At the start of any yoga class, they ask you to set an intention, which is a word, phrase, or mantra that brings you back to the goal of your practice. If you don’t have one of your own, the instructor often offers an intention that they have chosen for the class. As I dealt with the news of Brother John’s departure, I was offered the intention of “embracing change.” The intention is meant to focus on yoga poses, to invite a deeper hold or increased balance challenge, but the suggestion is always applicable to life outside of the studio. Change is the second word in Rancho’s vision statement, RISK CHANGE GROW. Change is not something most of us seek, especially when life feels comfortable, but often the most satisfying growth comes from change.

This intention was particularly powerful to me because Rancho was about to embark on one of the biggest changes in our current history. Brother John Crowe had just made the decision to move to Brother Vincent Pieau Residence in Austin, TX, a retirement home for the Brothers of Holy Cross. Our community supports this decision for Brother John’s health and wellbeing, but we don’t know Rancho without Brother John. Rancho is Brother John!

Six years ago, when I was appointed Executive Director, I promised Brother John that I would lead our organization with the respect, dedication, and care that he established for decades. I had the luxury of his mentorship and tutelage by my side every day. It has been six years of sharing decades of knowledge and experience. He shared stories, history, articles, documents, and financial acumen. Rancho is a spiritual place and I feel so blessed to have been guided by my elders on this journey. Like all good teachers, Brother John was also willing to learn from me and open up his mind and heart to new ideas, concepts, and innovations. My job is going to be different now, but my commitment has not changed. I will continue to work hard to carry on the teachings of my mentor and make him proud of Rancho for many years to come.

At the end of a yoga class, the teacher often says, Namaste, meaning “The light and teacher in me honors the light and teacher in you”. We are all teachers, and we are all students. Brother John, you’ve been an amazing teacher to thousands of young people and staff, and I am so honored to be one of them. Namaste.