I am saddened to give you the news that Dr. K. Bradford Brown, co-founder of the More To Life program and beloved teacher, died in his sleep last night, possibly due to complications connected with the Lewy Body disease from which he was suffering. Many of you know that Brad has been ill for quite some time, but his health went into a steep decline in just the last few days.
Sue Oldham spent time with him yesterday and she said he seemed particularly lucid and peaceful when she left him.
Recently, Sue said that he seemed to know the end was not far away. But then Brad often seemed to ‘know’ more than other people about many things.
Many of you were fortunate enough to know Brad personally. Others of you may have never met him in person, but I would suggest that you do, in fact, know him.
We know him through the gifts we’ve been given through our participation in this program. We know him through his generosity and ‘for-ness’ and love of humanity. We know him through his brilliance and guidance and deep coursework.
At times like this, I often pick up one of Brad’s books to see what insight might be offered. Here are his words from Guidelines to Spirituality:
Being truly human
without any add-ons
is a way
of thinking
about divinity.
Brad’s life was about pointing toward the divinity and helping us trust our own humanity enough so that the divinity can shine through. In the coming days, I'm sure many of us will be connecting and sharing of his unique impact on our lives.
I’ll post more details and information, of course, as they become known. In the meantime, please hold Anne Brown and their family in your hearts.
Peggy
58 comments:
Yesterday evening, around 10pm, before I left my office, I spent a few moments writing a card to Brad. I was to mail it today. It was to let him know that he was in my thoughts daily and to share about a picture of him that I saw on Forrest's wall in his office months ago. Forrest let me make a copy of that picture (it's the same picture on the blog) and I shared how I have his picture posted on my mirror in my office, so that when I create my jewelry, I can see Brad smiling at me...a touchstone, because his face looks so pure and joyful. When I look at it, I remember pure joy in my own life. It's been a wonderful journey through his creative work. It has offered so many wonderful insights, none so precious to me as the ability to regularly remember....I am not in control! I wanted him to know how lovely life is, living in peace. But then....I think he knows...
Although my eyes fill with tears when I read Peggy's post, there is a sweetness to it that transcends my human understanding. I feel sad at Brad's passing yet the gratitude floods the sadness and sweeps it from my chest in waves as I remember his impact on my life and world.
Fly well Brad, I have missed your physical presence.
When a comrade of the South African anti-apartheid movement fell, fellow warriors would mark their passing and their contribution with these words: "hamba kahle umkhonto we sizwe".
This translates as "go well, you spear of the nation".
As I reflect on Brad's life and contribution towards transformation, for thousands of individuals around the world, these words fit.
His lasting contribution towards peacebuilding and reconciliation in my country - and my life - will not be forgotten.
My love and thoughts go out to Ann, Brad's children, and many, many friends around the globe.
After Sharon Parish's passing, I had occasion to visit Brad and Anne, and asked him how he felt about it.
He answered that as far as he was concerned Sharon's still here, she's not gone for him.
In a way, the More To Life program IS Brad and he's not gone. In a much deeper, I think spirit never dies and is always with us.
Thanks, Brad, for all you left behind for us and for many more generations to benefit from and enjoy !
May your God go with you.
You will be missed greatly.
Love always.
Marrrek
Last year, I had occasion to visit Brad and Anne, and asked him how he felt about Sharon Parish's passing.
He answered that as far as he was concerned Sharon's still here, she's not gone for him.
In a way, the More To Life program IS Brad and he's not gone. In a much deeper sense, I think Brad meant spirit never dies and is actually always with us.
Thanks, Brad, for all you left behind for us and for many more generations to benefit from and enjoy !
May your God go with you.
You will be missed greatly.
Love always.
Marrrek
I'm just in shock. I knew it was on the horizon... but it cuts deep when it finally happens. I am filled with sadness and gratitude. Gratitude for a man who helped shape how I look at the world... which brings me joy and clarity every day. I love you Brad. Thank you.
Wow, this isn't what I expected before turning my computer off on a late Friday night. My head down, wanting to say something so profoundly befitting of someone who has made such an impact on my life. Words aren't enough. In this darkend room the monitor's glow reflects off the award ribbons I've accumulated in the last few years for my "professional" accomplishments since knowing you. A scant external representation of my internality. My past days, and years are filled with so much joy, contentment, and gratutude for my family, friends, and life. Thank you Brad for showing me a different way of looking at life. I love you and you will "all ways" live in me.
Melissa
I heard about Brad's passing on yesterday afternoon, through Issy Crocker and am sad that someone who has profoundly touched my life both directly, (Peggy and Brad were my original trainers in 1993), and indirectly, through my years with the Programme, has passed on. But I am also grateful, many many times over, for the peacefulness of his passing and for his impact in my life.
I had rung Issy to share my news that in a few weeks time, we will be adopting 2 children aged 2 and 1. To get such momentous news on the same day seems fitting to me, especially as we have had such loving support from many in the Programme. It reminds me, as Brad so often did, that the cycle of life continues, and we are all one. Much love to Anne and family, and to all of us who will grieve for him.
Over ten years ago Brad Brown asked me a simple question: "Are you a preacher?" In those four words he captured the wrestle which has defined my life. What am I? Spiritual person? Lecturer? What? Two weeks ago I finally acknowledged that I want to tell the truth about humanity, and that I will be telling the truth as a coach on the MtL programme. (The coaching programme starts in one week in Johannesburg). So finely woven with my sadness is deep gratitude for the life of Brad Brown lived in fullness and compassion.
