My meditation teacher, Om Johari died unexpectedly on March 18th.  This came as a shock, but still the fear of his dying was always in the back of my classmates' minds, even when we had no idea that Om was ill. Perhaps our worry was a bit selfish, because we had all come to depend on him to guide us and give us the tools to cope with the stress in our lives. A room full of complete strangers were in consensual agreement that Om's wisdom and teachings had a profound and empowering effect on all of us. We chose Om over psychologists or medication. We decided Om was better than any psychiatrist, and his services were free.

I discovered Om almost three years ago. Embroiled in the drama of planning my daughter's wedding, I was in a state of high anxiety. A friend suggested  I  might benefit from her meditation class. At the end of the session, I was transformed. For a few moments, I struggled to remember who or what had caused my agitation. I felt sedated. And so I too, became a loyal follower of Om Johari.

Om was a brilliant spritual leader. Every week he shared with us his bold and powerful interpretation of his carefully selected readings. He attempted to enlighten us on how to live mindfully, in the moment and with gratitude; and to clear our racing brains of the anxious thoughts that we are continually bombarded with. Some people did not "get it" and they did not return. But those of us who did "get it" gravitated every week to Om's class, hungrily searching with open hearts and minds for that hour of peace. And then to take what we had learned and apply it to our daily lives.

Tomorrow, our class will gather as we always did every Wednesday morning in the Northbrook Village Hall. It will be the last time together as we honor Om with remembrances and meditation. Om frequently spoke of death and dealing with loss. He would not want us to dwell in grief or in the past. Think of what you have learned from the person who has left you, he would say. And yet, I still feel so sad.

I will always be grateful for knowing Om Johari. He was an intellectual powerhouse who possessed the rare mind of someone who is spiritually elevated.