Dear Labyrinth Facilitators and Healers,

I am so happy to let you know that the theme for 2017 is LOVE. The planning for this year and this quarter are a great example of how the Global Healing Response is an organic creation. Jo Anne Mast and I had agreed at the end of the year that we needed a theme of LOVE. In fact, it hit both of us like a ton of bricks one morning—the same morning. And then, we developed the quarters. We knew we would need courage to face what was ahead of us after the US election and its effects around the world. We just had no idea how much courage. Sigh.

The Women’s March that I attended in Chicago was a Lovefest and has inspired me to see how strength can be rooted in Love, support and hope. I know many of you have had the same experience. The GHR walks that happened on January 15th for Standing Rock, thanks to Robin Dilley, were inspiring and the issue continues to be so important! The intense yet calm eyes of our image, the lioness, feel like a great energy to hold on to. Thank you, Rev. Warren Lynn, for the photo. The meditation that Judith wrote is going to be taped on the left side of my computer at work. I think it is beautiful and inspiring.

One of my favorite quotes is by Annie Kirkwood, “Peace on earth lies only in the hearts of peaceful men, women and children.” We are each responsible for the Peace and Love that surounds us right now. If you are like me, and have to resist the overwhelming feelings of fear, sometimes this takes courage. It takes courage to stay awake to what is happening and not bury your head in the sand and yet balance that with a calm trust that the Universe works for the good. Our quote for the quarter feels absolutely right and I thank the powers that be for bringing it to me.

The labyrinth is the perfect vessel to help us stay rooted in Love and find our Courage and community. I’m sure there are amazing courageous acts of faith (peaceful marches, phone calls to legislaters, creative art, gatherings, and more) that will be revealed to us.

We are the leaders in this movement of LOVE. This is what we have been trained for. We know how the labyrinth can help an individual, heal a community and reveal possibilities. Let’s share our knowledge and wisdom.

With that said, please take time to take care of yourselves. Don’t let your vessel become empty. We need you!! Feel free to share these materials with anyone who might be interested.

With Loving gratitude for all you do that will lead to acts of Courage,

Ellen Bintz Meuch
Founder, Global Healing Response
Veriditas Certified Labyrinth Facilitator

PS: Sorry I got a little preachy, but desperate times…..

Global Healing Resource Quarterly

2017 Theme: Love

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is Love.” —1 Corinthians 13:13

January-February-March

Focus: Courage

Quote: “It takes a great deal of courage to see the world in all its tainted glory and still to love it.”

—Oscar Wilde

Picture/symbol:    Lioness (picture by The Rev. Warren Lynn)

Color: Pink

Prayer/Meditation:

A Prayer for Courage
May we find a glow of light
deep in the place of courage, just below the heart
where the breath swells
and the spine straightens
May we remember our strength
And the strength that multiplies in the circle,
in the crowd, in the People
May we kindle a fire of hope
in our words and deeds
Stoked by our belief in freedom, justice and love
May we know the power of deep listening,
find the balm of compassion,
Know the power
of right timing
of right action
May courage find us worthy companions
And accompany our walks, our commitments and our prayers.
—Judith Tripp

Ideas for benefiting organization‎: Standingrock.org, ACLU, Southern Poverty Law Center, Planned Parenthood

Ideas for ambiance around the labyrinth: Feathers, stones, water, blankets

Music: Chariots of Fire Soundtrack

For a PDF version of this material click here.