For the Love of Summer – a Celebration of Life

Please join The Soul Center and the North County Yoga Community for an evening to honor and celebrate the life of our dear sweet friend, sister and teacher.

Details:
      Sunday, September 11, 2011 from  4pm to 6pm
      The Soul Center (Soul of Yoga)
      627 Encinitas Blvd. in Encinitas CA

As Summer requested, there was no formal funeral or visitation.  Her wishes were to bring people together to connect with her through sound and movement – coming together in silence with no formal music, rather sounds such as bowls, drums and other “primal” instruments.   She wanted people to feel whatever came up without anyone invoking a particular emotion, so she requested no talking.  Her hope was that those wanting to get together in groups to share stories and memories (or wine) would do so after the celebration or plan those events separately.

Summer’s dharma box will be in the center of the room with pictures and other reminders of her and people can gather (bring a meditation pillow if you’d like), enjoy the music, reflect about Summer and if you desire, you are welcome to place something (a flower, stone, crystal, note, etc.) in the dharma box as a remembrance of her.  Summer connected with each of us in unique and beautifully different ways, so please feel free to share anything you would like as a means to connect with her.

Summer Spirit

Summer taught so many of us about ourselves, our potential and what it means to truly love.  With her husband, son and those who have helped care for her surrounding her with that love, our strong, beautiful, graceful, sweet Summer transitioned last night. 

As everyone would expect of such an amazing woman with an incredible life force, she fought until the very end and surrendered in a beautiful way.  Thank you for all of your love, positive energy, thoughts and prayers as they have been very helpful and meaningful.

Her wishes are to be cremated and not have a traditional funeral service.  Instead, there will be some events in the coming days and weeks and we will use her blog to update you with additional information as things are planned.   

Summer’s teacher, Pema Chodron, requested that for the next 49 days (today being day 1), whenever any of you think of her, do Tonglen for her.  Breathe in any fear and confusion that arises and send out to her relief and happiness.  

As our friend and teacher embarks on her next journey, we know that she is always here with us and will forever remind us to dance and love to our fullest potential.

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Quote by Anais Nin

"It takes courage to push yourself to places that you have never been before, to test your limits, to break through barriers. And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."

Summer Love

Summer has asked that we use her blog to communicate with all of you as she is no longer to do so for herself.  Her medications are working to keep her without pain, distress or discomfort.  Her heart rate is elevated and her blood pressure is low.  She has very few moments where she is awake or alert, although she seems to manage to find at least one way to teach us something every day!  We have been reading e-mails and messages to her so she knows that people are thinking of her, but responding is no longer possible. 

A commitment was made to try to keep her at home throughout her transition.  With the help of the hospice team, her husband, son and close friends who have been helping with her care around the clock, that promise has been able to be kept thus far.

We will continue to update you as we can.