ForeverMissed
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 Irisha is here with us, in our hearts, in our lives, forever.

 This is the place where you can read about her, look at her pictures and videos, listen to the music that she liked.

  Please leave your tribute below, light your candle for her. Also, please add your story, picture, memory about Irisha. Every memory is precious, please share!


Non-Profit "Irina Shekhets Memorial Scholarship Fund” has been set up to help talented students to get into college of their dream. You may visit www.ismsf.org to find out more and help.

August 25, 2023
August 25, 2023
Dearest Irina, may you be at eternal peace at your heavenly abode, and wish you all the happiness on your birthday. You all 14 have chosen a remote poor village in Nepal for your departure to a much better place in heaven. Now your parents, sister, and family members have helped thousands of other sons and daughters of Nepal in their education, health and lively hood. We will continue to do so for many more years to come. We share our merit with you. Much Metta.
August 24, 2023
August 24, 2023
Every year takes me further away from you
And yet we're never apart
Every day,
But especially every August 24th
I celebrate you!
And mourn you...
You are so near and yet so far,
You are right here and impossible to touch
What would I give just to hug you!
I miss you always
I love you so much, sis
August 24, 2023
August 24, 2023
One of the saddest days for me but one that I celebrate two beautiful women that were dear to me - you and my mother that happened to share the same birthday. After one week I will be at the campground where I first met your parents where we became more than friends. I think today you and my mom, two funny girls will be organizing all the angels for a good hangout. Enjoy your day in heaven!
August 24, 2023
August 24, 2023
Всегда в нашей памяти. Помним, любим.
August 23, 2023
August 23, 2023
Иришечка,
Ты пришла в этот мир 24 августа и ушла из него через 30 лет 24 августа.
30 лет с тобой для нас были наполнены счастьем и ярким огнем твоей неудержимой энергии. За эти годы ты принесла много радости и идей в жизни твоих родных и друзей - всех, кому повезло быть рядом с тобой. И это навсегда останется с каждым из нас.
Мы всегда будем любить и помнить тебя и то счастливое время, которое нам подарила наша Светлая Девочка!
Твои Мама и Папа
August 24, 2022
August 24, 2022
Happy Heavenly birthday to you and my mom. The only gifts today would be your sweet memories left behind of laughter, joy and happiness that echo on, in my mind. I hope you guys met and are celebrating your birthdays.
August 24, 2022
Сегодня твой день, Ирочка!
Вот мы и повзрослели на год, а тебе по-прежнему 30ть...
Помним, всё помним...
Мысленно с вами,
София и Ян.
August 24, 2022
August 24, 2022
Моя Иришка, мой лучик света ❤
Ты со мной, мой родной человечек,
и одновременно как мне тебя не хватает!
Хочу обнять тебя, прижаться к тебе.
Хочу поговорить с тобой обо всём, поделиться своими радостями и печалями,
Услышать твой совет и поддержку.
Годы идут, а боль не уходит...
Люблю тебя, родная
Скучаю по тебе ❤
August 23, 2022
August 23, 2022
Ирочка, родная, 
Еще один год позади. Ты всегда хотела и любила, чтобы в твой День Рождения было много друзей, музыки и танцев. Но в день твоего 30-летия твой земной путь прервался когда ты была на пути к Эвересту.
В этот день мы, как и раньше, собираемся с семьей и друзьями, только тебя не хватает за нашим столом. Мы вспоминаем тебя, твою улыбку, доброту и энергию... Нам больно оттого, что нельзя тебя обнять и поцеловать, но мы всегда чувствуем, что ты рядом, что ты с нами, и это помогает нам жить.
С Днем Рождения, Ирушечка! 
Мама и Папа
August 25, 2021
August 25, 2021
Eating hot fries with Tiana... thinking of you...
I love you so much, sis
It was a beautiful day today! So many people came and shared their love for you!
Love you more than the words can say...
You are always in my heart, always with me...
Love you, sis!
Happy birthday!
August 24, 2021
August 24, 2021
!! years!
It's a typo, but I am gonna leave it like that. Time is not as relevant anymore. I have been fortunate enough to meet/virtually meet Irisha's family recently and finally tell them that I might be the last person she talked to before boarding the plane. And it was the best conversation we had - so uplifting and promising. Here's my story:

Back in 2010 I lived in Australia. One of the weird perks of living there - was an ability to be the first person to wish “happy birthday” to all my friends, especially those living in the US. I liked that perk a lot.

