Remembering Alan Hans, DVM
angel with bird
We gathered at the Woodstock Jewish Congregation last Sunday and grieved together. Not really. We were, actually, each in a separate bubble, remembering Alan.Hans
The Rabbi sang prayers a capella. The crowded room included family and friends, community members, employees, and others.
We each felt special. We each felt a unique connection to the memory of Alan Hans. Several individuals spoke – each person relating what she felt was a “secret” experience shared with Alan Hans..
These short, shared stories made the guests feel more comfortable with the person who had a larger-than-life connection to his community. Guests felt a sense of togetherness in the moment.
This energy shift was important to the grief experience.
Really, Dr. Alan Hans was much more than the father, uncle, friend, veterinarian, employer. He gave character, strength, and color to a group of people who call Woodstock, NY, home.
Throughout his career in Woodstock and Port Ewen, I don’t think Dr. Hans sought his place in the community. He just settled into this spot…through his daily connections with people in the community.
During the service, a few people sat alone, on the back row or along the wall. They were as close to invisible as they could get. The grief was overwhelming.
I think that happens in situations like this. .People are recognized – family, friends, neighbors.
But, when the deceased honoree is a person of the community – an entirely different group huddles together individually or collectively.
The situation cannot be avoided. Unless the person or persons go to the family and identify themselves, not much can be done.
They are outside the circle of family and friends but inside the circle of the community. Though often unidentified, the grief is just as deep, just as disturbing, and just as captivating.
Grief offers us an opportunity to hold and comfort each other more closely. Our remembrances are shared as treasured thoughts.
To those sitting outside the circle and along the wall, let us reach out from our hearts to yours with love, with sympathy, and with caring.
Our hearts and minds are thinking of you at this difficult time.
Thurman Greco
Thank you for reading this article. Please share it with your friends and forward it to your social media networks.
angel with cat
HOPE – a Guided Meditation
Hope focuses on renewal, rebirth, and healing.
Find a place to be comfortable where you can rest undisturbed during this time.
As we experience this meditation, feel the “old” drop away and “new” opportunities present themselves.
Leave everything around you behind and bring your attention to yourself.
Relax as you go on this journey.
Get comfortable.
Breathe in from your abdomen – slowly, slowly, to the count of three.
One – Two – Three
Now – hold your breath to the count of four
One – Two – Three – Four
Now – exhale to the count of five.
One – Two – Three – Four – Five
Repeat this breathing pattern three more times.
In – one, two, three
Hold – one, two, three, four
Out – one, two, three, four, five
In – one, two, three
Hold – one, two, three, four
Out – one, two, three, four, five
In – one, two, three
Hold – one, two, three, four
Out – one, two, three, four, five
Continue to breathe deeply as you go into this relaxation.
Your relaxation becomes a blanket of warmth. Sink down into this quiet place inside yourself.
PAUSE
You are calm and peaceful now. It is time for your journey.
PAUSE
You are strolling along a path in a forest. Notice this path. How does it feel under your feet? Is this path a smooth grassy path? Are there pebbles? What kind of shoes are you wearing?
As you walk down this path, take a moment to feel the air on your skin – the sunlight shining down – gentle breezes caressing your clothes.
As you travel, notice sights, sounds, and fragrances: birds, butterflies, wind in the trees.
What is your reaction to this place? How do you feel beyond your body?
Strolling for a short time, you come to a clearing in the forest with openings to different paths.
As you look at the different paths, one attracts you.
You look down this path and see something shining in the sun off in the distance.
You’re drawn to this shining spot in the sun. What is it?
You walk along this path that you just selected. How does it feel under your feet? Is it smooth? Are there pebbles? Is it a smooth dirt path? Are there stepping stones?
As you walk toward the shiny spot ahead, you feel layers and layers of your past drop away.
The weight of the world evaporates from your shoulders.
PAUSE
You soon arrive at the end of the path where you see a bench waiting for you.
There, on this bench, you see new clothes, neatly folded.
When you look at them, you see they are more beautiful than any you’ve seen before.
You remove the clothes you are wearing and put on these new clothes. They are a perfect fit.
You walk up a slight hill toward the shining object you saw at the beginning of your walk.
As you approach the shining object, you discover it is a mirror.
You look in this mirror and see your reflection.
You see:
The person you have always known you were.
The person you have always wanted to be.
You see yourself as strong, and happy.
NOW – you can continue to explore your new “you” as you return to this room.
You know you can return to this place anytime you want.
This meditation is part of a new program I’m offering called “Hope on the Road”. I am sharing this meditation along with a reiki session and hand blessing to anyone who requests it.
This program is adaptable to zoom and in- person groups large or small. It will also be on my YouTube channel.
Thank you for participating.
Thank you for reading this meditation blog post. Please share it with your friends and forward it to your preferred social media network.
Thurman
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