Together we will create a circle of healing that will honor Jim and all who knew him.

Please come and celebrate the power and healing of gathering together in honor of Jim's life. We will gather as a circle of all who loved and appreciated this special man, husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher, friend, and fellow traveler on the journey of surrendering into love.

As we make our pilgrimage to Shinzen Dojo to celebrate Jim, we consider it a journey of healing, sharing together with others who also are grieving, the power of gathering in a loving way. Each person's presence is so very important, so please come, come to heal with and support others simply with your presence. Love will be created in the moment. Come to gather healing energy and support for ourselves as we all begin a new way with Jim in our hearts and our memories.

How will we do this?

We will gather at Shinzen Dojo and garden. You may bring a poem, words that express Jim's meaning in your life, words of your love for him, drawings, photos, anything you may wish to share. You may share with others if you wish, or simply hold him in your heart. These contributions will be gathered together to create a prayer bundle, symbolizing our love for Jim. As we tie our expressions into one bundle, we demonstrate our need to tie and draw together and support each other with our love. Our prayer bundle will be placed in a prepared fire within the circle in the garden to burn, as we celebrate the light Jim has been in our lives.

Later, the ashes will be collected into individual containers for each person to take home. Each of us will distribute the prayer ashes in a time, place, and manner that is meaningful for us, as we create life in a new way, without Jim's physical presence with us.

A simple book of love and prayers will also be created for the Doak family during this gathering. You may create two copies of your memories, drawings, words of comfort and support for Jim's family, and one copy will be bound with others to present to Jim's family. We will then share warm drinks and food.

For those traveling a distance, let us know if we can assist you in any way. The most important thing is that we come together. We need each other. Hoping you will join us, your presence important and valued, as we celebrate Jim with Love.

Shinzen Dojo is a healing space, used by Jim for group process. It will be a wonderful place to gather and celebrate Jim's life.

Please e-mail or call with questions, concerns, or more information. Please let us know if you will be joining us.

Tammy Lee Anderson, M.A., M.S.
balance93612@yahoo.com (559) 323-1702

James Lawrence DOAK

DOAK, James Lawrence
Died Nov. 15, 2009 in Nevada County. He was 64. He was born Aug. 22, 1945, in Enid, Oklahoma. On June 12, 1983, he married Ginger Konvalin in Grass Valley. Mr. Doak was a licensed clinical social worker, a master Gestalt therapist and a gifted and skilled trainer in Nevada City, Sacramento and Fresno for 41 years. He was an author and a remarkable trainer of psychotherapists. His knowledge and skill touched the hearts of so many people throughout his career. He was an all-around sportsman, including tennis, running, racquetball, basketball and skiing, and he was an enthusiastic musician. He will be remembered for his laughter that would fill a room with joy. He was a loyal and remarkable friend, and brought deep kindness into his relations with others; his grandchildren called him "Papa". He loved his home in rural Nevada City, and he had a large community of good friends and clients. Mr. Doak is survived by his beloved wife, Ginger Konvalin; children David and Jacob Doak; grandchildren, Julian and Ava Doak; and siblings Nancy Boyce and Tom Doak. Mr. Doak would have wanted any voluntary contributions in his memory sent to the American Cancer Association.

Jim Doak, Memorial of Love Jan 23, 2010, Clovis, Calif.,

Sacramento, Grass Valley, Nevada City, Nevada County, Fresno, Clovis, California