11 years ago it was Irisha's birthday. Big 3-0! I was among the first to send her a message, and what do you know - she replied right away. Turned out she was celebrating her birthday traveling to Nepal. We started chatting. We haven't talked for a few months, so we were updating each other on all the big changes in our respective lives. Irisha was so excited! She was just full of new beginnings - finishing law school, big solo trip ahead. We talked about travel plans and how it would be awesome for her to come visit me in Australia. But right now she was waiting for a small plane to take her to the mountains. She’s been delayed due to bad weather for several days already. One thing I vividly remember - Irisha was really anxious to get on the plane, while being rather calm about life in general. As if this trip is something that is meant to be, and she is exactly where she needs to be right in that moment. I was so happy to hear that. We chatted up until it was time for her to board. One last “happy birthday” wish and off Irisha went.

I learned the news the next day. As awful and hard as it was, the feeling of content that Irisha spread during our last conversation made my processing much easier.

I wish we had more time. I am so grateful for the time we did have.
Happy birthday, Irisha <3
August 24, 2021
August 24, 2021
Instead of being sad on this day I celebrate the birthday of two exceptional people that I had the privilege to be related to - you and my mom. Happy birthday to both of you! One day I will meet you both and for sure I will have my guitar handy for a good serenade. Rest in peace!
August 24, 2021
August 24, 2021
Ируша, родная наша!
Вот и еще один год без тебя… И мы всё ждем, что ты придёшь, и всё будет, как раньше. А тебя всё нет и нет… Но мы чувствуем, что ты с нами, и помогаешь нам.  Мы этим чувством живём и помним… Эта память нас и мучает - и спасает! Рядом с нами семья и друзья. И мы вместе с ними несём эту боль, и светлую память о тебе. 
С Днем Рождения, Ирочка, Ируша, Ириша!
Мама и Папа
August 24, 2020
August 24, 2020
10
It's been 10 years!
We all have gotten 10 years older
But not you
You are still 30, vibrant, young, beautiful
Just as I remember you.
I still feel your presence everywhere
I miss you terribly, always
I love you so much it hurts
Thank you for your gifts
Thank you for your neverending love that is warming my heart and keeping me afloat at the toughest moments
I love you, Sis ❤
Happy birthday...
August 24, 2020
August 24, 2020
As Thomas Campbell says "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die"
You and my mom that share the same birthday will be always in my heart until we meet again.
August 24, 2020
10 лет, невероятно, уже 10 лет.
Ирочка, сегодня ты стала моложе себя на долгих Десять лет.
Твой образ тает в отдаленьи
о Светлой Памяти моля...
и в кулачке твоём зажата
искринка Вечного Огня.
August 23, 2020
August 23, 2020
Ирочка, родная!
Прошло десять нескончаемо долгих лет с твоего тридцатилетия - 24 Августа 2010. Тогда ты закончила юридический факультет, успешно сдала экзамен на адвоката и отправилась в путешествие своей мечты, к подножию Эвереста - Вершины Мира. Этот День рождения должен был стать праздником. Но все произошло иначе, и с тех пор все эти десять лет наш с тобой разговор продолжается лишь мысленно.… Мы каждый день чувствуем твое присутствие, только не можем тебя обнять. А нам этого так недостаёт!
В память о тебе мы с твоими друзьями, заботимся о том, чтобы талантливые дети, получив стипендию твоего имени,  продолжали учиться, иметь библиотеку, и даже одежду и еду. Наша светлая девочка, ты продолжаешь делать этот мир лучше и ярче! У тебя все так же много друзей, которые тебя помнят и любят, и ты всегда рядом с ними и с нами. С Днем Рождения, доченька!
Мама и Папа
August 20, 2020
August 20, 2020
Dearest Irina, you chose Nepal - the Birth place of Lord Buddha to visit your Heavenly abode on your birthday 24th August. It is been 10 years when you along with Sarah, Kendra and Yuki left us. Your parents and we 3 other parents have immortalized you by building a Stupa, many schools, roads, health clinic and Library in your name. May all of you be at peace in your heavenly home. From Nepal. 
August 26, 2019
August 26, 2019
Irina
You and my mom shared the same birthday and it’s bittersweet that both of you were amazing people that I loved. If people dance in heaven I believe you did celebrate your day with great fanfare.
August 25, 2019
August 25, 2019
Ирочка,
Помним тебя, любим тебя,
Ты с нами ...
Fly at the top of the world
August 24, 2019
August 24, 2019
С днём рождения, наша солнечная девочка! Всегда в наших сердцах! Любим до неба!
August 24, 2019
Ирочка, листаем в памяти воспоминания...
Помним тебя маленькой, подростком, девушкой...
Твои глаза всегда смотрят нам в душу. Ты всегда с нами.
София и Ян.
August 24, 2019
August 24, 2019
Иришка, лучик мой, С Днём Рождения! Ты во мне, ты со мной, но ты так бесконечно далеко! 9 лет!

