Gray Jeffery ’86

What’s your connection to ASL?

I had the good fortune of attending the American School in London on two occasions. I was there in 1979 for my fifth grade year with teacher Sally Marlow (ASL 1964-95). I then returned in 1982 for Grades 9-11, leaving London in the summer of 1985, and finishing my last year of high school in Brookline, Massachusetts. My time at ASL was significant and many of the friendships lasting. The freedom and flexibility I had living in London contributed to my desire to experience living in other parts of the world. 

How do you reconnect with long-distance friends or family?

Generally through social media, text and email. Facebook has certainly brought a number of people from my past back into my life, and it’s been great to reestablish those relations. It is funny because about 13 years ago, my dear mother updated ASL of my doings and it was printed in London Calling, which rekindled some friendships. There have been numerous occasions where I have physically reconnected with friends from ASL through the travel that we do with work. 

How do you stay connected to your…

Community? My partner Victoria and I have an off-grid healing retreat center in Hawaii, on sacred land that is abundant with food. It is a place where people can come to visit and experience powerful healing processes, reestablishing the connection to self, family and close relations. The work we do creates our community—our tribe, and helps to open our hearts further.

Colleagues? One of the greatest parts of work travel is that we establish these connections with amazing people who then travel on retreat with us, creating new friendships and deepening relations. And we use email, our website, phone, text and social media to maintain contact with the people in our lives. 

Joy? Connecting to our joy and well-being is intertwined in this process. The joy of health comes in the relationship we have to our bodies and minds via the foods we eat and drink, the exercise we get, the time for stretching, stillness, meditation and breathing exercises. The joy that comes from being in service to others, reciprocity, giving back, is meaningful in our lives and creates a harmony and balance. The joy through the connection to music, concerts, theater and the arts is fulfilling.

Well-being? Having had COVID in October 2020 with continuing symptoms has been challenging at times, yet I try to recognize how truly blessed my partner and I are. We’re grateful for the lives we have and the opportunities available to us. Having gratitude is essential. We are all connected, all gifted, all reflections of each other. May we continue to remain hopeful, strong, kind and loving!