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This Article appeared in the CRANIAL WAVE Newsletter, Summer 2006 at
www.craniosacral.org
Annika Traner came to me as a client several years ago. She had been diagnosed with Liver cancer at the age of 16 and had been through many surgeries and traditional cancer treatments. By the time I met her she had been going through this process for 10 years and had lost all faith in allopathic medicine and wanted to “do it her way”. Annika was sure she could heal herself with a Macrobiotic diet and holistic treatments. Over the years she would go through times of getting stronger and then have those times of feeling weaker. The Craniosacral work we did really helped and she had been studying to be a holistic practitioner so she signed up for the foundation training. Annika was very sensitive, which made her a great cranial practitioner. She was the barometer in our class of the unspoken. She had the knowledge that she would not live as long as most and thus was in a big hurry “to get it.” She brought a depth of inquiry to class that was beyond any of us. Her courage and openness was such a gift to all, to witness her process gave me deep peace yet brought up my deepest fears. She truly wanted to go on living and yet her body was very weak. Our last class was in August. Annika was not strong enough to come to class but joined us for our graduation. She passed just a few weeks later. By the time she left her body she was 26 years old. It seems she had truly made peace with leaving. Her mother said she was sitting with her when she left and she had a smile on her face.
A fellow student writes “Annika was someone who consistently pushed me to be present for her, just as she tried to be present for those around her. In the face of challenges that many have not experienced, she consistently stayed committed to deepening within herself and setting an inspiring example for those around her. Her influence on me has been profound and I look forward to meeting with her again. She is a true friend.” - Kerry Tepedino
Annika’s mother adds the following: “Craniosacral work made perfect sense to her. Her acquaintance with cranial took her from being an agitated, uncomfortable girl to becoming a confident woman who had the tools to gracefully manage the final stages of her illness and life. She felt as if she had “come home.” Completing your two year course was an accomplishment that made her happy and proud.” - Sheridan Traner
Words from a fellow student: “Annika is at once a child, full of impatience and very demanding, and a very wise old woman. Annika, while only a teen, was forced to jump into the abyss of pain and uncertainty and landed with immense healing power as an adult. Each day is spent as if it might be her last on earth. Because of this healing power, she touches the lives of many, sometimes with no intention to heal or even be involved. She is still waiting in my heart, prying it open when I fear the angel might be gone.” – David Zieve.
Another student shares: “Annika was a rare and exemplary being who really gave herself to the practices of craniosacral therapy. Not only did she understand it, she was extremely sensitive to those she worked with and in this way she contributed a lot to our training. SHE WAS THERE! In more ways than one, for sure. Looking back on it though, I think that by her being able to do the craniosacral training, this made it a smoother and more uplifting transition into the light.”-
George Ulrich. This young woman asked nothing less than complete and total presence at all times. Many times I would say that she was the true teacher in class. I feel so blessed to have spent these years with Annika and I miss her.
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