“It is important to expect nothing, to take every experience, including the negative ones, as merely steps on the path, and to proceed.”- Ram Dass
Ben Reigle is a two-time stroke survivor with a story of inspiration. Ben’s path to recovery is a testament to resiliency, perseverance, temperance and dedication. This former alcoholic turned sober warrior offers approachable wisdom to embrace the pain that ignites potential and connects us to the universe.
A tattooer by trade, Ben is tattooing at The Black Labyrinth Tattoo Syndicate in Easthampton, Mass. Ben is also a freelance graphic designer, video editor, and a professional musician.
What people are saying about Ben
“Not only is Ben an inspiring artist and musician he is one of the most inspiring human beings I know. He’s been through situations that would knock most out for the count but he is always full of positive energy that is infectious.”
-Alan Evans
Owner, Iron Wax Studios
Drummer, Soulive & Ae3
“I have known Ben Reigle for over 10 years. In that time I have only known him to be committed to kindness, compassion and growth. Moreover, he’s committed to being the best friend, father and husband he could be. His attitude is something to be admired, and I’m honored to call him my friend.”
-BJ “SOBA” Johnson
Owner, GreenLion Studios
“Ben has been such an inspiration to me throughout the years. Through his music, art, and friendship he truly inspires everyone that knows him. Through surviving back to back strokes and speaking openly about his struggle Ben found a voice in public speaking. I am excited to see him use that voice to continue inspiring people who may be facing their own struggles”
-Steve Gonsalves
Ghost nation, Ghost hunters
“I have been honored know Ben as an artist, dear friend, and as my patient. It has been a privilege to be trusted with so much of his story, fears, and hopes, and while I knew Ben was no stranger to rugged times, the strokes were by far the scariest and most difficult events of his life. I will never forget the night in the ER, as our team prepared to fly him to Boston for another procedure, I didn’t think would work, as I said my goodbye to my friend and steeled myself for the worst.
While I have worked with many stroke patients as they recover, I have never known one to truly thrive after such a devastating near death event. We sat across from one another during a follow up appointment, astonished at his survival and overwhelmed with so many emotions. It wasn’t fearlessness I witnessed in him, but rather a new-found bravery. I had doubts about his ability to progress, let alone ever tattoo again, but was honored to support him however I could.
Ben made up his mind that he wasn’t just going to recover, he was going to flourish, and I am so grateful to proclaim that he is doing just that. He has centered his world around using his experience, and each day, as a springboard for awakening. Despite what one might think, Ben doesn’t teach resiliency and fortitude, but instead invites us to gently expand beyond our doubts into a wider vision of what meaningful life feels like. This artful joy is palpable, and marks our friendship the same way that his art marks my skin.”
-Benjamin Woodard, MSN, NP-C
“Over the almost decade that I’ve known Ben professionally and personally, I would say his main identifier across every aspect of his life is his thirst to learn and improve constantly. By being a multidisciplinary artist it helps push everything further, with this he’s learned from one medium helping him in another and so on and so forth. Speaking from personal experience, having Ben on any team or just in the stratosphere of your life would push anyone into becoming the best version of themselves and create to the best of their abilities”
Britt Whitman
Tattooer, Helheim gallery