I feel a mixture of gratitude, sadness and inspiration as I remember what Brad Brown has contributed to humanity in his lifetime. His work and insight has touched many deeply and calls us forward be more of our true selves, so that we can call others to do the same. If one man can have this impact on the world, surely we can bring ourselves to do the same, in our own unique way.
Brad has left a legacy that is changing the world, one person at a time, and I am grateful to have met him in person and been guided by him. Thank you, I am deeply grateful.
When we heard the news this morning we took a breath and said YES. Yes to the news, yes to Brad and all you have been to us and yes to the way we are in our lives because of knowing you. Our day has been full of sadness, joy, gratitude, peace and deep connection.
Tomorrow many will gather in Christchurch, New Zealand to share our stories, memories and 'gifts'.
You will live in us....
We are creating our lives and you are in our hearts. Thank you.
You are deeply loved and we can just see you having fun with Sharon. We miss you guys. Our prayers are for you Anne and all the family.
Today (August 11) is my birthday. This morning I was tossing and turning, having disturbing dreams. My wife had a similarly restless sleep and told me that she had a dream about the life training program. I usually do not turn on the computer on Saturday's, but for some reason I was drawn to it. I read the Capetown More To Life email announcing Brad's death. I felt sad and for a moment some resentment - how dare he ruin my birthday!
Brad, what's true is that you have not ruined my birthday. You have made my birthdays for the last 12 years amazing. Your gift of the Life Training/MTL has helped me be more genuinely myself with myself and with other people. When I feel scared about another year passing by or grateful that I am about to enjoy another year, I owe so much of the depth of my experience to you and the others in the MTL community.
Brad, as I'm sure you know, in Judaism there is a tradition of never having a celebration that does not include some acknowledgment of pain or suffering. At weddings we break the glass; at Passover we remember our time as slaves. Today (August 11) is my 37th birthday. Yesterday (August 10) a dear friend had a beautiful home birth and brought a much desired baby boy into the world. Hearing of your death, I feel sad, even as I celebrate all of the amazing things in the world. The cycle of life continues.
My thoughts go out to your family, Brad, and to your extended family of thousands of students and friends.
with love, honor and respect,
Jonathan
Dear Community and especially Ann, Roy, Sue and David T,
Many of us knew this day would arrive and it is a great loss, especially to the four of you.
Loyd and I were privileged to have Brad in our lives for twenty years--and sometimes in our faces! We honor this human being who brought to all of us his creative genius, compassion and challenge to become the persons we were born to be.
There is a prayer in the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal church, of which Brad, Roy and I are priests that speaks poignantly to this moment. I think Brad transcended his denomination and religion and this prayer from the service for The Burial of the Dead does also. I am putting it in the present tense:
Into your hands, O merciful God, we commend your servant Brad. Thank you for acknowledging him as a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a person of your own redeeming and for receiving him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace and into the glorious company of the saints in light.
Ken & Loyd Kinnett
Today (sat) Tina Thomsen and I had our first session of SEE course, and it's strange to be embracing this work, watching him through the video having received the news the night before. We carried him in our hearts and our midst and we shared moments to share with each other how we felt about him and about his death. A mix of feelings from sadness to gratitute and I'm in gratitute to what he's given me 2 years ago which have changed the way I live.
I've never met Brad in person, but I feel privilege and grateful to know and be touched by his spirit through his work.
My love and prayer to Anne and the family.
A great man has passed away.
As I think of what he and MTL have meant to me, I am inspired to be a person of vision, creative, challenging, feeling, loving, being.
"All things work together to reveal life's possibilities, whether we like it, deserve it, or want it." KBB
To Brad's family, co-workers, trainers, and all of us whose lives he touched, I send loving and grateful thoughts.
Dear Brad,
Your spirit is around us and with us, while we gather in our communities in memory of you. We are grateful for the many moments that you have gifted us with, in person and through your work. You have blessed us with your teachings, wisdom, love and your deep commitment to humanity. Through you we have enriched our own lives and the connections to the people next to us. We call people around the world our friends, some we have met, others we may meet one day. Life is the journey we share.
We reach out to each other, wipe our tears and listen to each other in silence.
A candle flickers and we wish it is you travelling the world.
Our thoughts are with Anne, your children and family.
On behalf of the New Zealand Community
When I first met Brad in the late 1980s, I judged myself very harshly, leading to my seriously tight bunghole. And he supported me to relax my body, to tame my mind, to stand in my own power. As a direct result of Brad’s wisdom and intuition mixed with my willingness and perseverance, I reclaimed my authenticity, my integrity and my purpose in life. In fact, when I was stumbling with words to describe what I did for a living, Brad said, “You’re a writer.” And for the first time in my life, I claimed my calling: “Yes, I’m a writer.”
We didn’t always see eye to eye; I sometimes became judgmental when I saw that he too was human; but I knew I could count on him to be for me, to tell me his truth and to love me just as I was, just as I am.
I don’t pretend to know what happens when we leave our bodily form. I do know that Brad is with us in memory, in spirit, in the way thousands of us around the world live our lives.
