Core Insight: The past two weeks revealed something crucial: genuine community (Sangha) is essential for grounded spiritual practice, both online and in-person.
Key Realizations:
Community as Foundation
Joined a new yoga studio (Yoga Direction) but still felt ungrounded despite daily practice
30-minute meditation + 60-minute Dharma talk at Buddhist temple shifted everything
The structured conversation format (not just preaching) created openness and dialogue
Physical presence in community filled something that solo practice couldn’t
For Digital Community Builders
You need your own physical Sangha to draw from before facilitating one online
Conscious community building is a responsibility, not just a role
Local + digital communities should complement each other, not replace one another
Action Items for Listeners
Search Meetup, Eventbrite, Facebook groups for local spiritual/practice communities
Find spiritually-focused groups (meditation, yoga, etc.) alongside hobby/sports groups
Don’t outsource your introspection entirely to organized religion
Personal Practice Evolution
Balancing LA Fitness + Yoga studio memberships (gym breaks down, yoga grounds)
Exploring steel mace, calisthenics, kettlebells as gym alternatives
Future path: Tai Chi, Qigong, Reiki, sound healing, guided meditations
Possible project: Talk tracks mixing beats with mentor quotes (Mentor Synthesis?)
The Breaking Point
Hitting an “upper limit” - self-sabotaging before a breakthrough
AI assistant setup frustrations led to feeling drained and disempowered
Reminder: Use technology, don’t let it use you (digital Zen philosophy)
New Discovery: The term “Zendo” (Zen Dojo) - might rebrand the Substack community from Dharma Dojo to reflect this
Invitation: Join the Sangha on Substack for deeper dives into topics like different Buddhist sects, the “don’t know mind” philosophy, and evergreen spiritual guidance
Closing Mantra: Keep flowing, stay growing ✌️
