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.
The appearance of muddy terrain — my toes have been squishing around, and there seems to be broken glass and blobs of impossible tar and joy mixed in.
It’s been a “glitchy” few days. That’s Heather’s word.
Technology on the fritz, wave-like moods, trouble concentrating, odd dreams, surprise interruptions of all sorts. Me thinks that Dön Season is upon us!
I’ve been doing alright, rolling with it. Trying to keep my mouth shut when it may well spew forth subtle toxins.
On another note — such a nice note, series of notes — art has been arising all over the place. Conversations with artist friends, spontaneous jams, piano music pouring out into the hallway in the lodge. And, I’ve blocked off some time in the morning to get into some music.
Last night, while Heather was under the weight of an ugly Dön, I pulled out my guitar for the first time in a while and offered some spontaneous songs.
Earlier in the evening, a nice social mixer with the Elephant Journal staff and the SMC staff, in the Shambhala Lodge, by the fireplace, with wine, chocolates, and delicious desserts made by the kitchen folks. Lots of loving toasts and conversations.
Good to connect with Waylon, a true sangha-homie and legendary Colorado character.
Meanwhile, continuing the contmmplations on emptiness. According to the Cittamatra school (via Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche):
“…when one wakes up, one realizes that there were no outer perceived objects other than the mind itself.”
And it’s like that with “waking” reality as well.
There’s lots that could be said about the “mind only” school.
Anyway, I’m going to study a bit, send out a big email broadcast, meet with the umdzes for lunch, do some Ikebana for the staff shrine room, do some chores at the Stupa, and the exhale into the day of rest. TBIF.
— January 16, 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
Wow, that sounds relaly awesome. I have never relaly gotten eastern philosphy. It’s almost like you have to be there to truly understand the impact of their culture. This sounds like a book that relaly empowers the West to understand the depths of meditation.