Note from Louisa

​I have thought long and hard about what to write in the aftermath of the recent election. I’ve held off in part because words feel inadequate and, at this point, we’ve heard it all before. I’m also still in the process of trying to work it through and make sense of the undermining of our need for decency, community, and our most basic moral responsibility to one another.
 
The November issue is traditionally the issue in which we offer gratitude for all those who make The Center for Mindful Living the healing community that it is. CML is really just a building. It’s the dedication of everyone who contributes their talents, time, and wisdom, not only the service providers, but all those working behind the scenes whom you may never have seen though we benefit from their labor, that make CML a community. It is acknowledgment that each of you, when you cross our threshold, make the space a place of healing, of adventuring, of discovery, of magic and wonder.
 
I want to honor that ritual because, while I am finding it more challenging to get in touch with gratitude as I process the current state of the country, I know that gratitude is more necessary than ever. To that end, please take a moment to note the tireless work of so many, some whose names you may never have heard, but whose contributions touch us all.
 
The therapeutic healing at CML would not be possible if not for the efforts of our gifted clinical staff: Pamela Mueggenberg, Marilyn Erickson, and Hillary Rubesin, who create loving spaces for difficult work and provide compassionate support for the weary human traveler. 
 
I particularly want to recognize the generous community members who help us sustain our Mindfulness programming. A few dedicated souls have been helping to support our amazing Mindfulness Instructor, Laura Crosby, to whom I owe so much gratitude and respect.
 
Thank you to Ashima Mehta, Katie Hupp, and Dan Weidner. Each of these folks dedicate their time and efforts to create a safe space to explore and deepen practice. If you have not participated in one of Laura’s programs, joined her as she facilitated a sit, a retreat, or the mindfulness study group, then you have missed compassion and generosity of spirit in action. We are blessed by the numerous gifts each of these folks share with our community.
 
And there are those whose work is more behind the scenes but whose contributions allow our community to thrive and grow. Christina Murphy, works as our marketing and social media Goddess, bringing you this newsletter every month and keeping the CML community connected and informed. Thank you to Alma and Carmen, who keep our space so beautifully for us, and to Blake who makes sure that we don’t trip and break something of import on the ice.
 
At the center of the CML mission is, of course, you, the curious and courageous human traveler, seeking to know yourself better and find your way to sharing your own gifts in the world. We would not be here if not for you and it is to you that I express my deepest gratitude. Your support continues to remind us that we can travel so much farther together than on our own. 
 
I hope that in the coming year, you will continue to find yourself on our doorstep, in our virtual spaces, on our cushions, and in the presence of your own magnificent, vibrant gifts. Your ongoing willingness to share so meaningfully of yourselves allows each of our journeys to be enriched.
 
In this season of gratitude, a heartfelt ‘Thank You” for making our community a space of inclusivity, healing, and peace. In times of uncertainty such as these, when care for one another seems to be a lesser priority, knowing that our community is strong helps bring us all hope.
 
Blessings on your journey,
Louisa