Люблю тебя бесконечно!
Обнимаю тебя ❤️

Irishka, my ray of light, Happy Birthday!
I feel your presence in me and by my side but also so infinitely far! 9 years!

Love you infinitely!
Hug ❤️

Sis
August 24, 2019
August 24, 2019

Ириша, родная!
Девять лет назад, в день твоего 30-летия  счет времени остановился... Годы идут,  друзья взрослеют, мы стареем, а ты не меняешься… 
Ты живёшь в нашей памяти, в памяти друзей и близких, а теперь и в памяти тех детей, которые благодаря тебе получили возможность учиться и обрести лучшее будущее для себя, а значит и для своих детей. Мы надеемся, что со своей высоты ты это видишь, и гордишься нами и своими друзьями.
С Днем Рождения, Иришечка, невыносимо далекая, но такая близкая и родная!
Мама и Папа
August 24, 2018
August 24, 2018
Не до смерти ли, нет,
мы ее не найдем, не находим.
От рожденья на свет
ежедневно куда-то уходим,
словно кто-то вдали
в новостройках прекрасно играет.
Разбегаемся все. Только смерть нас одна собирает.
Значит, нету разлук.
Существует громадная встреча.
Значит, кто-то нас вдруг
в темноте обнимает за плечи,
и полны темноты,
и полны темноты и покоя,
мы все вместе стоим над холодной блестящей рекою.
И.Бродский
August 24, 2018
August 24, 2018
С днём рождения Ирише тебе и моей мамe. Если люди танцуют в раю надеюсь что вы с ней уже организовали всех ангелов чтобы хорошо отмечать. Так скучаю по вас...
August 24, 2018
August 24, 2018
Ириша, родная наша, с Днем Рождения!
Вот уже восьмой год мы собираемся в твой день без тебя. Но знаем, что ты с нами в этот день, как всегда.
На твоей странице зажигаются новые свечи, приходят весточки от твоих родных и друзей. Только даты застыли – тебе 30 ....
За эти 8 лет на твоем сайте больше 46 тысяч посещений - к тебе приходят друзья, разговаривают с тобой, потому что знают и верят, что ты рядом.
Когда нужно принять решение, мы советуемся с тобой. Когда мы собираемся с родными и друзьями на юбилеях и слетах – ты всегда с нами.
Взрослеют наши внучки – Машенькины девочки, и мы видим в них черты, которые напоминают нам о тебе. Значит ты продолжаешь жить в них.  
А в наших сердцах ты всегда. С днем рождения, родная Иришенька!
August 24, 2017
August 24, 2017
On 37th birthday of my dearest sister...

This is weird
All good and normal on the outside
But inside...
A storm inside me
Tears are so close I can barely hold them inside.
They are choking me
Blocking my breathing
Blocking my thoughts
Stoping everything
Stop!
But...
The world continues.
And I am on the outskirts,
Watching...
Looking on
Smiling a fake smile
Trying to engage in the everyday life of the world.
But I am not there
Not in it
Not today.

This year...
First time I am not there.
Not at the cemetery
Not at our parents home

I am Flying!

Out of all things...
Flying...

I miss you so much it makes everything inside squeeze, scrunch up, dry up and Stop!

But can't stop feeling
All this pain coming at me and the only defense are the tears that I have to hide...
And I have to hide them because it's been seven years. Because "enough time has passed" by normal standards to stop crying... to stop hurting...
Not enough for me.

I need to hug mom now.
I need to be with them, with my Mama and Papa.
We need each other
Always
But especially today

7 years

No can't be
7 already?
They say time heals.
They are so wrong!
Time teaches us about priorities and perspective. Shows us the existence of Future... helps forget... but
It doesn't heal.

