I learned recently that a long-time student, and Red Lotus family member died in a tragic car accident on the way to the Tetons. Her husband is currently having multiple surgeries to continue his life. And, their daughter was getting married in a week to begin a new life.

How do we breathe through such life events? For me, it’s remembering that Tai Chi is life, and knowing everything changes. It’s getting out of our heads with trying to find some kind of logical answer, and dropping into our hearts to embrace the impermanence of life.

We all know we are all going to transition from this physical body of ours, we just don’t know when or how. 

Deneb was a great example of living each moment, she always greeted you with a smile on her face, kindness in her heart, service to whomever needed it, and she had a great love for nature, especially the feathered ones.

I can feel she’s encouraging us all to live life to it’s fullest, embrace it all and hold onto nothing. Simply be present with the light and the darkness as it passes by.

As you read this poem by Rumi, breathe it all in … and know each person we meet has been sent as a guide from beyond. 

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

~Rumi