Gina Ogden
August 9, 1935 – November 2, 2018
Gina Ogden – feminist, teacher, scholar, mother, grandmother, lover, and lifelong Red Sox fan – has died at age 83.
Gina was curious, compassionate, and beautiful. She was smart and had a keen wit.
Nature was integral to her being and part of her shamanic study and practice. She collected heart-shaped rocks and other stones wherever she traveled. She always stopped for a good sunset. She spent many hours at Walden Pond, and in the summer often took her work to her “summer office” on Singing Beach. When her grandchildren were visiting, the beach trips always included ice cream at Captain Dusty’s.
Gina was a pioneer in the field of sexology and a tireless advocate for everyone’s right to sexual well-being. She wrote 13 books and published countless articles, conducted retreats and trainings internationally, lectured widely, and even appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show. One of her more significant contributions was founding both the 4-Dimensional Wheel approach to therapy and sex therapy and the community that supports its teaching and growth, the 4-D Network (www.4-DNetwork.com). This approach takes into consideration not only the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of a person’s well being, but also the spiritual. Beloved by her colleagues, she was awarded the highest honors from the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists this past June—the Distinguished Service to AASECT Award. Her website, www.GinaOgden.com, is still up and active.
In January of this year she learned she had terminal cancer. She embraced this as a spiritual journey. By choosing palliative care over more aggressive medical interventions, she opted not to fight the inevitable. She took charge of her care by working closely with the traditional medical community, spiritual advisors, and complimentary healthcare practitioners to be able to live fully until the end. The last 10 months have included a trip to Denver for an AASECT conference; visits from her closest family, colleagues, and friends; and swims in Walden Pond and Plum Cove. Her experience is chronicled in emails she sent to her colleagues and friends and photos taken by her partner.
Gina died peacefully in her home on a warm fall morning with her dear ones at her side. She is survived by her life partner Jo Chaffee; son Philip Saunders and his wife Wendy; daughter, Catherine Saunders and her partner Todd Sabelli; and grandchildren Chris Saunders and Christina Saunders. The family will plan a celebration of Gina’s life for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Gina has asked those who wish, to make contributions to the Dr. Gina Ogden Curatorial Scholarship Support Fund at the Kinsey Institute Library and Collections, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana. You can make a gift by going to the Kinsey “make a gift” page and searching for “Ogden,” or by filling out their pledge form and indicating the Ogden Scholarship Fund.
In the sunshine and the starlight, I will always be with you.
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Gina!
With loving memories and gratitude for all the wonderful days we spent together and all the wisdom you shared. For all the playful moments in water and on land. For all the drumming and flute playing around the Four Dimensional Wheel. In our hearts you live forever.
Tina Nevin and Bosse Soederberg, Sweden
Gina has greatly affected my personal and professional life. I am different now and will always remember the role you played in my life. I will miss you, Gina.
Dear Gina,
You will live in my heart forever. Thank you for all the ways you made the world a better place. Thank you for your wisdom, and all the laughter and love. Your important work lives on. See you on the other side, you wonderful, wild woman!
Michele
For Gina. I will always be thankful for the kindness you showed me as a newbie so many years ago. I felt awed by your compassion for others and inspired by your wisdom. You touched my soul with your goodness and made me a better sex therapist. There are some people we wish could be with us forever because they make our world a better place;and, you made the world a better place. You will be missed but very much alive in my heart..I feel so very grateful for having known you.
Gina, I hear you laughing. I see your smile radiating so brightly that you light the room. With passion and humor you lived fully, taught inspirationally, and made such a difference in the lives of so many. I am honored to have known you as a colleague and friend. Swim on!
Gina, your joy, passion, fierceness and smarts were a lesson for us all.You will be in my heart forever. I am so grateful that you were my friend and that I had a chance to work and play with you. Gretchen Fincke (and Waring also).
