take a meditation class

possibly I tell myself the reason I can’t meditate is that my attention span is too short, but really, I think it would do me some good to be able to quiet my mind more often and more easily…

Maybe in India

Oh, j’laime! I finally did it, and man- a little bit of my life was completed there. It was like an affirmation of everything I believe, just listening to everyone talk. The center was like a lounge almost, a big, peaceful, zen-filled lounge that just made you feel better being in it. Everyone comes and goes when they feel like it, and they welcome anyone. There’s a kitchen for people to make tea or whatever, a little couch-place with magazines, and a few different rooms. They’re so friendly! I showed up at the open house and met with a guy named Jim- he didn’t care I was a complete beginner, he just took me and another novice into a different room for the first half-hour, for some intro. before we joined the rest of the people. Everything was so beautiful, wood and muted colors and statues and flags… it was easy, the meditation bit. Well, easier than I thought, and much less pressure on the “sitting quietly” part. I was afraid I’d be stuck there for an hour without moving, but everyone was very supportive, and the bigger group was broken up by chantings and what they called “walking meditation.” Very cool. Afterwards, everyone congregated in the kitchen for tea and cookies, and just talked about anything going on in their lives, like a big group of friends- and that’s what they are, after all. Like a family, it was so cool! I was listening to them talk, and even interjecting my thoughts when I got up the nerve, and the feeling of connected-ness deepened as they talked about moving around, traveling the world, doing good for everyone, and that was just their normal lives. These people are amazing! And even weirder, they seemed to accept me right in there, helping me out, being friendly, letting me include myself in their discussions… wow, do I wanna live there and do that a few times a week. As it is, I think I may go back on thursday.