With love and respect,
Bruce Mulkey
Asheville, NC, USA
Dearhearts,
Brad has passed. The lifeshock. A rush of deep emotions. Sadness. Gratitude. Oh, such gratitude for this magnificent soul and what he gave me, us. How did I get so lucky to know him, and be the recipient of his wise work... out of all the people in the world!
Relief, as I knew his physical and mental health was sharply declining. Love. For Brad, for Anne, for Sue, for Roy, for Richard, Warren, Ann Mac, Peggy, Briggy, Jan..all those who carry on Brad’s glorious work as trainers and partners...all over the world!
I have many memories of Brad, and they are all visiting me again...
The honor and challenge of being his support at a training; the fun of talking with him about his experiences as a bandleader;
his voice at WOW- “Aren’t we funny?!”.... “It’s all out there, babies!”
Dancing with him at EOM (my favorite memory); seeing Brad and Anne’s faces light up, like teenagers, as they looked at each other, at that same EOM. True and deep love if ever there was!
So many touchstones for me. When I saw his open, full-of-life face on Peggy’s blog, I spontaneously said Yes! and smiled back broadly, happily..amidst the tears.
And all there is to say is thank you, thank you, thank you, Brad.
Barbara
I see Brad running at WOW, then in his 60s, with the body of a much younger man, strong, energetic, urging us on not with words, simply doing it himself. I hear him during the Life Game as we lived and died and were confused, then enlightened. Teaching us to listen, to tell the truth about ourselves, to awaken. At Seven Days of Creation he is sharing his music, so that I suddenly and forever hear more of it than I ever did before. His insight draws us into his world, full of compassion and feeling, a love of life and an acceptance of what is at a level that is at once awe inspiring and unsettling. I weep at his passing, while thanking God I knew him. Love to Anne, his family, and to all in the LT community...
It has been my great honor to have been both a student and friend of Brad's. He will live on through me each time I consciously choose, each time I take my stand in life -- for these things he taught me well. I see him daily in the pictures of WoW and other advance courses that are in my office. I smile when I think of what he and Sharon Parish might be up to there in heaven. My prayers are with you, Anne, and the rest of the family, as you face the days without his physical presence in your lives. May God grant you strength and peace.
I always felt special around Brad...although I have not seen him in years, the thought of him brings back special memories.
He was able to illuminate "things" that I did not see by myself; and, he did it as a partner.
His spirit will always be with me; and, I will always be grateful.........
Aaaah Brad ,beloved friend and mentor ,I am so grateful I saw you last year and had time to be with you an Annie .It was delicious and connecting and I can still feel your hug .
Sam and I were remembering all you were in our lives last night ,Chepstow road all the many times we laughed and cried together ,as we prayed and I cried for the passing of a truly incredible man . you taught me every thing I know some of which I was not always gracious in recieving ! you live in my heart beloved friend and I know you are flying Warrior .all my love to annie and the boys and the family .until we meet again ,suzy
It is difficult to grasp that I never had the opportunity to meet in person a man who touched and changed my life so profoundly. This said, I am deeply grateful to have known him through the work we have all committed to in this programme. If Brad has moved on to another place, they are very lucky to receive such a unique and gifted soul, as he will be missed here by many. The greatest honour and homage I have to offer his memory, is living my life out as
a Warrior of life and embracing the opportunities I am offered. It is something I only learnt how to do just over a month ago, but is also something I may never have learnt if it hadn't been for Brads contribution.
Thank you Brad for all that you contributed to my life , all that you contributed indirectly to the people who love me (who have more of the real me because of your creation of this programme) as well as what you contributed to my community and country. Your influence is felt directly and indirectly by people all over the world.
As I was flying back from Evolution of Mastery a couple of weeks ago, I looked out at the airplane wing and started to contemplate just dependent our civilization is on flight. Then it occurred to me that the real gift of the Wright brothers was not that they set out to build every airplane that would exist, but that they demonstrated that flight was possible. Once the belief barrier was broken, then others could take that concept and go with it.
I have a vivid memory of Brad racing full force down the road at Wow 2 with Briggy hot on his heels (he was 72 at the time). I still remember the look of joy and freedom on his face as he broke through the line of well-wishers with head held high and arms outstretched. That is Brad’s gift to me, and I believe to the world. He showed me – not just told me – that flight is possible. Because of him, I don’t just believe I can fly, I know I can – if I so choose.
Thank you Brad, for showing me that I can fly on the wings of choice and that, as I fly, other people will see that flight is possible and that they can fly also. You are wonderful flight instructor!
Happy soaring!
Pat Hutton
Knoxville, Tennessee
I’ve been opened up each time I’ve read one of your shares. The diversity of the sharing speaks to something Brad did so very well - meet each individual where he / she was. And so his death has done the same.
As for me, yesterday I drove to a small town 2 hours from here early in the morning. I had only been on that particular highway once since having lived here and I don't remember seeing what I saw yesterday - a signpost that said "Warrior Path State Park, next exit". Could it get any louder or clearer than that?
I made note and took that exit on my way home. The park had the most lovely, inspiring river and mountains and facilities. Very quiet. A few families on bicycles. I sat on the bank of the river and watched the fish jump and cried and cried and cried. It was the first time, really, I had let down since hearing. Afterwards, I noticed so many times yesterday that my eyes were wet. They seemed to just fill and overflow on their own.
What a rich tapestry of human beings we are! I am grateful for you all and especially for Brad for the sourcing he provided and continues to provide.
