What up family and friends!! It’s Zackariah here coming at you with this weeks blog update!
First off I’d like to apologize for delaying in posting this weeks update, I take ownership for the delay.
Now on to business.
Last week we finished up our final day on the Groovy Grape Tour of the Outback. On Monday we went on an incredible morning hike threw the Kings Canyon. To start off the day we had to climb up “Heart Attack Hill.” By the top of the hill we were all huffing and puffing, but our efforts were quickly rewarded with a view over the surrounding outback and the canyon below. We continued our hike and along the way we stopped for lunch and a cool swim in “The Garden of Eden.” I swear, I’m not making these names up. Australia has a bunch of funny names for its different locations. After the hike we wanted some more bus time so we took another road trip back to Alice Springs. Let me tell you guys, a lot of interesting and hilarious things happen “On A Bus.”
The next day we said our goodbyes to our dear friend Ben, an amazing person who sadly had to leave the group. Ben we miss you very much and the group wanted to give you a shout out. “Ben, we all love you and we hope everything is all good in the hood.”
Earlier in the week we drew names of another person in the group and we were suppose to write a letter to that person telling them what we appreciate about them. While we were on layover in Sydney the group exchanged its letters of appreciation to one another. There were some tears (not really), some laughs, and a lot of smiles. After that the group atmosphere took a change for the better and we slipped into the preforming stage.
Tuesday night we arrived at Chenrezig and we were soon off to bed. Over the course of the next week we went to teachings and meditation classes in the Gompa which is where the bhuddists do their worship. We learned a lot about how bhuddists conduct themselves in their daily lives such as having compassion for all living beings and practicing mindfulness. We learned about the Tibetan conflict and about the history of the invasion by China. We also went on a hike one day during when the group was “In Silence.” The hike was threw a pristene rainforest and underneath a waterfall.We encountered a big goanna lizard that walked right under the picnic table we were sitting at and then he walked off and started sunbathing. I personally got to meditate next to the waterfall and it was incredible to say the least. For the week we ate an array of vegetarian meals such as pumpkin soup, rissoles, potato salad, dale soup, split pea, and of course VEGGIES!
I asked the group to write down what they thought of the Chenrezig experiance and here is what I got.
Oreo Ori, aka Ori
What a week. In the past 2 1/2 months I have spent two weeks in a Fijian village, one week on a farm, one week at a Marae, one week at an adventure center, and now at a Buddhist Retreat Center. Its safe to say that this has been a trip of “firsts”. Chenrezig has been so indescribably amazing – from the delicious healthy food to the incredible warmth and kindness you feel when speaking to the nuns and monks. Each moment here has been special. We have learned about the story of Buddha, the basic principles of Buddhism and even how to draw a Buddha! I know that I will leave this place having grown as an individual and I am truly thankful for that. The love, kindness, and compassion emanating from Chenrezig has reached me and I will carry that with me in life. Thank you to all made this week be as memorable as it was and a real big thank you to The Zackanator for being as smooth as butter.
Love, Ori
Big Mama Mo-Mo, aka, Simone
Being back at Chenrezig felt like going home, spiritually. I feel like my week at Chenrezig helped me get a more in depth understanding of Buddhism. I am a student of Buddha. And Ori is awesome! I love that kid!
Shloobie Skyeler, aka “Big Papa Sky”, aka Grandpa, aka Skyeler
This week I ate yummy food and was contacted directly by the enlightened spirit himself.
I love Chenrezig!
By, Skyeler
Banana Phone, aka Anna
I have learned a lot about Buddhist practices such as compassion, enlightenment, karma, reincarnation, meditation, prayer wheels, stupas and mantras. I spent the week not killing any bugs (including mosquitoes!) I read four books, ate vegetarian, practiced a day of silence and drew the Buddhas face. I am thankful for the chance to have gotten to visit and stay at Chenrezig.
🙂 Anna
The Raisin Lover, aka Charlie, aka Katie
I’ve learned more about myself during my time at Chenrezig than I have during any other part of the trip. During the two days of silence that I participated in I learned I expend too much energy on talking and not enough about being aware of my thoughts and working with both the positive/negative ideas that pop into my head. After fully participating in meditation I’ve realized I could reaps its benefits. After the week I feel refreshed and my mind feels clear.
P.S. I love you MOM, DAD, HARRY, SPANK, COCO, MORGY AND BISCUIT.
The Secret Hammer, aka Brian
I learned a lot about knowledge and how to work with my mind. Thank you Chenrezig!
Loud Bag, aka Molly
Deliciously insightful experience.
Mad Hatter, aka Maddie
I have reached a new point of clarity in myself. I’ve learned how to be mindful, especially in eating (Yes dad you will be happy to see I don’t inhale my food anymore)! I’ve also learned that happiness comes from within, no external things or people can change that. I would also like to give a big shout out to the fam! Bubba and Riley you were in my dream the other night and I saw your cousin last week!
Annie Bananie, aka Annie
I’ve enjoyed learning about mindfulness, compassion, and karma. It was cool learning how powerful the mind can be – how it can be the root of our sorrow and yet the root of our happiness. P.S. I’d like to give a shout out to Zamboni and Lucy.
Morgis smorgis,aka The Captain, aka Morgan the girl from Oregon who should play the organ, aka Morgan
I had a great time having the opportunity to practice being present and learning about meditation. I think I learned a lot about how to be mindful with my actions and my words. I loved learning about the history of Buddhism and all its lessons. I’d like to give a shout out to Ally from Annie
Love, Morgan
Zackariah, aka Zackanator, aka Zack
This week has been a week of reflecting about what the past 3 months have meant to me personally and about how I should use my energy to help others. I’ve realized that I’ve grown a lot and I’m proud that the group can see it. I hope to continue to grow for the rest of the trip and for the rest of my life. I’ve also realized how grateful I am for this amazing group of people that have given me love, support and helped me grow into a better person. Learning about mindfulness had to be the biggest lesson I learned while at Chenrezig because I can see how what I say and do effects my life. Good or bad our actions have results, good or bad.
The group would also like to give a big heartfelt shout out to Barbara Hallberg. We all really appreciate the pastels, harmonicas, and chocolate that your awesome son shared with us. THANK YOU 🙂
Thank you friends and family for continuing to read our group posts and we all miss you very much! Also we want friends and family to know that your always in our thoughts and we tell each other about you regularly.
With love,
Zack and the rest of the group 🙂