Honoring a Great Yoga Master, Teacher, Friend, and Being

Dear Heart Followers,

It is with a heavy heart that I give the sad news that my friend, teacher, mentor, and a great yogi, Don Stapleton, has passed on. Don was the one who held me while I  sobbed my eyes out every day of the 10-Day Quest for the Limitless You Program at Kripalu, Summit Station, PA, in Aug. 1982. He gave me my start. He loved me unconditionally and taught me how to love myself and others. I would not be here today if were not for Don’s complete love and acceptance of me.

He became my mentor, my teacher, my spiritual guide, and friend for most of my formative years at Kripalu. He hand-picked me out of the Purchasing Office, which was my seva at Kripalu, to join the yoga team as a program director. He saw something special in me that I could not see in myself.

Don’s teaching was creative, intuitive, and filled with adventure and joy. He bubbled over with enthusiasm for life and for the spiritual path of the heart. His teaching was brilliant, steady, and filled with the highest vibration of shakti. He had a way with people that he would totally capture your awe, melt your heart and all of your defenses, and then fill you with the confidence and inspiration to follow your heart and manifest your highest dream. He had a gift, and he gave it abundantly!

Please join me for this time of remembrance and celebration of Don. I’ll share a few stories about him, what I’m grateful for, and then we’ll chant the Maha Mrtyunjaya Mantra (the traditional mantra that blesses and guides departed souls), followed by meditation, and a brief savasana. Everyone is welcome!