tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941915978394335463.post7453573096193456172..comments2023-04-18T07:59:30.858-07:00Comments on Stephen and Ondrea Levine: An Open Letter from Jack Kornfield, Ram Dass, and Sharon SalzbergSorenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09659408742493996744noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941915978394335463.post-15006351768100973532013-12-13T02:23:57.749-08:002013-12-13T02:23:57.749-08:00Dear Stephen and Ondrea,
Stephen, you helped my hu...Dear Stephen and Ondrea,<br />Stephen, you helped my husband, Paul Potter, die in 1984 in Santa Fe, New Mexico.<br /><br />You gave me so much in that process. It was one of the most profound teachings of my life...<br /><br />I owe you more than the check I am sending will tell.<br /><br />Leni Wildflower Leni Wildflowernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941915978394335463.post-69815037857109263302012-07-29T00:18:11.775-07:002012-07-29T00:18:11.775-07:00Pranams, My 0wn Self
Dear Stephen and Ondrea,
I ...Pranams, My 0wn Self<br /><br />Dear Stephen and Ondrea,<br /><br />I am listening now to our Metta Institute conversation, and am pleased to let you know how very nice it is to hear two human beings talk with such directness and simplicity and clarity to a sky filled with the unseen.<br /><br />By the way, your admirer, Soren Gordhamer, has a nice page in support of you and your work: that page is <br /><br />http://stephenandondrealevine.blogspot.com/<br /><br />Sadly his HTML link to your site yields a NULL. I did read his ABOUT ME, but did not see an email or snail address which would allow me to alert him directly of that mistyped code.<br /><br />If anyone reading this knows Soren, please advise him the correct URL is http://www.levinetalks.com. (He has the title correct, but the hyperlink also contains his own URL.)<br /><br />I am making my way now to the levinetalks site to initiate a more direct contact, hopefully.<br /><br />Jai Siva Sai<br /><br />@guyatreeguyatreehttp://en.gravatar.com/guyatreenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941915978394335463.post-27639636339757056682011-12-06T08:59:34.781-08:002011-12-06T08:59:34.781-08:00i would like to make adonation too .
please advise...i would like to make adonation too .<br />please advise<br />jakejakenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941915978394335463.post-71429390251323031222011-08-01T01:49:49.387-07:002011-08-01T01:49:49.387-07:00I ust did a search for 'Lavine Fund' on Br...I ust did a search for 'Lavine Fund' on Bread for the Journey website to make a small donation. But did not find it..is this still going, or are the financial problems resolved now?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941915978394335463.post-27665479624457701852010-10-27T07:29:51.633-07:002010-10-27T07:29:51.633-07:00It's a wonderful life... to have loved and to ...It's a wonderful life... to have loved and to be loved...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941915978394335463.post-76283362644538003022010-10-19T11:21:23.320-07:002010-10-19T11:21:23.320-07:00just a "poem blessing" from Shion:
Seas...just a "poem blessing" from Shion:<br /><br />Seasons iii<br /><br />It's over<br />it's finally over.<br /><br />Every particle of moisture<br />sucked dry from the summer sky.<br />Such a dying of things<br />cracked open to the core.<br /><br />In the stark crackle of <br />the season's abrupt end,<br />gaunt stalks breaking and exposing<br />homeless kernels of ourselves.<br /><br />While rising on the wind,<br />thistle blossoms, milkweed and coyote bush<br />aimlessly scatter a fuzzy snow of seeds<br />across the barren landscape.<br /><br />Each seed a solitary seeker<br />bound to the breath of life<br />and an aching thirst for the next.<br /><br />Seeking a resurrection<br />we have never known.<br /> -Shion-<br /><br /><br />Namaste loved ones. Thank you for my open heart and a joy-filled relationship with Quan Yin. Blessings and love for all of the poetry you speak, write and are.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941915978394335463.post-44827958649526830272010-01-25T13:03:05.702-08:002010-01-25T13:03:05.702-08:00Dear Stephen and Ondrea,
I feel like I know you we...Dear Stephen and Ondrea,<br />I feel like I know you well and yet it was only 1/22/2010 that I ever heard of you. The workshop which you provided the sick and dying at Omega Institiute is included in Elizabeth Lesser's The New American Spirituality. That is where I became familiar with the two of you and your work. Thank you so very much for what you have added to my life. Sometimes the smallest of things result in big changes. Such was the case. May you be blessed with the fruits of your work as you walk this stretch of your journeys.Shane Morsenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941915978394335463.post-58496274486832465432010-01-24T21:06:33.580-08:002010-01-24T21:06:33.580-08:00Dear Ondrea and Steve,
