SEABECK SMILES!!
Back row, L to R: Jim O’Halloran, Joel Weber, Adelia MacWilliams, Athena Solbeck Robel, Oswald Norton, Don Berg, Joyce O’Halloran, Maryka Ford, Liza Ramey Wolfgang, Haris Wolfgang
Second Row from Top, L to R: Lucinda O’Halloran, Connie Chiefetz, Wendy Smith, Amelia Tritz, Rosanna Herman, Melanie Branchflower, Sulfiati Waite
Third Row from Top, L to R: Akhri Cutler, Halima Taylor, Marlena Knill, Farah Hess, Lucas Hess, Marilyn Shirk, Leana McClellan, Lisa Allen, Sonya Shooshan, Sanderson Morgan, Rayma Norton
Bottom Row, L to R: Laurie Solomon, Helena Lengel, Maemunah Doran, Marston Gregory, Morris McClellan, David Lynch, Sebastian Tedrow
Not pictured: Isabel Gates (photographer), Paul Woodcock, Alexandra Boyer, Robina Page, Margarite Charney, Roosmiwati Reynolds, Dalton Allen, Andre Allen, Daniel Stralberg, Ricardo Santos, Debbie Machado Santos, Hariana Chilstrom, Samuel Czuba (Apologies to those who missed our group photo –we organized it too late!)

Some Reflections on SEABECK
PNW Kejiwaan Gathering
September 17-20, 2026

From Morris McClellan, National Helper:
The most important thing I came away with is that Awareness/Awakening testing is worth doing, and we should do it more often. It amplifies both bodily and internal/emotional spiritual awareness. It is also FUN. There were workshops available both Friday and Saturday to present it. On Friday, the women tested how to be in each of the roles: questioner, receiver, and witness before doing the Awareness testing. The men followed suit on Saturday and found it to be an important step in the process. In the role of questioner, I felt it prepared me to receive guidance while moving through the world. Feeling the process of receiving questions for another translates into calling forward that state at any moment in the rest of your life. Since returning from the PNW Fall Retreat weekend, I have felt more soul presence, you might say, than before the weekend. I am hoping to hold on to that.

I led a workshop conversation about life on Earth as being in a school, and the concept of choosing a life plan as we decide to incarnate on the planet. It was an active discussion. I offered the workshop to gather insightful material for a song I may write called “Earth School.”

My other workshop focused on singing gospel songs and preparing a couple for performance at the Saturday evening entertainment. We had fun, talked about singing techniques, harmony, and arranging songs for performance. We performed two tunes, which were well received.

Seabeck is truly a good environment for our retreat. The accommodation is comfortable, the food is acceptable, and the staff is kind and helpful. We had a workshop on how to run next year’s PNW retreat better, and we hope attendance will improve. A committee has been formed to plan it.

My final takeaway is that the Subud members in attendance expressed love for each other with ease. I am still reveling in the experience days later.

From Margarite Charney, Regional Helper
Seabeck was open; spacious for me. Not just the beautiful outdoor views overlooking the water and the deer frolicking, or the geese gathering. But also, the opportunity to do group latihans, awareness, and personal testing was uplifting; stretching for me this year as a Regional Helper on the PNW Dewan. The ride was long both ways home & back, but so very worth it. I’m very grateful!! I look forward to even more Gatherings with my Subud brothers and sisters!

From David Lynch, Regional Helper
My experiences at our kejiwaan weekend at Seabeck were quite amazing.  With the awareness testing, my Latihan was opened up and reinvigorated.  It has been refreshing to discover that I really know very little about the Latihan — that there is still a vast universe of the spirit awaiting my discovery.  There is very much to look forward to in life and beyond!

From Rayma Norton, Regional Helper
Returning for the 2nd year to Seabeck for our regional kejiwaan gathering, I felt more relaxed and familiar with the layout and general schedule than last year. A bounty of connection and community unfolded in workshops, informal chit-chat, walks in the woods, birding, latihan latihan latihan testing, and downtime. People brought themselves to share – along with puzzles, stories, poems, songs, camaraderie, creations for the gift shop. All those riches lifted my spirit and filled me with gratitude. A few very capable organizers and a lot of work got the gathering off the ground. More volunteers helped on the spot with registration, golf cart transport, testing, leading workshops, or lending a hand wherever needed. To me, this suggests our future gatherings are poised to grow and be sustainable. Our closing circle felt like a huge “see you next year” hug!

At our meeting last Wednesday, each regional helper shared positive takeaways from this year’s gathering.  We hope to work with more people in this region (and perhaps in Canada) to help bring to life some of the workshop ideas and testing results from this year’s gathering.