I feel so lucky to have met and learned from you, Gina. I admire and feel grateful to witness your passion and grace in life and death. Thank you for the beauty you brought into the world! Sending love to your family-born and chosen. -Molly
Gina… an inspiration and a role model for me – even from afar. I am surprised about how affected I feel by Gina’s passing and so very grateful for the rich inspirations of her work to my clinical practice and teaching. It was always amazing to me how timeless her work was and I am sure the same will be true moving forward. My heart goes out to those who knew Gina more personally…you must feel a great loss. Take comfort in each other – Gina’s community is indeed very large and take comfort in all that Gina had to teach over the years; this will stay with us…
Gina… thank you… you live in our work and hearts forever… Elke
Lovely Gina!
I bow to your wisdom, to your heart-mind._/_
Your kindness, generosity, humor & ever growing desire to teach others your wisdom, was a gift of action to witness!
You will live on in the heart-minds of others, whose lives you’ve touched. Blessings, Bows & Love dear Gina
We only spoke via email but your light shine so bright it made my heart smile . Gina you will will missed! I wish we could have met
Thank you for your contributions so sexual health.
Kaya
Washington DC
oh my, gina…losing your physical presence in this life leaves me heavy hearted. but i am still oh so grateful and in awe of the life you created, the legacy you have left and the beauty you brought to the world. i used the 4-D wheel last on the eve before you passed and marveled (again) at how incredible of a tool and experience it is to share with others…each and every time, it moves and shifts something in the person and in the therapy journey we share. you will be missed gina. i will continue to embrace and celebrate all that you offered and created. sending boundless tlc to your family and loved ones.
I will miss you. Your beautiful soul touched all that knew you. A brilliant, beautiful, and loving person who gave so much to this world.
I have so many feelings learning of Gina’s passing on to the next world. She was a beloved mentor and friend, an inspiration. My warm condolences to Jo, and to all who loved Gina. Fly free, dear Gina!
Gina changed my life in the most unexpected, powerful, and beautiful way. Her warmth, profound insight, empathy, and kindness left an impression on my heart that I will never forget. Thank you Gina!
Just learned here of Gina’s passing. Very sad news.
Gina did so much for so many….. she has been such an important influence. I feel blessed to have known her. She will continue to be an inspiration to so many. Blessings.
I am so sorry fo rthis precious loss. Gina was a wonderful woman – fun of life, fun and a great sense of humor. Blessings to Gina who lives on forever and her dear family. Much Love, Beth Grossman
Dearest Gina. It has been an honor and privilege to have known you, sit in circle with you and share laughs together. You have touched many and changed much. When I gaze at the night stars, I know you are smiling down at all of us.
Claudia
So thankful our paths crossed when they did, your big heart and passion combined with your wisdom has helped me continue on my own journey. Your courage to address sexuality has given me courage as well, to bring the sacredness back into the light at a time when we are confused about life here on earth. Namaste my friend.
Oh you funny, beautiful, smart and sparkly rainbow-unicorn of a person! You twinkle, glitter and sparkle bright in my thoughts, Gina. Big hearted and generous of spirit – I wish there were more like you on the planet. Sparkle on, Gina, you Love Goddess/Sex Warrior, you!
May Gina’s bright light live on in everyone who loved her. What a remarkable human and incredible gift to this world. I feel so grateful to have been in her presence for such brief moments. I have no doubt she touched many, many lives.
Gina, my admired and loved friend of 25 years is gone, but her loyalty, sense of humor and amazing spirit will live forever in my memory. Her contributions to the field of sex therapy were abundant and profound.She had a sharp mind and a quick wit.
A lifelong Red Sox fan, I know she left this realm with a big smile on her face after watching the World Series from her hospice bed.
Special thoughts of comfort and support to Jo, Gina’s life partner. Jo was there every minute of everyday doing all she could to care for Gina, not just in her final months, but throughout their lives together. Jo I am here for whatever you need. Love you.
Alex Myles, Cambridge, Ma.