Peggy
WOW! Reading these posts fills me with so many different emotions, sadness,joy,pride,gratitude,love. On Friday morning at 5am when I first heard of Brad's physical death my first thought was, "How do I tell the boys that their dad has died." I decided to let them sleep for a while and then went into Kai's room first. I sat on his bed and watched him sleeping, peacefully, so young and innocent and unaware of the message I was about to deliver. Gently I stroked his head and told him how much I loved him and how proud his dad was of him. When I finally woke him and told him he looked at me with his soft sleepy eyes and said "Oh, OK" and then "have you told Joel yet?" No, I hadn't. At 13 he likes to sleep in in the morning and so I had chosen to give him a few more minutes before breaking the news. In the days since I have not had much time to myself to reflect on my own feelings. My focus has been very much on maintaining a normal routine for the boys and supporting Anne. In many ways it has been such a rich and connecting time and I feel closer to Anne than ever. I will have to admit that it has also been a little lonely. As the ex-wife I do not get the cards, flowers and phone-calls. But then I
realize how very blessed I am. Brad, if you are watching somewhere I know you will agree, what amazing boys we have. Every time I look at them I see your eyes, hear your words, feel your energy. Kai has your gentleness and compassion and Joel your passion and entrepreneurial spirit. Even though this is a sad time for them, they seem to have said YES to life and in fact in Joel especially I see him taking hold of life with more freedom, enthusiasm and joy than in recent months...I feel so proud of them and I know you do too. One of the many things that we agreed on was how well we did parenting together. Over these next few teenage years, I will miss you alot and I am sure there will be many times when I want to talk to you or ask you for advice or a question, but I think that just maybe if I keep looking into the boys eyes, I will be able to hear your answer..
I am suprised how i feel since hearing of Brads passing. Have I had a "wake up call" Reading letters and reflecting on the past, I am getting a sense of how much LT has taught me and how different I am now. Even though I have not proccesed or attended a course for some years,I am noticing how my chioces and decisions are affected by what I have learned. Thank you Brad for helping me become a kinder man more capable of loving than selfishness. Untill we hopefully meet again, Love honour and respect.
Just before I heard (August 13) the news of Brad's passing, I was reflecting on the fact that it was my late father's birthdate - he would have been 98. Although Dad was a man with a quick temper - I think I "inherited" a lot of anger and rage from him - and not as good at parenting skills as I would have liked, I was nevertheless reflecting that he had done the best that he knew in bringing me up and had given me that most wonderful gift - of life - as well as many others including a deep love of music.
Then I read an e-mail from David Templar, a co-trainer with John Coates when I completed the More To Life training weekend in July 1994, telling me the sad news. And I reflected on how Brad's life and programme has so profoundly affected me over the past 13 years, enabling me to see more clearly The Truth in all that Life sends me, without all the previous "wrap-arounds" of guilt, fear, anger, resentment and so on. And the abiding feeling I had was one of gratitude for both of these two men, one of whom had given me the gift of life and one who had shown me how to live it, joyfully and to the full.
Brad, your influence on so many people's lives will continue to have an impact on this world of ours. And I am sure you are aware of this, as you look down on us from wherever you are.
I send my love to you, your family (both Anne, Sara and the children) and all of us who knew you, whether we met in person or not. Godspeed, you strong and valiant warrior!
I shall miss Brad so much. He was a major influence on my life. I am so very grateful I was able to see him at home in April this year . He has left a wonderful legacy. My thoughts go to Anne who looked after him and loved him so much . To Sue, to Sara and of course to Joel and Kai and to his other children whom I do not know who must equally be sad at this time.
I have worked with my emotions around Brad's death by talking both with my girlfriend and my support partner. I got choked up and cried both times. It is Brad who taught me that sadness can be a connecting emotion, that sadness can show that there has been a connection. My choking up came in both instances as I talked about memorable interactions I had had with Brad. I am grateful for his life. He taught me so much about myself and life. So much of how I live my life now came from him. Thank you Brad Brown.
The lifeshock came by way of a telephone call from a friend in Fort Worth, Texas on Friday evening. All I could say was, "Oh." "Aah."
I remembered when Brad's son, Kenny, died. Brad shared with us that he felt a "yes" to that lifeshock, and I realized that my grief about Brad's passing was also a "yes." Yes to him being out of pain. Yes to his real, not perceived, physical limits. Yes to the next phase of his journey.
I've noticed that I'm flooded with memories as both a student and dear friend of Brad's. Lifeshocks penetrate me that date back to March, 1984, when Brad was my trainer.
One lifeshock, specifically, was when Brad sat in my office in 1987 or 1988 as we were preparing for the first Way of a Warrior program. I was TS, he was still developing the program. Brad told me "I'll give you a lot of rope." In that one lifeshock, I knew that Brad totally trusted me to work with the first international team as their TS and trainer. (He had mentioned earlier that he'd be spending a lot of time training the trainers since this was the first WOW.) He valued my skills and he opened a door for adult partnership in a way that did not happen for me in the past. My ability to partner with others was forever changed in that one simple rope.
Immediately after the lifeshock about Brad's passing on Friday night, I told myself to read about it and write something. Instead, I took time to enjoy my memories of Brad. I wrote in my journal. I wanted to hold my memories close to me and feel this newer, gentler type of grief.
