[transcribed from post card]

12-20-17

Hi Mom

Thanks for the chocolate. I was astonished to hear that Z. Alexander was elected president!! Last I heard she was trailing George P. Bush in the N.H. primary. --and how did she get past Hillary?? --The retreat is great! Amazing the space in our minds, Mom, when we are willing to explore it.. we are always seeking outside.. yet looking within, there it is.. --of course, it is not automatic; it takes some attention to develop this... and, true, I guess, as I think you will assert, people differ. Yes, but how much really? -- Speaking for myself, I sometimes find it difficult to believe that the meditation practices work so directly to create and/or access peace, tranquillity, contentment.--and yet they surely do work. -- And, Mom, it certainly is not merely simply shutting down, or isolating oneself. One has to be willing to accept that sort of thing, of course, abandoning incessant control and preoccupation with organizing life -- renunciation is the key--but unquestionably the simplicity and beauty and peace of the quiet mind just naturally opens up into connectedness and relationships and it is so different from the alienated, isolated self. --I realize you probably think I am talking doubletalk, since I myself have been so isolated for months now.-- Mom, I hope you understand. --Actually it'd be so great if you could get away for a couple of weeks and join me here. --Shantila can tell you where to find me.--Hi to Uncle Fox and Aunt Dana, and to Chris, Peter, Sally, Sue, and Fox, Jr. (--any new ones?). See you -- Love, Zo