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Heartspace Blog Posts

THe Anniversary

8/9/2021

4 Comments

 
Today marks one year since John Reimer’s passing.  It is unclear what should be done on the one-year anniversary of losing your loved one.  The word anniversary has always depicted images of celebration for me, yet this celebration takes on new meaning.  Our would-be anniversary of 8 years together would have taken place in July.  In these past years, we shared lots of love, family life, friends, studies of yoga, growing of the Lotus Pond, traveling, and certainly lots of laughs.  Sometimes I just laugh out loud thinking of his “dry humor” remarks. 
I have stacks of sympathy cards and they are all filled with heartfelt remarks about John. They recall him showing them something beautiful on the Lotus Pond grounds or remembering how he made them feel so welcomed at the Pond.  He was actually shy by nature and would have been so surprised to see all of these wonderful comments.  I feel sure that he has received all of this love and that his response is seen in the flourishing flower garden that was planted in his honor at the Pond.
Even considering all the pain that is endured, life never ceases to reveal the simple beauties of love and support.  John and I were like two trees with branches and roots intertwined, sharing the sunshine and nutrients, holding space for all the birds, and weathering a fair number of storms.  On this day I choose to celebrate that simplicity of love and support. I hope you’ll join me in opening your eyes to the beauty of life and it's passing, appreciating all that is physically present and all that continues to exist in our hearts.
4 Comments
Jillian
8/12/2021 11:04:08 am

This is a beautiful post. Thank you so much for sharing this.

My birthday passed July 22nd and as a gift, my daughter surprised me with a yoga session at the Lotus Pond. We arrived too late to engage but we stayed for almost an hour, walking the grounds, sitting in the back and talking, buying a few items and books inside and just enjoying the aura of the Lotus Pond. We have yet to re-schedule our class.

Fast forward - August 1st, my father passed and we are not doing too well. After about 2 weeks of nothing, I decided today to look on the Lotus Pond website to see the class schedule so that my daughter and I can redeem her birthday gift to me, which was the 1 class. In reading the entire website I found this HeartSpace for grievers. I am so happy that this is here and am looking forward to reading all its' content in hopes that it helps me to get through my grieving process. I am feeling so lost at the moment, but I really felt good reading about HeartSpace and its' intentions.

Your post was the first I read and I just found it to be so beautiful and sincere. It really moved me, to say the least. I just wanted to personally thank you for sharing. This HeartSpace is giving me a little bit of hope that maybe I can find some comfort somewhere (hopefully here) for what I am going through.

Again, thanks for sharing.

Reply
Val Spies link
8/25/2021 07:05:50 am

Hi Jillian,
thank you for your comment. My heart goes out to you and your family in this time of loss. I'm so glad that you spent time on the grounds at the Lotus Pond. I have found that being in nature is a key element in the process of healing. And reaching out as you have is a significant move as well. I do hope you will take some yoga classes and take time to walk the grounds more often in the future. There is a whole community of students, trees, plants, and birds that are ready to welcome you!

Reply
Hildren Francis
8/18/2021 06:56:46 am

Thank you for opening and holding this space; for all of us, for the birds. It is so needed. Your tribute to John, love, life is so simple and beautiful.
Hildren

Reply
Val Spies link
8/25/2021 07:07:49 am

Thank you, Hildren, We are blessed with a beautiful community of loving & caring students such as you!

Reply



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    Author

     Val Spies, Lotus Pond Yoga Studio Founder.
    ​ 
    When Val suffered a personal loss  and was experiencing grief she discovered that there was a need for resources, a safe space to grieve and connection to a like experienced community. These blogs are a series of reflections on the journey of grief. 
    We hope you find these lessons learned to be helpful and inspiring along your journey.   
    ​

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​Lotus Pond Center for Yoga and Health

6201 Lynn Road, Tampa, FL 33625

+1 (813) 961-3160

  • Home
  • Schedule
    • Classes
    • Events, Trainings & Workshops >
      • Events & Workshops
      • Teacher Training Courses (YACEP)
  • Teacher Training
    • 200 hour YTT
    • 300 Hour YTT
    • Continuing Ed (YACEP)
  • Yoga Retreats
  • Online Offerings
  • About
    • Teachers/Staff
    • Class Descriptions
    • Pricing
    • Contact
  • Blyss Loft