Waves of memories rolled over me. Trainings at the Bastrop and Boron Prisons. Driving him to or from an airport. Sharing a meal with him. Standing on his balcony at sunset and watching the seagulls. Laughing. His soft hands. His ring. The expression on his face as he led the Sunday morning meditation.
The next day, my family was hosting a beach party with 30 families on Galveston Island, near Houston. I listened to the waves lap onto the shore. I felt the slight breeze through my hair, took some deep breaths, heard the sound of pelicans diving for lunch and children laughing. I opened my eyes, and there was a sailboat sitting in the Gulf of Mexico. It was still. It was simply being there, as I was with my goodbye to Brad.
My heart expands to include Anne and the rest of Brad's family. I gently hold Roy, Sue, Ann Mc, Peggy, and the other trainers and friends as they feel their grief at this time. And I hope, like me, that they feel their hearts as full of gratitude for Brad's presence as I do.
I see him now, flying around with Sue Scott, Sharon Parish, and others.
Like Peggy, reading your responses continually opens me up. I enjoy sharing messsages about how Brad has touched our lives. I enjoy feeling the All of It, since learning how to open to it All was one of the greatest gifts I ever received from him.
Thank you, Brad, for the many ways you have touched my life and assisted me in becoming more fully alive. Fly on, Warrior. You are being gently loved and remembered.
Thank you.
To Brad for how he chose to use his life.
To those who heard and amplified his message.
To those who will continue to do so.
My first experience of Brad was as a volunteer in his course "Breakthrough Into Excellence". I volunteered to demonstrate a process for him.
He knelt in front of me in the front row with his face about a half meter in front of mine and in about five minutes or less of exchange between us I was in tears - in front of about 25 other engineers.
Ten minutes and ten hours and ten days later I was still asking: "What happened there?"
I knew that whatever it was, it was much more than I was aware of - that there was much more to life - and I determined right then to learn what I could about it.
I connected with Brad at every opportunity. My experience of him was as a real mensch and much more. I learned from him and from others he touched.
Somewhat later I realised I was the beneficiary of genius. I think few ever get the opportunity to have that realisation, and I consider myself blessed for the gift.
Brad, Thank You.
Bob
The following is by a friend who shared it with me recently about another life ending
Death Has Come to My Door
by David Johnson Rowe
Death has come to my door.
I have lost so much
And truly wonder
Whether I can take it anymore
Or go on anymore.
Death has come to my door.
It was too soon.
A loved one is gone.
And here I am left,
alone.
Death has come to my door.
It shouldn’t surprise me, really.
It was bound to happen.
But I was not ready, clearly.
Not today.
Death has come to my door.
Before I was prepared
It came in and whisked away
One for whom I deeply cared
And I’m left in a daze.
Death has come to my door.
Why not delay?
Why today?
Why not stay away?
Who invited you, anyway?!
Death has come to my door.
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.
But we had so many plans,
So many things left undone, unsaid.
But all good things come to an end.
Death has come to my door.
Before I could say my last goodbye,
Before another Thanksgiving dinner
Or Christmas gift
Or Kiss,
Before doing all the things we wished.
Death has come to my door.
I would have locked the door
and kept it away,
Saying, “rain, rain, go away
Come again some other day.”
Death has come to my door.
Now what?
What should I say, what should I do?
What should I wear, what should I send?
What do I think, what do I feel?
What do I believe?
Is Heaven real?
Death has come to my door.
Now I must get ready.
Like taxes it is steady,
Always with us.
Death has come to my door.
It enters in,
Whether invited or not.
And takes its place.
It rearranges one room,
Makes useless another.
It quiets and softens
the sounds of life.
Death has come to my door.
Things will not be the same again.
Something was lost
For what was gained
In the living of that life.
And I am grateful for that life.
Yes, Death has come to my door.
But I will believe
That there will come a day
When
Death shall be no more.
What the Caterpillar calls the end of the world ....
.... the Master calls a Butterfly
Thank you, Brad, for saying "Yes." Yes to bringing yourself so fully into the world. Yes to sharing your vision and talent with the world. Because you said "Yes.", here I sit today, experiencing my life as a Warrior, bringing myself fully into the world, sharing my vision and talent...and I see my ripple connected to your ripple...and I see ripples of the future connected to ours. Amazing!
So many thoughts and memories have come to mind since reading of Brad's passing.
I remember driving him to the airport after a training in Atlanta. I don't remember the conversation but I do remember his words to me.
"Stuart, the real life training went on long before me and it will go on long after me."
Life is always training me. Thank you Brad, for teaching me how to "Notice", and then what to do after I notice.
Zen Proverb:
"It doesn't matter what road I travel, I am always going home."
On Friday night as I was falling asleep I ask for peace to come to Brad. My last conscious image was of Brad and Anne walking hand-in- hand up the hill in Costa Rica at EOM a few years back. When I awoke to the news of Brad's passing I felt a sense of relief that Brad would not be in pain.
I can't tell you how many times over the last 11 years that I have quoted Brad Brown. To me he was a humanitarian of the likes of Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Mandela. Brad knew there was a way for people to live free of crippling mindtalk and taught us all to live our lives in choice and clarity. I never really understood the meaning of truth telling until I met Brad. I remember standing in front of Brad years ago and telling him that I came to WOW to find GOD. Brad simply put his hand on my shoulder and said I'm looking at her. GOD is this as he spanned his arm around the room. For the first time I quit looking outside myself for the answer to my being. He taught me that there was nothing I needed to do or anyway I needed to be. I was enough. I love you Brad for all you gave me and for being in my life and leading the way. With love, honor and respect,
Robbie Gammack
Bozeman, Montana USA
Brad was my trainer when I first did The Life Training in the late 1980's. He was right there with me and for me, mightily pushing my edge to greater awareness and freedom. That weekend was a life-altering, transformational experience!
