January Greetings from Earth & Soul

Dear Friends of Earth & Soul, 

New Year’s blessings to each of you as we enter into 2025.

While the New Year is typically a time we think of for making resolutions or setting new goals I invite you to rethink that this year, especially if you are in the northern hemisphere. In the winter we are in a season of darkness and rest. It is not until the spring that we begin to see new growth coming forth from Earth. So why is it we would be any different? We too are of Earth. In this season let us pause to allow ourselves space to reflect, rest, and renew just as the trees are showing us so beautifully. While it is true we are in different regions and hemispheres so our experience of the seasons will be unique to where we live, the invitation is to live in harmony with each season. May this be our New Year’s intention. 

We are so very aware of what is happening to Earth as we live out of harmony which is evident in drastic climate change and visible in the heartbreaking and horrific fires in the Los Angeles area. We hold in our hearts all who have lost loved ones, livelihoods, and a place to call home. We give thanks for those who are fighting the fires, providing safe places for those who have been displaced and working to help heal by loving and caring for their neighbors. There is much healing and recovery ahead. Let us pause each day in solidarity with those in the midst of crisis. 

More now than ever we need to ask ourselves and one another how we are being called to listen to Earth, how we are being called to live in relationship in ways that care for Earth and for all beings. John Philip's new book The Great Search has already established itself as a best-selling publication. We encourage you to consider giving it to a friend as part of your New Year intention. As he writes in the Introduction, "A new vision of reality is trying to be born." In the blessings and challenges of the year ahead of us, let's be part of this new birthing. You can purchase The Great Search here

This February we will be in California and Texas sharing the Earth & Soul offerings. We invite you to join us for the retreats and events as an opportunity to gather in community for a time of teaching, spiritual practice, and asking how this translates into compassionate action in our lives and the world. All of the February offerings are listed below as well as our growing list of 2025 and 2026 retreats, pilgrimages and events which are listed on our Events Page.

We invite you as this new year begins to pause with your hand on your heart as you read the blessing below. Bring your awareness to what stirs inside of you. May you be well this day, and may you be strong for the work of healing in the world. 

O Sun behind all suns
O Soul within all souls
grant me the grace of the dawn's glory
grant me the strength of the sun's rays
that I may be well in my own soul
and part of the world's healing this day
that I may be well in my own soul
and part of the world's healing this day.
-John Philip Newell, Celtic Benediction

Thank you for being a part of the Earth & Soul community. We are grateful to be on this journey with you. 

Peace,

Cami Twilling 
Director, Earth & Soul