My weekend
ajhayes
Pema Jinpa Dorje Northern Michigan Veteran
Hello all!
I attended a meditation retreat this weekend. I think it was really good for me, I got a lot out of it. It helped to strengthen my practice and new tools to use and I was truly thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow with a bunch of really nice people.
However, I also felt like a certain character in the following skit (there's a lot of these, they're really funny).
I certainly don't want to sound ungrateful or stuck up. I found my experience to be a lot different from other peoples (on the surface, anyway). One of the teachers would crack a joke and I would give it a chuckle (like- hey, that was kind of funny.) while the rest of the group was roaring with laughter over it. Some people talked about feeling the good, pure energy of the group and radiating light and such. I didn't quite feel that, I felt that these were nice people in an inviting environment. I guess I felt a bit out of place, which is not an abnormal feeling for me. Frequently I just chalk that up to me being "a little off."
I'm not really sure how to feel about most of this. Ultimately, my takeaway is that it was a great experience that I am truly thankful for.
Comments
Sounds like you had a pretty good time. You do sometimes get some over the top spiritual types at retreats, so I wouldn’t worry about not being quite as enthusiastic as some.
What Fun
Retreats are like Holy Daze Ramadamn-a-ding-dong eh focus points for propoganda reinforcement - wait that is the KKK and their founders the Friedmasons. Be kind? Well consider it wrathful behaviour . . .
I am on a personal retreat at the moment. Which means a change of scenery and perhaps a little more chanting in foreign languages. Retreats are great. What a privilege. What an opportunity.
I think I know the feeling you're talking about. Dharma centers in the west tend to self select for people with particular cultural backgrounds. I think as Buddhists they are generally kind and well intentioned, but are just not used to people outside of that bubble. You're not alone, there are a few of us from outside of the reservation, they have probably found their way here.
I take my time there as an opportunity to learn about people different than myself and see if there is anything I can take away and grow from. Also remember even if you feel out of place and "off" compared to the dominant culture, you have experiences and attitudes that even though others may not understand or appreciate have positive value.
Well said @person
? Abnorm is the new dharma norm ...
OM MANI PEME HO HUM