Editorial

Maybe it's because my daughters are in the midst of having babies, but I keep comparing the publishing of Synapse issues with the birth process. The last several issues we experienced long labors and particularly difficult births. But this issue was different. Producing this issue became a labor of love--as each article came in it all seemed to flow smoothly together (out of the birth canal?) And though the labor was long (when isn't it?), the issue seemed to take on an energy of its own. To top it off, the final product, the "baby", is beautiful! I can say that in all humility as I am not responsible for the articles, other than prodding a few folks to write.

In some issues we focus on one aspect of peace; this time we offer a variety of perspectives from around the world.

From Hebron, we include a heartfelt letter from a Palestinian to local peace activist, Tom Shea, describing the continuing struggle there. Local NMC instructor Jim Valovick recounts tales from a trek across Ladakh which he undertook last summer. Two articles about Mexico appear: Peter Dougherty on the critical situation in Chiapas; and Sally Neal on her recent attendance at the Bioregional Congress and the struggles of the indigenous people there in trying to stop (of all things) a golf course. From our own country, long time peace activist, Jim Porter, reports on an exciting new political party. And we include several other articles with a political focus, one by Al Fishman of Peace Action and a legislative update on peace issues by the dedicated folks at Women Strike for Peace (who have been working on peace issues since 1961!) On the political front lines we hear from activists, Carol Gilbert and Ardeth Platte, who were involved in a protest against the continuing production of weapons of mass destruction, specifically calling attention to the launching of the 18th Trident nuclear submarine last summer.

To bring the focus down to the personal level, Ben Hansen shares reviews of some of his recommendations for winter reading. And don't miss the reviews of the fall workshops sponsored by the Neahtawanta Center--especially those of you who would have liked to attend one or more of them. We enticed some of the participants to share their reflections of the weekends.

Please look ahead to our workshop schedule for the first half of 1997. We are excited about launching our salon series with Stepahnie Mills. Two yoga workshops are offered,as well as a weekend for those who are dealing with issues relating to grief and loss, or those who want to prepare for that inevitable time. Even if you aren't able to send in the deposit right away, it would help us in our planning if you let us know you're planning to attend a particular workshop.

I am feeling especially peaceful this winter solstice. Perhaps it's because I am going to turn 50 in 1997. Or maybe it has something to do with having a beautiful little grandson. Another contributing factor to my mood might be the relief we feel at the completion of our renovation project at the Inn. I was pondering these thoughts as I escaped from my office and trudged through the wet snow to my favorite spot along the other shore behind the inn (known to us as the mossy spot). It didn't really matter that there wasn't enough snow to ski; just being in the woods was enough to renew my spirit. It was a rare sunny afternoon for December, almost like spring. I was thinking about the solstice, about going into our own personal "darkness", when all of a sudden I heard the distinctive call of the Pileated woodpecker. I am always thrilled by the sight of this stunning bird, so it was a special treat to spot him (I think it was the male) ahead of me quite high up in a tree. As I moved in his direction he flew toward me, making his sharp chi chi chi as if he were telling me something of great urgency. I walked on and he followed along behind me, finally perching majestically on a prominent tall branch. I'm not sure why, but the momentary contact with a bird or animal in the wild stirs my soul in a unique way--especially the Pileated woodpecker, one of my favorites.

I finally lost him in the maze of branches and trunks, and hurried on to catch the sunset. On my way back home, my bird friend flew overhead again and as I looked up to admire him, I spotted the sliver of a new moon through the trees. At that moment I realized that the energy of the Solstice is also the energy of the new moon; beyond the darkness there is always a new moon, a new beginning. At our darkest hour, there will be a ray of hope. We just have to look for it. As I wandered home the moon seemed to be following me as well, just over my right shoulder.

For me, going out in nature brings me inner peace. I hope that during this busy, precious time of year you will find some moments (or hours) of peace. Maybe curling up in your favorite chair with this issue of Synapse will be one of those moments of peace. I hope so.

Looking ahead to the Summer Solstice, June 21, 1997, marks the 10 year anniversary of the Neahtawanta Center. We hope you'll join us for this special celebration. Stay tuned for details.

May Peace Prevail on Earth.

--Sally Van Vleck

Return to the Index of Synapse 38, Winter 1996