"Jerry's wisdom and presence touches people, shining a light on the deepest part of their beings. Using his inspirational film, In the Hands of Alchemy, Jerry catalyzed a rich and thought provoking dialogue about the possibility of living and working directly in response to the calling of the soul. His ability to be completely present and his straight-forward approach to our deepest questions, created a profoundly moving experience. Jerry's wife Marilyn Strong added to the event by using her extraordinary voice talent to open and close our meeting. We are very grateful for their contribution to our Soul of Work Network's ongoing exploration about the relationship between spirit and work."

Shelley Drogin, Ed.D., founder Inspire Consulting and faculty in Seattle University's Executive Leadership program, and Suzanne Anderson, M.A., management consultant and executive coach.

Dear Marilyn and Jerry,
Thank you both so much for working with Space One Eleven (SOE) to create such a wonderful workshop for our youth on October 7, 2005. It was truly a creative experience for everyone. Please keep us informed of future ventures to Alabama, as we would like to keep in touch and host both of you again.

The youth gave us good feedback from the workshop and have inspired us as an organization to offer more holistic drumming and visual art workshops in the future. I hope that both of you had a safe flight back home.

Take care and keep in touch,
Sincerely,
Amy L. Griffin, Arts Education Coordinator, Space One Eleven

Dear Marilyn and Jerry,
I'm writing to thank you and to reflect back to you my appreciation of the value I experienced from attending your workshop on Uniting the Opposites: Exploring the Sacred Marriage Within.

For me this workshop was well conceived, and the architecture of it supported all the activities and phases of it very well. It was well led and because of consistent and sensitive stewardship, it was possible for a heterogeneous group, many of whom were attending their first workshop exploring such themes; to bond well, build a safe container and go deeply into the work with ease and a kind of natural movement one might find with people with a lot more history of such journeys.

For myself, I am shocked at how fast I have needed to apply some of what I have learned to some very troubling issues awaiting me as soon as I returned back to my life outside the retreat. I have been confronted with some very strong events and I'm finding that I'm able to make use of skills learned during the workshop to hold the tension of the various aspects of the conflict and stay with the alchemical process of it and trust in the wisdom of the process. In the past this has been then realm in which I have reacted or ran or pursued ways that were destructive to myself and others!

I found the vehicles such as the guided visualization, mask-making and the Long Dance to be skillfully and competently offered so that they really served as integrating vehicles for exploration and embodiment of the principals which were touched on in the theoretical and cerebral parts of the workshop.

I find myself in full agreement with the quote in the film about Carl Jung, which to paraphrase said something like: History is not the large movements that happen to us and before which we are but helpless witnesses, rather, it is the summation of individual lives and threads of vitality, subjectively lived and expressed. This work, in my view, helps transform the world in the most powerful way by integrating the individual shadow around opposites and in doing so, brings radical new possibilities for non-violent evolution and increasing wisdom into the world.

I am grateful to you for sharing this work in such thoughtful and open hearted way. Also, I must add that how you open your home, your studio, your meditation tower, and your garden and the good food grown in it, makes this such a total and complete gift.

What is next?
Ardai Baharmast, workshop attendee (written August 21, 2003)

What a delight to work with Marilyn Strong and Jerry Wennstrom in serving the very special young people. Jerry has a special way of speaking about vision, ‘ Live the beauty that is in every moment and life takes care of itself.’ Well said. The pure simplicity of his heart shines forth in his words. Marilyn's loving presence and very deep call as a convener of sacred space are palpable and liberating. It's a true pleasure to find a couple whose love for one another and for life makes them a blessing and an instrument of transformation for others. May you continue to walk in the path of wisdom and compassion.

With Metta-
Mike Seymour
President
The Heritage Institute

"Few of us have emptied our cup as completely as Jerry Wennstrom did when he destroyed his art in 1979, and therefore few have experienced as deep a reawakening to the subtle stirrings of the divine in everyday life. It's hard for me to convey how deeply I respect what Jerry shares with us in his book, "The Inspired Heart," in his art, and above all in his person. Here is a completely genuine voice of creative spirit."

Chris Bache, author "Dark Night, Early Dawn" and former program director, The Institute of Noetic Science

Jerry,
Just a note to let you know how much you have touched two of my friends lives.

