Light the Way Forward

by Krystle Hart
Stillpoint Acting Executive Director

Dear Stillpoint Friends,

Every year, as we come to the close of another season, I find myself pausing… taking a breath… and reflecting on all the beauty that has unfolded here at Stillpoint.

And truly, that beauty begins with you–all of you who make up this community of seekers, spiritual companions, and soul-care workers. It is your gentle presence, your deep listening, and your compassion, that recognizes each moment as holy.

This year, I watched as you held space in the literal ashes left by the LA fires, offering sacred presence in the midst of deep grief. I saw you accompany one another through contemplative practice. We celebrated two new cohorts graduating from our Art of Spiritual Direction program, and we launched new ways for people to participate in our Spiritual Journey program and retreat.

Some of you traveled with us on our inaugural pilgrimage to Iona. Others journeyed to Ghost Ranch and were held, maybe even changed, by that sacred land.

Recently, someone shared with me that they remember “life before Ghost Ranch, and life after Ghost Ranch.” Their experience through Stillpoint’s Journey program at the ranch profoundly shifted something in them. Like many before them, they described Ghost Ranch as a “thin place” where their spirituality expanded and was transformed.

I haven’t stopped thinking about that, because I think many of us know this feeling. Those moments when something touches us so deeply that life seems divided into a before and an after. Sometimes those moments come through loss or grief. Sometimes through joy or new beginnings. But always, they’re touched by Love. By Light.

The world is in such need of compassion and love right now. Stillpoint’s work feels more needed than ever. This sacred work of nurturing pathways to wholeness through contemplative living, faithful practice, and spiritual activism. The work of creating and offering spaces, individual and collective, for those seeking deeper connection with Divine Mystery. The work of holding a community that is open, inclusive, and enriched by many spiritual traditions. The work of forming deeply grounded spiritual directors and companions.

So much of this is made possible because of you. Because of your generosity, your presence, your gifts. Thank you to each of you who have given your time, prayers, wisdom, and your financial support. We truly couldn’t do this work without you.

Each year, most of our support comes through end-of-year giving. This year, we have set a goal of $30,000. If Stillpoint has been a place of grounding, formation, or spiritual deepening for you…or if you believe in the compassionate, contemplative presence we bring into the world…I invite you to consider offering a financial gift toward this year’s giving campaign.

Any amount makes a difference. Each gift helps light the way forward into a new year.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of this community and for helping sustain this sacred work in the world.

With peace and gratitude,

Krystle Hart

Krystle Hart is a spiritual director, co-pastor of Parish Long Beach, and Acting Executive Director at Stillpoint. Drawn early to the art of holy listening through her Pentecostal roots, she now finds her home in contemplative spirituality, where she discovered a deep calling to the sacred work of spiritual companionship.

“There is no greater gift than being invited to listen for the Holy as someone unfolds their sacred story.”

Since 2020, Krystle has been part of Stillpoint, completing the Art of Spiritual Direction program, training in group spiritual direction, and formation in spiritual accompaniment with children. She lives in Long Beach, CA, with her partner and their two tender, spirited boys.