Trip Two - Growth

I couldn't make a trip to the US without driving over to E Wa to visit my neice and my friends at Sravasti Abbey. The two were opposites, my neice in the height of pubescent self-centeredness only talks about boys, and how hot she thinks she is (aye yie yie!). It was good to connect with her, and my sister who accompanied me on the drive, although it was strange to see how's she's grown into a woman's body while I've been away. Connecting with my spiritual community was as important. They abbey has grown as well, not so much in buildings but in persons. Since I've been away, one of my friends ordained, and another is set to in Sept, and two others have become residents. I've chosen a different path in life but I admire their work and wish them all the best. It's amazing how just being in a holy place like that calms the mind. All the mental garbage falls away and priorites seem clear. I think very fondly of the times I've spent at the abbey, while there I feel I'm a purer version of myself and so dropping in for a visit or going on retreat is like taking a necessary Dharma shower. I hope to sometime soon have a longer visit, but however short, I am happy I had the opportunity to stop by. I even arrived just before Venerable Chodron was about to give a teaching to a group of young people there for a young adults retreat, so I got some teaching and meditation time as well. The younguns were amazing people from the short discussions I had! Best of luck to you all!