“To train in patient acceptance, you would actually bring to meditation a mind that accepts wholeheartedly whatever arises, having given up the idea that things should be any other way.” ~ Linda Fane
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Linda Fane is what’s called an Agile Coach and Facilitator but what makes Linda so special to me is that she is also a longtime Buddhist practitioner and a teacher.
I met Linda years ago through the Kadampa Meditation Center in Seattle. Over the years we’ve gotten to know each other not only through the Center but through some wonderful walks we’ve had together, through social events and even during time on the racquetball court.
Though I don’t get to see her nearly as much as I would like, I consider her a very dear friend and cherish our time together. And you’ll understand why in this episode.
Linda has a really level-headed approach to life and she’s also full of heart and love. And that comes through not only when you spend time with her in person but also in this recording.
I’ve been interested in Buddhism for a very long time. It probably dates back to my travels to Southeast Asia when I was in my early 20s. I was captured by the gentle spirit of the Thai and Vietnamese people and have always associated this with their Buddhist practices—even though the way each of these countries practices Buddhism is quite different.
For many years I was a book Buddhist. I just read about it and I tried to meditate here and there. It wasn’t until my husband, Jon, and I heard a Buddhist nun speak at an event in Seattle that I was interested in learning much more. During this talk, this insightful nun, Gen-la Dekyong, said, “meditation brings peace of mind which then brings happiness.” And I thought that wasn’t such a bad thing.
Gen-la Dekyong is part of the New Kadampa Tradition (she’s actually now the General Spiritual Director) and they have a temple in Seattle. So Jon and I started going to that temple regularly on Monday nights when they have a program where you meditate and listen to dharma teachings.
This led to me being a meditator on a fairly regular basis. I’ve also become quite intrigued with the affects of meditation on the brain and the body. There are lots of studies you can find on that connect because research has surged in recent years (see links below).
For me, meditation and the study of Buddhism has been a very important part of my life. The interesting thing about it is that it doesn’t matter what religion you come from or what religion you currently practice, there’s always room for meditation and the insight that’s taught in Buddhism.
Mentioned in this episode
- New Kadampa Tradition
- Kadampa Meditation Center (Seattle)
- Judson Brewer’s TED Talk on breaking a habit (like smoking)
Other links and resources
- Matthieu Ricard’s TED Talk on the habits of happiness
- Neuroscience Reveals the Secret’s of Meditation’s Benefits (Scientific American)
- Center for Healthy Minds
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Be Bold,
Beth
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