Teachers like Michael Stone don’t come around very often. He had extensive knowledge of 
Yoga, Buddhism, Psychotherapy and he blended these into humble teachings that were profound, accessible, and for many people – life changing. He was a teacher, an author, an activist, and family man and he stood in all of these roles with kindness and presence.
We were shocked to learn that on July 13th Michael went into a coma. He was hospitalized over the weekend while his family visited to surround him with their love. A few days later, on July 16th, he was taken off life support and peacefully passed from this world. (Details from his Facebook Page)
This tragic news has been a big shock for us all. Michael has offered a number of workshops and trainings at Hemma over the last two years and we are so grateful for his presence here. We are grateful to have known him, have learned from him, and feel that the world is a better place because of him. He has inpsired many of us in Victoria, and around the world to wake up; to feel more, to see more, and to be more in the world.
We will be holding a meditation in his honour on Tuesday July 18th at 8pm. At a time when words seem to do so little, we will gather in community to sit. Donations are welcome for the Stone Family. We are sending mountains of love to his wife Carina, his children, the whole Stone family, and communities around the globe feeling this great loss.
Here is the update Carina Stone posted the morning after he passed:
Michael left beautifully and peacefully last night. There was joy and release in his time of transformation.
Unfathomable. Heart opening. Mind grasping for knowing every unknowable.
Deep feelings of peace.
A blue heron landed on our deck
Another at the oceans edge
Three turns of the earth
Always in a moment
His nose
Face of a Buddha
A hand on my shoulder
Gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhisvaha
Prajna heart sutra
Thank you for your love and practice
Bowing
May this tragic event be a reminder for all of us to live life more fully. To feel more. To be more. To wake up to the wonder of life that is around us every moment.
Deep bows to you Michael. Your teachings live on.
~ Kelly