December Greetings from Earth & Soul

Dear Friends of Earth & Soul, 

Greetings to you this December. While it may be nearing the end of 2024 we are delighted to be looking ahead to the new year and new opportunities. We are living in the midst of a tumultuous time in our nation and world and we have the opportunity to choose to be present to one another, our communities and world. 

In chapter 3, on Martin Buber, in John Philip’s newest book, The Great Search, he writes, 

“Every situation, like the face of every newborn child, is calling us back into true relationship. It calls for “presence,” he [Buber] said. “It demands you.” For it is presence that is the greatest gift we can offer one another. And presence is the greatest gift we can receive. Here and now, the gift of presence coming to us through one another and through Earth.”

In this season of Advent may we offer our presence to one another, to those who are marginalized in our our society, to those who are seeking a new path, and open to what is stirring within our own soul. 

We are grateful for the connections we have shared with many of you over this past year through retreats and pilgrimages. It is in these times of teaching, spiritual practice, sacred listening and deep conversation we share with one another the gift of presence as we ask how we are being called into compassionate action in our lives. We each need to discover our unique gift we have to offer and we need community to strengthen us and encourage us in the work of healing in the world.

This holiday season we invite you to join Earth & Soul in supporting the Gaza Relief Fund through UNICEF with the purchase of The Great Search from Material Media. Rob Field, Director of the Center for Spiritual Wisdom, has said of The Great Search, ‘this is not just a book, it is the book for spiritually-minded people seeking wisdom and inspiration today.'

Perhaps you would like to give the gift of an Earth & Soul retreat to yourself or family and friends. The list of 2025 retreats, pilgrimages and events is on our Events Page. We look forward to being in community with you whether online or in person this coming year.

Thank you for being a part of the Earth & Soul community. Together may we be present and open to the new birthings trying to come forth. 

In the beginning, O God, 
your Spirit swept over the chaotic deep like a wild wind
and creation was born.
In the turbulence of my own life
and the unsettled waters of the world today
let there be new birthings of your Spirit.
In the currents of my own heart
and the upheavals of the world today
let there be new birthings of your mighty Spirit. 

-John Philip Newell (Celtic Benediction)

Peace, 

Cami Twilling 
Director of Earth & Soul