Jennifer Anderson Benitz,
Gita Govinda-Dragonfly-Jenny Bear
Sept 13, 1958 – Oct 24, 2021
Gita left her body peacefully in her sleep and was found with a smile on her face.
Another colourful Salt Spring Character has crossed the Rainbow Bridge into the Beyond. Anyone who knew Gita knows that she was never late so even though all of us here on earth will greatly miss her, we also know she must have been right on time.
Gita was known for her love of all things spiritual, to help see through the veil of the Great Mystery by singing, dancing, playing and praying. She spent her life in service to her most beloved teacher Srila Jayatirthapada.
Gita was a true seeker of the Treasure Chest Within.
One of her favourite pastimes was to bring groups of people together and she organized many gatherings including the Spirit of Peace/Celebration of Life Gatherings on Salt Spring Island from 1986-1996. Here is where many leaders in several traditions would gather to pray and celebrate Divine Consciousness. From Hindu, Native American, Sufi, Ancient Goddess Worship, Celtic Shamanism, Christ Consciousness, all were welcome and encouraged see how there are many paths that lead to the One.
Some other highlights of her life were attending four Native American Sundance ceremonies, encountering a wild bear in Minnesota National Forest, going to 4 Rainbow gatherings, doing- Vrindavan parikrama four times, shaving her head four times, and embracing Zikr practice in Sufi tradition
She was also a lover of art and live music. She sought out acoustic singer/songwriters of transformational spiritual songs and created situations around her to encourage this. One of her many names was Dragonfly. Dragonflies can move in 6 directions and can change course quickly. They go through a total transformation in their lifetime. Not only did she, but she gave ample opportunity to many to do the same.
An avid nature lover especially of big trees. Cedar was one of her faves and she found much peace living amongst them.
Gita was quick witted and loved a good laugh and playing tricks on people. She had a wonderful childlike quality that stayed with her, her entire life. She loved games, and was always up for a game of scrabble, (impossible to beat her!) and the Christmas present game. While others would carry make-up and cell phones in their purse, hers was never without a sudoku book.
After her 60th birthday here on Salt Spring, she began to wind down the busyness of her life and eventually returned again to the UK to live a more inward life.
She was dearly loved by so many and will be greatly missed by her family in the UK as well as her Global Community. Gita was one of a kind. We are lucky to have had her in our lives as wayshower and activator and loving friend. She is not really gone just leading the way as usual.
A celebration of her life will take place Saturday, November 13th at the Lions Hall (103 Bonnett Ave), Salt Spring Island 1pm-4pm. As per her request please wear bright colours and no suits or ties! Masks required. Bring potluck snack foods.