From Andre Allen, Regional Helper
Our recent Seabeck gathering was not perfect. The food was so-so. Reeser was noisier than I had remembered. People sometimes showed up late for scheduled meetings or missed them entirely, and the women Regional Helpers were overbooked for personal testing. But none of that really mattered, because the awakening/awareness testing was inspiring and fun; the small group sharing was warm and personal, the workshops were relevant and interesting, informal conversations brought us closer together, and because of Isabel and Halima’s clever idea of putting the schedule on the backs of our name tags, we always knew what was happening next. The Saturday entertainment was a joy, and winning the Susila Dharma lottery was a bonus! Sure, some people got a little annoyed now and then, but no one was ever unkind. We all share a personal and spiritual bond, and we love and care for one another deeply; that was the feeling I took away from the Seabeck gathering.

From Athena Solbeck Robel, Regional Helper
As an isolated member living in Montana, I really appreciated the six large latihans, but I was most grateful for feeling the love and connection with my PNW Subud family.

Also, many of the comments in the closing circle touched my heart, and I will quote a few of them here.  They seemed to capture the spirit of the gathering better than I can express in my own words:

• Testing has been some of the best I’ve done in years.
• PNW Subud is very unique and welcoming.
• A lot of growth both inwardly and outwardly.
• I’ve had a lovely time.
• This gathering is a godsend for those of us with no group.
• I have a better attitude about my body and aging.
• This year, we have “Menucha-ized Seabeck.
• It has been an unlimited gift.
• I felt the real grace and peace of the Latihan.
• What I see is the growth this event has brought.
• Thank you for letting me be myself.
• I’m happy to be here. This was unexpected.
• I just love you all, and it’s been wonderful.
• Most powerful receivings I’ve ever had.
• I have immense respect for Isabel for making us feel so cared for.

Bapak’s Prayer (sung to Ibu Sumari on her birthday, Feb.1967)
Let us worship together,
Kneel down before Almighty God
Ask that we may receive
The grace of a pure heart.
Protect us from temptation
And bring us near to Heaven.
May we be granted wisdom,
The wisdom of the true human being
While in this world and in the next,
So that in the end we may stand before Almighty God

Submitted by Marlena Knill and read aloud together in our closing circle.

From Isabel Gates, Seabeck Event Coordinator

It has been such a pleasure to be a part of Seabeck this year! I’ve greatly enjoyed working with Halima Taylor (our lovely registrar), all of our hardworking Regional Helpers and most especially Rayma and Liza who took on the added task of managing the Financial Assistance fund, Alexandra TerHorst, whose incredible talent and ability pulled me out of many small crises, Marston Gregory, our fearless Treasurer, Oswald Norton, whose guidance and wisdom was always a phone call away, Lucas Hess and Jim O’Halloran for their steady hands on our region’s helm as we enter a new time for our region, and Melanie Branchflower for giving me oxygen and her ear when I needed it at times! I came into this weekend hoping to get to know you all better and I made some friendships that mean the world!

As for what I will remember the most, I find that poetry is what comes to mind when I bask in the memories of our weekend at Seabeck.

Treasures in My Heart

Like a fern leaf dancing enthusiastically in a breeze
I will remember this place, this time
For the tenderness it brings my now
I’ve always taken enchantment wherever I may find it
In nature, poetry, music,
But these connections, these friendships,
Our shared heartbeats
They were the touch of the extraordinary
For this I swim in gratitude
It’s easier to appreciate the exquisite taste of water upon your tongue
When you know what it is to be parched.

Please enjoy a few photos from our wonderful weekend! I hope to share more stories, poems, and photos in next week’s issue as well. If you have something for me, email me at seabeck@subudpnw.org. Thank you!
With love and smiles,
Isabel

Seabeck Photo Gallery by Isabel

Sunday’s meeting was attended by 15 of our members. Thanks for coming and for the great food.  As the last agenda item, nominations were opened for vice chair of our group. There were two nominations. As there were no local women helpers available to test and one of the candidates wasn’t present, the group agreed to postpone the testing until our next meeting on October 25th.  We’re hoping that as many members as possible will attend to observe the testing.

Love, Oswald

Fall Leaves photo by Rachman Cantrell

Dear Members of Subud Greater Seattle,

As the days of Summer end and our Fall begins, we’re meeting for our regular monthly meeting to discover what we’ve all been up to in the last month. Please come and share your experiences and bring something to share.