Months later Brad asked me to meet him at his home. Incredibly, amazingly, he asked me to join his team of trainers and consultants. I thanked him for the honor, but said that I was committed to another path of public service in my life.
Years later, he received me late at night at his home at my urgent request, as I needed support in discerning a major life decision. He held a space for me to be exactly where I was, and brought a perspective with wisdom and compassion that I so needed that night. Afterwards, he sent me a generous check in support of my endeavor.
I was about to turn in for the night on Friday, August 10, 2007, when I saw the simple subject line of a new email, "Brad Brown", and I immediately knew. Still it was a major life shock to read the message that this grand soul and spiritual warrior had passed on and was no longer physically with us in this world.
I went to bed in a state of grief and gratitude, with my heart feeling so tender and open. Brad Brown deeply touched my life and I carry a part of him deep within me. I carry his recognition and acknowledgement of me, his heartful challenges to me, and his rich blessing of my passionate vision, which to this day continues to yield seed and harvest in my life.
I love you, Brad Brown, my friend, teacher, and mentor. May God richly bless you as you abide in the presence of your Creator.
Manuel
www.JManuelHerrera.net
It was a dream of mine to one day make it to california and just maybe be lucky enough to meet brad brown and thank him personally for all his work and the things he did for me even though he never met me.
i am sorry that i was not able to meet him but know that i did write to him on several ocassions to thank him personally and once telephoned him and spoke to him. he was fully aware that he was drifting in and out of lucidity during our conversation on the phone and warned me it might happen at the start of the call. i was just in awe of him for the whole call [even though i barely understood a word of what he said, even when he was totally lucid, because i was finally speaking to this man whose voice i had hear on tapes so many times] and got off the call feeling guilty with myself for not being able to grasp everything that he was saying in such a rare opportunity.
i have heard his voice perhaps hundreds and hundreds of times on his tapes. i carry them on my mobile phone/pda every day, trying to extract some of this wisdom for my almost daily use.
it's difficult to know what to say right now. but i think of my namesake William Shakespeare. As brilliant a poet as he was, when he said in the play, Julius Caesar, that "The Evil that Men do lives on, The Good is oft interred with their bones," Mr Shakespeare was not quite right.
This is because the goodness of Dr Brown, like some other very wise people, lives on. As he said in his tapes, In his case, it is in his books, the More to Life Programme, his voice on the tapes, the trainers, the mentors (like me) who have done the MTL courses, etc etc etc.
i take a lot of comfort from the fact that Brad Brown counted among his own mentors an amazing man by the name of Viktor Frankl, who like my parents, was a holocaust survivor.My grandfather and other immediate relatives, unfortunately, did not survive and were murdered at places like Auschwitz in the most horrific of circumstances you can imagine.
It was reassuring to me that Brad, like many other psychologists of his generation who have founded other programmes, such as Est, Landmark, etc, had a close appreciation of those, like Frankl, who chose life in the midst of the most appallingly difficult circumstances. My stepfather, Daniel Falkner* [see clipping attached] is similar to Frankl in that respect and that is just one reason why Brad Brown became so important to me, as difficult as it was for me to always choose life fully.
Although i am jewish, and not a christian, I believe that Brad, a man of faith, may have been inspired by a sentence straight from the old testament:
"I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days"
But you don't have to be religious or even believe in god to believe in the power of "choosing life". I believe that brad lived his life constantly "BEING FOR" all of us to choose life.
just like my late mother, who lived life with every beat of her heart and dedicated her life as a doctor to saving others medically, brad may not "be" with me any more. and yet he is still "with" me. so let's keep on choosing life just as he [and she] would wish it of us.
Sat 11 Aug, I was the contact person staffing the LT Centre who got the sad news and forwarded it to the community in Cape Town which is now 1800 graduates. I truly got the ripple effect of Brad & Roys work. Profoundly changing lives. Recalling Brad at Sani Pass, KZN - my teacher, with impish jestures, profound insight and bold support, I get my loveability. He broke bread with us at the completion and came up to me saying "I kept this piece especially for you". For a girl who spent a lot of energy proving my worth and looking for acceptance - the masterful, prophetic Brad saw my soul and touched it. I continue to transform as life and others interact with me and have GALATIC gratitude to Brad. Anne, you have touched me deeply too and I recall our lunch in Simons Town where you bought a teddy bear for a Ruandan refugee who had just become a parent. You are generous and loving and Brad is fortunate to have you as his helpmate and partner. You have been a blessing to the Programme in infinitely many ways. Love, Honour and Respect, Patricia
Thank you, Brad, for showing me a powerfully effective way to wake up and lead a conscious, masterful life. Every day as I work towards self-mastery and conscious awareness, I bless you and your far-reaching contribution to humanity.
My thoughts and prayers are with Anne and family, the trainers and all those whose lives have been touched by you.
Fly high and free.
