Dear sangha,

I am sorry to say I will not be coming to Samish Island for sesshin in 2026. It seems that 2025 was my last sesshin there, after I am not sure how many years, how many decades, how many people, how much life lived.

I love Samish and I love all of you, and I am sad that I will not be back again. But at last summer’s sesshin I had a very strong and clear feeling that it was my last time.

For some years Tim and I have been talking about when the end would come. And I have been feeling increasingly uneasy that my being at Samish prevents the community somehow from its full expression. Not that Tim or anyone else has said or even felt this. But I have felt it.

Everything that begins ends and, sad as that may be, it is also happy because it means there is a bright future as we walk ahead, carrying the past with us.

I will not be disappearing completely. I am still alive and healthy and will be continuing my practice. I trust my friendships with all of you will continue.

And I’m glad to hear that you plan to continue offering this sesshin and I have every confidence in Tim, Chris, and all of you as you carry on this wonderful tradition of an annual full week sesshin.

Thank you so much for all these years of practice together. They have been the treasure of my life. I don’t know why I have been so lucky to have practiced with you so harmoniously and so beautifully for so long. I am proud of that, and of you and what you have established in Bellingham.

May it continue for many generations!

yrs,
Norman