Dear Friends,
A good year of teaching and hands-on work is ending. I am closing in on 30 years of traveling since beginning my healing work in 1982. This year was another layer of time with wonderful invitations to teach about healing from trauma, avoiding burnout during hard work, and the on going task of ending American torture. I’ve been deeply engaged in all three of these works throughout 2010 as you can see by my calendar.
The healing of trauma continues to have great need in our times. Old wounds and new are carried until some safer ground is reached and then the work of inventory begins and hopefully some source of help identified and used well. Then change comes. Similarly, someone exhausted by ones inner work or work in the world faces the challenge of burnout. Again, finding a place of safe sharing and a resource begins the work of unburdening. When wars are raging and the economy is scary and the general tone of media is vitriolic, all tender hearted people wounded by life become more vulnerable, even those we thought to be fearless.
American torture is sometimes mistakenly thought to have been a problem beginning with President Bush and ending with President Obama. In truth, modern American torture began with the formation of the CIA and the decision to study and perfect torture in the late 1940’s. American torture continues today in our prisons abroad and at home, contrary to general media coverage. So the work of ending this continues also.
I’ve more notes on my blog on my website at www.johncalvi.com, please check it out. Here is a connection to a video of me teaching about American torture for half an hour in Burlington VT this fall. There are no horror stories about torture, though there are some serious questions raised about democracy. I hope you will view and share this-http://www.cctv.org/watch-tv/programs/burlington-friends-meeting-discussion-john-calvi-quaker-initiative-end-torture
These are particularly difficult times for mercy and compassion. While the needs are greater, a tone of meanness and suspense, including a sense of scarcity, grows within our country and our culture. This can place doubt in our considerations of giving. I want to assure you that my decades of service continue with my personal attention to good care in the deep waters of need and your help is vital.
I am grateful for the years of help I’ve received. It’s meant a life work of compassion and service done in various ways in numerous places. Your help now is needed for all this to continue. Please make a gift. Thank you for all you do.
In the Light
John Calvi