Kindness On Our Journeys

 I’m sleepy at this moment as I write this post, the metal taste of Solumedrol in my mouth after a steroid infusion. Earlier, however, I woke up praying once again, watching another peaceful sunrise. I opened the window and felt the cold air on my face, but was not startled, I felt invigorated as I watched my breath; small clouds as I exhaled into the morning. I was temporarily transported back to cool mornings in Bristol, VT on my way to our 6am yoga classes, the start of our arduous, deeply fulfilling days of training that would not end until 5 or 6pm each evening.

I received a message yesterday about one of my beloved teachers from Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy. Karen’s soul is on the bridge, journeying between her earthbound body to heavenly realms. When I think of her, I envision Gaia, stable, grounded, exuding safety and love, caring for all beings. I can still feel her strong arms around me, holding me on more than one occasion in demo sessions as we learned how to assist others compassionately through PRYT, a beautiful healing modality. I learned a great deal about myself as well. When her soul finally parts from her body in the coming days, she will leave enduring residue of herself, like fine angel dust, in the hearts of those of us who have been blessed by her gentle teaching, her humor, her warmth, her kindness. I am a different person, a better person for the time I spent learning not just technique, but how to be fully immersed in another person’s experience…traveling with them as their bodies released the stories held in their cells, healing, one breath at a time.

I did not complete my PRYT training, I got half way through my studies when MS altered my life's path. While I don't apply the physical aspects of yoga therapy to others, I often incorporate the listening skills, body scans, inquiry and mirroring I learned from Karen in my work as a Spiritual Director, Kaizen-Muse Creativity Coach and SoulCollage facilitator. I will forever be grateful for the wisdom Karen imparted, but even more so for her genuine kindness. In Sharon Salzberg’s book, The Force of Kindness, she writes, “It is someone’s kindness that essentially affirms us, that conveys a sense of the wholeness they glimpse in us, a wholeness that we ourselves might barely realize.” Thank you dear Karen for believing in me as a conduit for healing, simply by listening attentively with my heart. 

 

May your light rise with brilliance and gentle grace into heavenly realms, peacefully, surrounded by the love you gave and the love we return, an eternal cycle of chesed, lovingkindness.

Thank you everyone for your prayers for Jack this week. I sent a link to his mothers so they could read your kind blessings. Jen let me know how much they appreciate the extra prayers. Perhaps today, you could add Karen Hasskarl to your prayer list to ease her journey.

"What's happening now?" Karen taught us to ask our clients, and our own healing bodies, minds, hearts and souls...

In this moment, I feel quietude, softness, and know it is time to close my eyes and rest while the medicine does its work in my body for the next few days.


gentle steps,
Laura

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