From the Editor – Thresholds

Dear Readers,

Our summer issue bore the theme, “Coming of Age,” and featured many paths that young people are following to find their way in these times. Their courage, creativity, and commitment to the future inspired me with optimism, gratitude, and hope. I trust it did for you, as well.

At the beginning, I considered the current issue to be a sort of complement, featuring reflections and activities related to the other end of life – the experiences and realities of growing older. The original theme for this issue was “Approaching the Threshold.” What I learned from the pieces you will read in these pages is that life holds many thresholds, of which death is only one. Again, the depth and richness of the offerings here – and the vulnerability and insight shared by the authors – overwhelm me with their articulate poignancy.

So, there are two sections of articles for you. One is entitled, “Lives Well Lived,” and includes articles that offer the wisdom, joys, and challenges of being an elder. I am particularly grateful to curative eurythmist Mark Ebersole for sharing the enclosed article on the life of Marjorie Spock. Her contributions as she moved through the course of her life with such integrity, discipline and vision, need to be more widely known and appreciated.

The second grouping is called, “The Threshold of Death,” where authors write about their personal experiences with death and the resources and approaches that were helpful to them in supporting others through this auspicious time. In this section, we are blessed with pieces from two death doulas – Tehilla Muller and John Lee – as well as a beautiful piece about the Threshold Circle in Viroqua Wisconsin by Liz Franklin – the support this group provides to their community – including green burial and music – for individuals and their families during the death process.

The last section is what we have come to call, “Voices from the Community,” both the anthroposophical community and also other important voices of our time.

As we enter the festive season of winter, we offer you these glimpses of human experience with the darkness and light of the aging human body and the timeless human soul. Blessings on your holidays and Holy Nights!