This article was written by Robin Duguay, a graduate student in the Psychology department at Springfield College. It was published in “The Student”, the college newspaper.
Imagine a pill, that if taken regularly, would, “open the eyes and bestow understanding, which leads to peace, insight, wisdom, and enlightenment.” Would you take it? While these things are not yet available in pill–form, they are critical elements of Buddhist philosophy, and are available for your consumption.
Last year, Campus Ministries and the Psychology Department invested in a weekly meditation session with yogi, Adjunct Professor in Buddhist Psychology, and all–around fabulous woman, Ruth Anne Lundeberg. The Springfield College community may not comprehend what a valuable investment this was. In an environment where stress rules, chaos reigns, and there are innumerable obligations tying all of us down, it would seem the opportunity to step away from all of this, for even an hour, would attract us all.
Ruth Anne, owner of the world’s most soothing voice, facilitates a non–denominational meditation session that will make you forget you have anywhere to be…ever! Meditation practice, while certainly not easy, is rewarding. Ruth Anne ensures that there is ample time for question and discussion about anything from the history behind meditation to, “how come I fall asleep when I meditate?” As a yogi, Ruth Anne also incorporates basic yoga from time to time to help facilitate the meditation process. Her sessions are geared towards individual needs and abilities, and nobody in the group is left behind. Does any other group like this exist?
The practice of focusing our attention inward, to ourselves, versus what’s going on in the world around us, is hard to imagine anyone resisting. It is, however, arguably the most difficult practice to do. Practice, however, does make at least almost perfect, and the rewards of being able to remove yourself from all that weighs you down, even momentarily, far outweigh the risks of attending Ruth Anne’s session.
For those who want to have an hour to relax, where nobody can reach them, or for those who want to learn more about mediation; for those who want to learn a little about Buddhist philosophy or for those who want to enhance their listening and focusing skills; for anyone really, try Ruth Anne’s sessions in meditation. You will learn something, you and you will be glad you came. —Robin Duguay