By Travis Newbill

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.

What are we doing?  Sunrise in slow-motion.

Last night a small group of us re-watched the Sakyong’s recent address to the community. It was full of beauty-wisdom.  And, seeing him from the angle of the camera, and zoomed in close on his face, I appreciate his brutal depth and tenderness even more.  So raw.  Waves of intensity, his eyes gazing upwards, his jaw moving slightly — in a vast pause in-between statements.  And then gentle, ordinary words.  Mystical and ordinary.

He said lots of things.  One thing: As the world becomes more intense, places like this are going to be more important.  And people like you who dedicate your lives to this.  Your work will become more meaningful. (paraphrase)

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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.