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.
Funky rhythm, sweet peaks. I can taste her all the time. Groggy, high, and love-struck lately.
Heather tasting the snow:
In other news:
The other night at dinner…it was Erik’s birthday. We didn’t have a cake or candles for him, so we kept suggesting that he make a wish before blowing our minds. Erik is a mind-blowing sort of guy–super sharp intellect and full of amazing facts and figures. Most importantly, though, he gets a huge kick out of the whole thing. His smile is blinding. He’s fascinated by reality. He wants to know about everything.
He requested that we not sing the traditional birthday song for him, but instead, sing the Shambhala birthday song. He likes that one.
“We wish you a cheerful birthday!
A joyous and cheerful birthday!
To our friend _________
We wish you a long, long, life!”
Unfortunately, none of us at the table could remember the tune on Erik’s birthday–It was a wake up call for us. Now, Heather has initiated a Birthday Committee, which will ensure that people’s birthdays are celebrated in a wonderful way according to their wishes.
Here is a meme featuring Erik:
Yesterday we passed out surveys, asking people how they would like their birthdays to be celebrated. The first section of the survey was:
“What are three things that you like?”
I’m tempted to share some of the odder responses to the prompt, but taken out of the context of this adorable mountain community, they may not be as hilarious or even seem okay. Anyway…
Here are three of my favorite things:
1. Phish
2. Bubbles
3. Mangoes
–January 30
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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.