Going Within Together
As I live my “double life” split between bustling Los Angeles and the tranquil mountains really since we bought the house 18 years ago, I’ve got to experience the best of both worlds and has opened doors to interesting encounters and experiences in the mountains.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and the subsequent shutdowns like anywhere else, I am thrilled to see the resurgence of community spirit in recent times. The opportunities for engagement have multiplied, providing us with a chance to reconnect and participate actively. I’ve had the honor to have my photography exhibits at our local gallery, and am now a part of the community garden club among many other wonderful things we do up here.
As I get to know more people, I discovered there’s a diverse spiritual practice among us ranging from various Buddhist traditions to followers of an Indian guru and practitioners of indigenous Shamanism. I’ve attended different ceremonies or events facilitated by these people, which I really appreciate and enjoy.
Recently, a group of us with spiritual practices initiated a spontaneous gathering, forming a healing circle. In this circle, we meditate together and share our personal stories and journeys, providing each other with invaluable wisdom and support. This heartfelt exchange of experiences has been immensely nourishing, and we find solace in connecting with fellow travelers on this journey called life.
About the same time, an idea was born to have a community-based meditation club, which we had to get approval from our property owners association and we did. In July, we officially launched our weekly meditation sessions, where individuals from various traditions take turns leading the practice. During our first session, nine people, including the founding members, attended, and since then, the group has flourished with 18 participants at last session.
This growing membership of our meditation club is a testament to the universal need for inner contemplation and heart-based connections. Although we draw from different spiritual traditions hailing from diverse parts of the world, we all benefit equally from this practice of going within. Through meditation, we allow ourselves to become vulnerable and open our hearts to each other, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and shared humanity.
My double life has gifted me with these wonderful opportunities to cultivate meaningful connections and embrace diverse spiritual practices. As our community thrives, I feel a profound sense of gratitude for the wisdom, support, and love that surround us. After all so many of us are on a journey of self-discovery and unity, seeking the Universal Truth that binds us all as interconnected beings. This experience has taught me the importance of nurturing a practice that allows us to turn inward, fostering a sense of harmony and oneness with ourselves and others.