Dream and awaken in the new year

Dear friends,

On this last day of 2011, we write to share with you a few brief reflections and to ask for your support of our work. Your contributions make all the difference and we are deeply grateful for those of you who have already made a gift this year.

On Thursday, the New York Times Online published an opinion piece entitled The Joy of Quiet by Pico Iyer. Mr. Iyer mused on the irony of how the need for quiet, stillness, and disconnection seems to be growing in urgency as we create more and more technology aimed at streaming constant sound, motion, and methods of virtual connection into our lives.

Just as Mr. Iyer does in his article, our programs at Still Harbor pull on the teachings and wisdom of faith, philosophical, and pedagogical traditions of contemplative practice to promote ways of integrating reflection and discernment techniques into our daily lives and work. As we transition into a new year, we deeply appreciate seeing these topics being addressed in mainstream media outlets. We are even more deeply grateful that you are among those who have embraced our vision at this early stage in Still Harbor's story.

Henry David Thoreau wrote, "Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake." And Carl Jung wrote, "Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes." These notions combined mean to us that, as Mr. Iyer points out, the ability to integrate an outward and an inward gaze by making time for contemplative quiet is not just nice but is essential. This is precisely why Still Harbor was founded. We are hoping to encourage individuals and organizations committed to social justice service to dream awake.

Thank you to those of you who have already generously supported us during this season of giving. For those of you who have not yet made a 2011 gift, please consider showing your support for our vision and work now by making a contribution. Your donations, no matter the size, will enable us to launch 2012 with as much energy as we are wrapping up 2011. Make your donation online or by mail today.

With our deep gratitude,
Ed, Perry, Colleen, Arville, and the rest of the community at Still Harbor