November News from Earth & Soul

Dear Friends of Earth & Soul, 

I began to write this letter before the election and then thought that maybe I should wait until the election was over. For no other reason than it seemed we were all waiting. After pondering this a bit I realized it is not about waiting, it is always about now. How do we care for Earth, now? Are we seeking to find light in each person, now? Are we looking for the sacred everywhere, in everyone and in all life forms, now? Do we know the sacredness of our own soul, now?

There is much to be done as we seek to find ways to care for Earth, for humanity and all living beings. In John Philip’s new book, The Great Search: Turning to Earth & Soul in the Quest for Healing & Home, he draws on the wisdom of Thomas Berry, the great theologian who preferred to call himself a ‘geologian.' Berry says the universe is so amazing that it must have been dreamt into being. He goes on to say that we are in such a mess ecologically, politically, and religiously that we need to dream the way forward.

In the toast I offered to John Philip at the book launch celebrations on Iona in September and in Atlanta, GA in October I spoke these words in relation to The Great Search:

You speak truths from your depths which are urgently needed for this moment in time. And in doing so you inspire us, you challenge us and invite us along new ancient paths, calling us to dream the way forward together in The Great Search. 

To each of us I say, let us be inspired, let us be challenged, let us come together in the journey along new ancient paths. One of the ways we move forward together is through the Threshold Community: House Gathering model as a way of spiritual practice which invites us into living sustainably with Earth and living in harmony and peace with one another. Sunday, December 8 from 3:00-4:30pm (MT) we invite you to join us for an online House Gathering

We are also delighted to share Earth & Soul’s upcoming events in the new year and hope you will join us in February. Registrations are now open. Please see the list of February events below, and visit the Events Page of our website for more 2025 events.

A prayer to pray together this November: 

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. 
(from Celtic Benediction by John Philip Newell)

Thank you for being part of the Earth & Soul community. We are deeply grateful for each of you.

Peace, 

Cami Twilling 
Director of Earth & Soul