Greetings
From Raymond Salvatore Caruso
Hi Judy:
I've wanted to get back to you on the gap in our communication. I was to call you a while back to finish our conversation but have had some family and other events take a lot of my time. Please let Ellen know that I'm not ignoring her call either...
As far as the event, I will not be able to make it. I wish you, the board, the new director, the staff and all those who have suffered from the events of the past year a time to heal. This requires not only reflecting on all the GOOD ICA has manifested over the years but also looking deeply into the Source of the wound so it can be transformed. Until the source of the deep wound is named and embraced by all there can be no transformation. No real healing. With transformation new insights and breakthroughs are possible. Until individuals heal there can be no healing in the organization. I would hope the facilitation team can immediately build an envelope of TRUST for honest and truthful dialogue during this gathering.
We have all invested so much of our lives to the building of this organization for it to be left adrift. So I am pleased that the board is shaping this event to find new ways to move ahead.
There is not HARMONY in the community. Without harmony the seeds of despair are sown. Hostility, distrust, anger and fear are fed. So I will light a candle each day of the gathering as a way to participate in the healing that can bring harmony back to ICA/ USA.
Please send my heartfelt energy to all who are laboring to bring about a great transformation in our thinking, hearts and community. There simply is too much pain and suffering in the world for us to be so completely absorbed in our own stuff.
Thich Nhat Hahn recently said, at a retreat I attended, that civilizations end. That we are on a course that can, if not stopped and reversed will, result in this civilization ending- a human and multiple species catastrophe. However he added that many of us could die of despair before then. Sobering. Yes we're talking about OUR grandchildren and their children... The good news is to be AWARE of this. Then find ways to strategically ACT.
So it's a time for GRAND TRANSFORMATION. If I could remember the the LENS quote we used it would be good here. It went something like this:" ...It's time to shake off our ancient prejudices and build the earth".
If you would like to share this with others that would be fine with me.
Remember a healing candle is burning in Escondido, CA.
Be well,
Raymond Salvatore Caruso
Copyright © 2007 The Institute of Cultural Affairs USA