Love, Oswald
Chairman Subud Greater Seattle

Here’s our agenda for this Sunday:

Agenda for Sept. 27rd, 2026 meeting of Subud Greater Seattle

1. Quiet period before we start (local helpers)
2. Minutes of last meeting [Thanks to Jim O’Halloran] (Oswald)
3. Helper Report (Helpers)
4. Brief Financial Report (Sarah)
5. Seabeck Report from those who attended.
6. Housing Committee update on the progress we’ve made since last month.
7. SGS is sponsoring Anishah Educational Center and SICS USA. How are donations going?
8. Selection Process for Vice-Chair of Subud Greater Seattle
   1. Nomination Process – Oswald
   2. Testing Process – Helpers

Minutes from July 26th General Meeting
[Thanks  to  Stephanie  Albornoz  who  volunteered to take them!}

Subud Greater Seattle General Membership Meeting, Sunday, July 26th

Those in attendance: Abideen Gunatilaka, Rachman and Aida Cantrell, Hanafi Libman, Marston Gregory, Lucas and Farah Hess, David Lynch, Halimah Rochfort, Oswald & Rayma Norton and Stephanie Albornoz (who kindly acted as our recording secretary)

Notes of previous general membership meeting were reviewed and approved with the following amendment: Dates for Seabeck kejiwaan retreat amended from September 11-13 to 17-20. Halimah motioned to approve. Rachman seconded. The minutes were approved unanimously by the group.

Registration for Seabeck is already open.  The link for registration is on the PNW website. Everyone is encouraged to register as soon as possible so that a clear number of attendees can be established and prepared for.

Helper input:
Rachman shared an idea to create a regular Zoom meeting for the helpers to attend and connect with one another.

Halimah volunteered to establish the Zoom meeting with her account.

The helpers will coordinate with one another to establish their helper Zoom meeting

Oswald: Rental income was discussed.  January and June were high rental months.  The months in between had low rental numbers.

Repairs for the house are scheduled for August 25-27 and August 31-September 3rd.

Important changes at the PNW regional congress were shared. Lucas Hess is the new PNW Regional Chair. Jim O’Halloran is the PNW Regional Vice Char

Testing for the local vice chair is deferred until August due to today’s low meeting numbers.

Reminders were given to please make donations to Susila Dharma and SICA and earmark your checks with these organizations.

There is financial aid available for Seabeck through PNW website

Farah Hess shared regarding a her visioning leader search:
For the visioning workshop person, Virginia Bower is no longer able to do it, so Farah is looking for other individuals to facilitate the visioning workshop.

Halimah is available if someone is not found to facilitate the visioning workshop

Lucas Hess: Elder members in Portland are looking for rides to Seabeck and he was wondering if there were any elderly individuals in Seattle who may need rides as well. Oswald will inform the membership on the Greater Seattle website alerting members of transportation availability.

Hanafi Libman has become active as a local men’s helper again.

Oswald shared: In order to reenergize the group and the community he feels it’s very important for the helpers’ group to be active and harmoniously working together so that they can share that with the community.

Marston motioned to close to the meeting and Hanafi seconded the motion.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:19 pm with a moment of quiet led by Hanafi

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I invite you to attend our monthly potluck and meeting this Sunday after latihan.  Please do bring something to share.

Postponed Nominations and Testing for vice chair will take place
It is extremely important that we have a full committee to carry out the work of our group through the end of your committee’s current term. I am asking each one of you to consider testing for the position of vice chair.  The work of your current committee is organized in a way as to reduce the amount of effort each one of us spends taking care of the material needs of our group. This is an opportunity to either learn new skills, or, use old skills used in previous jobs in and out of Subud.

It is also extremely important that all of us show up to support those willing to test for this position, so that these candidates will feel supported.

Love, Oswald

Agenda for Aug 23rd, 2026 meeting of Subud Greater Seattle

1. Quiet period before we start (local helpers)
2. Minutes of last meeting (Oswald)
3. Helper Report (Helpers)
4. Brief Financial Report (Sarah)
5. Housing Committee update on the progress we’ve made since last month.
6. SGS is sponsoring Anishah Educational Center and SICS USA. How are donations going?
7. Selection Process for Vice-Chair of Subud Greater Seattle
   1. Nomination Process – Oswald
   2. Testing Process – Helpers

As announced in the Subud PNW newsletter, registration for our annual retreat, being held at the beautiful Seabeck Conference Center on the Kipsap Penninsula. Please Register Now.

Lucas Hess, SPNW Regional Chair, asked if there was anyone who felt that they couldn’t attend due to transportation needs because they didn’t feel that they could drive out to the conference center.  If so, please contact him.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Attendance at our general meeting last Sunday was small, with only 11 members and one visitor attending.

The visitor was Stephanie Albornoz, who kindly agreed to take the minutes of the meeting as Lisa Allen was on vacation.

Because many of you were on vacation, it was decided to postpone the nomination and testing of vice chair until our August meeting.

