To Our Readers

The evidence of constant change is all around me. A week ago, the brown and yellow leaves were still hanging from the great old walnut and chestnut trees in my backyard. It seemed like overnight that the remaining leaves fell, changing the landscape and the view from the second story window by my desk. Now there is so much more light coming in, even in the early hours, and the busy activity of the black and white chickadees is in full view.

A couple of months ago, it became apparent to me that it was time to pass on the Mindfulness Bell editing position. After five years of being blessed with this wonderful work, it feels important to have new Sangha eyes lead the collaboration of reviewing the material and gently massaging the offerings into publication form.

I first remember meeting Janelle Combelic at the rooftop restaurant of our hotel in Hue, Vietnam last spring. Over several breakfasts, we talked about writing and editing. Janelle was interviewing participants on the pilgrimage as research for some freelance writing projects. She agreed to help me edit the sections featuring the Vietnam trip, and it has become apparent that she is the natural choice to step into the managing editor position. Janelle brings experience as a writer, editor, and magazine publisher. She also lives in both the U.S. and France, which gives her a more global view of our Sangha. As an aspirant to the Order of Interbeing, her dedication to our practice is clearly evident in her writing and editing. I am delighted that Janelle has agreed to use her skills on behalf of the Sangha in this way, and I am confident that we will all enjoy the fruits of her labor in future issues.

I cannot even imagine a way to express my gratitude to our teacher and to the Sangha, for this opportunity over the past five years. Every day I receive messages from practitioners around the world, offering poems, stories, teachings, photos, and artwork, which express deep healing and transformation. I have gotten to know many of you, through e-mails mostly, and in this way have experienced the net of our Sangha friendships concretely. I take refuge in the strong and vibrant net of love holding each of us, one to another. Here we can find palpable comfort and support to help us each day, and we can offer our love and caring to all in our Sangha family. With this living practice, our web of love grows stronger, and the depth of our gratitude enables us to face the changes of life together.

As I finish writing this, just a few days after beginning, the view outside my window has radically changed again. This time there is a three-inch blanket of snow over the trees and the garden below. May I learn to welcome whatever changes come with an open heart, and to trust the freedom and inevitability of impermanence.

May we all be free of clinging, May we all be at peace.

A deep bow of gratitude,

Barbara Casey