December Newsletter, From the Four Directions



	December 2002 Holiday Greetings In this issue, you will find greetings from several in our network. Simple words. Powerful wishes. May these greetings warm you in this holiday season. Thank you all for your ongoing commitment and contributions to From the Four Directions, to life affirming leadership -- to local groups and to global good. May this holiday season fill your hearts with all that you need. View this letter online at www.fromthefourdirections.org/tpl/history.html.
	From Diana Smith Victoria, British Columbia, Canada This is season when those of us in the northern part of the globe experience the 'darkness' of short days and little light, metaphorically mirroring the life conditions in the world. It's also a time for reflection and connection, when we mark the passing of the year, and the start of a new one. The From the Four Directions initiative and our conversations together have created the space where we acknowledge the paradoxes that are inherent in the darkness in the world, the difficult and complex issues we face, and also connect deeply in conversations that shed 'light' on the possibilities of global transformation and re-creation, each and every one of us in our unique, yet interconnected way. Seasons Greetings from Victoria, Canada!!! From Dianne Eppler Adams Washington, DC, United States The Washington, DC circle wishes to extend sincere best wishes for a happy, healthy, peaceful Holiday and prosperous New Year to all our sisters and brothers in From the Four Directions. We met last Sunday around a table briming with shared food, being very grateful for our blessings of plenty. Though 2002 has been challenging for those of us who seek peace and understanding--feeling oneness with all people, we pray that 2003 will bring brighter opportunities to rise above parochial interests toward a united community respectful of our rich diversity. As this planet grows every smaller, our survival depends on it. May you kiss a loved one, show kindness to a stranger, and celebrate the compassion you feel in your own heart. And may you hold hope that as we continue to depend on human kindness, the rest of the world will grow to do so also. Seasons blessing to you all! From Tim Merry Utrecht, Netherlands I am blue … white … cold … late Ah, a company of friends gathered - Fine strong thread catches the light In the peacock feathered room With windows at one end reaching up, Beckoning the world in The gentle pusher welcomes. Check into the journey and place. Many voices: "I AM HERE" Café opens Migration begins Birds circling Gliding on the patterns and themes Living the Network Dance I am red. Drumming in … The tapestry weaving: Hobbits in the safety of the shire Clarity emerges - Like the glass is for the wine We reach back in the now to primordial ooze Cells opening space for creation Bowing to a pattern as old as life Word to love Word to the mother Source of us and every other The centre Opens up wisdom Crystal clear in the moment Prisms out to all of us ALL of us I catch the rainbow coloured ball Check out From Carsten Andersen Copenhagen, Denmark Merry Christmas, Friends May happiness follow you in the new year! Happiness equals what we have, divided by what we expect. Edward F. Erlinger From Barbra Hoge Provo, Utah, United States At this time of year, when the Holiday Season passes through our lives, it is interesting to note the memories that flood in -- of traditions of childhood, of memorable family gatherings, of special gifts, or of difficult times brought to mind by the season. No matter what form your celebration may take -- or with no celebration at all -- it is almost impossible to pass through neighborhoods here, or stores or shopping centers, and not be assailed by the sounds and sights of the season. Perhaps of greatest significance this year is the sight of miles and miles of tiny lights hung around houses or outlining trees…each tied to the next and dependent upon the whole for brightness. It seems to represent the purpose and hope of From the Four Directions. Over the past year, as circles have been formed and individuals have found one another in like-mindedness, the brightness of the movement toward understanding and peace throughout the world has increased…if only in our own individual hopes and dreams of becoming life-affirming leaders. May the new year find our circles growing in strength and number, our traditions including peace-promoting activities, and our personal light renewed in brilliance and power. From Rod Brazier Ottawa, Ontario, Canada A Prayer for the Season Let us pray that strength and courage abundant be given to all who work for a world of reason and understanding ~ That the good that lies in each of our hearts may day by day be magnified ~ That we will come to see more clearly not that which divides us, but that which unites us ~ That each hour may bring us closer to a final victory, not of nation over nation, but of ourselves over our own evils and weaknesses ~ That the true spirit of this holiday season — beauty, its joy, its hope, and above all, its abiding faith — may live among us ~ That the blessings of peace be ours — the peace to build and grow, to live in harmony and sympathy with others, and to plan for the future with confidence. From Judi Richardson Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada From the newly-formed, small and mightly Halifax Group The Chanukah candles have all been lit...the Solstice is on the way...Ramadan and Rohatsu have come and gone...a few more days brings the magic of Christmas...and Kwanzaa, with its own candle-lighting, follows right after. Isn't it lovely that as many of us head more deeply into the cold and dark and sometimes dreary weather of winter, we pause to celebrate light and warmth and miracles in all our various ways? Our wish is that all of us find the time to discover our own authentic leadership and find ways to share. From Nina Rosoff Dallas, Texas, United States May your conversations be plentiful and poignant, Heart felt and reaching to feel another's heart, Bowing to no one 'cept the powers of the world that Surround and confound, yet inspire and up-lift. May your pilgrimage be steady toward wholeness, Your footsteps light and footprints washed away from yesterday As you step today gently, strongly and genuinely into tomorrow. The years of tears, violence, hatred and sorrows cannot outshine Your forward moving presence alone or in the sea of all of us who converse As we learn to lead together. May all that you wish to others be returned to you and may the New Year filled with fruitfulness, good health and success.
	The From the Four Directions Network From the Four Directions is a global leadership initiative of the Berkana Institute. The From the Four Directions network now includes more than 1,600 people in more than 30 countries. We would love to have you join us in this work. There are many ways to be involved: make a financial donation to support this work in this time start a From the Four Directions circle participate in a circle tell your story of life-affirming leadership share your learning connect us to additional networks weave circles together join our listserve (for those who had this newsletter forwarded to them or who found it on our website) participate in other Berkana Institute initiatives The From the Four Directions Newsletter is published monthly. We welcome your comments, suggestions, and stories. Visit http://www.fromthefourdirections.org/, email mailto:info@fromthefourdirections.org, or call us in the United States at 801 377 2996. [top]