I attended your workshop on...Dear Ondrea and Steve,<br />I attended your workshop on dying in Los Angelos in 1989. I have cherished you and your book, "Who Dies?" all these years. The qoute I have put in every sympathy card since then is yours: "When you loss someone you love, you lose not only the one you love, but also that part of yourself that you only were with them." Thank you for teaching me to treasure the ones I love before they die.<br />Therese in IowaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941915978394335463.post-61507467492276051232009-12-01T17:51:46.267-08:002009-12-01T17:51:46.267-08:00Dearest Teachers,
Your wisdom, care, and love have...Dearest Teachers,<br />Your wisdom, care, and love have shaped my life and lifted me out of the darkness that ignorance imposes on the mind. Such gratitude I have for the grace of finding your work so many years ago. This planet has been deeply marked by your impression through the many lives you've helped transform. I'm grateful to have a chance to give something back.<br />So much love!<br />Antonia in ChampaignAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941915978394335463.post-80870561185406529302009-11-29T10:36:49.852-08:002009-11-29T10:36:49.852-08:00My tiny, Maa-awesome mom...gazing from wearished o...My tiny, Maa-awesome mom...gazing from wearished orbits up toward nothing asked me last night (in reference to herself), "Is this me?"...and pointing upward, "Don't you see?"...('Can you tell me what you see Ma?')"It's open...Is that o.k.?!"...('Yes Ma. It's o.k.. You know I think it's fine that it's open.'). Thank you both for shepherding us. For pointing from 'soft belly''just enough''don't know'. This is so very beautiful. My mom, through whom beingness booted me up, is sharing her dying with me. Pranams to you and mom for introduction to Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj. So many moons ago. Same moon. I bid you fair well in the Thump. Selfishly, I'd like it for y'all cash it in together. That'd be just swell I reckon. Ma and me love y'all strong.mtflishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05697134986892683034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941915978394335463.post-69871076361751548992009-10-22T21:54:56.056-07:002009-10-22T21:54:56.056-07:00Dear Stephen and Ondrea,
You two rock. You'r...Dear Stephen and Ondrea,<br /><br />You two rock. You're real. You keep me inspired. The books of yours that I own have no covers left on them and are yellowed and ragged. They've been dragged around the country...stuffed into the bottom of my purse and into suitcases. At times they've sat patiently on my shelf awaiting my return. Your writings continue to have a huge impact on my life. You deliver the straight goods, making it incredibly accessible. So earthly. I just love and appreciate you both so much. Words are not enough. Truly. Keep on rockin the free world. May you be happy.Tricianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941915978394335463.post-26868809093410603752009-10-03T11:17:58.504-07:002009-10-03T11:17:58.504-07:00Dear Stephen and Ondrea,
There are no words to ex...Dear Stephen and Ondrea,<br /><br />There are no words to express what you have done for me. Though we never met you have changed my life. Thank you thank you thank you.<br /><br />May eternal love and gratitude light your way and lighten your load.Julianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941915978394335463.post-60093654704709511212009-08-01T13:16:56.711-07:002009-08-01T13:16:56.711-07:00Will in Montana...what beautiful words to my heart...Will in Montana...what beautiful words to my heart....and soul… thank you for your healing resonance...Soaring,in Montana...and in shared love of Ondrea and Stephen...Clear Light in all Radiant directions...<br />**It is astonishing to me that I will not sit and walk with Ondrea and Stephen in this lifetime…that we will not now meet. they have always been there…I always knew that we would meet: at a pot luck, or someone’s house, or at a gathering…or in someone’s garden… funny…It has always seemed that I would…it is clear we are related, family; in this family of the earth, of the dharma.I am astonished that it is coming to pass; I am their sister, we have mutual friends and places...and now I will not sit with my sister and brother: break bread, drink tea...comfort them, laugh with them… share in the silence of being…not on this plane...I will deeply grieve this…as if by a missed appointment…Though the unfolding is eternally available to us all, it is still delightful to dance together on the earth with friends who remind us how to bring that nectar in, to touch the grass… And it is unavoidably reassuring to be in the presence of our kindred family, and with those of the old fellowship, of the unfolding of the last 40 years--a communion of the heart we all share. Sending love and light to my sister and brother... You are the most Beautiful and Radiant Souls in the Universe…Isn’t it Great we are all Equal Beings?.... Light and Love in your Radiant Unfolding… your sister always, Soaring.Lori Skyrudhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10836664252009088896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941915978394335463.post-30694958317669503692009-07-30T20:43:40.714-07:002009-07-30T20:43:40.714-07:007/29/09