Our encounter was brief but the impact Gina had on me is eternal. What a great soul… what a beautiful life …
My dear Gina – You are my sage and guide, and I have no doubt your words and prodding will continue as I pass on all you taught me. Thank you for your generous investment of love and wisdom, laughter, and grace. When we met you declared, “Where have you been all my life?” … those were the words of lives and hearts meant to merge. You are in my heart and in my bones, and I am forever grateful the universe knit our paths together. I will miss your voice, but continue to listen closely. xo – Tina
Dear Gina
One of my favorite moments was when you shared about the journey and experiences of embracing your beautiful long white hair. How funny to think how that little memory captures so much of the gift you’ve been to me in my professional and personal journey. Your voice integrating the sexual and spiritual has been a beacon to so many of us.
Forever grateful
Elisabeth
My dear friend, Gina, you will always be in my heart. From the time I met you many years ago with nail polish, you have always been a special friend. My heart is hurting.
Love, love love
Gina, my heart is broken. Oh, how I will miss you. We talked theory and practice until we just had to stop, we laughed (lot), shared a charmed trip to China, and raised cain when it seemed necessary. You have touched so many lives and lived a powerful life. God’s Speed!!
Gina, my heart is broken. Oh, how is will mess you. We talked theory and practice until we just had to stop, laughed (a lot), shared a charmed trip to China, and raised cain we it seemed necessary. You have touched so many lives, including mine. God’s Speed.!!
The names Gina and Jo will always be linked in my mind and heart. This loss is too great and cannot be encompassed by words. Memories fill me when I think of all the time we spent at your house and ours and in our motor home and at that funny beach house. My thoughts go out to your family and most especially to Jo who was your faithful love to the end. If it is true that we will meet again, may it be lovely and peaceful and full of joy. I love you.
Gina, I am certain that you are receiving all the love that is being sent your way. I had you at my home for one of your presentations with Bill Picker, etc. Also remembering the first time I went to your workshop with friends, Marvin and Elaine, and Irving, and celebrating my 75th birthday with you in Mexico.
Am so stunned can’t even remember the name, but I remember the feelings.
Sandra Guberman, Ph.D., LCSW
SSTAR and AASECT member
Gina was so generous with her time, knowledge and wisdom. As a student at Lesley University, researching and writing a paper about women, religion, and sexuality, Gina was willing to meet with me and discuss my ideas, give me insights and direction. It was a brief encounter but one I cherish always. Thank You, Gina!
Oh, this is so sad to hear although we knew the future would bring us to this day. She supported my mission of opening Boston’s first female friendly sex toy store and guided me with her infinite wisdom. We could easily “talk shop” and lift each other with humor. She was my friend, colleague and guide and I already miss her. Godspeed, Gina. You’re on a higher path now.
Dear Gina, we met only briefly but I was so moved, not only by your groundbreaking work but by the way you approached your next transition with such courage and grace. Before I heard the news this morning I had a powerful dream of using your 4-D approach to heal wounded souls. I humbly ask that you work through me – body, mind, heart and spirit to transform human lives. With immense gratitude, Molly
Gina touched so many lives, deeply! She has left an amazing legacy, and her teachings will continue to heal, for many years to come. What a blessing she was for all of us. To know her was to love her.
My dearest shaman sister Gina,
I have loved your creativity and our shared support for each other for 20 years and what a wonderful set of adventures it has been! I feel your spirit often and as I continue working with the Mesa in my women’s groups, I’ll always call you into the wheel. You will be in my heart forever.
Gina – you are making me smile in gratitude to have experienced your warm wisdom and playful spirit. I experienced and witnessed so much healing at your hands and heart with the 4-D wheel. Thank you for giving me the confidence to welcome the mystical mysteries into my work with people.
Jo, family/friends May you be blessed and sheltered in Gina’s love for you.
Much love
G ..is for being so genuine, gentle,generous
I…. is for her intuitive and innovative nature/spirit
N….is for her way of being in the NOW
A….is for being an Amazing and Awesome
Woman/Feminist,Mentor, Colleague and Friend.
One of my fondest memories of Gina was us doing a supervision session in her wonderful hot tub in the Berkshires on a brisk fall day..That’s soo Gina!!!
