Recently I was given an opportunity to be a Practice steward, and that led to an exploration of what that might mean.
I have spent a good amount of time attending retreats and exploring various meditation practices and teachers, and it’s so interesting to note that whenever I encountered one of Cheri’s books, the reaction was “What? Cartoons? No thank you.” Of course, at that time, I didn’t see it as a ploy from egocentric karmic conditioning/self-hate to steer me away from that which turned out to be one of the greatest loves in my life. Luckily, a dear friend wouldn’t give up on me and kept encouraging me to attend a retreat with Cheri. The retreat was a two-day nonresidential event and very intense for this beginning meditator -- several 90-minute sit/walk/sit periods guided by Cheri, with group discussions in the morning and afternoon. Ego was very challenged and the heart was elated. There was this sense of coming home and the experience of not knowing what was happening along with an intense desire for more.
This sense of not knowing has only increased over the years. Wow! The mystery continues to inspire curiosity and commitment. There are many ways for human beings to awaken to and live the magnificent possibilities that Life offers. Being on this path with this group of people fills me with gratitude and willingness to participate in the offering of Practice for all who are approaching and following this holy path. And that simply means, I am practicing.
Gasshō,
Karen M