sweats, retreats, clowns

by Alegria Barbara Strauss

When I think of Asha, many things come to mind. Asha, along with Trew Bennett, led a women's full moon sweat lodge every month for many years at Trew's place. Being part of those sweats inspired me to lead women's sweats monthly on my land after Asha and Trew stopped doing it. The sweats were a gift to all of us — a ritual time to be with other women and be accepted just as we are. Asha is one of the most grounded people I know. I went once or twice to meditate with her at her home. Just her meditative presence helped me drop into a spacious silence.

I also remember Asha's generosity sharing her retreat cabin. She had everything set up to give the person doing the retreat privacy, and, at the same time, had a mailbox a short way down the trail from the cabin where one could leave a note. Asha checked the mailbox every day. So, if one needed something simple, Asha could bring it.

Asha helped our hospital clown group get started at UVA hospital, even though she decided not to clown with us. She also gave me her advice when we were planning to build a community center at Shannon Farm. She told me, based on her experience at the Lama Foundation, that we should build a round meeting space.

My picture of Asha is of her regal bearing and her calm presence. I am grateful that she has been in my life.