I have a friend that lives in Maui, she has about twenty acres of land in the most beautiful part of Maui. We are very close friends. She called and said nothing seems to matter. Even thought she lives in one of the most beautiful places in the world, she is still feeling no passion except to be with God. I told her to order your book. She got it and has been reading it. She said it has brought her so much peace. She just couldn't thank me enough for telling her about it.

Then she said, this is so funny because Jerry's wife was on my committee when I was at Antioch. She said that she remembers your wife to be so silent in a beautiful way. Small world. Her name is Loretta, your wife might remember her.

I then just told another friend that was having horrible problems on money, property, etc., from her ex-boy friend. I said, "Go get Jerry's book. She called me from the Cayenne Islands and said that she was so grateful for your book, she would stop fighting and relax into what is....

I guess it wasn't meant for me to go nuts on getting your book to the world, I just got too excited. There is something in your writings that puts one in peace and joy... I will still tell everyone that I know about your book, It has helped us so much. Every person that I have sent it to, has been touched in such a deep profound way.

Thank you
Daeneon

"New book, amazing man" was the subject of an email message that I received from my friend Cynthia last September. Cynthia and I have a spiritual connection that spans many years. I trust her recommendations, so I read on. "Jerry Wennstrom is an amazing man - humble, creative, eager, delightful. I encourage you to take a look at his new book.” Intrigued, but not feeling I had time for a new book, I set the message aside for a few days. The description of the man kept nudging me. I bought the book, The Inspired Heart, and the companion video, In the Hands of Alchemy. I watched the video twice with friends, each time followed by heartfelt discussion. They borrowed it and passed it on to others. Clearly Jerry's life touched an unspoken need. His was a story of unconditional release and total transformation.

Jerry Wennstrom was a rising star in the New York art world in the 1970's. He was driven to paint for 15 years and created a large body of work, but he began to question deeply the limits of his life as a studio painter. After much meditation and soul searching, Jerry realized that his existing art and his attachment to it were preventing him from achieving his full potential as a human being. As a result, he destroyed all of his art and gave away everything he owned. He then lived solely on what came to him from the hand of God. During this time, living out of a place of deep inner quiet, he remained still throughout many difficult encounters with threatening or deranged people. Since he had given up everything, Jerry had nothing to risk or lose. He developed a gift of complete presence and total listening. During these situations, time after time, those in his presence would be transformed. People were healed by Jerry's quiet gifts. After living this way for over ten years, Jerry moved to the state of Washington and slowly returned to life in a more worldly sense. Jerry is now married to Marilyn Strong and has a large new body of artwork.

Late last fall I traveled to the Pacific Northwest to visit Cynthia on Whidbey Island. I asked if we might visit Jerry. One quick phone call and we had an invitation.

Jerry greeted us with a quiet smile and graciously ushered us into his gallery, a spacious room lined with large figures, each amazing in its dimensions, expressions, colors and textures. With delight Jerry drew us to his latest, which contained a tiny steam engine. When fired up, a music box played while lights flashed and steam puffed out. Others figures danced, spun, rang bells, and popped open doors. With one you could put in a coin and make a choice. One choice rewarded you with a smiling Buddha, the other with the clang of a gong. The pieces spoke of the human condition - choices, life, death, humor. I was enchanted! I loved the fact that most of the parts came from the recycle station, and that none of these exquisite works were for sale!

Our visit ended with tea and light conversation in Jerry’s house. We didn’t exchange profound thoughts. Rather, we enjoyed the simple pleasure of sharing tea together in a place of beauty and peace. As we parted I felt heart-warmed and satisfied. Nothing earth shaking had taken place, but I was deeply touched by the encounter.

As the seasons shifted and Thanksgiving drew near, I thought about Jerry’s story, and I felt keenly aware of the approaching Christmas shopping season. The compulsive, frenzied nature of this activity has always troubled me. It is a time when animals and plants go dormant, and seeds lie underground awaiting transformation. My soul desires to clear out and prepare for a season of inward reflection, exactly counter to the expectations of our culture.

