES...MOON RISES
TIDES...CHANGING CONSTANTLY
LOOK. SEE THE LIGHT. LOVE ONE ANOTHER
NO REASON TO FIGHT...LET'S WORK TOGETHER
FLY THE FLAG FOR HUMANITY
BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN OUR CONTINENTS

THE FLAG, THE UNIVERSAL FLAG
FLY IT HIGH FOR EVERY ONE, EVERYTHING TO SEE
RAISE THE FLAG, THE UNIVERSAL FLAG
SYMBOL FOR PEACE AND UNITY (This Unity Is We. You, Me, He, We Three is We)

INTERCONNECTION, ONENESS WITH ALL
SIGNPOST FOR THE TRUTH OF WHO WE ARE
REMEMBER THIS TRUTH, ELIMINATE FEAR
VIOLENCE BECOMES HISTORY
MAKE OUR WORLD A BETTER PLACE
FOR OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS

RAISE THE FLAG, THE UNIVERSAL FLAG
FLY IT HIGH FOR EVERY ONE, EVERYTHING WE SEE
THE FLAG, THE UNIVERSAL FLAG
SYMBOL FOR PEACE AND UNITY

LET'S RAISE THE FLAG, THE UNIVERSAL FLAG
FLY IT HIGH FOR EVERY ONE, EVERYTHING
RAISE THE FLAG, THE UNIVERSAL FLAG
SYMBOL FOR PEACE... SYMBOL FOR UNITY...
EQUALITY... DIVERSITY... HARMONY...

© 2009 Biheart Entertainment Group - All Rights Reserved

Thursday, August 20, 2009

SOUL DOGS @ CASTAIC DAYS 10/10/09!

SOUL DOGS will be ROCKIN' @ CASTAIC DAYS
Saturday, October 10th, 2009 at 5:30 PM!!


SOUL DOGS is proud to be part of the Entertainment Roster of Original Bands for Santa Clarita Valley's ONLY Outdoor Festival featuring ORIGINAL MUSIC ONLY - !!

SATURDAY OCT 10th, 2009 - Castaic Lower lake - Its FREE - only pay for parking. FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY - Bring a blanket, a cooler, a frisbee and chill by the lake with great music, good food and family fun. Support an original music festival. NO Cover or Copy bands here. For entertainment - Saturday there will be live music from 10am to 8pm - ALL ORIGINAL Music - enjoy and support some local bands and some international touring artists - Some of the bands booked include - Soul Dogs, Brad Alden (performing songs from new album "escape from suburbia"), Circe Link, The Shrill, Fat Danny, Fentruck, and some other great bands and surprises. A rock climb for kids will also be at lakeside! Castaic Lake is a perfect place to picnic, play and hang outdoors with family & friends!!

Check www.castaicdays.com for more information on business's and other activities at the lake that day.

COME JOIN US & GET READY TO ROCK !

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Balance & The Traveling Sounds with Sharon Benson on Electric Violin @ AquaLounge 8/13/09!

I fell in Love with Balance & The Traveling Sounds at Relay For Life, when I played there with Soul Dogs on August 1st. Now... They have invited me to play my electric violin with them at the AquaLounge this Thursday night. You can check out their music on MySpace at: http:/www.myspace.com/balance123

Balance & The Traveling Sounds at AquaLounge Beverly Hills

w/Universal Special Guest Artist Crystal Nyla and Sharon Benson

Thursday, August 13, 2009 at 8:00 PM
AquaLounge
424 North Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, CA
$10.00 cover

More info:
http://www.facebook.com/sharonbenson7#/event.php?eid=239182785596