Hello friends,
This letter has been on my mind for quite some time. To put it pithily, stewarding an organization whose primary asset is a retreat center under the conditions of a global pandemic is all-consuming. We… when I say “we” in this letter, I mean myself; Tim Darter, Spirit Fire’s Executive Director; and the Board of Directors - Brett Ahlstrom, Eowyn Ahlstrom, Jeffrey Bornman, Sarah Oleson, and Adam Sutton… we have been through it. We’ve moved through every human experience related to abrupt change and loss: sadness, fear, perseverance, adaptation, frustration, vulnerability, fatigue, faith, courage, discernment, creativity, hope, gratitude, resilience, collaboration, and deep contemplation. We spent many hours asking Spirit Fire, “What do you need?” “What do you want?” “What will assist you in serving your mission?” And we spent countless hours listening. We processed deep emotions and human conditions, we leaned into each other’s goodwill and expertise, and we made decisions that were at once difficult, careful, and strong. Speaking for myself, I have needed time to process the last 18 months. And the time to reach out to you is now.
The New Stewards of the Spirit Fire Property
In March of this year, we officially put the retreat center on the market. In May, we spent a weekend with prospective buyers, a collective called Kibilio Community and Farm. All parties sensed the innate wisdom of life at work. We knew immediately that they would soon be calling the property “home.” The land, and the buildings upon that land, were to continue to hold humanity’s young heart, lift its spirit, and expand its awareness… Spirit Fire was clear about this. And so it is.
Kibilio Community and Farm is a non-profit organization whose focus is on social and ecological justice, Black-indigenous land sovereignty, reparative economics, and embodied collective healing. These are pressing needs for our planet. Though they will use the center very differently, our hearts are full and content in knowing that great humanitarian work continues within the walls we built and across the grounds we nurtured. The official sale took place in late August. You can find out more about Kibilio Community and Farm here.
Spirit Fire is Resilient and Evolving
Spirit Fire, the organization, is alive and well. We are momentarily resting in the space between what was and what will be. We continually lean into the Practice of Living Awareness and the teachings that laid the foundation for Spirit Fire’s mission, growth, and prosperity. Spirit Fire’s calling has never been so pertinent: to cultivate consciousness and educate people on the importance of spirituality in everyday life. Our meditation training continues to be a force for good in the world and we will continue to wholeheartedly support its evolution; we also continue to ask Spirit Fire what it needs in this moment and how we, as stewards of the organization, can be supportive.
Now, we turn to you in gratitude and celebration. We would not be here today if it were not for you… from our inception to our expression; from our brightest days to our darkest hours. This is a fact. Whether you supported us with encouragement, a hug, a letter, a prayer, a collaboration, a donation that ended in one zero, or a donation that ended in five zeros, it made ALL the difference. A new path, a new approach to fulfilling the mission, is emerging for Spirit Fire - we are so happy you are a part of it.
Spirit Fire Meditative Retreat Center was dear to our community’s collective heart. Its manifestation was a labor of profound love and commitment; yet, the beauty and contributions of Spirit Fire are not limited to a physical location. The magic of Spirit Fire resides in our hearts and human spirits. How might that be expressed in this new moment? I am pleased to say that each member of Spirit Fire’s Board of Directors has chosen to continue to serve and help shape our future. We hope you will do the same.
We’ve created a space on our website for your voice, so that you may share your experiences and express your ideas. We intend to build upon your vision for the cultivation of consciousness and the betterment of the world around us. You can find that page here. How might Spirit Fire support you now? What might Spirit Fire manifest for today’s world?
Please join us in creating our future days.
With love and respect
Steve Kramer, President of the Board of Directors of Spirit Fire
This letter has been on my mind for quite some time. To put it pithily, stewarding an organization whose primary asset is a retreat center under the conditions of a global pandemic is all-consuming. We… when I say “we” in this letter, I mean myself; Tim Darter, Spirit Fire’s Executive Director; and the Board of Directors - Brett Ahlstrom, Eowyn Ahlstrom, Jeffrey Bornman, Sarah Oleson, and Adam Sutton… we have been through it. We’ve moved through every human experience related to abrupt change and loss: sadness, fear, perseverance, adaptation, frustration, vulnerability, fatigue, faith, courage, discernment, creativity, hope, gratitude, resilience, collaboration, and deep contemplation. We spent many hours asking Spirit Fire, “What do you need?” “What do you want?” “What will assist you in serving your mission?” And we spent countless hours listening. We processed deep emotions and human conditions, we leaned into each other’s goodwill and expertise, and we made decisions that were at once difficult, careful, and strong. Speaking for myself, I have needed time to process the last 18 months. And the time to reach out to you is now.
The New Stewards of the Spirit Fire Property
In March of this year, we officially put the retreat center on the market. In May, we spent a weekend with prospective buyers, a collective called Kibilio Community and Farm. All parties sensed the innate wisdom of life at work. We knew immediately that they would soon be calling the property “home.” The land, and the buildings upon that land, were to continue to hold humanity’s young heart, lift its spirit, and expand its awareness… Spirit Fire was clear about this. And so it is.
Kibilio Community and Farm is a non-profit organization whose focus is on social and ecological justice, Black-indigenous land sovereignty, reparative economics, and embodied collective healing. These are pressing needs for our planet. Though they will use the center very differently, our hearts are full and content in knowing that great humanitarian work continues within the walls we built and across the grounds we nurtured. The official sale took place in late August. You can find out more about Kibilio Community and Farm here.
Spirit Fire is Resilient and Evolving
Spirit Fire, the organization, is alive and well. We are momentarily resting in the space between what was and what will be. We continually lean into the Practice of Living Awareness and the teachings that laid the foundation for Spirit Fire’s mission, growth, and prosperity. Spirit Fire’s calling has never been so pertinent: to cultivate consciousness and educate people on the importance of spirituality in everyday life. Our meditation training continues to be a force for good in the world and we will continue to wholeheartedly support its evolution; we also continue to ask Spirit Fire what it needs in this moment and how we, as stewards of the organization, can be supportive.
Now, we turn to you in gratitude and celebration. We would not be here today if it were not for you… from our inception to our expression; from our brightest days to our darkest hours. This is a fact. Whether you supported us with encouragement, a hug, a letter, a prayer, a collaboration, a donation that ended in one zero, or a donation that ended in five zeros, it made ALL the difference. A new path, a new approach to fulfilling the mission, is emerging for Spirit Fire - we are so happy you are a part of it.
Spirit Fire Meditative Retreat Center was dear to our community’s collective heart. Its manifestation was a labor of profound love and commitment; yet, the beauty and contributions of Spirit Fire are not limited to a physical location. The magic of Spirit Fire resides in our hearts and human spirits. How might that be expressed in this new moment? I am pleased to say that each member of Spirit Fire’s Board of Directors has chosen to continue to serve and help shape our future. We hope you will do the same.
We’ve created a space on our website for your voice, so that you may share your experiences and express your ideas. We intend to build upon your vision for the cultivation of consciousness and the betterment of the world around us. You can find that page here. How might Spirit Fire support you now? What might Spirit Fire manifest for today’s world?
Please join us in creating our future days.
With love and respect
Steve Kramer, President of the Board of Directors of Spirit Fire