I am so sorry to hear about this news. I have lost touch and I have lots of great memories when we did ceremony together filling the room with powerful energies. Or rolling on the floor with our continuum movement having these deep experiences. And assisting you at your first Rowe Conference center to work with women sexuality and ceremony that birthed your book when we sat with 16 women in the hot tub sharing one bonbon and breaking the hot tub. I loved your enthusiasm, straight forwardness, strength, passion, and sense of adventure. I loved your embracing of life, being in your body and beyond. Your experiences were big and full as you also embraced the fullness of your life. You have touched me because of who you were, you will live on in my heart and will get a place on my ancestor altar.
I met Gina many years ago when I invited her to be the keynote speaker at the annual dinner of Planned Parenthood of the Mahoning Valley’s in Youngstown, Ohio. She was so kind and knowledgeable. I was thrilled to have the honor of meeting her and learning all she had to offer.
My condolences to her family and friends.
Gina, I met you in 2015 in the midst of an incredibly turbulent and traumatic experience. What happened that weekend at Rowe had a powerful and unexpected impact on the way I proceeded to heal over the last few years. I’ve been wanting to reconnect with you and to dive deeper into the wheel practice (perhaps even become a practitioner myself one day) but the time has not yet been right. I think perhaps my mind is still too blown to figure out how to revisit what I experienced that weekend and to discuss the ripple effect it’s had in my healing process. I focused on moving forward one step at a time but there’s something more I need to do with all of that and I am not yet sure what it is. I am so very heart broken to not have the opportunity to learn more from you in person. You are an incredible soul. Thank you.
Loving the wisdom strength and powerful intension you always held for women and men for deep healing. The 4 d wheel is a great legacy that touches our lives. I rember the time we had in Mexico wherein u said “less is more”. May your memory be a blessing
I work at a store in West Concord, Debra’s Natural Gourmet! I have talked to her from time to time and found her to be passive and a gentle soul. I could see right into her and could see blues and a white aura around her! I really did not know her personally, but found her to be likable and unselfish! Compassion was felt from her like she knew I have had a abusive experience. She was polite and grounding.
A few years ago, Gina Ogden called me out of the blue to say that she and Jo were driving through San Antonio on their way to Esalen and would I like to have dinner? I was stunned! We had not met before but what followed was a lively discussion of sex therapy over Mexican food. What a heart she had and what a soul she was! I felt blessed by her presence. To her family and friends, may you find peace.
I want you all to know how much Gina meant to me. She was like a sweet sister. She was a pioneer who brought heart, soul and deep wisdom to the field of sexuality. Gina’s caring and commitment were boundless. I feel honored to have known her as a colleague and friend since the 1990s. Her loss is deeply felt, but her legacy is strong and lives on.
Gina, I met you one short year ago. What a profound experience you gentled me through…I will long remember. Thanking you that our paths crossed…they will again! Blessings to those who hearts are broken by your absence. Gina
Gina, I will always remember you for your kindness and wisdom. Condolences to Gina’s family.
Gina, you were/are a rare and beautiful soul. I feel fortunate to have known you and to have been in our shared professional space with you. Peace on your journey with many exciting and encircling experiences to light your path. Warm hugs to your family.
I never met her in person, but her generosity, gentleness and warmth were palpable even in our email communication. I reached out to her for support in accessing the online training “Expanding the Practice of Sex Therapy” due to financial constraints and she did not hesitate in the slightest. I now actively use the 4-D Wheel in my Sex Coaching practice and its has made such a huge positive impact for clients and myself. I am forever grateful for beautiful souls like her.
Onika Henry
Trinidad & Tobago
Gina was my mentor and my beloved friend. She was generous with her time, kind, interesting and interested, and emotionally available. Gina’s example has supported me in honoring the dimensions of my reality which are not a part of mainstream conversation. She inspired me with her humanity and integrity. I treasure my time with Gina and Jo. I will miss her being in the world but will feel her every time I walk the wheel. Thank you, dear Gina. Fly with joy.
