Mahting

I set forth with dread and I return with a form of soul Kintsugi. Peak experience as a form of Kintsugi is a worthwhile endeavor.

The soul as a vessel holds the wisdom of our experiences. With the sometimes tragic passing of loved ones or the more general breaking of our close relationships I wonder if peak experiences can be a form of soul Kintsugi.

I booked the trip last minute. A bucket list hut trip to backcountry ski the Meadow Hut tenure in British Columbia. Not knowing any of the other guests it was sure to be an adventure. I was delighted to encounter a hard charging and engaging community of mountain and ski fanatics.
We climbed over 31,000 vertical feet and skied 54 miles of mountain terrain over 7 days. That alone would have been enough for my heart and mind. But my soul needed something extra.

Losing people in our lives we see and experience fractures in our soul. Can peak experiences associated with those relationships be a form of inner Kintsugi. And how can we share that Kintsugi in a way that is meaningful for ourselves, honors the relationship, and makes the soul a more beautiful vessel. I chose to honor Rob on top of one of the mountains we climbed. Everyone took a bit of snow and threw it to the wind giving Rob a moment of freedom on the high winds. We then held him close as we skied a gorgeous line off the summit.

The size of the break is relative. The passing of a good friend vs the passing of a husband or father. From once a month to everyday pain. If the vessel is shattered and pulverized, what does the Kintsugi look like, how do we throw a new pot?

The image below is a form of digital recreation of the inner Kintsugi I attempted to create in the last few weeks.

One of the best Geriatric Primary Care Doctors in Denver if not the entire USA is taking her abundance of patience and care to Salida. One last “On Call” and then 14 years of Geriatric care for Denver’s senior citizens comes to an end.
Leave it to her patience to praise her-

“It goes without saying I am going to mis you. You are without a doubt the smartest Dr. have ever had, It isnt just me that thinks that. When I went to see Dr Wilson he also said you were the best in your field he knew, you really care about your patients”

“We are not good at good bye’s. We want to thank you for all you did for all you did for our family, starting with mom, then Pj and I. You truly are a “Healer” in every sease of the word. We have never had a Doctor with more empathy and a bigger heart.”

“I’m so glad you’re my Doctor!”

It’s been a long and heartache filled two years to come to this conclusion. Her 800 patient panel is loosing an incredible personal relationship. However I am certain that what she will bring to the aging of Chaffee county will be as incredible. Tonight we celebrate with the entire practice. If you’ve got her number give her a call today and say congratulations.

I am so proud to call Dr. Altneu my wife!

Rudite & Jack

A wonderful team. Tenacity and Laughter. Form and Flow.

With my new studio firing I am working in these shots with every guest I have. This will hopefully end up being a strong undercurrent to my first book.

Here is Esther again. A true firecracker.