Dear Friends,
Well, this has turned out to be a year of stunning revelations and struggles. I began with a writing retreat in Southern California that became a race across country as the pandemic set in. Home by end of March, Marshall and I quarantined and adjusted to the new norms – masked ventures to the post office/grocery stores only, shocking after long careers of extensive travel.
All my teaching work went to Zoom. Client work became appointments by phone. I was happy to discover that the energy work given me was able to be felt deeply by most participants via internet. Requests for my teaching increased as more groups saw the need for help with widespread trauma. The pandemic and frightening politics put many in a state of extreme anxiety and depression. My nearly four decades of work with sexual assault survivors, prisoners, tortured refugees, AIDS, and hospice seemed to be all preparation for the current state of despair exacerbating the regular ills of life. I’ve been much in demand.
My thanks for the many inquiries as to Marshall’s health. His exposure to petrol chemical herbicide affected the thyroid. He is much improved. He is my very best editor and IT person.
Both my books continue to help professionals and survivors. The Dance Between Hope & Fear (2013) is about trauma and healing, plus avoiding burnout. How Far Have You Traveled (2019) is about knowing your goodness, an important part of healing, wholeness, and being of service.
Reviews and feedback have been very positive and the small income is useful too. These are available at Quaker Books and Amazon. They will also be available in ebook form soon.
Late October proved most challenging. I awoke one morning with a frightening shortness of breath. A trip to the ER and I was diagnosed with pulmonary emboli (blood clots in the lung). Treatments of blood thinners, rest/exercise, and diet have brought immediate improvement. A recovery period of three to six months is expected. I am resting at home, am out of danger, have had no pain, and am on the mend. I am grateful for good quality healthcare.
In order to rest thoroughly, I have had to cancel work through December and will not be responding to email or phone calls. It’s fortunate that this temporary trouble comes so close to my annual period of rest. As good health returns, I will focus on my writing and look forward to teaching invitations for 2021. I am relieved and happy my diagnosis is not complicated by Covid. I tested negative. I am grateful to recover at home with Marshall.
Some of you have already responded with generous gifts. I am so grateful that my 39 years of hands-on work, teaching, and writing has been possible via gifts. You are my lifeline to continue. Please send a gift, help me get well, and move on to be of help come Spring. There is still much good that needs doing and I hope to be part of the effort to bring more Light.
Thank you,
John Calvi
P.S. I have lost my singing voice and am auctioning my Martin D-35 Guitar and banjo soon.