Our dojo lost a good friend this past week, Keo Power. Sensei shared a lovely tribute on his blog, and I urge you to read it. I had never met the man. From everything I’ve heard about him, and the few photos I’ve seen, I wish I’d had the opportunity.
Some months ago a friend advised me to feel and be inspired by the love and sweat of all those who’d gone before me on the mat. Keo not only trained on our mat, he helped create it, along with much of the rest of the dojo. Tonight, during meditation before class, I let myself be open to feeling his presence. Afterward I spent a few moments noticing the places where I know his hand touched this little world I love so much.
Our dojo is physically beautiful, and an oasis for the spirit. Much of that was his doing. I don’t know if one’s contemporaries can become kami, but I like the idea that Keo, a generous and passionate man I never met, will always be present in that space.
