Dear Friends, 

After 4 lovely years at our center in Southold

Anam Cara Center is Moving and

Shifting it’s Focus.  

These past 4 years have been a wonderful opportunity to gather community and to meet so many beautiful and gifted people.  We have been deeply blessed.  Many have enjoyed our workshops and made strong friendships through our study groups.  I feel a commitment to nurturing the spiritual community that we have begun. However, I have found that the form of a “spiritual center” is not the best way for me to share my skills and gifts. My primary training is in the interweaving of psychological healing with spiritual practice, ritual, song, dance and creativity in the context of committed spiritual communities.  My life is grounded in  a commitment to helping people connect with the healing presence of the Earth. I need to be working on the land, and developing new models for a sacred psychology of healing in community.

 And so We are Shifting Our Focus:

 Away from   being a Spiritual Bookstore,  &

        Away from being a “Spiritual Center”

 Toward Evolving     An Earth-Centered Healing Practice

    and Nurturing our Anam Cara Community of Soul Friends

I say EVOLVING, because change often requires a period of letting go of the old and gestating the new.

When I began writing this letter I picked two Runes: Uruz, The Rune of termination and new beginnings and Wunjo, The Rune of Joy and Light.  Both have similar messages: “renounce existing plans and goals, come home to yourself  and enter into a period of gestation. Know that all will unfold in it’s own time.” I am feeling a call back to the land, and will be undertaking further study and training in healing and counseling. I will also be working on a major writing project. So this coming year will be a Sabbatical for me.  I will continue to offer counseling, pastoral care  and two existing women’s groups, and will occasionally host gatherings & potlucks. I am always available for a friendship visit! Just e-mail me to set up a time.

 And We Are Moving

 Away from  our cozy little quarters on the

Main Road in Southold (with big overhead & no land!)

To gather  at my home, out in the powerful presence of Nature all around us, out in the community in various venues that meet our needs.

Feel free to connect with me, via e-mail,  anamcaracenter@earthlink.net for Spiritual Counseling.  I want to be sure you know that I am still here for you.  Nurturing Friendships & Community will be a priority for me. We shall see what will unfold after the year's Sabbatical.

Our Dear Colleagues:

Denise Plastiras, Anneva Campbell Hackley & Maureen Nelsen

 will continue to offer their services at other venues.  Click Anam Cara Network to learn more about how to contact them.

 With Blessings & Affection to all of you who have been a part of Anam Cara these 4 years,Even if you only visited us once—Know that we have been enriched by your presence.  

Jeanne Marie Merkel