Dearest friends of my heart,
I ha...7/29/09<br /> <br />Dearest friends of my heart,<br /> I have not seen you since<br />the "Burning Bush" 10-day Conscious Living and Conscious Dying Gatherings in the 80's. Your writings brought me closer to my own heart, which gave me a glimpse of the heart, which I had carelessly and mindlessly been offering to those unavailable to see it. <br /> When I went to my first gathering at "B", and witnessed the pain of many folks and your healing words and touch, I was like the caterpillar munching on the flower, who looked up to see a butterfly, and remarked, "you'll never get me up in one of those things!" I had held in my pain for so long, I was afraid to feel it, especially in front of others.<br /> One day before lunch, I remarked to Stephen that I wanted to work on my "stuff." After lunch, Stephen said, "You ready to work on your stuff now?" Ondrea offered me her hand, and we walked out to the grassy area in front of the "lodge." Ondrea sat down on the grass, and placed her beautiful shawl on her lap. She then motioned for me put my head on her lap.<br /> Ondrea whispered to me in a soft and soothing voice, and soon I was crying and then I was wailing. In my crying, I was hearing the wails of a young boy with leukemia, who I held in my arms, as he wailed, in anger, as he was losing his life. At that time I really didn’t love life all that much, and I envied his anger about dying, and I felt selfish for my own good health.<br /> Ondrea stroked my forehead, as my own crying and wailing ended. I realized it was raining, as I felt raindrops on my face. I opened my eyes and realized they were Ondrea's tears. Her healing presence and her love was beginning to wash away the shell around my heart.<br /> In awhile, Ondrea asked me to look at the front deck of the lodge. I saw many friends who had watched this healing, including Stephen. Stephen honored me with a wonderful "bow," which all of the friends on the deck joined in on. I was so relieved to have begun the journey of “emptying, and then the filling of my heart."<br /> I told you both how important that healing time was for me. The next year at “B” you offered me ideas and thoughts about how I could continue my work with the dying with greater “ease and soft belly.” I have shared your teachings and writings with many in my hospice, and grief and loss work. You have touched me, as you have touched so many. And all of us have touched others because of you. <br /> I believe that you both probably look forward to this next adventure, this next learning that is upon you (and all of us too). I know that you will be as fully present as you can for this next workshop called "your deaths." I will look to the stars and the clouds, and then within myself. And in my heart, which you have touched and nurtured in so many ways, is where I will continue to hear your words.<br /><br />PS: Nasrudin sat on a riverbank when someone shouted to him from the other bank:<br />"Hey! how do I get across?"<br />"You are across!" Nasrudin shouted back. :)<br /> With much love and peace to you. <br /> Will in MontanaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941915978394335463.post-68606522570930897582009-07-05T10:03:50.825-07:002009-07-05T10:03:50.825-07:00I was out looking for books on meditation a few we...I was out looking for books on meditation a few weeks ago and stumbled across a worn copy of "A Gradual Awakening" and ended up taking home without much hope of it being interesting. After reading the first few chapters I realized that I had something very special in my hands and I was so thankful that this man, Stephen Levine, existed.<br /><br />Thank you so much, Mr. Levine, for dedicating your life to be of service and to reach out to those lost, to those in need. Thank you so much for sharing your light and the beauty in your heart so that others may open their hearts to the same light and beauty that resides in us all. Thank you for touching my life in such a profound way that no words could ever contain; could ever begin to describe. <br /><br />The wondrous gift of your love and your wisdom will live on and be passed onto future generations for a very long time. Thank you. Much Love and Blessed Be.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941915978394335463.post-80509576097202433342009-05-22T16:00:30.981-07:002009-05-22T16:00:30.981-07:00Dear Stephen and Ondrea
