Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still
for once on the face of the earth,
let’s not speak in any language;
let’s stop for a second,
and not move our arms so much.
It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines;
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.
Fishermen in the cold sea
would not harm whales
and the man gathering salt
would not look at his hurt hands.
Those who prepare green wars,
wars with gas, wars with fire,
victories with no survivors,
would put on clean clothes
and walk about with their brothers
in the shade, doing nothing.
What I want should not be confused
with total inactivity.
Life is what it is about;
I want no truck with death.
If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with death.
Perhaps the earth can teach us
as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive.
Now I’ll count up to twelve
and you keep quiet and I will go.
​

With the threat of Coronavirus we are all experiencing, we have an invitation as well to quiet our minds and our bodies and to choose to gravitate towards hope instead of fear. In every challenge we face there is opportunity for growth. We are summoned to embark upon a shift that requires spiritual stamina and endurance. This is a path that invites self-reflection, contemplation and a profound transformation. We have an opportunity to shed old habits, accept a new rhythm of life, and mostly, enjoy our creativity. What a wonderful time to give birth to the book you have been thinking about!
 
I will be presenting my work at the Healing Trauma Conference in Bend, Oregon on May 1st and 2nd. This a wonderful opportunity to introduce the Seven Jewish Samurai memoir as well as to share my experience as a psychotherapist and as an author on the healing power of writing. I will also be discussing the methods I use in my therapeutic practice for healing trauma. Unfortunately, the conference will be presented online instead of at the original place, the Seven Mountain Resort. Nevertheless, we all have to adapt to the new circumstances and I will show up to support my clients and readers. I’ll keep you posted on the information about this conference as soon as I get it. Hope to see you there.