It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Leon I. Hammer. His light has shone for 98 years, and we are all better off for having known him. His legacy is one that truly inspires and he will be remembered eternally. Please keep his loving wife, Ewa, and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Thefollowing is a poem that was shared with Jamin Nichols after he informed his instructors of a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training course that he would not be able to attend the last weekend of class, as it conflicted with Dr. Hammer’s Celebration of Life Ceremony on August 20, 2023. The writing of it was inspired after the poet’s father transitioned from this physical world. It is shared here with her permission…
“untitled”
we do not mourn the lilies
as they shrink and drop their heads
we do not mourn the sun
as it slips silent into red
no suffering of heart
for leaves falling from the trees
no longer green now brown
crunch and decay beneath the feet
not a tear is shed
for the star that falls to earth
the Heavens don’t regret
for they know not death or birth
we do not miss the breath
as we exhale into sleep
so as the Spirit comes and goes
in pain we shall not weep
rejoice in knowing the illusion
the one that teaches us of ends
for death is not our enemy
and birth is not our friend
both are parts of the Creation
and not separate from the whole
just as the rain will fall and nourish
and evaporate once more
we do not mourn the body
for it is only flesh and bone
to be recycled with the lilies
and the leaves and trees and stones
Close the eyes to see to witness
The True Nature of the heart
The Spirit is eternal
It is the ending and the start
Nicole Georgi-Costello
New World Wellness
Gainesville, FL
At Dr. Hammer’s request, please consider a donation to the Dr. Leon Hammer Legacy Fund, with all proceeds going towards continuing his life’s work.