Age: Early 30s
Location: Washington State, USA
Current Practice: Vipassana / Metta
Meditation Experience: Throughout my earlier life, I have been adjacent to mindfulness but never a part of it. Regularly, I would walk by Buddhist centers and hear about meditation but never thought about starting up a practice myself. At the same time, I often experienced stress and difficulty due to personal reasons growing up and never quite understood how to address the pain without sinking into negative thinking. One day, I was on one of my usual walks and I came across a man in orange robes peacefully sweeping the backyard of the meditation institution he presumably was a part of, and this was when the meditation latent interest bore fruit. I was fascinated by the aura of ease that seemed to be effortless by the monk, as I had never been one to be a friend of relaxation. This moment stayed with me as an interest in the potential of what I did not understand.
The first step that began my meditation practice was opening up the book, “What the Buddha Taught” by Walpola Rahula. The ideas found in that book felt both fantastic and yet immediately approachable. And so I set to work – looking for resources on what this “meditation” could do for me to ease the stressors in my life. Fast forward several years later, after both enjoyable times and extended moments of great suffering, I found that the journey was not quite as simple or linear as picking up a few ideas and tools and letting them do the work. More so, the practice has opened up avenues towards viewing myself and the world with more kindness. Interest in meditation has also brought the opportunity of meeting the community of Meditation Mind; which has brought with the experience new friends.
Reason for Volunteering: Meditation Mind is one of the primary reasons why my practice has been consistent. And when my practice faltered, Meditation Mind was there to welcome me back and begin the journey again. I’m grateful to be part of such a supportive community.
Favorite Thing About Our Community: Practice orientated channels like #mindful-discussion and #intensives for the inspiration stemming from people’s stories and experience. I also enjoy reading #gratitude and other community channels.
Favorite Quote: “Love forever, love is free.”