It really is amazing how the right book can land in your lap at the exact moment you need it, almost like a hidden hand at work. Grateful this piece resonated with you, and thank you for taking a moment to reflect with me here.
I’m really enjoying this series, and this second installment is just as powerful as the first. Your description of the "full catastrophe" not always being metaphorical—especially those plane crash moments—hit home. Before finding meditation, I often felt desperate for something to center me when real catastrophe struck.
Funny enough, Jon Kabat-Zinn was important in my journey too! Years ago, I picked up Wherever You Go There You Are and decided—halfway through—I knew enough to start. I just dove in, and it was exactly what I needed.
My interest actually began at 11, but certain Christian voices in my life warned against "that kind of thing." It wasn’t until years later, when cracks in that framework began to show, that I finally embraced what my soul had been longing for. I took to mindfulness meditation immediately, connecting to something deep within, and just months later, experienced a pretty intense spiritual awakening. All from half a book!
Your insight that mindfulness offers "not control, but contact. Not answers, but clarity. A quiet way to be with life, even when it arrives as the full catastrophe," describes it perfectly. Again, thank you so much for sharing your journey with us!
Kristina, thank you for your ongoing support through this series. Really glad you're enjoying these articles. Your story gave me chills. It's amazing how a single book (or even half a book!) can crack something open when the timing is right.
I really felt that tension you described between early curiosity and the voices that warned against “that kind of thing.” It’s something I hear so often, and I've lived in my own way, too. Funny how those early longings never quite go away… they just wait patiently for us to come back.
And I love what you said about diving in. There’s something powerful about following the pull without over-intellectualizing it. That trust, that contact... it is the path, isn’t it?
Thank you for the feedback on my story, I take it as a high compliment that it gave you chills. It really is amazing how much timing plays into how well things can work in one’s life. A reminder to trust instead of trying to force.
And you are so right about how those early longings never quite go away. I spent a large part of my life denying many of them and when I started opening up it was like they were all still there waiting for me.
Thank you again for sharing. I really appreciate your voice and look forward to reading more of your story. I, too, am grateful to be in this unfolding with you.
Thank you Kate! I’ve really appreciated your presence across my posts — and I just checked out your site. What a rich journey you’ve been on. It’s beautiful to see how many places (inner and outer) you’ve explored through meditation. I have a feeling the upcoming chapters will resonate
It’s amazing how a single book can arrive at exactly the right moment. Thank you for sharing such a raw and grounded window into your journey.
It really is amazing how the right book can land in your lap at the exact moment you need it, almost like a hidden hand at work. Grateful this piece resonated with you, and thank you for taking a moment to reflect with me here.
Hi Alexis.
I’m really enjoying this series, and this second installment is just as powerful as the first. Your description of the "full catastrophe" not always being metaphorical—especially those plane crash moments—hit home. Before finding meditation, I often felt desperate for something to center me when real catastrophe struck.
Funny enough, Jon Kabat-Zinn was important in my journey too! Years ago, I picked up Wherever You Go There You Are and decided—halfway through—I knew enough to start. I just dove in, and it was exactly what I needed.
My interest actually began at 11, but certain Christian voices in my life warned against "that kind of thing." It wasn’t until years later, when cracks in that framework began to show, that I finally embraced what my soul had been longing for. I took to mindfulness meditation immediately, connecting to something deep within, and just months later, experienced a pretty intense spiritual awakening. All from half a book!
Your insight that mindfulness offers "not control, but contact. Not answers, but clarity. A quiet way to be with life, even when it arrives as the full catastrophe," describes it perfectly. Again, thank you so much for sharing your journey with us!
Kristina, thank you for your ongoing support through this series. Really glad you're enjoying these articles. Your story gave me chills. It's amazing how a single book (or even half a book!) can crack something open when the timing is right.
I really felt that tension you described between early curiosity and the voices that warned against “that kind of thing.” It’s something I hear so often, and I've lived in my own way, too. Funny how those early longings never quite go away… they just wait patiently for us to come back.
And I love what you said about diving in. There’s something powerful about following the pull without over-intellectualizing it. That trust, that contact... it is the path, isn’t it?
Grateful to be in this unfolding with you.
Thank you for the feedback on my story, I take it as a high compliment that it gave you chills. It really is amazing how much timing plays into how well things can work in one’s life. A reminder to trust instead of trying to force.
And you are so right about how those early longings never quite go away. I spent a large part of my life denying many of them and when I started opening up it was like they were all still there waiting for me.
Thank you again for sharing. I really appreciate your voice and look forward to reading more of your story. I, too, am grateful to be in this unfolding with you.
Wondering if tai chi or qi gong might emerge in LA! I enjoyed this. Thank you.
Thank you Kate! I’ve really appreciated your presence across my posts — and I just checked out your site. What a rich journey you’ve been on. It’s beautiful to see how many places (inner and outer) you’ve explored through meditation. I have a feeling the upcoming chapters will resonate