FROM THE PRESIDENT

As I walk through the natural world, I see resilience everywhere. An orange poppy springs from split concrete, a tree trunk yields in tilt to ever-present wind, the one-legged seagull seizes the morsel ahead of its scurrying mates. It matters where I put my gaze, my focus, if only I am willing to open to goodness, to see resilience rather than decline.

As I ponder what contributes to Institute resilience, one element rises above all others: our devotion to the value of service, service to the Institute and to the wider community. Our members and candidates volunteer countless hours to the Institute’s daily life and programs; we serve on committees, teach, consult, and see clinic patients pro bono. As we bring our unique strengths and vulnerabilities to these many roles, we contribute to the overall resilience of our group.

We are sometimes challenged to move into roles where we think we know little and have no experience, but stepping forward with the support, love, and encouragement of colleagues, we surprise ourselves when we become capable of more than we imagined.

The value of service has been a foundation from our beginning. This history will show us our way forward; the best predictor is the ground we stand on now. Our work together can bring steadiness, clarity, and renewal when everything in our collective world feels shaky. We are allies in resilience as we bring more consciousness and deep healing to a time that truly needs it.

Ann Strack, PhD
President, 2024-2026