Irka,
I am going to Prague!...
Just like you said I should.
You said this is the city I must go to.
You said its my kind of place
You said I will enjoy...
So now it has become your wish for me. And I am making it come true!

Every day takes me further away from you.
All I have left are memories...
Memories of you
Memories of our times together
Who knew fading memories could be so strong?
So powerful...
I miss you.

I remember talking
Long nights talking
Drinking tea together
And talking
Trying to figure out this life
And people in it... and their connections

Energy and light
That's what you are!
Your light is so strong that even now it keeps shining upon us, lighting our paths..

You...
Always different always unique
You had this understanding of another person's essence. Inner being. Inner struggle.
You had this ability to change paths of people around you if they were lost,
with only one conversation...
Sometimes only with one sentence!
Sometimes with one word...

Seven years I have been talking to you without you answering. Our past conversations are in my head.
I am still consulting you on wardrobe and life decisions. Only your advice now is muffled with time...
I miss you every minute, every hour of the day, every night. The moon reminds me of you when you were little and were learning our family name... Молодой Шехец на небе...
The sun reminds me of your inner light and the picture you took on the run in our park at dawn...
The stars... feels like you are one of them now, up there in the sky...
Every airplane I see I think of you
Every rainbow is the bridge between us
The wind on my skin is a hug from you..
Birds... you are that white bird that flew away
There are not enough words to describe the full connection. It's in my heart.
It's in my Love.

I Love you Sis
August 24, 2017
Ирочка, дорогая, помним, любим...
Всегда молодая, такая красивая, желающая всё успеть...
Ты в наших мыслях сегодня целый день,
София и Ян
August 24, 2017
August 24, 2017
Smiling is painless and your smile was contagious. If there is music gatherings in heaven I do believe the angels also fell in love with your smile and you make them dance. I will always miss you until we meet again.
August 24, 2017
August 24, 2017
Помню светлую лучезарную Ирочку, скорблю вместе с вами.
August 23, 2017
August 23, 2017
С Днем Рождения Иришечка!
Прошло семь твоих дней рождения без тебя...
Твои фотографии уже не меняются, ты все так же смотришь на нас - то веселая, то задумчивая, но всегда такая близкая и родная...
Мы знаем что ты рядом, но обнять и поцеловать тебя можно только во сне...
У тебя все так же много друзей, они любят и помнят тебя.
Ты так много успела сделать за свои 30 лет и так много еще предстояло...
И мы очень хотим, чтобы то, что ты делала, продолжало жить.
Твоя библиотека в Непале помогает детям и взрослым. А скоро там будет новая школа для малышей – и все это в память о тебе, благодаря твоим друзьям .
Ты всегда с нами, и - над нами, там, высоко...
С Днем Рождения доченька!
Мама и Папа
August 24, 2016
August 24, 2016
Dear Irina, I think of you and your family frequently. Another year gone by...we get older, but you stay forever young. Rest in peace. And--happy birthday.
August 23, 2016
August 23, 2016
Ириша,
Миновал шестой год с тех пор как твoй День Рождения стал и Днем Памяти о тебе…
Без тебя тяжело, а мы продолжаем жить - ради памяти о тебе, ради семьи и ради друзей…
Когда мы разговариваем с твоими друзьями нам кажется, что мы, пусть и не напрямую, но пообщались с тобой. 
К тебе на этот сайт заходят и близкие друзья, и те, кто тебя знал совсем недолго, и даже те, кто с тобой не был знаком. 35 тысяч посещений! Одни оставляют здесь весточку, другие заходят просто помолчать, вспомнить, подумать… И это так понятно – ведь даже просто думая о тебе, вспоминая твою жизнь, получаешь поддержку и силы, чтобы продолжать делать что-то нужное другим, как это делала ты…
С Днем Рождения, дорогая...
Ты всегда с нами, а мы с тобой.
Мама, Папа
August 25, 2015
August 25, 2015
I could not believe it...five years ago we went to the funeral, but the day was so bright and sunny, just like she was. A short life, but lived to the fullest. We lost touch after college days, but spent time chatting on the internet, she was definitely an incredible person.
August 24, 2015
August 24, 2015
В который раз за эти годы пытаюсь осмыслить случившееся, и до сих пор не могу поверить... Ирочка, дорогое солнышко, твой свет навсегда здесь, с нами! Танечка, Боря, Маша, если бы можно было хоть часть вашей боли взять на себя... Читала ваше стихотворение, посвященное Ирочке, и слезы душили. Я с вами и навеки разделяю вашу боль утраты. Сколько тепла и света оставила Ириша в людях - в каждом послании сквозь горечь и боль просто снопы света, Ирочкино сияние, пропущенное через души всех, с кем она соприкасалась. С днем рождения, Ирочка!
August 24, 2015
August 24, 2015
Сегодня твой День. И хотя физически Ты не здесь, твоя неуемная энергия помогает и соединяет близких и родных тебе людей.Тебя помнят, любят ...
С Днем Рождения
August 24, 2015
August 24, 2015
Иришка, родная моя
Как я скучаю!
Как я хочу тебя обнять,
Прижаться к тебе,
потереться носами...
С Днём Рождения, лучик мой!
Ты здесь, ты во мне и со мной,
Я тебя ощущаю.
Свети нам, пожалуйста,
Не прекращай!
August 23, 2015
August 23, 2015
Пять лет прошло, а боль в душе все та же...
Вот ты придешь во сне - и отойдет печаль.
Но на рассвете ты "прощай" тихонько скажешь
И вновь уйдешь в неведомую даль.   

