Dear Friends, As another year unfolds, this thought comes to mind: the Act of Giving is often the greatest gift we can receive. This year Reader, I invite you to support an institution that has literally changed my life, along with many others – the Institute for Anatomical Research (IAR) in Colorado Springs. By joining forces, we can create a ripple of positive change far greater than any single gift. Shaping the world we wish to see, one act of generosity at a time. Why the IAR Matters The Institute for Anatomical Research is not just another anatomy lab. It's a place where the barriers to understanding our own bodies are broken down, where the gatekeeping around anatomical study is challenged, and where anyone—regardless of their background—can gain intimate knowledge of human anatomy through direct experience. From my personal journey through multiple labs at the IAR, I've learned that: ~ Every body tells a story, and no two are exactly alike~ ~ The lessons we learn in the lab apply as much to life as they do to dissection ~ ~ Our lifestyle choices profoundly our internal formation ~ It’s changed how I teach, and more importantly, how I move through life. Inviting compassion and empathy in situations where previously I might have passed judgement, or simply forgotten to listen, and observe before choosing how to respond. It’s Mission Honoring the Individual: Recognizing the unique nature of every human body. Fostering Connections: Embracing an Integral Anatomy perspective that honors continuities and relationships. Creating and Engaging: Providing a respectful, safe, creative, and engaging learning environment. Why Your Support is Crucial During my last visit, I witnessed firsthand the financial challenges the IAR faces. We were working on a damaged dissection table—the result of an EMT training session—that the lab couldn't afford to replace. A new surgical table costs between $3,000 and $5,000, a sum beyond my personal means to donate in full. While there, I contributed approximately one-third of this cost, but it wasn't enough to fully address the need. I promised the lab that I would reach out to my community—to you—on my birthday to help raise the remaining funds. This is me fulfilling that promise. Your contribution, no matter the size, will help the IAR: • Replace and maintain essential equipment, including the much-needed new dissection table • Keep programs financially accessible to all, including free visits for high school students • Continue offering diverse learning experiences led by anatomists, yoga teachers, physical therapists, and even artists My Personal Journey at the Institute Over the years, my experiences at the IAR have been transformative. Here are some key lessons from each of my four visits: Lab #1: I learned that while everything in the body is connected, each structure is also uniquely defined by the body's own intelligence. This challenged everything I thought I knew about the human body and showed me that "Nothing separates anything in the human body except a scalpel" wasn't entirely accurate. [Link to full blog post] Lab #2 : During a joint visit with my husband, Iran, we delved deeper into the intricate world of organ motility and the profound impact of movement on our internal health. We discovered how organs have their own patterns of movement, independent from muscular activation, and how crucial this is for overall health. [Link to full blog post] Lab #3: I learned that "You don't have to summarize the experience while you're still having it." This lesson in patience and processing has applications far beyond the anatomy lab, teaching me the value of allowing time for integration and understanding. [Link to full blog post] Lab #4: My most recent visit reinforced the idea that every decision in dissection (and in life) is a commitment that comes with the elimination of other options. I learned about the sacredness of revealing internal organs, the importance of precise attention in dissection, and how different bodies present unique challenges and lessons. [Link to full blog post] These experiences have not only deepened my understanding of anatomy but have also enriched my teaching and personal practice. Each visit to the IAR has provided me with invaluable insights that I've been able to apply both in my work and in my approach to life. It would mean the world to me if you would donate to this worthy cause for my birthday.
A Special Thank You for Your Support As a token of my gratitude for your generosity, I'm offering a special gift to all donors: For every donation made, you'll receive 3 months of unlimited access to ALL 4 of my free birthday livestream classes! Here's how to claim your gift: 1. Make your donation to the IAR through the link above 2. Send me a screenshot of your donation 3. Use "Embodied Reverence" as the subject line of your email Once the dust has settled from my birthday celebrations (multiple workouts and, of course, a party) , I'll compile all the information and send you the link to access the classes, along with my heartfelt thanks for supporting a cause so dear to me. Let's work together to ensure that this invaluable resource continues to educate and inspire future generations of students, healthcare professionals, and curious minds. Thank you for considering this birthday wish. Your support means the world to me and to the future of accessible anatomical education. With gratitude, Domini Anne P.S. If you'd like to hear more about my experiences at the IAR, just ask me! I'm always happy to share these intimate journeys through the landscape of our existence with a fellow traveller through inner space. |
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