life's little mile markers

this was posted to the Dharma Punx Hudson Valley group email list ---

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
they say, in some circles.... it is about the progress, not perfection.

with certain types of work, it is easy to see progress through quantifiable means. but how on earth do you measure 'success' in spiritual practice?

for me, I need to look back at my past, and pin-point spaces in time to see how I perceived the world and how I reacted in it then, and make comparisons to where I am in this moment.

a little over year ago, green to daily practice, I craved the camaraderie of like minded spiritual seekers. I wanted a group of my own, a sangha!, to share ideas and meditation practice.

I didn't think I was worthy to lead the group by any means, so I went looking for the perfect teacher to guide us.

last September I took my first workshop with Noah Levine, and he told me, "just do it yourself, I know you can." this message was enforced by others such as Pablo Das and Tracey of Elm Street Collective. Not to mention the facilitators around the country who guided me and chatted with me over MySpace and chats.

Thank you Dharma Punxians Nation Wide!

They all instilled a sense of encouragement and quelled my self-judgment by giving me the impetus to ... as Nike says JUST DO IT.

a year ago, a few of us gathered at a little loft in Uptown Kingston, and began what is now known as Dharma Punx Hudson Valley.

flash back a year ago, shaking as I shared a reading with the group, wanting everyone in the group to like me, nervous and filled with self centered fears..... to now...

today, my priorities have greatly shifted. my perception of our group has altered. Dharma Punx Hudson Valley Group is my support network, a place to just be myself and not worry about the other stuff. I've been vulnerable and honest and my practice has catapulted forward greatly because of the generous support I've gotten from everyone who ever attended a meeting.

since starting this group, I've donated my time and energy to sharing the gift of meditation with countless others in rehabs, hospitals, schools and anywhere else they will have me.

I'm studying the foundations of buddhism and training to be a Dharma Punx Facilitator with Noah Levine at the Against the Stream Center in LA

mile markers. looking back a year ago to today.... the Dharma Punx Hudson Valley sangha has morphed, grown, shared, hosted retreats, put forth workshops, helped those in need... especially me.

it has been an HONOR and HUMBLING to be given the gift of facilitating this group.

please, come tomorrow and celebrate our One Year Anniversary. share in the gratitude I feel that our group continues to meet every week. without you guys, my practice wouldn't have progressed to the place it is now, a year older, becoming a sophomore, growing up, altering, changing and shaping things so differently.

big shout outs to EVERYONE who has EVER sat with us, even for just one time.

special request, please bring a reading to share with the group tomorrow. tomorrow's meditation is a special guided forgiveness meditation.

I METTA U Guys so so so so so much, and thank you for being a part of our Sangha!

jai bhagwan!

elissa jane