Оттуда, с высоты, ты видишь все, мы знаем.
Ты помогаешь в самый трудный час,
И мысль одна порою утешает:
Что может там, за Гранью, ждешь ты нас.

Твой Dень Рожденья с грустью отмечаем
К тебе, как водится, придут друзья...
Ты здесь, ты рядом, мы об этом знаем!

…Вот только лишь обнять тебя нельзя...

     Мама, Папа
August 25, 2014
August 25, 2014
Irka,

I will always remember you with a smile on your face. I remember our fun times at Columbia and those days will always be in my memories. I don't know why you had to leave so early but I hope you are in a good place now.

Masha
August 24, 2014
August 24, 2014
Ириша, родная,
Сегодня твой День Рождения....
В этот день, как и всегда, ты с нами и со всеми, кто любит тебя. В этот день, нам тяжело... Но мы знаем, что ты с нами - и нам становится светлее...
Со своих вершин ты видишь как мы любим тебя!
Ты над нами всеми - и ты здесь, ты рядышком...
Твоя улыбка и твой свет дают нам силы. Как всегда, ты помогаешь всем, кто любит и помнит тебя.
С Днем Рождения...

Мама и Папа
August 24, 2014
August 24, 2014
Дни и годы идут- и теперь без тебя
Ты приходишь на миг - и опять нет тебя
Продолжаю идти, что-то делать и жить
Продолжаю, как прежде с тобой говорить
И дышать я могу, только вот не пойму
Как сейчас без тебя все еще я живу
Так смогла только ты - за короткую жизнь
Всё успеть - и писать, и учить, и любить,
Повезло тем, кто смог тебя ближе узнать
Наслеждаться, быть рядом - и не мешать, 
Просто первой была ты всегда и везде
Первой ты вознеслась над землёй к Высоте
Словно ветер- тебя не достичь, не догнать
Только можно любить и всегда вспоминать...
August 24, 2014
August 24, 2014
Thinking of you, today and always . love seeing pictures of you and having memories pop into my head. Keep watching over your family! We all miss you!
August 24, 2014
August 24, 2014
Missing you always, but even more on the day you were born and the day of your passing. Grateful for every moment we had together. Treasuring every memory of you. Love and Light to you.
August 24, 2014
August 24, 2014
Помним, любим ...
Спасибо, что ты была в нашей жизни
August 24, 2014
August 24, 2014
Happy Birthday Sweet Irisha! You are missed more and more every day. It is so painful and unnatural not to see your incredibly attractive smile, hear your infectious laughter and to not just be around you. 4 years....Thank you for all the moments we've all had a chance to share with you! Love forever, Zhenya
August 24, 2014
August 24, 2014
Дорогие Шейхецы! С Днем рождения Славной, Светлой, навсегда оставшейся с нами Ирочки! Люблю всех вас!
August 24, 2014
August 24, 2014
ПРИШЛА ПОРА

Пришла пора печали.
Пора потерь пришла.
Я многое теряла,
Я многое нашла..

