In the six years Bodhi Meditation has offered the English 8.5-Day Health & Happiness Retreat, many have come in search of hope, to find balance, to open their heart to new possibilities, or because they have recognized the importance of self-care. Meditation is good self-care. By taking the time to invest in themselves and commit to the process, they not only honour themselves and show their brave, heart-centered self, they also inspire others. By the end of the January 2017 retreat, they too, like Grandmaster JinBodhi, wanted to help everyone achieve health and happiness. Master’s wish is to reach even more people. Spread the news! Let people know about this place that many consider a “home for their soul”.
Here are more of their stories.
For sixteen years, Melody cared for her mother who suffered from Alzheimer’s. That was a long grieving process. Two years ago, her daughter suffered a sports injury. She helped her through physiotherapy. Now it was time for Melody to care for herself. She wanted to learn meditation and wanted to learn more about herself. The care she received during the retreat was unexpected. Someone gave her a cup of tea, someone else covered her with a blanket, gave her extra cushions, and showed her the meditation hand positions used in meditation. She thanked everyone for doing what she does every day – offering love and care.
Raveena’s mother died in September and she’s had a difficult time. The first time she came across a Bodhi Meditation & Health magazine, it spoke to her. Then she saw another one. She’d wanted to take time for herself and go inward. So she got time off work and slept the week before the retreat. When she walked into the Centre on Day 1, she felt like she had stepped into her true home of love and compassion. She was sore while doing meditation, but she stuck with it and slowly got into it. Things started to shift. The pain in her shoulder was gone. Raveena is an educator working with students who have special needs. Often the students feel stupid. “I hurt for them. I tell them they are just learning a different way.” There needs to be a shift, she said. She wants to bring some of this “relaxation” to her students to teach them how to open their heart and learn empathy. “I’m so happy.”
Monika survived the war in Germany and was raised in poverty and lack. She had disabilities and was told by teachers that she wouldn’t amount to anything. “For so long I’ve had anger in the bottom of my belly.” On Day 8, she started crying. She cried and cried until she finally felt at peace. She’d searched for so long and now she could finally say goodbye to fear and the defiance it brings. “I am a place of only love. I am different, more courageous.”
Rod had an amazing week and spent most of his time by himself. He came to the retreat at the end of his rope, the result of assorted things in his life. He had decided he couldn’t take it anymore. But he surrendered to the process of the retreat and realized a great expansion of all things. On the last morning of the retreat, before coming to the Centre, his wife gave him a chance to practice what he’d learned during the week which was to come from a loving place, not a reactive place. His wife was shocked. The person who left in the morning the day before came home different. “This place is a gem that Westerners don’t realize. It was so supportive of my process.”
Sylvia first came to an 8.5-Day Health & Happiness Retreat in January 2016. For eight years she’d needed sleeping pills. She had no physical problems, but she had so much fear in her life, so much darkness. She played Prajna Mantra non-stop at home and felt the soothing music protected her. She could close her eyes and relax. During one of her first chants, she visualized lotus petals covering her body, and a light coming down. She realized she’d created the dark dungeon. She apologized to herself and told herself, “From now on, I will take care of you.” During another chant, she visualized light coming down and with it came white flowers and a small boy jumping freely. Her mind was peaceful for the first time in her life.
Disclaimer:
- The effects associated with practicing Bodhi Meditation can vary from person to person.
- Any and all content, views, opinions, and/or responses in this student sharing are solely the views, opinions and responsibility of the respondent and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Bodhi Meditation.
- Bodhi Meditation does not provide or replace any medical advice or treatment. We recommend everyone adhere to their medical treatment and prescription.
Photos by Bruce CG Gallagher