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Meet Our Tinkerbell

Special Feature on Beth Compton, Madhukara Volunteer




Where do you find your Inspiration?


My inspiration is constantly evolving! While each day brings with it new experiences and opportunities, at the same time, I am continuously being taken back to my roots to make connections and given more clarity in my life.


I was introduced to Madhukara while I was completing my Yoga Certification through Sacred Embodiment. Madhukara offered a variety of workshops, trainings, and retreats that supported my journey but it quickly became more than that.


I was inspired by the leaders, the community they created and their passion for selfless service. Through their leadership, I embarked on a path of self-discovery that led me to turn off the auto-pilot switch and open my heart. I began to recognize there was a void in my life that was calling to be heard, to be seen, to be tended to. I soon discovered that it was a desire for connecting and serving and it was rooted deep within me.


Memories of my Grandma were brought forward. Throughout my life, I witnessed her always giving and extending her love to others but never stopped to consider what they exemplified and the value it provided me. When the mind gets quiet, the heart can hear.





My Grandma, Pauline.


She led a life of service and love~ to her family, her church, her community. Pure and Unconditional. She cooked and fed others, she donated time and money without question, she left her door open for neighborhood children and made sure all the stray cats were fed. She woke before sunrise to ensure food was on the table for others. The bacon was fried and the cream beef on toast was warm.


For many years, without anyone knowing, she had my Papaw dress up as Santa and deliver toys to children that she knew were in need. At 80, she was still volunteering in the elementary school to read with students. Even in her days of need, she continued to give to others.


She made sure she had enough Reese's Cups in her nightstand to give to the nursing staff. She was a tiny lady, with sky blue eyes, a warm heart of gold and full of faith. She asked for little and gave all she had. All her efforts- quiet, without questioning or recognition, coming solely from a place of love and pure intention.





Her life was defined by the love and care she extended to others. She embraced each day, each interaction with the intention to serve. Taking care of others is what gave her life meaning and purpose. A warm hand, a few dollars, a loving gaze, a Reese's Cup.


My Grandma is my source of inspiration.


“When the student is ready, the teacher will appear” Lao-Tzu


What encouraged you to sign up to volunteer with Madhukara?


With the auto-pilot turned off, I felt my Grandma and heard the call. “If not now? When?”. When the mind is quiet, the heart can listen.


As I continued with the educational offerings Madhukara provided, my soul was asking for more. Doing the internal work meant nothing if I was not using it for a higher purpose. Service was the answer and Madhukara provided the doorway to opportunities to explore this yearning and serve those in need.


In addition, being amongst the Madhukara community, one can not help but feel a divine presence through each member. The outpouring of genuine love, compassion and desire to serve is infectious.





What is the best part of participating in preparing and serving meals at the shelters with Madhukara?


Participating in meal preparation and serving at the LSS has added new meaning and purpose to my life. It has brought me closer in spirit to my Grandma and filled an enormous void. There is a profound sense of gratitude that arises from the simple act of being able to provide a basic human need for others. I look forward to the preparation of a meal item each month and the opportunities to serve at LSS Faith Mission.


There are no words to describe the feeling of being able to look directly into the sets of eyes while providing a meal we prepared for the residents. Internally, you can feel the transition in your soul. You are no longer the giver, the provider, as you receive something far greater. The simple act of service brings about an experience like none other.


To look through an unfiltered lens and experience the divine presence in each individual. No barriers, no walls, no judgement. The open exchange of love, grace, and compassion radiates throughout your being. It is truly something that must be felt. The best part of all, once you have experienced it, your soul is compelled to embrace every interaction going forward with the same unfiltered lens of love.


“When we look away from the pain of other people, we diminish their humanity

and our own”. Brene’ Brown




What advice would you give to a new volunteer?


Just do it! Turn off the auto-pilot and step on to the path of service. Any doubt, fear, uncertainty you have, while valid, will be extinguished. You will receive more through your experience of giving than you can comprehend.


No act of self-less service is ever wasted. Whether it is your time, money, resources, or your presence. Madhukara offers many opportunities for anyone to help in meeting the basic needs of our community. If not now, when?


What yoga pose most represents you and why?


Oh boy! I love them all for a variety of reasons as they each serve a different purpose. My favorite are heart openers. Bridge, Wheel and of course Wild Thing- Camatkarasana


I think they are beautiful and challenging poses. They evoke strength but also a willingness to be open. They are strong yet supple. They serve as a reminder to stay rooted but lead with an open heart to allow the connection to our higher source.


If you could be any character from a movie, which character and from what movie?


I would like to be Tinkerbell.


Born from the first laugh of a baby. A tiny fast-flying fairy, working as part of the collective. Fluttering around, making her own mistakes along the way, never settling. Always seeking. Small but mighty. Spreading light and pixie dust to right the wrongs and fix what she can.


“All you need is faith, trust, and a little bit of Pixie Dust”. -Tinkerbell





Enjoy this song that inspires Beth (one of many)

Let's Love Louder by Sacred Change




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