Honouring a Legacy: Embrace Your Journey
Honouring a Legacy: Embrace Your Journey
This week’s musings is a reflection on the life of Stefan Harding, a beloved teacher at Schumacher College, who recently passed away. Today, I joined in a memorial celebration for him, and the depth of the sharings, poems, and tributes were truly moving. Stefan was a founding faculty member at the College and left a profound mark on those he taught, particularly through his work around Gaia —reminding us that we are part of the living, animate Earth, not separate from it.
One of the most striking thoughts shared today was from Martin Shaw: "It’s easier to be a ghost, but it’s harder to be a real ancestor." This message resonated deeply with me, urging reflection on how we live our lives and the legacy we leave behind. Stefan exemplified this through his contributions and his humanness—he was a man who embraced both his triumphs and his grief, fully supported by those around him. His spark continues to live on in countless people he touched worldwide.
As I reflect on the ceremony, I ask myself, how would people speak about us in those final moments before we return to the Earth? It’s not about having a grand, world-altering purpose, but rather showing up in our authenticity, embracing our humanness, and living a life aligned with our deepest values. For me, today’s memorial was not just a farewell to a great teacher, but a reminder of how we can create and contribute, however small or big our role may be.
This gathering also coincided with a personal realisation—how far my own journey has come. Today sitting with some of the women I've worked with over the years and witnessing their paths unfold has been a humbling experience. In that same spirit, I recently reopened a Women’s Group Coaching Program, and it feels like the culmination of work I started years ago. I feel called to deepen this work, perhaps by crafting a book or methodology, but most importantly, by continuing to hold space for transformation—whether around money, purpose, or stepping fully into who you are.
Stefan’s life reminded me that perfection isn’t necessary to inspire. He showed up as he was, and his spark ignited change in many. If we can spark something in just one person, that impact ripples out in ways we may never fully see.
On a practical note, a few women have reached out about joining the Women Group Coaching Program, and while one group may be closing, there’s the possibility of opening another. If this resonates with you, if you feel it’s your moment, please get in touch, I am looking for 1 or 2 more women to make it possible. Now, more than ever, I feel that it’s essential to bring our gifts into the world, however imperfect the process may be.
Let’s also take a moment to light a candle for those who have inspired us, both those still with us and those who have passed. We stand on their shoulders, and for Stefan, his music, spirituality, and scientific mind continue to live on in the work we carry forward.
Sending reverence to Stefan, to our elders, and to our ancestors, and calling forth the spark within each of us.
With love,
Mar
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