by Lynn Chittick Thompson
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” —John 15:16
“Let’s all go over the high mountain together, in the twenty-first century, together, hand in hand,” —Aveline Kushi
In the quiet serenity of Becket, Massachusetts, I stood at the gravesite of Aveline Kushi, a pioneer of the natural food movement. Memories flooded back—decades spent at the Kushi Institute in my thirties to fifties, where I learned, healed, and discovered. A deep sense of love, peace, and gratitude washed over me. Blessed are the peacemakers, I thought. Now, at our farm in Pennsylvania, the Planetary Health Library stands beside the wisdom of Emanuel Swedenborg, a shared treasury of insight and spiritual growth.
Childhood is a time of wonder, passion, and curiosity. We begin our journey lying down, wholly dependent, and within a year, we stand, walk, and explore. This remarkable transition mirrors the journey of life itself. In youth, we dream of designs, accolades, and achievements, seeking something greater than ourselves. We step beyond the familiar, into the vast unknown, our dreams shifting like the stars.
For me, those dreams were shaped by a fascination with other worlds and a quest for understanding. At twenty-six, diagnosed with a breast tumor and with two young children, I turned to the teachings of Rudolf Steiner and the spiritual insights of Emanuel Swedenborg. His Heaven and Hell taught me that even in youth, we experience glimpses of heaven and hell. I embraced organic foods at twenty-three and built a sustainable home by twenty-four. My son Adam’s severe allergies taught me about the hidden dangers in everyday products. What seemed like challenges were lessons that deepened my understanding of life and health.
It was during this time that I met Michio Kushi, the visionary behind America’s natural food movement. At twenty-seven, I wrote to him after reading his book, telling him how his vision for One Peaceful World inspired me. To my surprise, he called to thank me. Kushi’s teachings—rooted in well-being, spiritual witness, and service—aligned with the wisdom of Swedenborg, who believed that true happiness comes from serving others.
This philosophy guided my journey. I saw how dreams evolve and expand with each step we take. As a student of philosophy and religion, I delved into the writings of Plato, Aristotle, and Swedenborg, deepening my understanding of the spiritual and physical worlds. My studies illuminated the connection between ancient wisdom and the spiritual transformation Swedenborg described.
In the sacred texts of the Bible, the prophets offer visions of a peaceful world. They speak of hope, change, and the inner transformation that Swedenborg describes so profoundly. Jesus Christ, through his life and teachings, revealed the path to true inner peace. His glorification is a beacon of divine love and wisdom, a light that calls us toward spiritual renewal.
When Michio Kushi passed away in 2014, I dreamt of TORCH: The Organization for Realizing Change in Humanity. The acronym emerged as wildfires raged in California, where I lived. TORCH became a call to serve, to carry the light of love and wisdom forward. Today, as I look ahead, I see our denomination as a community of dreamers, each carrying a torch of spiritual insight and service.
Aveline Kushi, Michio’s wife, taught me to honor the sacred in everyday life. From cooking to chanting, she showed me that true spirituality is embodied—lived in each moment. Her words still echo in my heart: “Hold each other’s hands over the high mountain.” As I continue this journey, I am reminded that our dreams are not just for ourselves but for those who come after us.
We are appointed by the simple miracle of our first breath. Our dreams may differ, but we are all called to seek goodness and truth, to live with purpose, and to support one another. As I stand here today, I hold the dream of One Peaceful World close to my heart—a dream born in the teachings of Michio Kushi, deepened by the insights of Swedenborg, and carried forward through TORCH.
Read the full issue of the June 2025 Messenger
Meet Lynn Chittick Thompson,
Lynn Chittick Thompson, RN, is the founder and CEO of TORCH: The Organization for Realizing Change in Humanity. Lynn is finishing her DMin at the Pacific School of Religion. She is a mother of five and soon-to-be grandmother of fourteen. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband at the Meeting House Farm.
