Exercising a Mindfulness Practice

We would like to thank Robert Walley for his blog contribution about his experience at Yoga!  Yoga classes meet Mondays and Wednesday at the Palm Beach Shambhala Center from 5:00 PM to 6:15 PM.  We look forward to seeing you there.

I’ve been wanting to write about the marvelous experience I’ve had since I started Yoga with Brett.  It’s had an incredible impact on my physical condition as well as my spiritual practice.  I know this will always be part of my journey and more people should take advantage of the benefits, especially with the opportunity to learn from such a great spiritual teacher.

When I first came to Shambhala my mental and physical condition was a wreck.  Abuse, neglect, major medical issues, addictions and of course age all took it’s toll on my body.  While up North, a close friend I hadn’t seen for some time called me during my brief visit.  He told me about his journey and path with Shambhala meditation, a path he has been on for 20 years.  He recommended I visit Palm Beach Shambhala when I returned to Florida.  I did, starting the next day, driving an hour and a half each way for the “Heart of Recovery” program twice a week.  On one of my visits I met Brett Ferrigan who teaches the Yoga class twice a week, among many of his other involvements with Shambhala.  What he had to say and how he presented it to me made me want to at least try a class.  Although my first one was difficult, as well as every one since, I was intrigued by what I could do with my broken body with the right instruction.  Brett is not only knowledgeable and dedicated to his practice, he is compassionate toward his students. It’s not about touching your toes, it’s about the journey there.

In the weeks since, I have experienced a dramatic improvement not only in my physical condition but my meditation practice as well, including an increased appreciation for walking meditation.  Two weeks ago I had the fortune to do a weekend program he taught, “Yoga and Meditation in everyday life.”  I believe everyone who attended it would agree when I say the program was informative, inspiring and of course “compassionately difficult.”  One last mention about his dedication to the program, Brett recently drove 10 hours after teaching another program up North to have his class the same day.  As it was, it turned out to be one of the best classes yet.  If I can do this with my condition and change for the better, so can you.  Don’t let any doubts hold you back.  See you in class, Namaste.