By Travis Newbill
Floral Notes and Bardo: The Creative Chronicles of a Shambhala Mountain Resident is a regular feature on the SMC blog in which a member of our staff/community shares his experience of existing as part of Shambhala Mountain Center.
Illuminated, frosty song — anchored by the mournful howls…
Riding up the mountain road yesterday, on my way back to Shambhala Mountain, after having spent a couple of weeks in Florida, I had this baffling, beautiful feeling that I was entering another world.
I feel at home in this world. The energy here is tangibly different, heightened. Meditation practice is more powerful, and people are operating in a different way.
We had a community meeting yesterday, and I was struck by the way we exist together up here. The ordinariness of heartfelt, vulnerable communication is remarkable.
This is a different world.
And I feel connected to the suffering of my loved ones elsewhere. Florida was intense. Being there for so long (two weeks is a pretty long time to be in Florida, and a pretty long time to be away from here), I became unified, just enough, with what’s happening there. It’s my problem too.
Living here is not a way of escaping from those troubles, but a way of strengthening so that I can really help.
The way that I related with the situation down there was different than before. I felt much more able to be patient, compassionate, accommodating, and to refrain from reacting aggressively when I encountered something that I didn’t like.
I encountered a lot of things that I didn’t like. And I found that I could actually love those things.
In short, I feel reassured. The practices are working. The path is real. I’m inspired to go further. I believe that I can help this world, and deepening my commitment to the path is the best way.
Shambhala Mountain is a sacred training ground. My life here is good — I am so well taken care of, and I’m growing a lot.
My heart was erupting with gratitude and joy as I reconnected with Heather, and felt myself landing — here at home, on the mountain, in my nest. It felt great to receive food from my friends, to open the dharma books, and everything.
— January 8, 2015
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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 Shambhala Guide — a preliminary teaching position. Follow Travis on twitter: @travisnewbill