🕊️ He invited us for a walk up the mountain

He invited us for a walk up the mountain and didn’t look back.

I was the eldest of 12 grandchildren trailing behind him. My short legs trying to keep up while herding my little cousins that bounced around like minions through the forest.

This is one of the few vivid memories I have with Gong Gong (Cantonese term for maternal grandfather).

For the longest time, I held two feelings about it…a sparkle of specialness to get to walk with the respected Reverend Jonathan Kaan, and a bit of a sting. I wondered why he didn’t wait for us, why he didn’t look back, and why he didn’t want to bond with us during that rare walk together.

A part of me wishes I asked him. Also, a part of me knows we were just too damn slow. 😆 Now that I’m a parent, I know what it’s like to just want to go for a walk at your own pace and in your own peace…but with your people.

Now that he’s gone, I’m letting go of those questions and holding a different lesson. Something I learned while sitting at his bedside during the final week of his 99-year life.

I rested my hand on his arm as he slept. I watched his throat rise and fall with each living breath. I worried what to do if he didn’t inhale again. I witnessed his anxiety when he felt an itch on his face. I scratched his head and rubbed his ears to ease the discomfort. I quietly hummed his favourite song.

In that stillness, I witnessed Gong Gong walking up a mountain on his own, again. No waiting for us, no more looking back, and knowing that whatever bond we had in the moment, is it. When life ends, that’s the only way out.

A soul is meant to experience the feeling of its unique rhythm and pace, even among others. And a soul must know the peace of solitude before returning Home.

🎶 One Song

I’ve been listening to this song every morning since the cardinals stopped whistling at dawn. I find myself humming it at many points throughout the day. My pre-teen hormonal daughter shushes me.

The cooing poetry and melody soothe my entire being. It resonates even more because I was lucky enough to hear the artist sing the song in person. To look into her eyes, to share a hug, to experience her physical warmth, to breathe the same air as another’s voice. When souls meet, it leaves an imprint.

Does music bend time, or does time use music to meet us where we are? Probably both. Little did I know, my connection to this song was deepening for months to hold me now.

🌸 One Poem

〰️ One Move

Go for a walk outdoors. Enjoy the privilege of stepping one foot in front of the other. To move from here to there in whatever direction you desire. For your soul that is alive in a beautiful, breathing human body.

🫶 An Invitation

Sound familiar?

Sleep, but still wake up tired.
Rest the body, but the mind keeps busy.
Go quiet, but the feelings stay loud.
Cancel plans, but still can’t find peace.
Take breaks, but not real breaths.
Make beauty, but forget how to appreciate it.
Log off, but can’t log back into yourself.

This morning is for you.

Through movement, breath, music, and reflection, we will explore 7 types of rest. If you’re curious, take this free quiz to discover the rest you didn’t realize you needed to thrive or to affirm the knowing you had all along, but have been overriding.

✨ Soul Care Sunday: Rest Buffet
🗓️ Sunday November 9, 10:30am-12pm
🎶 piano by Michelle Lau and violin by Gloria Yip
📍 Society Clubhouse at 967 College St, Toronto
🎟️ Register here 

It is an honour to hold space for you. Thank you for trusting us with your time, energy, and heart.

With love and gratitude,
😍 Karen

P.S. Most people find out about Soul Care Sunday through a trusted friend. If you know someone who would thrive from this unplugged community experience, your invitation might be exactly what they need.

P.S.S. Did you know that we also do Energy Activations to liven up corporate events? See the details here.

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