Chris chose these words of Ram Dass to frame the mortbrod she made with the help of local artist Nicola Clarke. They finished it just two days before she died.
NOW IS
NOW
ARE YOU GOING TO
BE HERE
OR NOT?
Chris was not without dreams of the future (nor some regrets for the past) but she lived her life with an exquisite regard for the present moment. There was a certain quality of attention in her gaze that was captivating: she looked life straight in the eye, whether in the classrooms in which she taught, the studios in which she painted, or the hospital consulting rooms in which she received her own death sentence, and said “Yes” to it all.
Work and play were generally indistinguishable to her (save for the drudgery of meetings and travel) and the products of both were of an astonishing variety and quality: typography, painting, articles, papers, clowning, teaching, running, sewing, home-making, cooking. All of which she was happiest when doing or sharing with others, because what she valued most were the loving relationships and friendships in which her life abounded.
As her family and friends anticipate the forthcoming celebration at Matara at which we will witness and participate in the fruits of a life well-lived, we are chided, challenged and encouraged by her example.
How do we “show up” in our own lives?
Are we really here or not?
It’s as simple as that.
Coming Home to Story 