Karen Stroes

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  • in reply to: Week 2 Essay #81725
    Karen Stroes
    Participant

    I’ll be honest – at this point I don’t have a shrine. My meditation has always taken place wherever it was convenient at the time. When I first heard the assignment to create a shrine, it felt a little daunting. After some dithering, I realize I don’t have to create the perfect shrine today. It can be a work in progress, something that will evolve, as my practice evolves. I do like the idea of a dedicated space, created with love and intention.

    in reply to: Week 1 Essay #81657
    Karen Stroes
    Participant

    Wow. Essay #1 is inviting me to dive right in and open up to creating a whole new framework for my life. Honestly, I have been a meditation “dabbler” my whole adult life, starting when I was 21 and I told my religious studies professor that I wanted to learn to meditate and he suggested a Vipassana retreat. That was definitely jumping in the deep end. I have come back to meditation again and again over the years.

    I see Hinayana as a way for me to create a dedicated meditation space in my home, which I have yet to do. I have a place in mind, and I have a lovely meditation bench which provides good support. I understand the need for creating this intentional space in order to give me a foundation to grow from.

    My work place in the hospital allows me to practice love and compassion, Mahayana. In the hospital we see patients and families at their most vulnerable. I have so many opportunities daily at work to practice and be present for people.

    At this point in my journey, vajrayana feels very elusive and mysterious, so I’ll just stay open to its possibilities with an “empty cup” attitude.

    in reply to: Welcome! Please introduce yourself. #81562
    Karen Stroes
    Participant

    Hi everyone! My name is Karen Stroes and I live on Vancouver Island in British Columbia Canada. I’m 61 and am a nursing unit assistant at a hospital in Victoria, BC. My bestie, Erin, took the meditation teacher training with Susan and was greatly impressed with her teaching style. I recently took the Buddhism in Everyday Life course and really enjoyed it. I felt the Buddhism Beyond Belief course would be a great next step to support me in deepening my practice. I’m currently in Mexico so I feel a little behind, but I’m looking forward to learning more with Susan and you all.

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