The JCC Senior Club took a trip to the Edgar Cayce A.R.E. Center at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront on Wednesday, June 17.
Boarding a charter bus, the 30 participants first stopped at the Session Café located in the original hospital building at the top of a hill on 67th Street. The Cafe’s seating boasts an almost entirely clear view of the oceanfront as tables wrap around a sun porch of the front and sides of the building. It also overlooks a stone labyrinth and reflexology path, as well as a meditation garden with a fishpond and bamboo forest.
Next, the group moved to the main Visitor Center and spent half an hour perusing the bookstore and gift shop. It was a warm day, so others sat and gathered in the foyer watching an informational video on Cayce.
Two knowledgeable guides led the group on a tour that started on the third floor where the Meditation Room is located. The room has seating for about 40 people, with a floor-to-ceiling view of the ocean, as well as large crystals in each corner. Vibrant stained-glass box windows shone at the top of one of the walls, each color representing one of the chakras.
Originally from Kentucky, Cayce decided to build the hospital in Virginia Beach after “being directed to do so in a reading.” Attendees learned that he saw himself as a servant and his mission was to offer practical, spiritual, and holistic guidance for living a purposeful life. Known as the Sleeping Prophet, the guide explained Cayce’s process of giving readings in a self-hypnotic state.
The library is located on the second floor and although it was closed for renovations, it houses the sofa that Cayce laid on during his readings as well as an abundance of books on all aspects of spirituality. Detailed readings by Cayce are also archived and available for members of the center to view and study.
The trip was a success and proved that outings are desired by the senior community. In fact, at least five people wanted to join after the registration date closed.
For more information on the Senior Club, senior activities, or to offer suggestions and feedback, contact Sarah Cooper at scooper@ujft.org or call 757-452-3184.
