Dearest friends,
Please forgive the impersonal nature this email. I wish I could reach out to each of you individually, but so many of you have cared for me and Copper Beech over the years, that it’s just impossible. Over the next 10 weeks, I will be transitioning into a new role, and I would love to share my reflections on how this has unfolded in my heart.
Having spent my entire life working with words, I am incredibly humbled to find myself at a loss to describe the profound gratitude I feel for each of you. Whether you are newer to our mission or have walked shoulder to shoulder with us for years, your time, energy, and care have loved Copper Beech into existence over and over again for nearly a decade. We are the thriving global community of compassion because of your mindful presence, your steadfast trust, and your unwavering belief that we could be more together than we could ever be alone.
How could I be anything but thankful to be part of this community? We have reached many tens of thousands of people who repeatedly tell us that our work changes lives. People have sought refuge in our circles through some of the most challenging moments of their lives-cancer, loss, confusion, pandemic, imprisonment, and homelessness; countless more have also found in our community new reasons to rejoice, to embrace, and to live authentically. Each one of you has been integral to who we have become—a brave community of belonging.
Still, after deep reflection, it has become clear to me that it is time for me to move on from Copper Beech. Admittedly, there are infinite reasons to stay awhile longer—a brilliant staff, a wise board, incredibly generous donors, and radiant community members who challenge me to grow on a daily basis; even amid the pandemic, we’ve continued to innovate as we tirelessly seek new ways to be faithful to our mission to ease the suffering of an aching world. Even with our many successes, I’m all too conscious of my shortcomings to know that you have also been patient with my imperfections, forgiving of my faults, and gracious with your kindness in times of challenge. Through it all, I’ve been surrounded by trusted colleagues and dear friends--an embarrassment of blessings to be sure.
Still, I have always tried to encourage others to trust in the still small voice that guides each of us. I’ve shared that we ignore this voice at our own peril. The practice of mindfulness opens in us a space to listen to this sacred call. For ten years, Copper Beech has been my sacred calling. Now, it’s time for me to heed my own teaching and follow what I believe is a calling away from a community I love dearly. That voice has echoed within me for long enough to know that I cannot ignore it. It’s time for another leader to guide our beloved community as we live into the next chapter of Copper Beech.
I have accepted a position as the founding Executive Director of Leadership Programs at Yale Divinity School, specifically, at Berkeley Divinity School at Yale. They have invited me to create a new center for leadership and innovation to support and guide a new generation of spiritual leaders seeking fresh ways of sharing spiritual wisdom. After much prayer and meditation, I believe that this is the path that I am being called to walk. I will begin this position in November and will continue on at Copper Beech in a consultative role through the new year to provide any support that is necessary to ensure a smooth transition to our next leader. In the coming days, the board will share further details around a transition plan.
Thank you again for all your compassion and encouragement over the years. Thank you for all the visible and invisible ways you have helped Copper Beech grow. Thank you for helping create a community where I could belong. I want to thank Chuck Joseph, our wonderfully wise and tireless board chair who has led our board so expertly. I also want to express incredible appreciation for Fr. David Cinquegrani, Fr. Terry Kristofak, and all the wonderful people at Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center whose support and trust have created a beautiful home for Copper Beech for all these years.
It’s been my life’s privilege to serve as your leader, and I will cherish our time together for all of my days.
I look forward to watching how the Copper Beech mission continues to expand, heal, and serve our aching world in the months and years ahead.
With a smile of appreciation and a deep bow of gratitude,
Brandon
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR COPPER BEECH?
Copper Beech is here to stay! We are feeling proud and excited for Brandon as he begins this new journey. While it is certainly a bittersweet moment for our community, we are looking forward to continued growth and a bright future ahead. ❤️
All programming will continue to run as normal and our mission of spreading mindfulness and compassionate action will grow and thrive in the years ahead!
For questions or replies, please feel free to reach out to Brandon:
Brandon@copperbeechinstitute.org
