When teaching a Yoga class, there is typically a rest pose offered toward the end of class. Many of us teachers use the Sanskrit term, "savasana", instead of using the English name of "corpse pose". You shuddered there, didn't you? What is it about death that is so overwhelming and scary for so many of us? In this case, the idea of the pose is to take on the quality of a corpse- letting go of the dead parts of our being, those things that no longer serve our higher good.
We live in a culture where we are shown to fear death, and when it does come, we are taught to dismiss it and move on. Crying and grieving are expected to be brief. People you know (and maybe even some you really don't) tell you that everything will be alright and encourage you that it's best just to move on with your life. They offer to be there "for" you if you need anything, instead of with you as you cry and maybe lose your shit. The truth is, when a loved one passes from this physical realm to the heavenly one (or however you believe), it is never easy! The physical death of a loved one deserves more respect from your friends and family than simply being dismissed as if you had a bad headache happen to you. Grief does not only occur when we have a loved one pass, but for the sake of this article, that is where I will stop. Over the last few years, I have gotten to know Jaime and Jennifer Allison. They are 2 sisters that give to our community through their nonprofit, Love the Little Ones. They throw birthday parties and give donated clothing and other items to the children's home in Concord, NC. I met the sisters during a donation event for Love the Little Ones we held at a Yoga studio where I taught. These women have such lovely, giving spirits. It was time for them to receive some care and love in return. 4 years ago, Jaime and Jennifer's mother, Sandra was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The last few months had been her most physically challenging as the cancer moved into her abdominal organs. In December 2015, Jennifer reached out to me to buy Christmas gift certificates for her family. One of them happened to be for her mother. As Sandra got more sick, what was originally meant to be a 30 minute massage turned into a customized Reiki and gentle massage session with the intention of bringing peace and healing towards her. I started to see Sandra for these sessions on a weekly basis. Jennifer asked me for a miracle for her mother to get better. While I can understand why Jennifer would ask such a thing, I responded in truth: Reiki brings light and peace and healing and freedom from suffering, whatever the recipient's karmic path is. As hard as it is, I have to do my best to become unattached and let God's will take place, whatever that means. Since becoming a Reiki Practitioner almost 8 years ago, this was the most difficult and yet the most beautiful work I have been part of. Jennifer asked me to share her mother's Reiki journey with you all. One of Sandra's first sessions, she saw her daughters' faces. She smiled as she told me and seemed to be so at peace, even through her physical discomforts. That same day, Jennifer saw her mother's face in the clouds. During Sandra's sessions, Divine symbols continued to present themselves. I would see doves; representing God and peace, and butterflies; representing transformation. The color yellow also came through, once more, representing transformation, as well as strength. And that was some of the beauty...as sick as Sandra was physically feeling, courage and grace never left her. She physically seemed smaller each week I would visit, but her heart grew bigger & brighter each time! When I shared with Jennifer that I had seen white doves flying through her mom's heart and spirit, she was hopeful that her mother was feeling that instead of the pain of the cancer. The last session I spent with Sandra, only 5 days ago, I saw a beautiful white lotus flower blossoming from her heart through her crown. If you don't know the story of the lotus, they blossom from underneath muddy waters to reach the sunlight. Sandra was being called Home. I also felt a strong calling to sing to her, "Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu", meaning “May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all. So be it!" She let me sing this wonderful mantra to her and she received it with a huge smile. It was such an honor to offer Reiki and healing to Sandra over these last few months. If you know Jaime and Jennifer or any of their family, or even if you don't know them, just send them love and light. And if you see them crying, just hug them and don't say a word. Let them just be held. Grief needs to be felt and respected. Om Shanti, Christina |
Author-Christina is a Bodywork Therapist and Yoga Teacher in the Charlotte, NC area with a passion for writing. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this blog!! Archives
August 2019
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