Dearest Gina, Infinite gratitude is held in my heart for your wisdom and inspiration that you so gracefully shared with me over the past 15 years. Thank you for coming into my life and showing me a path of leadership and healing that I now share with as many spirits as possible. I look forward to your continued guidance within my heart. Peace and love to you and your family during this transition. -Alex
Oh Gina. What an amazing soul. A life well-lived, beautiful goddess. Thank you for the gift of your work, and your incredible kindness. My condolences to your partner, Jo, your children, grandchildren, and your friends and family. May peace sooth your hearts.
My Beloved Gina…I cannot express in words the full extent of my gratitude that our paths crossed and I was able to know you. You were the mentor I asked the Universe for just 24 hours before we met on air. You immediately said “YES!” during a break in the radio show I was interviewing you on. I asked you to be my dissertation chair for my doctoral program that day and I have never stopped being grateful. Your words of wisdom will continue as we meet again and again…just in a different form. I am listening… So much love, Keesha
Dearest Gina,
Thank you for your embracing warmth, wisdom, generosity, ageless enthusiasm, and the gift of the 4-D wheel – which has healed the lives of so many women and transformed the work of many sex therapists. You moved us beyond behaviors and “counting and measuring orgasms” as you used to say- into an expansion of dimensions and into a realm where heart and soul matter. I recall the day you informed me that I must become a sexologist – “you are one of us… come join us!” and welcomed me into the tribe with your extraordinary support. I will always treasure my memories of time spent with you and Jo, around your kitchen table, editing each others books, and at your “summer office”- singing beach discussing the realms of sex and spirit. You are free now, off into the great mystery and we will carry your wisdom forward.
And to wonderful, brave Jo – of bright spirit and witty humor – Gina’s great love and so important to her life. I wish you courage and rest in this season of care and loss. Much love to you.
Gina,
You showed us all the way to live and the way to leave.
shine your light
Gina was a warm and caring presence as a Visiting Scholar at the Wellesley Centers for Women for several years. I will miss the emails about her work that I looked forward in the years since we both left the Centers. And I know many others who first met her at WCW will be as sad as I am to learn of her death. We will carry her delightful laughter and kindness in hearts.
Gina, I will always appreciate your wisdom, compassion, and joy. You are an inspiration and greatly missed. The impact you had will live on. Much love and blessings to you and your loved ones, -Melissa
Gina, my first meeting was in your living room and Jo lovingly talking about taking the picture of you in the bathtub that still is posted on your website. What a sassy, spiritual, scintillating, shamanic, sexy senior I met that day. To have the privilege of your mentoring me with the 4-D wheel approach with my sexual trauma survivors was life changing for them as it has been for me. When you told me of your cancer diagnosis, I spoke to you of my friend whom I had just lost to cancer. Your passing was exactly one year after hers. Two of the most inspiring people of my lifetime are joined in the realm where only love exists. I hold your voice and words of wisdom within and can only express gratitude for timing of meeting such a vital woman with such a life-changing message. Until we meet again, Gina.
Gina, you will be greatly missed! You have left quite a legacy. I have so much gratitude for you, for your work, and for the chance to get to learn from you. Your presence is profound and lasting.
To all of Gina’s loved ones: I am holding you in my heart as you continue your days without this beautiful woman.
Gina — thank you – for being in my life – and for loving and leading me. You have given so generously – and with your whole self – your voice will live on forever in my heart. Dear friend, you will be missed. xoxox Tammy
Dearest Angel, Gina.
I will miss your ever-present wisdom as echoed through your special voice; your heartfelt presence in my life day after day; and your palpable spirit in form that expanded across the Universe. My memories are vast and rich of our times together–navigating the dark places and elevating the bright ones that we have shared with such gusto, perseverance, presence and laughter. I send kisses into the ethers for where you now are~ and I imagine that you and Robert are romping and fanning flames of creativity and joy on the Other Side. I miss you terribly. Our souls and spirits are united forever. Love you, xoxox, Patti
Dear Gina, your death leaves a great gap in a long chain of wild women. May you keep making noise in the afterlife! You certainly made a dent in this one. Heartfelt condolences to Jo, to your kin, and to your worldwide family of feminists.
