By Travis Newbill

Floral Notes and Bardo: The Creative Chronicles of a Shambhala Mountain Resident is a daily feature on the SMC blog in which a member of our staff/community shares his experience of existing as part of Shambhala Mountain Center.

In the dark, in the heat of Grandfather’s breath, I felt layers of frivolity dissolving.  There are more layers.

So often thrown by chattering mind, entertainment-seeking — scattered.  It’s just play.  Sand slipping through fingers — colored sand.  Still, this is a precious opportunity.  So, I’d like to trip less and dance more.

Yesterday, sweat-lodge ceremony.  So grateful.  It brings me into touch — with my bones, the earth, sky, elements, and my fellows.  Refreshed afterwards, and wholesomely, beautifully tired.

After dinner, Heather and I went up to Avalokiteshvara.  My old friend Michael “had us over.”  It was his little yurt before it was my little yurt.  He’s been on the land recently doing a long retreat, and he’s been staying in there once again — which has cool been very cool for him, and for Heather and I as well, as we’ve been exploring cohabitation.

So, he had us over.

He read us poetry and a story that he wrote about dragons.  After a nice walk back to Manjushri, I slept so soundly.

— July 17, 2014

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Travis Newbill is a curious dude on the path of artistry, meditation, and social engagement who is very glad to be residing at Shambhala Mountain Center.  His roles within the organization include Marketing Associate and Head Dekyong–a position of leadership within the community.  Follow Travis on twitter: @travisnewbill