Letter from the President and CEO January 2025

Dear Reader,

Happy New Year! I wrote this letter determined to avoid clichés that push us to be better, faster, and stronger than we were the year prior. While setting goals and meeting them can help move us towards thriving, I want to open 2025 by considering two complementary messages that urge us to recognize the reality and profundity of the present moment exactly as it is. No striving or prying. Slowing down.

The first line is from Luke 12:21:

“Neither shall they say, ‘Lo, it is here!’ or ‘Lo, it is there!’ For behold, the Kingdom of God is within you.”

The second comes from the great Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hahn (1926-2022):

“What you are looking for is already in you...You already are everything you are seeking.”

Allow the significance of these sage words to come through. They help us to see that there is something special about this very moment, not as it could be or used to be, but as it is, right here, right now.

Recognizing the fundamental spiritual nature of every human being is at the heart of the Institute’s approach. Understanding that every human being has the innate capacity to connect with something that is simultaneously larger than ourselves and deep within ourselves in every moment helps us to engage in the work of healing with reverence and care. Each of us can tap into this reality simply by paying attention to it.

When the Institute began its work in 1955, its founding leaders boldly chose to recognize and act upon this reality – they knew health and healthcare would be incomplete otherwise. Seven decades later, we continue to advance these powerful principles through the programs and services contained within our four Centers of Excellence.

Accordingly, 2025 marks the beginning of the Institute’s 70th Anniversary year. In fact, please save the date for the evening of Thursday, May 1, when we will celebrate this milestone with an evening program held at the Texas Medical Center’s new Helix Park featuring mission-driven remarks and performances.

May we all enter this fresh season feeling connected to the transcendent mystery of every moment. We look forward to seeing you at an Institute program very soon!

Warmly,
Stuart

Stuart C. Nelson
President & CEO