Gina, I was at your workshop in Sheffield, Ma. at Eleanor Hamilton’s home that you and Kaye Andres showed how to overcome being sexual abused. I had the most wonderful loving healing experience that has helped me to be a more loving and compassionate person throughout my life. Hope to reunite with you and Kaye if I have a afterlife!!!
Gina – you have transformed, yet again, the ways in which we experience the essence of you! The first time I was in circle with you and Dr. Patti, my heart, spirit, mind and body were touched by the wisdom you shared.
You were a kindred spirit in many way….you loved courageously. Your commitment to repairing the damage down to our sacred sexual soul by societies and the toxic messages, many of us were taught, lives on.
I am richer for having known you………and I will forever remember your name and honour your memory.
” May you memory be for a blessing”
I remember one call she and I had in which she said that the hardest part of growing older was letting go of friends as they passed on. She encouraged me to always be mindful of having many friends, older and younger, so that the beautiful gift of friendship would be always changing for me. I have thought of that often and will miss her for this, and so many other moments we shared on the phone and in person.
Someone kind shared this with me years ago and I turn to it often. I offer it here as a small note of comfort as you grieve the space Gina has held.
What may I do my friend
To comfort in your grief?
For something has stolen your happiness
And vanished like a thief.
What may I say my friend
To comfort in your grief?
For my heart wants to comfort you
And give your heart relief.
How may I share your sorrow my friend
To comfort in your grief?
For your heart is torn with anguish
And you have pain beyond belief.
You ask my friend what you may do
To comfort in my grief?
Just stand close by and be my friend
For this pain will not be brief.
You ask what you may say my friend
To comfort in my grief?
Speak not a word, let me share your warmth
As your presence is relief.
You ask if you may share this sorrow my friend
To comfort in my grief?
This is a burden that I cannot share
And the sorrow is beyond belief.
Just stand close by that I may know
That you are always near.
For your friendship is my comfort
And I really want you here.
Excerpted from Larry Calloway
Murmurs from the Heart
Gina, your wisdom will live in our hearts and ooze into those we surround ourselves with–my life and work is forever changed because of you. Thank you for sharing so deeply with this world.
I am a man 73 years old… I am from South America , spanish speaker…I am an english learner…six days ago(today is november
21) I borrow from Internet Archive, WOMEN WHO LOVE SEX ….
¡¡¡ just now know that GINA OGDEN is dead !!!
I am very sad and very sorrow !
Dear Gina,
I will miss your emails and your dedication to improving our world. You inspired me the first time I heard you speak in San Diego many, many years ago, and I will always remember your words of wisdom.
In love and light, Deena
Loving you, missing you, remembering so many moments of learning and healing, Gina! My life was made better by the blessing of knowing you and Jo.
I am eternally grateful.
Travel safely in the other realms of energy and light my friend.
My deepest condolences to Jo and Gina’s children and grandchildren. Gina was…as so many have said… such an unique soul. She combined eloquence and graciousness with her warmth of friendship and brilliant mind. And, of course, her playful sense of humor. She will be so missed. I admire how she handled her last year of life with great courage. The photo of her will be kept and seen as an inspiration.
We will see each other on the other side of life. My mother and father will be so happy to have you with them. No one, Gina , loves you more than my mother ♥️ I was named after you- you were always “big Gina” and I was “kitty Gina”’ how lucky I was to be named after you. The guiding light – that is what you always were to me. Eturnal love- until we meet again, Gina
Dear Gina, a special friend who was, like me, unconventional and self motivated, Gina blazed a trail for many to follow, always encouraging and supportive. I have such happy memories of the drama club and her acting, what fun it was! She lives on in our many memories. To those family and special loved ones who lwill miss her, my condolences. She shines forever in so many memories. .
Hello Sisters.
Hello Jo.
A:”Well, why not?”