I felt inspired to give away things - not just the kind of stuff one normally takes to the Goodwill, but “good” stuff. Perhaps because I was raised in New England and strongly influenced by Quakers, it is my nature to simplify. I decided to have a “give away” party. It would be on National Buy Nothing Day. I put out the word, and made a sign that said “Unshop Today.” Many friends came, some with items to add to the give away. Some found things they were thrilled to have, like a bicycle and my mother’s hand crank bread maker. One came to unshop for her friend’s birthday. Others came to find Christmas presents for family. It was a real celebration. The next day a friend and I showed off our “new” jewelry to each other.

Jerry writes, “A time may come when you are asked to let go of everything you think you are and all that you think you possess. If you can give yourself to this process, what will emerge will be a truer self in a truer world. All will be well. All that you had hoped for...will be sanctified and returned to you."

I connect my life with Jerry's story in subtle ways. As his stories play and replay in my mind, I am reminded to hold lightly all that I own, for it is all gift. Now our country is engaged in war. How different it might be if only…if only we would study Jerry's lessons of trust, of letting go, of living each moment knowing that over and over a miracle is about to happen.

Alison Heins
(Alison lives in Leelanau County with her husband, one lively dog, two crabby orange cats, twelve industrious hens, and thousands of even more industrious honeybees.)

Dear Jerry,
I was at your workshop in Sebastopol and have been reading your book every nite before bed, wonderful magical bedtime stories! You have inspired me enormously, you have no idea. You have lived your life in such an openhearted courageous way, and synchronicity follows. I have your video and have found it very inspiring too, and have been cleaning out my art studio to get going on my art. Something in me has changed since I met you. Cant quite put my finger on it yet but it is very good.

Roslyn

Jerry,
I cannot tell you how impactful your presentation was. Several of us gathered together the next day and we were still reeling from the impact. We will never be the same. You are a very special person in my life, because I went through a similar path, many parallels. You are probably the first person I have met who can really understand what I have gone through and maybe where I have surfaced.

I do want to meet you personally some day, either here or coming to Whidbey Island. I made a major discovery and breakthough after you presentation. I think it may be one of the most revealing insights I have had in my life, and the end of one of the most troubling and fearful recurring experiences. I think you might relate and understand.

I could go on for a long time with you, but I know your time is precious. Until the next time.

Eric

Jerry,
I finished your book last weekend. Wow. I am impressed by the amount of knowledge you have gained on the journey, but actually amazed at the way you articulate certain truths that I know well, deep inside. Your "conclusions" in the last two chapters are insightful reflections for open/intuitive/creative types to ponder.

Timing was perfect to suggest this book to a new artist client. He is fabulously talented, does amazing work, stunning portraiture in oils, tiny, tiny brushstrokes thoughout his (sometimes sizeable) works, every blade of grass in detail, etc. - I will definitely recommend he read THE INSPIRED HEART and listen to the radio show. I see him again Thursday.

Blessings and love,
Bela

Dear Jerry,
My name is Dani, I work as a healer, using the Jewish Mystical path of the Kabbalah as a map of consciousness. I also have very deep yogic connections. I have slowly been making my way back to painting over these past few years. I have been crying as I read your book, so touched am I by your empty handed leap in to the void. Your book reached my hands a critical moment in my spiritual life as I leave a teacher and a community after 11 years, and choose to find my own unique way to express my connections with the All in the world. I know I am a teacher, the form is not clear. I am learning much from your stories and just wanted to tell you that. One man's courageous act - creates ripples so deep no one even can predict how and where they spread. Blessings to you, if you ever come east again I'd love to meet you.

Namaste,
Dani

Hello Jerry and Marilyn,
It is good to hear from you and was it was very nice meeting you and hearing your music and talk. I am most of the way through, reading Jerry's wonderful book. What I am getting out of reading the book is very surprising to me. It isn't anything I expected. It is very relevant, however. It is Jerry's great insight into and appreciation of the human heart and soul. Your writing is so warm and welcoming. I feel caught up in the words each time I pick up the book.

For me, it has been going out into 'nature' with a sense of trust and openness that has always led to unexpected surprises and gifts of connection. My difficult past in which I was often disappointed and made to feel very fearful,lead to my closing myself off and leading an outstandingly lonely existence. Now, Jerry's sharing of his experiences has offered an encouraging and refreshing perspective and, hopefully, will contribute to my moving toward connecting with people again. I shall think to be open to the surprises in the same way and open to the gifts that people offer, as I have been to the rest of nature.

Thank you,
Lorraine