В душе моей бывало
Тепло от счастья встреч.
Теперь пустот немало
И горечи – не счесть.

В календаре настенном
Я дней рожденья даты
Меняю постепенно
На боль и на утраты.

Их собираю горстью,
А сердце сжало в ком,
Уж не вмещает горе,
Которым полон дом.

Пришла пора потерям...
Пришла, а я не верю...

Пухом тебе земля, Иринушка.
Ирина - по-гречески - СВЕТЛАЯ.
Ты такою была и навсегда останешься в сердцах и душах всех, кто имел счастье быть рядом с тобою.

Ася, Юра Шехец и вся наша семья.
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Recent Tributes
August 25, 2023
August 25, 2023
Dearest Irina, may you be at eternal peace at your heavenly abode, and wish you all the happiness on your birthday. You all 14 have chosen a remote poor village in Nepal for your departure to a much better place in heaven. Now your parents, sister, and family members have helped thousands of other sons and daughters of Nepal in their education, health and lively hood. We will continue to do so for many more years to come. We share our merit with you. Much Metta.
August 24, 2023
August 24, 2023
Every year takes me further away from you
And yet we're never apart
Every day,
But especially every August 24th
I celebrate you!
And mourn you...
You are so near and yet so far,
You are right here and impossible to touch
What would I give just to hug you!
I miss you always
I love you so much, sis
August 24, 2023
August 24, 2023
One of the saddest days for me but one that I celebrate two beautiful women that were dear to me - you and my mother that happened to share the same birthday. After one week I will be at the campground where I first met your parents where we became more than friends. I think today you and my mom, two funny girls will be organizing all the angels for a good hangout. Enjoy your day in heaven!
Recent stories

