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.
Reflective ribbons on a passing train, a small one, which runs on imagined tracks through my forest hometown — a bit of a town — a bit of an echo, over and over, and the humble drummer plays along.
We had a lovely gathering at the Nubble Nest on Saturday afternoon — eight of us, fine tea, jazz (and later dub) through the small speakers, and small booklets full of big wishes. Some frustration because it’s not always so easy to have big dreams.
We reflected on 2014 and looked ahead to 2015. It was fun, though I didn’t go too deep. I was enjoying pouring tea, and I made a quik ikebana (Greg Smith calls it “quikebana”) with some flowers that Anna brought over. I ate plenty of chocolate and I made some aspirations for 2015.
I get confused about New Year these days because the lunar new year actually means more to me — it’s more significant in my world.
Anyway, I don’t quite remember what I wished for, and it may be bad luck to tell you even if I did.
I can say that I pretty much have lots of good things going, and I wish only to cultivate my life-garden further.
Meanwhile, I want to help a family member who is in a tough spot.
After the little party, Heather and I sat around the room, hugging and such. Scott came over from across the hall and played a beautiful Cat Stevens song for us. Heather knew it — Rebbi used to sing it for her when she was little. Cool family.
Later, after tea and lemon bars, I was in the bathroom brushing my teeth and I heard some music coming through the air vent. I grabbed my bass and walked across the hall to join in the jam for a bit.
— January 12, 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