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.

Sweltering Florida is a heavy swamp,, shirt soaked in
doubt, mowing the lawn, day to day dirt. Muck.

Mountain air is fresh.

Last night I was asked to describe a transition which has occurred in my life. I spoke about the move from suburbia Florida to a mountain-dwelling contemplative community.

I said lots of things:

What did I leave behind?

Petting my cat. Being close to my Mom. Swimming in the ocean. (and other lovely peoples and things, of course)

What have I gained?

My life is rich with meaningful relationships. I laugh so much more! So much more. That actually says it all, I believe.

I feel confident that I am right where I need to be.

–Lately, in the middle of my morning writing (as just now), I get a little knock on my door and it’s Heather, who visits my room just to kiss and smile for a minute before she hikes up to work–

She’s the one who interviewed me about transition. I thought she meant something else when she proposed the idea and so a bouquet of attachment, disappointment and freedom played out in my body and I read dharma.

Anyway…

I live here near the Great Stupa. I live among teachers and fellow practitioners. We talk a lot about mind, emotions, death, and the quirks of everyday living.

I’m learning tons about marketing, buddhadharma, love, leadership and generally leading a good human life.

I was asked what advice I would give to my pre-transition self:

Don’t stay stuck for too long.

–February 11, 2014

~~~

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.