“In the Eastern tradition there is a critical period in our lives that is a privileged opportunity for spiritual growth. This time is called the period “between dreams.” Dreaming is essential for our existence. It holds life together by a series of images and pictures. We need to dream if life is to be worth living. From time to time, however, something wakes us up. Much to our consternation we find ourselves in a deep and impenetrable darkness. There is no light, no dream to hold life together. The bottom falls out of everything. In our panic we try to go back to sleep to recapture the old dream. The spiritual masters suggest that this moment of panic is a thing to hold onto and treasure. The time “between dreams” is a place to stay and wait in the darkness so that a new and larger dream has the chance to emerge. It is only in the waiting that the horizons of our dreaming can explode and expand. The new dream will make new space for us and send our lives in a new direction.”
Passion for the Pilgrimage by Alan Jones

We are truly in a time between dreams. For the last 78 years, we have worked heroically holding onto a dream both in our world and at Kirkridge. This week the dream we were carrying for Kirkridge caved in as the bottom fell out of our programming and our hospitality groups. It felt a bit like being taken down by a cold wave in the ocean. We have spent much of the week trying to get new footing, regain our balance and holding onto our life vests.
Now we are standing and I want to catch you up on where our little ship landed. First, you need to know that the crew is all in good shape. We are healthy, we are caring for one another and we will move forward. We have had to make some tough decisions. For the sake of our communities and the world’s well-being, we’ve suspended services through March and April. We will make sure our ship stays afloat, but our offices remain closed for the time being.
We are doing the work we are called to do. We are building community, planning for what is to come and setting about to dream new dreams. We are on this ship together and I am grateful for all you, and the community we have that is carrying us in to this new future.
There will be more to share in the days to come. For now, please stay safe and offer kindness.

My best.

Respectfully, Jean