I’m so very sorry to read...Dear Stephen and Ondrea<br /><br />I’m so very sorry to read of your current challenges. Having been blessed by your work at two key points in my life, may I add to these beautiful messages my own message of love, gratitude and appreciation. <br /><br />Around six years ago I suffered a mental breakdown after years of depression, and was suicidal. Two things stopped me from acting on that. One was a quote from Stephen, which said something like 'contrary to popular belief, suicidal people don't actually want to die, they want to live so much, but somehow feel thwarted in their ability to do so’. That insight was so important to me. Instead of ending my life, I went to an ashram in India to take time to just be, and to see if I could find in myself a spark of zest for life, and to grow that spark into a flame strong enough to come home and rebuild myself and my life. This I did. I found a wonderful counsellor and healer, who helped me grow free of depression, open to life in all its dualities, and connect with the truth of what is.<br /><br />A few weeks ago my mother became seriously ill. While we were packing some of her things to bring her to my home, I came across a copy of Stephen’s book, ‘Who dies?’. I was immediately drawn to the book and asked my Mom if I could bring it with us. As we go through this experience of illness with my Mom, the book is an oasis of calm, a spiritual teacher with exactly the words and lessons needed at this time. I come to it whenever I can find a quiet moment, and in it find peace and acceptance within the current situation. <br /><br />Thank you so much – for your wisdom, your kindness and compassion, your openness, your courage to be with what is where most would turn away, for being there in truth. <br /><br />From a heart that you have helped to open – with love, blessings and peace to you both.<br />ShaunaghAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941915978394335463.post-47622650184541042902009-05-21T08:01:33.545-07:002009-05-21T08:01:33.545-07:00Dear Stephen & Ondrea,
It is hard to believe ...Dear Stephen & Ondrea,<br /><br />It is hard to believe that I am just now finding out that you are in need of our help. <br /><br />I carry you both with me every day in my heart and although you do not know me, your work has carried me through the past 3 years of the cancer diagnosis, treatment and passing of both of my parents. Through your work, I was able to be of service to them on the journey to the threshhold.<br /><br />I have attended your workshops at Duke and Omega, have all of your books and my copy of Who Dies is well worn. I consider you both my spiritual teachers. It is because of you that I have been a hospice volunteer and your work has permeated every aspect of my life.<br /><br />I hope that this small gift is a seed of caring that will germinate and bring multitudes of blessings to you on your journey. No words of gratitude nor dollars could ever suffice as a thank you for the impact of your gentle wisdom and the ripples that have circled out from my heart over these years<br /><br />Namaste, Sharon SimmonsSharon Simmonsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941915978394335463.post-71687958352915589082009-05-01T15:50:00.000-07:002009-05-01T15:50:00.000-07:00Dear Stephen and Ondrea,
Please know that my heart...Dear Stephen and Ondrea,<br />Please know that my heart and prayers go with you always.<br />I can never thank you both enough for the many ways through your workshops and your books how you have both mentored and guided me.<br />Through your words and presence, you helped me to discover my own words for this incredible connection with my own heart and the hearts of all others - an ongoing daily practice.<br />Feel the love and support of our hearts now in return. <br />Blessings!<br />F. Michael Montgomery<br />Santa Rosa, CAF. Michael Montgomeryhttp://inner-healing.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941915978394335463.post-68790968184667317072009-05-01T10:13:00.000-07:002009-05-01T10:13:00.000-07:00God and Grace, and Light and Joy…and Healing and R...God and Grace, and Light and Joy…and Healing and Radiance and Beauty… in an explosion of Peace and Light and Love…to the Highest… we are the One… channeling clear Light…<br />Blessed me… my dearest Brother and Sister. <br />Know how much we love you, and we are with you.<br />We are one family… My heart is Open…<br />Love, your sister, Soaring.<br />Lori Skyrud<br />639 W. Kent Ave<br />Missoula, MT 59801Lori Skyrudhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10836664252009088896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941915978394335463.post-3950048107405189282009-04-18T17:22:00.000-07:002009-04-18T17:22:00.000-07:00Dear Stephen and Ondrea