(+ ~999 – ~1,399 heartfelt … *words* … 🙁 )
(I have them)
Q:
“Dear aasect-list:
Would any Reader mind
commenting on
whether
‘Sex Is How I Pray’
would be an
effective and positive
phrase for
advocacy?”
May Pure White Roses Grow
From The Mulched Discarded
Citations of Those Who…
Etc.,
Doctor, Sister, Ogden, of Phil., D., P. M.
20181102 G.R.
B.B.
D.
You’re one of my favorites. I am so lucky to have worked for you. I always felt better after leaving your house than when I arrived. Hugs to you Gina. My very best to you Jo.
Gina! You are such a beautiful soul and inspiration! You embody the essence of your philosophy and touched the lives of many. Your words of wisdom will continue to shine in the hearts of the fortunate ones who have met you. Your work and your gift will live on as a sacred fire to be passed from one soul to the other. May the love that you have inspired forever hold you in light and grace!
As I sit here I can feel Gina’s warmth, creativity, and acceptance. Thank you Gina for showing the way of embodiment of love.
Gina, your were a beacon to me, a pioneer of thought and presence. This New Year, I reflect on you, tease through your work yet again and send positive energy to where your spirit leapt. Happy New Year tender Gina.
For Gina and Tina,
One luscious afternoon last fall, I was swimming in the Walden Pond cove near shore (as I had broken my foot and was wearing an air boot) and struck up a conversation with two women paddling nearby. What began as idle, pleasant comments about swimming while disabled – easily developed into an animated, wide-ranging, heart-felt sharing. As I saw my new friends slowly make their way to the car, I very much hoped our paths would cross again.
Although few life details were shared (one doesn’t exchange business cards in bathing suits), I had a dim recollection that the elder was a life-long Walden frequenter, therapist, lived in Cambridge and was ill; the younger was a dear care-taker, did some kind of body-work – and their names rhymed.
A close friend commented yesterday that he had read the obituary of a woman therapist who was a Walden Pond lover. It struck a chord, so we searched through piles of newspapers about to go into recycling, finally found the obit – and I learned the identity and story behind my fleeting Walden sisters.
I feel a profound sense of gratitude for our natural, wet connection –
and loss for not having had a deeper appreciation for the treasure I’d found
or more time to explore.
Life –
how it flickers by.
but sometimes,
it shimmers –
like diamonds strewn across the ripples of the pond.
I dove into Walden yesterday for a bracing New Year’s morning dip.
Even on grey. chilly Walden swims,
I will remember your bright glow – and be warmed.
I’m grateful for the Globe’s full rendering of this life, so fully-lived.
Gina, As a new sexual health educator and sexual empowerment coach, I stumbled upon your teachings and books shortly before your passing. On both a personal and professional level, I immediately felt a place of belonging. Your wisdom and spirit will continue to dance through as I weave the 4D wisdom into my own practice. Thank you for your incredible gifts of knowledge and care and for being such an incredible role model in the field of sexuality. I will be forever grateful. May you rest in peace
I met Gina at the first Rowe Camp workshop led by Oscar. It wasn’t until about 5 years or so ago that we reconnected at another of Oscars work shops. the deep connection never left me and I am so grateful I got to share a bit of this planet with such a special person!!
My Sincere condolences to Jo and family. Gina was a lovely, gentle and inspired spirit. I am blessed that Gina and Jo touched my life years ago in the Berkshires. Gina imparted her wisdom and her commitment to embracing fear. She taught me to swim and supported me through her firewalks. What a special lady. Jo, I will hold memories of Gina close to my heart and am will sending you loving energy. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Gina, you generously shared in person with the psychology of sexuality seminar at Wellesley College during the past decade. Your presence here was a uniquely transformative gift ….and your gift to us lives on again this spring semester of 2020 through students’ appreciative engagement with your writings, which will continue ….
Hi dear
I,m a psychologist in Iran and have practice in sex therapy field. I,m looking forward to seeing your reply so that I would like or in the other word I need to have some courses in sex therapy field.
Thanks
Sincerely
Dr merry hassani