I find that when I meet up with Jewish friends we just hug. We don’t say anything. We know there are no words so we don’t even try. We just hold onto each other for a beat longer than usual.
When I see non-Jewish friends they say a lot. They ask a lot. But I find I have no answers and don’t know what to say. I know they mean well. I do too.
When the atrocities began I got a text message from a distant non-Jewish friend saying she was thinking about me. I thought that was incredibly thoughtful and slightly misplaced because why in the world would you think about me at a time like this?
But then the emails, texts, and calls began pouring in. I came to realize that many people I know don’t know a lot of Jews, (well, I had just returned from Israel, so really, it makes sense, doesn’t it) so I came to represent. (Maybe this is true and maybe it’s not but it’s how I felt). Don’t get me wrong, it is unbelievably caring and I know it’s because none of us knows what to do. We are all in a state of shock at the horror and frankly, I don’t know what to do either.
I am going to Iceland on Friday. I’m hosting two groups, two Write and Roam Retreats. I had no idea when I began planning these trips nine months ago that my heart would be broken, and my mind would be consumed with images of helpless, innocent people whose lives suddenly came crashing down. Whose lives are crashing down.
But they are. And I am.
I am so grateful that I will be with people who have signed up, and who have placed their trust in me to show them a great trip, and I will. We can breathe together. Write together. Eat good food together. Wander the gorgeous, otherworldly landscape side by side.
Life goes on. My friends and others in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem were sitting in cafes the next day (that’s just what they do). But of course, everyone, all the region, is in pain. And not all are sitting in cafes. They are rushing borders. Looking for refuge. Hoping their loved ones will come home one day. Burying the dead. Sending their sons and daughters to war.
Maybe you need to get away? To wander, ramble, and marvel in a vast, peaceful, beautiful country? I am opening up the second retreat week to ONE MORE PERSON. I am inviting you to make it happen. I can give you 13 days to pack, buy a plane ticket, and join me in Iceland. The retreat is called Write and Roam. And we will do just that. I know my Icelandic partner Heiða Björk Sturludóttir would be delighted to add one more person to our reservations.
$4795 will get you a single room in our sweet boutique hotel, for 6 nights, with most of your meals, transportation, entrance fees, and tours to incredible places in the Golden Circle (see the details on my website, susanweisbohlen.com). We will write together most mornings, (no experience necessary, just activating the muse, releasing the emotions, touching on the creative) and see the country in the afternoon. Flights from BWI and most US cities (even European cities) start at $300 roundtrip on Play Air. What do you say? My first group arrives this Monday. You can join group two, Oct. 31 - Nov. 6. Text or call me at 410-979-2096. I really feel there is one more person out there who needs this. Please join me.
One more thought. I find Metta, or Loving Kindness Meditation, to be helpful these days. I usually say:
May you be safe
May you be healthy
May you be happy
May you be loved.
These words don’t feel right for the situation. Here is my meditation now (usually said at night before I go to sleep, it calms my mind)
May you be safe
May you be hopeful
May you be free from suffering and pain
May you find peace.
Lots of love, peace, and hope to all of you. Please click on the heart and write a comment on this post. You are my community.
Susan
Feel the virtual hug I am sending you right now. I wish I could be that one more person and I know someone will show up. May you and your fellow travelers write and roam in health, joy, awe and peace! Love you so much!!
I wish I could be that one more person right now but it will have to await for the next time. Until then, I wish I could give you a hug. Sending strength from Rome while you write and roam!