listening

I heard a message in our meeting once about learning to listen to the silence. I could not make any sense of it. I left it alone.

It is often said that music is a language; some say it is the universal language. As with any language, the spaces are essential. Without spaces on the printed page or pauses in speaking, we couldn’t understand what is being said. Likewise, silence is the canvas we paint our music upon.

Dear Editor: I enjoyed your editorial in the last issue of Western Friend (Sept/Oct 2017), especially this: “Each Friends’ community must decide for itself what range of behaviors it can tolerate within its spiritual home.

Excerpts from the keynote presentation to Pacific Yearly Meeting; July 15, 2017; Walker Creek Ranch, Petaluma, California

Unlacing the Heart: Connecting with what really matters
Written by Henry Freeman
Reviewed by Emily Garrison and Rocky Garrison

Racism no longer hides below the surface in our country. It has broken out into the open boldly, loudly, and deadly – and not only here in the USA but also around the world. With social media and video cameras in nearly everyone’s hands, we see the violence of racism daily in our own cities, towns, and neighborhoods.

Decision Making & Spiritual Discernment – Review
by Nancy Bieber
reviewed by Rocky Garrison

Joanne Steinwachs has practiced psychotherapy as a clinical social worker since 1985 and runs a private practice in Denver. She works primarily with adults, addressing a wide range of issues, including chronic mental illness, addictions, eating disorders, and bipolar disorder.  Joanne is a friend of Friends, and she spoke with Western Friend by phone on March 14, 2013.