My 2024 Holiday Message

A blessed New Year

“After every extreme the seasons righted themselves, and won back the half at least of what was lost.  So might the seasons of men right themselves, with a little help by way of rain from heaven.”  Ellis Peters

Dear Friends,

The “thought for the month” calendar that hangs in my home office where I’ve spent the lion’s share of my waking hours this year reads:   

November: You’ve come so far

December: The magic never left your soul

Two truths that I believe apply to us all. . .   In addition to my cherished work with clients whose courage and trust never fail to inspire, I have been deeply involved virtually with the Center for Excellence in EMDR Therapy in Washington, DC this year. Their focus is the deep healing of the therapist before that therapist goes anywhere near a client.   Master classes in relational EMDR inspired by cutting edge research as well as giving and receiving case consultation among senior trauma therapists have helped me stay grounded (mostly : ) and quietly hopeful about the future.  We can have so much positive influence over each other.  I’ve been blessed to reaffirm the ways in which pooling both our strengths and our weaknesses creates more room for both vulnerability and courage knowing we do not labor alone.

I have never in my life been more clear that my personal healing and healing all around me is an unending circle.  As healing inspires hope, hope inspires healing.  May you be securely held in this circle into which all are welcome.

“I give you an emptiness, I give you a plenitude.  Unwrap them carefully.”    John O’Donohue

In Light, Love and Hope,

Jeanne (Emma Jane too :”)

Blessing For Peace

As the fever of day calms towards twilight,

May all that is strained in us come to ease.

We pray for all who suffered violence today,

May an unexpected serenity surprise them.

For those who risk their lives each day for peace,

May their hearts glimpse providence at the heart of history.

That those who make riches from violence and war,

Might hear in their dreams the cries of the lost.

That we might see through our fear of each other

A new vision to heal our fatal attraction to aggression.

Those who enjoy the privilege of peace

Might not forget the tormented brothers and sisters.

That the wolf might lie down with the lamb,

That our swords be beaten into plowshares

And no hurt or harm be done

Anywhere along the holy Mountain.

                                                                                                                John O’Donohue