Please consider being one of those willing to put your name forward. We need you.

Thanks, Oswald

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I invite you to attend our monthly potluck and meeting this Sunday after latihan.  Please do bring something to share.

Nominations and Testing for vice chair
It is extremely important that we have a full committee to carry out the work of our group through the end of your committee’s current term. I am asking each one of you to consider testing for the position of vice chair.  The work of your current committee is organized in a way as to reduce the amount of effort each one of us spends taking care of the material needs of our group. This is an opportunity to either learn new skills, or, use old skills used in previous jobs in and out of Subud.

It is also extremely important that all of us show up to support those willing to test for this position, so that these candidates will feel supported.

Love, Oswald

Agenda for July 26th, 2026 meeting of Subud Greater Seattle

1. Quiet period before we start (local helpers)
2. Minutes of last meeting (Oswald)
3. Helper Report (Helpers)
4. Brief Rental Income Report (Financial Report not available) (Oswald)
5. Housing Committee update on the progress we’ve made since last mont.
6. Selection Process for Vice-Chair of Subud Greater Seattle
   1. Nomination Process – Oswald
   2. Testing Process – Helpers

For next Month:

1. SGS is sponsoring Anishah Educational Center and SICS USA. How are donations going?

Committee testing Questions
Round one: Candidates test with the local helpers in front of the members, and all share their receiving: “(Name), show through your latihan, will you be able to perform the duties of Chair (or Vice Chair) of Subud Greater Seattle for the coming term?”

The local helpers then ask the members if they feel satisfied about the testing and are ready to vote or if more is needed.

If more—

Round two: Candidates test with the local helpers in front of the members, and all share their receiving: “How would it be for Subud Greater Seattle if (name) were to serve as Chair (or Vice Chair) for the coming term?”

The local helpers again ask the members if they feel the testing is adequate and are ready to vote or if more is needed.

If more—

Round three: It is the candidates who test and share their receiving: “What qualities does (name) bring to the job of Chair (or Vice Chair) of Subud Greater Seattle for the coming term?”

The local helpers then show in their latihan in front of the members, and share their receiving of : “What qualities are needed to carry out the job of Chair (or Vice Chair) of Subud (region) for the coming term?”

Round four: How would it be for the harmony of Subud Greater Seattle if (name) serves as a Chair (Vice Chair) for the coming term?

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I wanted to make you aware of two new openings for volunteers in our community.

Due to the courage of two of our members to be willing to stand and test on their ability and willingness to serve our Subud PNW region, we have two openings in our community. I am hoping two of you will consider filling these vacancies.

On Saturday, July 4^th, at the Subud PNW congress held in Portland, Oregon at the Sheraton Airport Hotel, Lucas Hess tested in front of the members and was approved as the next Chairman of Subud PNW.

At that same meeting Jim O’Halloran also tested in front of the members and was approved as the Vice Chairman of Subud PNW.

I wish to thank them for their courage and willingness to serve all the members of our region as we step into the next two years for our Pacific Northwest Subud community.

Jim and I have been working closely on the committee efforts of our group, accompanied by our treasurer, Sarah Stralberg and secretary, Lisa Allen. It has been essential for me to have a vice chair in order for the work to be conducted smoothly.  Jim has now stepped down from his position as vice chair of our group, so that he can focus his full attention on the duties of vice chair of the region, along with his continued duties as a board member of SICA USA.

Nominations are now open for the position of vice-chair of Subud Greater Seattle
We are now in need of a new vice chair. At our group meeting on July 26^th the floor will be opened for candidates for the position of vice chair of Subud Seattle. Please pre-test about putting your name forward and we willing to test at that meeting.

I will be out of the country for most of the month of August and it is essential that we have a vice chair to act as chair during that time as I will be unavailable to answer questions, or deal with issues having to do with our center or it’s centerprise.

Opening on men helper dewan for another man helper
In January, Lucas Hess tested in, and became a man helper in our group. Since then he has worked diligently with the committee. He has helped with testing. He has been willing to work with the committee on the kejiwaan work that lies ahead for us as we explore future facilities for our group.  It is essential that we have another man helper who is willing to replace Lucas as he moves into the role of chairman of Subud  Pacific Northwest.

If you are a current retired helper, please consider reactivating yourself.

If you have never been a helper before and now consider becoming a helper candidate for our center I hope that you will also consider this as a opportunity.

Thanks to Marston Gregory, Subud PNW Treasurer

Marston Gregory, another valued member of our community, has also volunteered to continue with Lucas and Jim as the treasurer of Subud PNW.

Thank you, Oswald Norton
Chair, Subud Greater Seattle