Face to Face: Brenda Collins

Hello again from the Atlanta Shambhala Center’s Face to Face series. Our newest interview is with Brenda Collins, an active member of the Atlanta Shambhala community.

F2F: How did you first become involved with the Shambhala community?
Brenda: I started meditating on a regular basis when I was attending a non-denominational Spiritual community. The Spiritual Leader often referenced The Buddha Teachings which I connected with without knowing much about the Buddha. I started to feel different, more relaxed, and my senses became clearer.
One Sunday, I went downstairs to our remodeled library, to see if all books were on the shelf and in order, and a book fell on my head. I could not understand how a book fell on my head or anywhere, because they were all securely shelved. When I picked up the book from the floor, the Book looked interesting. Its title was Shambhala: The Path of the Warrior. I remember opening the book and there was a blank purple page. I continued to turn pages and it looked interesting, so I took the book home and read it.
After further investigation, I later realized that several people I knew from the Spiritual Community that had left, had become members of the Shambhala Meditation center. I contacted several of them and they invited me to come and visit. I later attended the open house night and never left. Shortly thereafter, I went through the complete Sacred path program. This was the most valuable gift I could have given myself. My Life Changed.

F2F: What do you appreciate about the Shambhala community?
Brenda: The Rich Teachings and Practice
In this community, I am able to practice the teachings, feeling safe, confident, and then take my truth out into the world with confidence, dignity and compassion.

F2F: What do you appreciate about the practice of meditation?
Brenda:
My life has changed. I love myself, therefore allowing me to love others
My life has changed. I have compassion and patience for all things
My life has changed. I take full responsibility for everything that happens to me and that comes my way.
For me, the biggest view and practice for me is accepting things as they are and working with it as it is.. “STAY”

Thank you to Brenda for sharing her experiences. Would you like to share your story with Face to Face? Please contact Nicole Carlson at: [email protected].