Carol H. Kelley

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April 21, 2021

This is part of a message that our friend Ananth wrote to Christy and copied to me. Both Ananth and Christy have given me permission to share this.

Dear Christy,

I came to know about Carol’s passing today from Murali bhai. I don’t think there are... more

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April 20, 2021

As a student of Heartfulness Meditation, I have had the opportunity to meet not only four remarkable spiritual teachers but also some everyday people who turned out to be amazing human beings. Carol Kelley is one of them.

I try to get to know people... more

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April 4, 2021

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April 3, 2021

Carol was a very dear, much beloved friend. She was also one of my favorite people on the planet! Our friendship began way back in the mid 90s, when Carol became one of my very first yoga students. She brought her bubbly personality, great sense of... moreCarol was a very dear, much beloved friend. She was also one of my favorite people on the planet! Our friendship began way back in the mid 90s, when Carol became one of my very first yoga students. She brought her bubbly personality, great sense of humor, and cheerful disposition to these classes, and I fell in love with her almost immediately. Carol and a couple of my other students (who were also real characters) used to crack jokes and cut up during class. They soon became known as the Three Musketeers, and I affectionately called that particular class my “rowdy yoga class”! While it was a far departure from most traditional classes, which exuded an atmosphere of peace and harmony, I absolutely loved it!!! Apparently so did all the other students, as it grew to become one of my largest classes ever! Everyone loved the combination of strength and flexibility work, peaceful relaxation and jovial laughter!

My friendship with Carol deepened, and soon I met the entire family. Carol’s two special needs sons, Tim and Martin, became part of my extended family. Christy, her daughter, soon began attending my yoga classes, and very shortly thereafter both Carol and Christy began practicing Sahaj Marg (alternately called Heartfulness), the heart-centered meditation that had been life-changing for me. Carol continued the practice for the rest of her life, and she often said that Heartfulness had been her lifeline, and the only thing that has kept her going and reasonably sane in the midst of all the chaos and madness of her everyday life.

At two different points in time, I lived with Carol, and even after I moved away from Atlanta, I continued to visit Carol and the family every year. We worked and cooked and cleaned house together, and spent countless hours out in the garden. Carol’s true love was working with plants, and I know her time in the garden was extremely healing for her.

I always marveled at Carol’s ability to remain so cheerful and positive, no matter how difficult the challenges of her everyday life became. She always had a smile on her face, and she was indeed a bright shining light in my life. I loved her so very dearly.

Carol was incredibly kind, genuinely loving, and extremely generous. She always thought of others and how she could help them, before ever considering her own needs. She was truly one of the most heart-centered and loving people I have ever met. I feel that it was a supreme privilege and an honor to have been one of her closer friends.

When I heard about Carol’s heart attack and subsequent open-heart surgery, it hit me like a ton of bricks. Shortly afterwards Christy wrote to us, saying she thought that Carol was at the point where she was choosing which way she wanted to go... to stay here on the Earth plane, or to move on to the Brighter World. My heart was so incredibly saddened at the thought of losing a very dear 25-year-old friendship. But at the same time, I had seen Carol growing more weary and exhausted as the recent years have passed. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that she had managed to provide her children with a super-human level of love and care, surely more than fulfilling any duties that she as a soul contracted for in this lifetime. With this in mind, I thought she was more than entitled to make whatever decision felt best for her. We all continued to pray for her highest good, whatever that may be, knowing that in some way, it would be for the highest good of all involved. And if and when she did pass, I could only imagine that she would be met by a host of angels and the entire hierarchy of Heartfulness Masters! But in the meantime, I continued cheering Carol on until the end.

I know I will miss our heart-to-heart talks, and the deep, loving friendship that I have always cherished so much. But at the same time, I know that Carol is now in a place of peace and serenity… a place of great love and light. less

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March 28, 2021

Good bless you Carol, you will be missed. You welcomed me into the Kelley family with open arms and humor. I loved talking to you about your passion for flowers. I have a green thumb like you and Kim and I will plant some Spring flowers in your memory.... more

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Christy Kelley reacted on this.

March 28, 2021

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March 27, 2021 · via iPhone

When Carol texted me from the hospital she talked more about her children than anything else. She just wanted to make sure they were okay. I only met Carol’s vivacious spirit once in person. At a class in my home she regaled us all with her bright and... more

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Christy Kelley reacted on this.

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March 26, 2021 · via iPhone

I remember Aunt Carol’s smile and her laugh. She was always so sweet, patient and kind. I remember all the Easter holidays we spent at the house on Clack Rd. The kids would all have to stay inside with the curtains drawn while the adults would hide... more

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Christy Kelley reacted on this.

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March 26, 2021

00:48

Recent years with Carol little movie

Christy Kelley reacted on this.

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March 26, 2021 · via iPhone

My memory and feeling of Carol is that she loved a good time. When I saw her, she lived the line, “Have fun, make fun, be fun.” I am honored that she spent some of her time, energy, and attention to hold me and my partner in her heart and wish us well.

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Christy Kelley and Barbara J Levin O’Riordan reacted on this.

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March 25, 2021

00:27

couragewto

Christy Kelley reacted on this.
Christy Kelley At mom's celebration of life today, I learned from Cosette's mother (Kendall) that their dog Ranger passed away about a month ago then her Great grandmother Nina just before Aunt Carol. Cosette was at least grateful to know that they would be together in... more
- March 28, 2021

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March 23, 2021

I received this kind remembrance from a friend by email:

"I feel grateful to have witnessed Carol’s joyful essence, smile and heartfelt resilience over the years during our interaction in Molena and other gatherings. I was touched by her nurturing... more

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March 23, 2021 · via mobile

I still can hear your wonderful laugh in my mind......I met Carol at work in the early 90's we became instant friends, she was so easy that way. Carol was such a genuine and caring soul. I believe Carol will be a angel in heaven because she was one here... more

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Christy Kelley reacted on this.

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March 23, 2021

I met Carol and her sons at the Molena ashram in Georgia several times. She always had a smile and radiance on her face. A very loving soul. Our prayers for Kelly, Tim and Martin.

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Christy Kelley reacted on this.

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March 21, 2021

I met Carol at a conference in NC back in 1998, and we had an immediate, joyful connection. On my return to Australia, I stopped over at Clack Road, and that was the beginning of a long friendship. Over the years, we kept in close contact, despite being... more

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Christy Kelley reacted on this.

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March 21, 2021

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March 21, 2021 · via iPhone

Carol and I had the best kids and gardens connect and that will always be with me.
Cary

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Christy Kelley reacted on this.

March 20, 2021

Lisa Tienken I still can hear her laugh in my mind.... I met Carol at work 35 plus years ago and we became friends instantly she was so easy to like. I have never known a more kinder genuine person then her. Carol always put the well being of others ahead of her own... more
- March 22, 2021

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March 20, 2021

It's been several years since I have seen Carol, though these photos bring to life what I recognize as her spirit...the joy and love that flowed through her heart to all, the twinkle of her eyes and the sound of her jovial laugh. As my grandmother would... more

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Rogerio Fonseca Santos reacted on this.

March 20, 2021

Janet Hicks These are some wonderful pictures of Carol. They capture her spirit. She always had a smile on her face, laughter in her eyes and so much love in her heart. She will be missed.
- March 20, 2021
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March 20, 2021

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March 20, 2021

Carol took us to Cumberland Island - one of my first visits. Christy, Carol and I walked waaayyy down the beach. We ran into Carol R in her jeep and she gave us a ride back to camp. Wonderful trip!