fri. 8/22 - tues. 8/26/08

so i continue to meditate twice daily and practice asanas... had a wonderful weekend for our training weekend. really enjoyed my time a little more freely and openly, ofcourse this translates into me speaking more and perhaps sharing in ways that may or may not be relevant for others but i wasn't too concerned with those outcomes this weekend as i felt i needed that opportunity. also, what i don't feel i need to share in class i had wonderful opportunities w/friends, one-on-one to share and process! one of which is a dear friend who just returned from service work abroad in many countries and a couple continents. one project involved living and serving folks in india who were in recovery from heroin, which was an amazing experience... so it was very nice to share w/her and process our experiences of this culturally significant practice (meditation/asanas) and how we relate it to our experiences.

it was very refreshing to hear her perspective of me and how i'm weaving these ideas in w/my christian foundation. she actually asked me if i was thinking of letting go of the christian paradigm and was relieved to hear i was not and that this experience has only grown and enriched my appreciation for my christian roots, not taken away. she comes from a Jewish family and feels she has had a very different experience in her religious/spiritual foundation building as a child and this is affecting her assimilation differently than mine. we compared and contrasted and enjoyed this time. she did say to me something that i still am humbled and is probably one of the greatest compliments i've ever been given. she stated she was so glad that i was continuing in my christian beliefs (while able to incorporate others and not buy into the whole "one and only way" belief) because she always regarded me as one of the "good Christians" that exemplify the teachings of Jesus. whew! i was totally overwhelmed w/emotion (couldn't help but tear up a little) as i surely know i'm not comfortable w/thinking of myself as a "good christian" but absolutely appreciative of her intention with this remark as i've devoted my whole life to be more like Jesus.

God knew i needed these experiences this weekend. i'm reminded of how everything does matter, my impact on others (good or bad and far beyond what i can ever know), and the importance of keeping an open mind and striving to hold unconditional positive regard (thanks rogers!)/unconditional love of others because we are all human in our divinity as Jesus so eloquently exemplified for me... i also know that if i am to give back to my community here in rural, western NC it is crucial i balance and assimilate these two traditions in a way that is genuine and accessible for all, not just a few. that is my path, i know this and i am grateful. i'm humbled that i'm grateful because this place of acceptance has taken many, many years to arrive with many, many bumps and bruises along the way. i no longer need those bumps and bruises as i have in the past... thanks be to God, shanti, shanti, shanti