Lynn Wright, South Africa
Thank you, Brad, for showing me a powerfully effective way to wake up and live a masterful life. Every day as I work towards self-mastery and conscious awareness, I bless you and your far-reaching contribution to humanity.
My thoughts and prayers are with Anne and family, the trainers and all those whose lives you have touched.
Fly high and free.
Fly high and free.
Lynn Wright, South Africa
He had 70, and I had not yet 50 years' of living. I was in tears. He took me aside, held my hand, and said, "Come, let's skip down the road."
A princess of resistance, I have since said "Yes" many many more times than I could have imagined that day at WOW. In fact, I still wear the T-shirts :-)
Recently I said "Yes" to living in partnership with the person who enrolled me in LT in the early 90's. We remember Brad together.
For me to have been in Brad's physical presence on several occasions was a privilege I deem rare.
In gratitude --
-- Jane
Recently I heard a trainer
comment that Brad stated that he wondered if he has made a difference in the world. This was a LS for me. Was he serious? Does he not know? Then I was reminded that Brad was just a human being trying to do the best he knew how with extrodinary results. He was able to teach about MT because he know about it. Yesterday I had a vision that at a spicific time everyone around our planet who has been effected by Brad Brown's work and wisdom could shine a light to the heavens. And in unison we would all say Thank You Brad, you have made a difference. And I would add and because of that difference I am a Warrior of the Spirit.
Patty Daily
Illinois
I heard the news of Brad's death from the M2L centre in London. David attached to the news the following words from Brad:
"When we learn to love the God of the Dark as much as we love the God of the Light then we will see in the dark, and walk in the light..."
KBB
For me, that one sentence sums up everything about Brad's work and what his work has created. He has helped me and everyone who has taken part in the programme to truly love in even the blackest darkness and therefore see with absolute clarity the truths about ourselves - giving us the choice, power and ability to walk in the light.
However dark my times may seem, I choose to walk in the light - with Brad, with you, and with life.
I heard of Brads death on monday morning from a friend. We were practicing Brads powerful work.I have practiced his work and his way of life since I first took the see course than the M T L weekend over 2 years ago. My life has changed. This is my life.As a mentor of this work i ave seen amazing people change there life.Im so grateful and feel very privalidge to be a part of this huge family that Brad has created.What a legacy Brad has left for humanity.His light and love will be carried forward for always.He is a part of me and I have never met him.but I am connected every day of my life to him and others who know me are connected to him.This is what Brad wanted to have a connection with each human being.This is the gift that Brad has given to me to connect with every one I met and to see people for who they truelly
are and to see me for who I truelly am.I love you Brad and your spirit carries on in all its glory.
"may the spirit in me honour the spirit in you"
All my love Linda x
As I walked into the Life Training room in February 1984 with a friend and wearing the mala and red of a follower of Osho, Brad came up to me and said "Boy, am I going to have fun with you two".
Oh, and how he did! His immense warmth, insight, humour and tough love was a profound and deeply treasured experience that ran on and on.
Brad was a mentor of incomparable strength and integrity. He showed me how to go deep and how to go soft, and how to stand tall and strong, yet bend in the wind, and .....
I last spoke to Brad over a decade ago, yet his presence and his purpose has flitted through my life, and through many of my family and friends, as a constant source of inspiration.
My children have learnt much through his teachings though they have never met. His legacy in life is to pass on through generations ripples of experience that act as touchstones.
Thank you Brad for sharing your life. You will be missed, but that will pass; leaving a profound and deeply felt love and gratitude for who you are and what you have left.
Steve Dalton
Bath, UK
The thing I most admired about Brad was his gift to transform people's lives. The thing I liked most about him was his humanity and desire to be seen as he truly was. I remember being his Trainer Support, totally in awe, and he called me out again and again to be his equal. Meeting him recently, I was once again in awe and moved by his grace, fortitude and humour in the face of his illness.
My life is forever grateful for attending what I think was LT during it's first year of creation. I dutifully attended with a pen with a notebook in hand. It was early Saturday AM on my 1st weekend traing (of many thereafter) that I knew why I had not taken any notes so far; this was about my LIFE. Brad Brown, "Most of us don't have a lot to change. We have a lot to get over". No notes were necessary; I was already living it. Brad Brown, "We forget who we are but we are not fogotten. Every breath, every heartbeat call out from within. Every touch, every sound calls from without; wake up". On Saturday night I awakened to the fear within that was dominating the child without not letting me see or feel what I really am. It was Brad's absolute love that awakened me to the awareness of my life; his loving, suportive patience to let me get through all my resistance. I share the comedy of that event with the deep sadness of the loss of what I was, so that I can honor what is now. I hear Brad saying "you needed to cry" when I do cry; fearful that what I was doing prior to the crying was not enough spiritual challenging; but really knowing that LIFE was just giving me a new lesson. Brad Brown, "If you get angry a lot, you probably hurt a lot. Try crying a lot". My LIFE was always up in Brad's presence. I am forever grateful for all the memories of being 'around' with Brad during many trainings. It would be easy to say that my LIFE is now down with his passing; I will instead be in his presence, experiencing all his writings in my current life. I know that I am a greater being because I was able to see the example of his LOVE. It is with pride and fondness that I knew Brad and remember saying to him, "Brad, you were a touchstone to my LIFE". You changed the world.
In 1985 at the top of our garden tree I planted a small note. Today I went back and climbed half way to the nook. Buried under some dead leaves the Brad (Bury) note was still there. It read "Remember Me".
