I Second That Emotion

Like Clara, I too want to bless and congratulate the fall kula members. Also like Clara, I am sad not to be able to participate physically in the fall cleanse and immersion, but will hold all of you lovingly in my heart each day and in my daily meditation practice, which by the way, is a direct fruit of my participation in the spring cleanse and immersion. The second fruit of that labor, and by far the sweetest, was the experience of connection that came from spending a week with a group of like-minded people , all so "normal" on the surface but so breathtakingly beautiful on the inside. You guys are in for such a treat, and I am so happy for you!! Pema Chodron, my hero (whose books are available in the handy and ever-so-lovely Kansas Siddhi Yoga Boutique) says, "Taking refuge in the sangha -- other people on the path of the bodhisattva-warrior -- doesn't mean that we join a club where we're all good friends, talk about basic goodness together, nod sagely, and criticize the people who don't believe the way we do. Taking refuge in the sangha means taking refuge in the brotherhood and sisterhood of people who are committed to taking off their armor."