Contemplative Semester

One key blessing I received from the contemplative semester, beyond the tools and insights and practices, is a handful of spiritual friendships that showed me how supportive a relationship could be. Now, I feel the unconditional love from these people no matter how far apart we are, and it has organically strengthened my resolve to make decisions according to what truly feels right, wise, and compassionate, even when it doesn't feel like the safer path to follow.

My anxiety about where I am in life, the decisions I need to make, and where I should be has lessened as CS helped me spend more time in the present. I hope to continue developing this mindset I learned on CS moving forward and to remind myself that it's okay for things to be as they are right now.

This has been the best experience and place to learn more about myself than anywhere else. Anyone able to get this much direct exposure to meditation and this kind of community for this long is extremely fortunate

Sometimes when I feel that I want to take things slowly or do something my own way, I find myself fearing judgement of others. When this happens, I remember the other CS people, and it helps remind me that it is okay to live my own way. I met people on CS with whom I felt an incredible sense of warmth and belonging. We created deep bonds with each other built on trust, deep listening, kindness, and shared meditation practice. That is a very strong foundation for relationships, and creates the sense of belonging.

I have never seen so many people change so drastically in such a short amount of time. In three months being at CS, the shift to confident adn happy and outgoing was insnae to watch happen. And I've watched it happen in myself.