Looking For Calm

I drove out to Great Falls, Virginia this morning to meet Sara and go for a trail run. The sky was crystal clear- the air was crisp and cool and the sun was just creeping into view. We had gone about 20 minutes when we saw a woman walking her dog. She stopped to hold her dog while we ran by. I realized after we passed that it was Tara Brach, the founder of the Insight Meditation Group of Washington, psychotherapist and author of True Refuge. I stopped, turned back and said hello. I have not yet had the chance to meet her personally on the few occasions that I have attended her Wednesday evening meditation class. I introduced myself and told her how sorry I was to have heard about the passing of her mom. She told me that her mom had loved walking on this path in the woods and asked me if I came out to Great Falls often. I said no but was aware of the infinite beauty that surrounded this place, the sky, the blue heron I had just seen take flight, and the slowly moving rapids that undulated back and forth. I was so excited to be in Tara Brach’s presence. I briefly shared with her my passion for this practice of mindfulness that is such a new exploration in my life. I told her that I would be attending her retreat with Jack Kornfield in mid July. We spoke only for about 30 seconds, she touched her heart with her hand and went on her way. Wow! Chance encounter in the woods – 10 miles from DC- God works in mysterious ways. I feel grateful to have gone to her one day workshop with Jen last October. I am looking forward to going to her workshop in July. I am excited about next steps and continuing to practice and share with others my experience and the work of Mindful Schools. I believe that this practice is a gift to the soul and a nourisher of mind, body and spirit. I feel my mind and heart have been opened and transformed- creating space for learning, curiosity, and wonder while increasing the capacity to listen and be.
May 24th 2014