Happy Solstice everybody. Hope this finds us all cozy with what we need. I know there are these moments of contentment, calm, and peace that seem to get surrounded by noise, pain, and confusion. I find myself hoping, as I do so often in prayers, that everyone in pain, everyone having a hard time getting home, and all God’s children in despair be washed with mercy and Light. I especially feel this for the very ill, the imprisoned, and anyone being hurt right now. It’s a beautiful starry night right now here in Vermont and cold cold. And I feel my blessings of health, loving companionship, and home deeply this moment. And I hope these blessings for all. As the darkness turns towards light, may we hold one another close that we may all continue right on schedule towards our best selves and into one another’s safe keeping.
I’ve had a wonderful year of work. I am grateful that after 22 trips to 12 states, teaching & touching many people, I can now spend some time at home to rest, clear my desk, write, and prepare for 2002.
I began this annual rest period about a dozen years ago when husband Marshall noted that I would do well to take the advice I offered so many, “Every one in trauma/crisis work should rest one week every three months, plus at least one month a year!” As you can imagine this is not easily done. How can we pay the rent or save the world at that rate? But the spiritual task of helping people to heal from trauma does not call for doing our most so much as it calls for doing our best. Our best is quite wonderful. It feels good to both giver and receiver. And the world needs our best now more than ever.
Having worked in 6 states since 9/11, I am very aware that many many people who’ve had past times of extreme danger, have been re-traumatized by the acts of war and the public discourse so full of hatred at home and abroad. To be very unsafe once is to know it again quickly when danger or the threat of danger lurks. Trouble, of course, is for learning, learning how best to respond for our own well-being and for others, for the present and for the future. The current troubles call for much learning. There is much good that needs doing. Our best is going to be needed for a long time. A young Islamic Imam, or priest, has recently taught me the tradition of saying grace before and after meals. Let it be the same with our work in caring for the human race and the earth. Let us surround urgency with reverence.
My calendar next year is already getting full as you can see. I will be using all of the occasions of work this next year to celebrate 20 years of doing this work and turning 50. I am so happy to have a work that I love, to be so well used in so many places each year, and to be able to focus on polishing this particular work into something shining. I am honored by the trust of so many and the opportunity for compassion.
I am also immensely grateful that I have had the support and care of so many people over the years. So many of you who have supported me prayerfully, financially, and with many other gifts, and have done so for several years- even when I was just beginning back in 1982 and not quite sure of the path. Thank you for being generous and loving and seeing my gift for healing trauma as one worthy of your support.
I hope this finds you well and enjoying this season. The cold darkness always moves us to Spring. I leave you with this blessing- May your breath be long & slow. May your eyes rest upon wonder & awe.