My Holiday Message to You 2023

“There’s still so much in the world worth fighting for.” Jane Goodall

“We’re all just walking each other home.” Ram Dass

Dear Friends,

I’m writing early this year.  It’s Thanksgiving Day and I’m quietly home recovering well from cataract surgery.  For me it’s a day of reflection and stocktaking as well as gratitude.

Early in the year I traveled to a meditation sanctuary deep in the Costa Rican jungle to expand my own healing with the support of therapy horses.  Literally breathing mouth to mouth with Wisdom, the more than 1,000 pound protector of the herd, I felt resuscitated.  I feel his calm, grounded, stabilizing breath entering my body still.  His patient openness to receiving my breath in return, in perfect balance.

The world is full of healing, just for the asking.  I came home in March and tested positive for COVID.  I was down, completely unable to talk or work for many weeks.  I began to wonder if and when I’d ever work again.  It took time, beyond fear and frustration, to embrace that this was a continuation of the healing work that began with Wisdom.  Resting in the knowledge that all is not as it appears on the surface of life. 

This year I have experienced the revitalization of my heart and healing in my body.  I have been regifted my vision and my voice.  I listen to the news and I want to punch somebody.  Then I remember that punching starts an arms race.  I breathe in strength and breathe out love.  Love that is stubborn, loyal, and yes, fierce.  Love that sees and speaks.  That both protests and helps de-escalate.  Love that remembers its responsibility and power.  Love, however imperfect, that is brave – for our planet and for all people.

Thank you all for your kind patience during my times away.

In Light, Love and Hope, Jeanne

Classroom Earth                  

The human world is in turmoil

                Yet the single leaf does not forget the poetry of turning in the breeze.

                “I am here for you.  See me and be calmed.”

Civility strains at the seams

                Yet trees stand, dignified in their sentinel watch.

                “I am here for you.  Stand by me and receive my strength.”

Forgiveness is in short supply

                Yet the abused animal, once rescued, has no time to waste on grudges.

                “I am here for you. Hold me and I will show you how to be in this moment.”

Trust grows more and more provisional

                Yet rivers continue to plot their course faithfully to the sea.

                “I am here for you. Sit beside me and be steadied.”

Courage falters

                Yet mountains stand, serene and implacable, though never static.  Ever slowly changed by smaller elements.

                “I am here for you.  Look up at me and know you belong but you do not rule.”

Determination wavers

                Yet the drops of rain never doubt their power to carve a ravine in the mountain.

                “I am here for you.  Let me teach you the profound impact of patience.”

Our teachers are all around us, we the slow students in classroom Earth.

                “We are all here for you – until we are no more.”

                                                                   May 27, 2017 –  Jeanne C. Folks, DMin, LPC