Volunteer Appreciation

September 18, 2025

May we cheer on our dear Kate R., who has been such a steady volunteer force for KCC over these past five years!

Kate first visited KCC in 2015, newly arrived in Portland, and reeling from the emotional aftermath of a painful, drawn-out divorce. In those early days, she attended a teaching by Lama Michael on the Aspirations for Mahamudra—but the words felt foreign, the concepts distant, even incomprehensible. Life, at the time, was filled with difficulty, disorientation, and deep emotional fog.

Like many who come to spiritual practice in the wake of hardship, she wasn’t quite sure what she was looking for—but she knew what wasn’t working.

In early 2016, after the death of one of her favorite musicians, David Bowie, she stayed up all night, drinking and listening to his haunting final album Blackstar. That night, she was also watching old videos and interviews of Bowie. In one interview, he mentioned that he had quit drinking because he realized he could never really be there for anyone otherwise—and that hit home for her. She made a decision: to get healthy. That decision led to sobriety—one month at first, then permanently. It was a turning point that would echo quietly in many areas of life to come.

After years of what she describes as “life blunders and wasted time,” she realized something needed to change. Seeking not just escape, but something deeper, she returned to KCC—this time to the Sunday evening Zoom meditations. At first, it was from the shadows: camera off, quiet, uncertain. But slowly, she began to re-engage. The Chenrezi practice drew her in, as did the unexpected presence of Lama Eric, whose Midwest roots and youthfulness sparked initial skepticism. But something told her to keep going. After all, what she’d been doing before hadn’t brought peace—why not try this?

With that humble, open-minded attitude, she immersed herself in mind training classes with Tim Campbell, fell in love with Chögyam Trungpa’s writings, and rediscovered her love of learning. Through reading, listening, and reflecting, the teachings began to take root. Meditation, once difficult and even painful, became part of everyday life—just something she did, even for a few minutes. Slowly, the practice began doing its work.

Kate never set out to become a leader or a “model student”. Instead, she chose to keep showing up. In doing so, she became an integral part of KCC’s foundation—the quiet, often unseen circle of dedicated practitioners whose steady presence, genuine care, and sincere effort help sustain the community.

Today, her contributions span many areas: being a core member of Volunteer Support Team (VST), helping with Facilities Grounds, supporting Sunday volunteers, supporting SCOL retreats as an AV person, engaging with Community Life, and offering her time to Communications. Through service, as much as through study and meditation, she continues to deepen her path.

Thank you so much, Kate, for your contributions!