My dear Dr. S, The changing of the year means more to me than the changing of a number. It can bring a surge of joy in the image of renewal. This I wish for you and your family, my dear and valuable friend. “We know separation so well because we’ve tasted the union. “The reed flute makes music because it has already experienced changing mud and rain and light into sugarcane. Longing becomes more poignant if in the distance you can’t tell whether your friend is going away or coming back. The pushing away pulls you in.” – Rumi This latest newsletter (January 2014) is absolutely brilliant. I have been working with the over emphasis on the “how” with those I work with for quite some time. This newsletter expresses so well the implicit meanings I’ve been trying to convey. I can’t thank you enough for the affective resonance your words have brought to my world. Emilie has had her first injections, and your words about “realistic” are so appropriate. I will hold that for her. Tomorrow I leave for 3 days to go on a personal retreat into. . . I am going to Ojai. I rented a room in J. Krishnamurti’s old house near the oak grove where I used to go to hear him talk. I’ll be seeing you at the end of this month.