All these notes echo so ...Dear Stephen and Ondrea<br /><br /><br />All these notes echo so much of my experience with you both. My work with Hospice for 7 years and now my work with caregiving the elderly with Alzheimer's has been possible through yoru teachings.<br /><br />And now that I have found a life partner who also has been affected by your teachings, we have the added joy of connecting our spirits through Embracing The Beloved.<br /><br />Your teaching on buddhosn and Death and Dying have shaped my life and given it so much meaning and also connected me to other leaders in the field.<br /><br />Experienceing your calming presence and skill in truly listening at your workshops taught me more than an course in counceling.<br /><br />Bless you both , circles of love and gratitude to you both<br /><br />Gina Sonne<br />VermontAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941915978394335463.post-10810781289473578202009-03-26T12:29:00.000-07:002009-03-26T12:29:00.000-07:00Dear Stephen and Ondrea,My partner and I have used...Dear Stephen and Ondrea,<BR/>My partner and I have used your teachings from Embracing the Beloved as the cornerstone for our relationship and partnership of over 12 years. The energy of your books is palpable and I can just open any of your books and rest it on my belly and feel peace when I'm too sick to pray. How are you now? Thank you for your body of work and tender care.<BR/>love<BR/>GailAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941915978394335463.post-68083565822443117062009-03-12T17:26:00.000-07:002009-03-12T17:26:00.000-07:00I would like to send my heartfelt wishes on this u...I would like to send my heartfelt wishes on this unpredictable journey and appreciation for your generosity and love in sharing your teachings to those of us in difficult places, <BR/><BR/>May you both experience continuing love, peace and freedom <BR/><BR/>ChristinaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941915978394335463.post-64862008796356739392009-02-19T13:09:00.000-08:002009-02-19T13:09:00.000-08:00Stephen and Ondrea, I was saddened to hear of your...Stephen and Ondrea, <BR/><BR/>I was saddened to hear of your illnesses. <BR/><BR/>Thank you for your life of work. <BR/><BR/>In peace, <BR/><BR/>PeterPeter Wallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08212287835887449421noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941915978394335463.post-17029600436449467182009-02-19T11:38:00.000-08:002009-02-19T11:38:00.000-08:00Dear Ondrea and Stephen, I have been wondering for...Dear Ondrea and Stephen, <BR/><BR/>I have been wondering for a long time where you have been and just Googled your names; only to find out that you are both very ill. My heart aches to hear this. I decided to write to you, as well as send money to the fund that has been set up for you. <BR/>I attended long and short retreats of yours in San Francisco, Oakland and Mt. Madonna, for a period of at least ten years. It was your humor and your kindness, above all, that kept me coming back, and I grew to love both of you very much. <BR/>I have always struggled, my whole life, with a belief that I'm not good enough to deserve connection with people, happiness, to be loved or have my love received, et al...It was a life of intense, tyrannical emotional and spiritual deprivation that I was imposing on myself, although the teachings that structured my thinking originally were externally imposed.<BR/>Anyway, your teachings and your presence (s)enabled me to interrupt those rigid, fossilized thoughts, even only for a few minutes at a time, and to come to feel the grief of what I was missing. That grief has been the motivator for decades of deep emotional and spiritual healing. I have had you in my thoughts often over the last 20 years; and ThESE thoughts have been a lifeline and and antidote. <BR/>You are precious and I hope that you are as free from suffering as is possible; and that you know that you are deeply loved.<BR/>Sima SchoenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941915978394335463.post-80703674487798596252009-01-26T12:54:00.000-08:002009-01-26T12:54:00.000-08:00Blessings and Peace be yours!As you both have taug...Blessings and Peace be yours!<BR/>As you both have taught me the peace of being in the moment and of having Mercy. It is amazing and wonderful to read of so many here that have been touched by your life. Whatever challenges you may be in this very day, moment.... Peace to your deep souls...<BR/>I carry you in my heart and thru' my day. What joy it is to see such an outpouring of love back into your own hearts from that love that you gave to us all.<BR/>Whatever be in the road on the way that is set before you now... may you meet it and great it with peace in your hearts and trust in your very breath.<BR/>Pat Johnson (hospice nurse, Missoula, Montana)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10672329328318873016noreply@blogger.com