Ricardo had “a feeling” to check the Subud House on September 18th, and sure enough, he found one of the hoses on and water in the basement. He reported this to Oswald, as Jim was taking a well-deserved vacation. Oswald reported the damage to our insurance company, and he and Marston arranged for a company to remove the water and dry the whole area, and for the carpets in the men’s hall to be cleaned. The carpets should be back in 2-3 weeks. Ricardo and Oswald trained a camera on the stairwell that leads to the basement, and Ricardo replaced the outdoor faucets with some that are tamper-proof. Thanks to Ricardo’s follow-through on his guidance, and Oswald and Marston’s quick response there is no lasting damage.

From Jim

Brief synopsis of Subud Seattle general meeting August 30th:
Financially we are doing OK thanks to member donations and reducing our commitment to the region.  Thank you , members!
Remote latihans continue on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday, no in-person latihans at this time.
The rental committee and dewan presented their recommendation to the membership regarding contracting with Karen Hunt of itrip vacations to manage whole-house rentals at Spring Street center.
This would not interfere with latihans on Sunday at the time that is again possible.
The membership voted yes with the exception of one abstention.
The proposal will now go to Subud Pacific Northwest in compliance with SPNW bylaws, as this would be a long-term contract.

Paul E Nelson (Photo by Philip Brautigam)

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer on February 17, 2020 and had highly-targeted radiation treatment in Late June and early July and I am recovering. Along the way I had the Subud community helping me test treatment options, letting me know this form of cancer is quite survivable, helping me with my attitude and I had sisters and brothers praying for me.

To have a spiritual community is a real blessing ESPECIALLY during such a challenge. I think it is the birthright of all humans and yet it seems quite special to me. I am grateful for this and, during Latihans, have had some of the most visceral experiences of gratitude I have ever had in my life right down there in that basement hall where I was opened June 27, 2004. The same room where we did a special Latihan for my Dad when he died on May 11, 2014.

You would think that to have cancer treatment in the middle of a pandemic and also contend with the loss of a job would make 2020 a crummy year, but I see all this as a gift. (I no longer handle lodging for the Subud House.) That my guidance has been excellent and that I trust that guidance, has made things surprisingly easy. Vaya con Dios say Spanish speakers and Subud has helped train me to understand that there is a plan designed by a life force much more intelligent (& PATIENT) than me. I am beginning to trust that.

What is also interesting about this journey is the personal mythology side of this. “Mental fears weaken the masculinity” is the thought pattern that Louise Hay says could be at the root of this issue. To have her work as a guide in understanding the spiritual side of this and an excellent care team at Swedish led by Dr. Robert Meier handling the Cyberknife treatment has been a blessing.

To also have POPO (poetry postcard fest) happening all summer, was another outlet for me to turn energy, that years ago, might have been used for worry, into creativity. Below are two examples of postcards I sent out about the treatment. Thank you for being part of Subud, this life-affirming organization that has enriched my life.