Dying With Grace An Interview With Tom Knell

by Tess

Today I'm interviewing Tom Knell, an acupuncturist, healer, avid gym rat his entire life, integrated with hiking, running and yoga. Tom has been in recovery, on a spiritual path and living consciously for the past 37 years. Tom recently discovered that he has a life ending illness.

I left the recording unedited. May you be blessed by Tom's honesty, strength, and wisdom. Please click the audio player icon to listen to the interview on iTunes. It may take a few seconds to download. 

 

You can read more about Tom as he journals his transition at Caring Bridge. 

{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }

Cathy | Treatment Talk August 10, 2012 at 4:38 pm

Hi Tess and Tom,

What an inspiring interview! Tom is a role model for living our life fearlessly knowing that time is short. What a gift that he is willing to share his journey. This is an amazing reminder to live every day as if it is our last. Thank you both!
Cathy | Treatment Talk´s last post…You are Beautiful!

Reply

Angela Artemis|Powered by Intuition August 10, 2012 at 4:41 pm

Dear Tess,
This interview makes you see how precious our lives are. Thank you so much for sharing Tom’s interview with us. I was deeply moved.
Angela Artemis|Powered by Intuition´s last post…Your Intuition Questions Answered

Reply

Vidya Sury August 10, 2012 at 10:44 pm

My Mother would constantly say “Live as though you were going to die tomorrow” – as in giving our best, savoring each moment as it should be and appreciating every little thing. That recording made me cry.

Thanks, Tess. Very beautiful indeed.
Vidya Sury´s last post…Looking Back

Reply

Megan Bord August 11, 2012 at 3:12 am

My goodness, what a moving interview Tom gave. I’m amazed at his ability to separate from himself and become the observer, such as when he was describing his process of dealing with his diagnosis. What an incredible man, to share so openly. His words – his story – shifted me.

This quote gave me pause:
“…transparency is a deeper and deeper level of self acceptance and…my spiritual work here is to accept myself as a unique human being.”

I’m almost left without words … Tom, you’ve moved me. Thank you.

Reply

Patti Foy | Lightspirited Being August 11, 2012 at 10:19 am

What a powerful 25 min.! Thank you both for that. Like you, Tess, I almost have no words.

I am so grateful, Tom, for all that you shared and for opening so honestly to us. I appreciate what you shared as a human being; your wisdom, insights, and experience. But even more, I appreciate your sharing your beautiful spirit and immortal Presence, because that’s what I think helps us to most powerfully transform as a result.

And you too, Tess. I so appreciated your presence as well, and how you so respectfully listened and let Tom share. I enjoyed the exchange afterward, too, and thank you for offering this to us through your inspiring blog.

Peace and blessings to you both.
Patti Foy | Lightspirited Being´s last post…Empower Yourself by Illuminating Your Belief Patterns

Reply

linda mcluckie September 4, 2012 at 6:44 pm

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing tom for over 20 years. He was the only health practioner that was able to help me with my carpal tunnel syndrome. My visits with him were always wonderful…he had such a calming spirit. It broke my heart to hear of his life ending illness, He will be greatly missed by many. He was a wonderful teacher…I learned a lot from him.

Reply

Ann Hutton September 29, 2012 at 10:05 am

Tess, I am grateful for this interview. My husband and I are ones Tommy visited the day after his diagnosis, when he was still in shock and just beginning the process of accepting and surrendering. All I can say is that the way he continued to communicate with people, sharing his process and being as transparent as he could, was a gift to us all. We don’t know how to die. Most of us give it no thought, nor do we usually have the opportunity to proceed with death in a conscientious manner. Tom’s strong and gentle spirit is evident in this interview, and I cherish it. You might have heard that he passed on yesterday, which makes listening to his voice and words all the more poignant. Thank you.

Reply

Cancel reply

Leave a Comment

CommentLuv badge