A letter from Jeanne and Barbara
Its weird, money. I have been thinking about it a lot in the last few years, and even the last few weeks. That is from two perspectives. Trying to keep a little SoULL boat afloat, and the philosophical aspect: What the heck IS it? Where did it come from? Why do some people have it and others don’t? Why isn’t it more fair?
People say money is energy. I disagree. I feel I understand what energy is. When I hold a dollar bill, I feel nothing. Just nothing. My body doesn’t understand money. Nevertheless we have some kind of “economy” rigged up to it through our agreements with each other. That we need it to be a part of the current world order is clear. But don’t we all wish to be rid of it? I do. And yet…having it makes me feel safe.
It has its own life, that is simiiar to life, but isn’t life. It impacts life but can’t buy it or directly impact it. It seems to be about value, but it mainly values things that I don’t, and that life itself does not. It seems to favor some kinds of ideas over others, and some groups over others. It tends toward decadence if not regularly returned to honor deeper truths and nature (at least that is what I think).
So it is weird to ask people to support SoULL with money, because SoULL isn’t about money. But more and more we need to ask, as funders raise their bars for support, as both individuals and holistic education are challenged. We work pretty hard to give all year, and to prepare wisdom for a future that will need guidance. It will be pretty much impossible to get to that future without generosity.
There is the generosity of money and a million different kinds of generosity. Money and heart together are powerful. All of it is necessary. We need to say that we need you, and many kinds of support. We need to ask for your heart, and it is hard to ask. In case you are wondering… I can’t tell you what it means to receive $10 or $25 from one of you we have not heard from in years. It means you care for the life in SoULL and are saying “keep going!”. Keep existing. Conversely I also can’t tell you how discouraging it also is not to hear nothing after vulnerably asking (oy, hate that!). It is a risk to ask. So even if you can’t give anything, can you give your thumbs up in some way so that we feel your affirmation? It matters.
Below is a lovely letter that Barbara Pettibone wrote to our students, past and present. I wonder if you will give a read and consider giving us your support this year, It feels especially important to get your existential vote. Thumbs up, thumbs down. We will be listening. Your vote, in any form, matters. Even a comment below. But if you want to give money you can do it here.
Thanks (from Jeanne)
And now here is Barbara….
Beloved SoULL Students and Friends of SoULL,
As this year comes to a close, we are reflecting on what we have put out into the world with the SoULL teachings, and planning for our future. This year has been one of extremes for many of us. We had a dynamic new Year 1 class of SoULL students, we have completed the Whole Life Doula curriculum, and will be graduating a class of Whole Life Doulas next year. We are collaborating with other organizations, some in Europe, some in areas as different as psychedelics and prison work and finding that our theories are useful to others. We hope to offer a Year 2 next year, and continue our other programs, as outlined on our website. All of this has happened in a world that seems less predictable and inclusive by the day, and when holistic programs everywhere are under great strain.
All SoULL students know that we light candles at the beginnings of our gatherings. With SoULL teachings come Light, Wisdom, Presence to one another. We wonder if you might light one or two for SoULL. These difficult and unpredictable times are crying out for the teachings and community that SoULL brings. Additionally, most students are aware that school tuition does not cover the costs of running the school, and as usual, we are short of funds at this year’s end, despite having managed to operate all year at less than 55% of our budget.
Though SoULL is not about money, it does need money. For these reasons, we are asking that you consider making an end of year donation, and possibly make SoULL a part of your annual giving so that we can keep this light strong. Yes, we are a 501c3. Here is the link for a tax deductible donation. It will not only keep the SoULL teachings in the world, but donating and volunteering also might just raise your vibration, cutting off a lifetime or two. No promises, but . . . we hope so.
So consider the deep benefits of gratitude, divine reciprocity and generosity as we end this year. Know that you have ours...and Thank You!
The SoULL Board
Jann Draper Elliot
Willie VanBoven
Mark Brady
Andrea Pollack
Nandita Batheja
Barbara Pettibone
Jeanne Denney
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