President's Column
Susan Quinones | Published on 12/1/2025
Dear Sangha,
I’m writing as another year comes to an end and I am completing my third year of service as the board president. It’s been a good three years, and I feel like we’ve been able to grow and thrive with all the many opportunities for practice as a community due to so many people who make everything happen. I really believe that what we do in our daily practice and in Sangha makes a difference in our broader community and then in the world. How better to stand up to hatred and fear than with love, gratitude, and compassion.
For me, this time of year typically brings an internal shift of downward mood as the days get cooler, shorter, and darker. I’ve talked to a lot of people who share this experience with the beginning of winter. Is it the lack of light? The emphasis on holiday traditions that surround us? The longing for the past or a combination of all of this? It can be challenging! For those of us who don’t have family close by, have no family, or perhaps have a strained relationship with family, it can be especially hard. This is a time when our Sangha community can be of real benefit as we come together and offer company and support for each other. For me, being reminded that I am not alone in these feelings and learning to see them as shifting and changing internal winds has been helpful. Also helpful is remembering that these feelings and thoughts are not “me” but are mind-states that are temporary. They may be unpleasant but thank goodness they’re impermanent!
At our board meeting coming up on January 21st we’ll be electing officers for the coming year and also considering anyone who has been recommended to serve or is interested in joining the board. You can see current board members and Committee members by going to the bottom of the WHS webpage and clicking on Committees and Board of Directors. Take a look and see if there’s an area where you feel like you can contribute your energy. If you have an interest in something, let one of us know.
And lastly, I do hope you can join us on the last Sunday in December when we will mark the end of the old year and celebrate the new with our traditional Meditation, Fire Ceremony, and Chanting of the Heart Sutra along with the sound of the bell 108 times. It’s a really beautiful event and everyone is welcome.
Warmly and in the dharma,
Susan