Here is a short synopsis (thank you Bob) of what we covered. I encourage all of you to email me with your own observations so I can add them here, or to leave a comment to further the discussion.
Our next meeting will be November 15th. Same place, same time.
People shared their history with meditation, teachers, retreats, and generally introduced themselves.
Following the breath was discussed as the beginning and foundation of a practice and a way to become more intimate with the "monkey mind." The more we increase this intimacy the more we will have insights into our real nature and have control over obsessions, digressions, and repetitive unhealthy thinking.
It was reinforced that each person has a unique path to follow and finding that path starts with trusting that we will be led to what we need to know or understand as long as we immerse ourselves in study and meditation. Some are proponents of having specific, personal teachers and some were less so, but all agreed that a meditation practice has benefits in and of itself; teacher or self-taught.
It was also reinforced that there is no wrong way to have a practice. We must find our own way with the aid of teachers, literature, and actual time on the cushion, so that it an be translated into life off the cushion.