A singing bowl story

June 21, 2021
In 2007, I heard the sound of a singing bowl for the first time. Although it felt like this sound was squeezing my heart, a sense of well being penetrated my whole essence. It felt like I was being blessed by some higher intelligence. Shortly after this, I purchased a bowl for my wife and me.
We didn't know what to do with the sound bowl, besides striking it and listening, but there was something about that sound. The bowl was sitting on a decorative cushion, which rested on a coffee table and we couldn't pass by it, without taking the stick and playing the bowl for at least a couple moments. The bowl was receiving so much attention as if it were a member of our small family.
Like a normal couple we had our ups and downs, but every time the bowl made a sound, the atmosphere at home would change for the better, also a more peaceful state of mind was created. 
Back then, I was practicing meditation and was reading a lot about the influence of sound on mental, emotional and physical health. I was looking for some art to occupy myself with and knew that it would be related to sound therapy. The field of “sound healing” triggered my attention. 
Most of the information I found on the internet and books just made me skeptical. I couldn't accept for example that the notes of the modern Western musical scale somehow are related to chakras. Also, having a degree in mechanical engineering, I had a hard time believing that singing bowls are made of seven metals such as mercury, lead, and copper that have such a huge gap in melting temperatures. Even if that was true, why for God's sake people would use poisonous metals for healing? I had so many questions and there was no one around to give me the answers. I purchased a few more singing bowls and was running my experiments. The knowledge started to flow towards me straight from the source - my instruments!
At this time, heavy arguments began to occur between my wife and me almost every day. Our relationship became very heavy on both of us and we decided to provide space to each other. Two months later my wife flew to Nepal. She was planning to take the hiking trail to Everest Base Camp. On August 24th, 2010, the plane she boarded with 13 other people departed from Kathmandu to the village Lukla and it never landed.
She died in an airplane crash on her 30th birthday and my heart died on the same day.
The emotional trauma I experienced couldn't be described and It isn’t my intention to focus on these dark times.
Many days passed until I pulled out one of the singing bowls from my collection again. The sounds were reminding me of the times spent with my little family and this was causing me a lot of pain. I temporarily moved away from my passion for singing bowls.
Months later after the accident, I pulled out the same sound bowl my wife and I used to play together. All of a sudden, I noticed that this bowl had a very interesting character. Once struck, the melancholic sound of a time that will never come back was flooding the room up to the ceiling. My mind was stolen by this fluctuating sad tone. Listening to this singing bowl was just painful. However, something had shifted inside of my chest and the moment of instant healing took place!
I noticed a subtle overtone that I had never paid attention to before. It was the sound of pure joy! It was a ray of sun, so pure and delightful! I asked myself, why was I choosing to listen to the melancholic tone if there is something so delicious about this other tone showing up at the same time?!          
That evening I stroke the bowl countless times. I remember myself listening and smiling. I was smiling and skipping a heartbeat each time the sonic serpent was showing up and pulling my sadness from the chest away to the void. It felt like some sacred knowledge is being unveiled to me. Something that can't be told, but can be heard. 
Since then, the meaning of the words "happiness is a choice" became clear to me. I started to practice listening to and choosing my mood, my thoughts, my emotions, my judgments, my reality. I became hungry for life, adventures and new experiences! I decided to take my life back.
A couple of years later, overcoming my fear, I visited Nepal and Tibet. While in Nepal, I did the Everest Base Camp trail hike. It was an act of closure on my past and the beginning of the next chapter of my life.
I also made a very interesting and fruitful connection with the local singing bowls authorities. I learned so much during this time! For a few weeks, I was spending ten to twelve hours each day, testing thousands of singing bowls in the house of the biggest collector in Nepal. I finally walked away, having made my first big purchase of 56 “Stradivarius” singing bowls.
In Tibet, I intended to visit the holy mountain Kailas, but the Chinese government blocked the way to the foreigners for a month. Instead of doing a Cora around Kailas, I joined a small group of tourists going to Central Tibet to visit five caves of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). We also visited lots of Buddhist monasteries, some of them had never seen tourists before. Surprisingly, none of these monasteries were equipped with Tibetan singing bowls. I learned about the ceremonial usage of Tingshas (small flat round bronze bells) and gongs, but I was so unsatisfied, seeing no Tibetan bowls in Tibet. A part of me was still hoping to see the Buddhist monks do some practice using the singing bowl, besides collecting donations in them.
At some point along the way, I met an old monk who was playing a  singing bowl. I asked the guide to come with me to talk to the elder. I asked the monk what exactly is he doing with the bowl? The guide translated my question and the elder struck the bowl with a wooden stick and smiled. I noticed that he was missing a couple of teeth, but I didn't care, I just waited with childish excitement for the explanation. The explanation didn't come. The monk just struck his singing bowl again and smiled like a mischievous child. I asked my guide to translate the question, how exactly does the monk use singing bowl? Is he just collecting donations with it, or is he using it for a specific ritual? Does he meditate using the sound? Or maybe he is cleansing his space? Maybe he is doing some sound healing work? The guide understood my point and patiently translated the request. The answer of the elder was one word only, which was translated into English as "listen"!
Yes, I said, I know the sound of the singing bowl, I have a collection of these at home. I am a certified sound healer! I have a sound healing master-level certification! Could you please ask him how he uses the singing bowl? After talking for a while with the monk, my guide looked at me and simply said, “he just told you: - listen!” The monk struck the bowl again as if to emphasize what I just heard from the translator. He then smiled and said in Tibetan the word that I now knew the translation of.
No kidding, it was a great teaching for me! Listen!
When I came back home, I found new qualities in my instruments. After meeting the monk, I was inspired to become an even better listener to my clients and most importantly, to myself and the life around!
I now listen to my body and soul more carefully. I listen to the universe. I am focused on listening, thanks to that short, yet profound meeting with the monk.
Himalayan singing bowls brought so many profound lessons into my life, so many beautiful people, new life and new love. I facilitate sound meditation events at least once a week and I am still excited every time I prepare for the new event.
When I facilitate group sound meditations (what people are usually referring to as a sound bath), I play very gently and quietly. I make long pauses and allow the meditators to quiet their minds and to listen to their inner silence.
By sitting quietly, and allowing yourself to be without any opinions of who or what you are, or how the world should be, by just breathing carefully, without disturbing the harmony around, you will hear the universal love. By just listening to the silence between your thoughts, you realize that love has always been there, like the sky. This is the most important part of meditation and sound healing for me.

SKY complex obtained a new life

August 23, 2015

After  2015 earthquake this  Complex, including Irisha's Library, is temporary became the school instead of the destroyed local school. This gave local children ability to continue their education in addition to the help in food and medications

Irina Shekhets memorial Library

August 23, 2015

This is the site of the tragedy that happened on August 24, 2010. Now, Thanks to the ISMSF Foundation and SKY Foundation the complex of public buildings is created there, including Temple, School, Library, Medical Center and Guest House.

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