Share the Sweater

About Susan Downing, founder and director of "Share the Sweater" 

I am a teacher and healer.  A practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism, I have dedicated her life to alleviating the suffering of beings.  

I work toward this goal in a variety of ways: through presenting my "Share the Sweater" teachings, teaching meditation, doing healing sessions,and volunteering with hospice patients.

All of these activities are inspired by my desire to help those around me awaken their love for others and lead happier, more fulfilling lives. 

Susan's background and training

I earned my PhD in Slavic Languages and Literatures from the University of California at Berkeley and have taught continuously at the college level since 1978.  Since September, 2006, I have run a Western Massachusetts mindfulness and meditation group as a representative of the California-based Blue Mountain Center for Meditation.  I also teach meditation privately, to individuals and groups.

As a healer, I specialize in energy healing. I am a Reiki Master and practice Reiki as well as other energy and intuitive healing methods.  See Healing for more information on my approach to healing.

Besides having my own practice, I also work as the Reiki provider for Baystate Medical Center's Integrative Medicine Program, which offers a variety of holistic services to the hospital's patients. I also run the volunteer-staffed program at the Sister Caritas Cancer Center (at Mercy Medical Center) which offers free Reiki sessions for Cancer Center patients and their caregivers. 

I also volunteer extensively with hospice patients and am committed to providing compassionate end of life care.

My desire to express my spiritual commitment to her mission of alleviating the suffering of beings and to formally dedicate my life to this work prompted me to take bodhisattva vows in July, 2007. 

Our space in Easthampton

I am pleased to announce that I now offer healing and teaching sessions inside the Blue Guitar Gallery, located at 186D Northampton Street (Route 10) in Easthampton.   The Blue Guitar Gallery (see www.theblueguitar.org) offers ongoing exhibits and programs, and I am excited to be able to share this space.  I have a small, cozy room for healing and do teachings in the main gallery space.  Check out the Gallery site for more information!