What sidewalk would I have fallen down were it not for that early metamorphosis?
This morning I sifted through some of his old letters. The subject matter was practical, yet at the end, an additional note, where he always managed to reveal 'a' truth. Brad was persistant in his education. He enlightened us to a profound degree.
My heart goes out to the Family and Friends. To many whom I lost touch with from the early days- my thoughts are with you too.
In his words; I wish you all the wealth that no man (person) can buy.
I did not know Brad personally and have mused about writing here for a while.
When I heard the news of Brad's passing I was in Hyde Park in London so was blessed to be in nature to let the news sink in.
I was surprised at how sad I felt and yet grateful in almost the same time, like a wave I suppose.
I was struck as I thought of how my life has so significantly changed since June 2005 when I did my weekend - how Brad's creativity and vision had touched me via a friend who enrolled me through a job I was not that happy in.
I also noticed a heron perching on one leg and thought - its a sign, what of I did not know but the heron has stuck with me.
I decided to write as again tonight I have seen a heron as I was thinking of how grateful I am of having processes as its been a tough few days.
So I googled 'symbolism of a heron' - here is some of what I found
"Native American legends tell of wise men who, having died, visited the earth in the bodies of herons."
I think this is fitting and am happy to have know Brad through his work and how daily I notice and deepen my connection with life.
I am grateful too that we as a community can come together in such a way to celebrate and honour his life and passing.
I began this poem for Brad before two Fridays ago. I never finished it. I did not send what I had. I regret that. Perhaps some of you know not sharing what you have? You know, I was not always easy with the magnificent gifts Brad gave me. I did not see him sometimes. And, I am forever grateful for the magnificent gifts he gave you and me. He changed my life. And, I see It today. And, I send all my love to you, Anne, and to each in your family. I will be here for you always. Below is my poem for today:
For Brad For All I Know:
You, you, you. You our teacher, you our friend, you our guide.
Returned by you to ourselves, returned to one another, returned home.
You are everywhere that I turn.
I looked today for one specific journal. There were many there on shelves and in cardboard. Pages replete with lies renounced, truths claimed, and choices rejoiced. Lists of costs, generated circles, unfettered us. You inhabit those pages. You inhabit us.
I looked today for a photograph, and I found your voice, then mine.
Funny my footsteps before you taught me to fly. Funny my separation before you shed light on the fold. “Funny” – it is your word, Brad. Your word delivered in flesh, now spoken in spirit.
But for you, I do not I know all that I know. And, I know. And, it is good.
But for you, I am not surrounded by my friends. Know what?!, I am sewn to them: my friends who are each your own.
I might ask: how could one man be so much in my life? No need that you answer.
For, for all I know, I sing.
For all I know, I shout.
For all I know you hear.
Zorba told Basil he had everything except for one. The one was madness -– the madness that makes one dare cut the rope.....or maybe the c(h)ord. And, free a symphony. One symphony playing masterpieces.
For all I knew you would never grow old.
For all I knew this day would come, this moment never ours.
Everyone is here, my friend.
We are all assembled.
We call our names in your memory.
We call your own.
For all we know, we are all-ways grateful to you, you, you.
Peggy – Thank you for your encouragement to us to participate in this blog
My son, Tony , phoned to let me know that Brad had died a few hours earlier. My first reaction was ‘ NO – I’m not ready for this.’ Then Brad’s face and words came to mind “Get the No – Go for the YES” words that are familiar to Warriors!
Brad you showed me how to do this over and over again by your example in the 21years since we first met.
I took the first SEE Mentor training in the UK with Brad – When I look back I marvel that I was entrusted to take the work forward in this way and that I was seen and valued by Brad when I didn’t see or value myself. I have been the Project Manager
and Mentor for the Power of SEE funded courses in Harlow UK for the last 6years and our dedicated team of Mentors completed courses for parents in July. – the following feedback comes from these courses .
‘I had seriously considered ending things because I thought my children would be better off without me. This course has given me the tools to value myself and my children benefit from having me in their lives’
‘In the Adoption world we keep hearing about self-care. I didn’t really understand what it meant before’
‘I feel I can really lead my children by example rather than by anxiety and cohersion’
‘I no longer judge myself and my children as harshly’
‘After completing this course I no longer believe I am going mad and I have greatly improved my relationship with my children’
‘I have learnt that I am disconnected from my children and it causes us all pain. I am learning to connect with them again and know that I can develop deep honest relationships with them as they grow up. Also I am a better role model’
‘I played hide and seek with my children and their friends for the first time EVER’
Brad ,my friend and Mentor, I remember you addressing team at one training and saying “I want us to go in deep and come out light”. I feel the loss of you deeply dearest Brad and I feel gratitude and joyful remembrance of your essence as a man and a spiritual humanitarian.
You live on in our hearts. And your work goes on.
Lovingly
Colette
Brad, What a life lived.Thank you for sharing and bringing something of heaven to earth.
Thank you.
Rachael
Brad saved my life, along with all of you, when I re-took the weekend in '88. So sad - thank you Brad, and thank you all!
I enjoyed Brad and his work. For sure, he has been a significant teacher in my life. Is some small way, I hope something of the flavour of his work continues through me.
I'm sure he is back by now, being a toddler somewhere. Existence will certainly have more work for such a consciousness.
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