Claudia was the first Mansion resident to take up my offer to teach a meditation class when I started six or seven months ago. She was brave; there were few takers at the time. Now, the course is full-up, and we’re out of space.

Claudia has attended every single class and says she has brought meditation into her daily life.

She keeps forgetting to wear her meditation necklace (everyone who attends the class gets an Amish chain), so she has eight or none. If she remembers, I give her another one, she is very grateful to have them.

I bring one for her to every class.

She has gotten the breathing down and grasps the meditation idea. She said she meditates every morning for ten minutes, and whenever she gets angry or frightened, or lonely.

Claudia is very open and honest about her feelings – what she misses, what she has lost, and fears. In many ways, she is the anchor of the class. She was the first to speak openly about her life and feelings, and now almost everyone in the group talks about their emotions and worries in assisted care.

The class is mighty now, and I appreciate Claudia and admire her. She is generous, honest, and quite brave. She is also showing the others how meditation has helped her. I love this portrait; I think it does capture her soul.

Claudia has a great spirit. She is always smiling, so I asked her to smile for this portrait.