Getting to know our Sangha

I take refuge in the Buddha. I take refuge in the Dharma. I take refuge in the Sangha. 

Have you ever wanted to get to know more about all the volunteers that make Dharma Bum Temple so special? Day in and day out the volunteers open the doors, lead meditations, welcome visitors, oversee the Buddha For You store, knit hats, feed the homeless, and lead the half day silent retreats once a month among many other duties as well. This month we are happy to introduce Meredith Ryan and put the volunteer spotlight on her! She answered a few questions and here is what she shared. 

How long have you been with DBT?

This is my fourth year with the Dharma Bum Temple. 

What brought you to the Temple? 

Meditation had been a beneficial practice for me many years ago and I knew it was time to find my way back. I began watching Saturday intro classes on YouTube before deciding to attend in person. Within a short period of time, I started feeling the benefits of regular meditation practice and it did not take much longer before the opportunity arose to join the second cohort of the Engaged Buddhist Training Program. That program was the genesis of my connection to the Sangha and volunteering. 

What services do you volunteer for?

I help oversee the smooth operation of the food redistribution program

I lead Metta and Zen classes

I occasionally co-lead heart sutra practice 

I share hosting responsibilities for Monday night Zen class and fill in other days or nights of the week as needed

I lead and shoji half day of silence retreats

I lead meditation at a behavioral health center as part of the temple outreach program in conjunction with Recovery Dharma

I edit and write material for the temple as needed

What do you like best about volunteering? 

Volunteering is a fabulous way to be part of the sangha. It has been a great way to make friends and it’s also been a way to share the responsibility and care for the space and programs that benefit so many people week in and week out. Volunteering feels connecting and fulfilling to me and has also presented opportunities for personal growth that have pushed me outside my comfort zone. One of the things I now intrinsically feel that solidified through my volunteering experiences is that when you break yourself of the habit of focusing on how things are going to go or worrying about what’s going to happen, then you can just watch and experience what happens and meet it with a composed mind. This does not mean you stop planning or being responsible, it just means that you continually do what you need to do but your attention and awareness stay in the present rather than being pulled into the future. That shift has changed the way I move through the world. 

How do you enjoy your time outside of DBT? Any hobbies or interests you'd like to share so we can get to know you better?

I really enjoy painting and making art and have for most of my life. Making art of all kinds was a big part of raising both of my kids and today, as young adults, they are both still engaged with and appreciate art in their lives. That is a connection with them that I’ll always cherish. Three years ago, I tried hot yoga for the first time and got hooked. It’s a regular part of my week along with a couple of 5-7 mile beach walks for exercise. Something I look forward to regularly is travel and I feel very lucky to be able to pick up and go at this point in my life. Being able to explore and experience different cultures, food, and religions is so valuable and it’s really shown me that the world is filled with people who despite all the differences are really very much the same. 

Thank you, Meredith, for sharing your time, energy and skills with us all and enlightening our Sangha with your presence. We are so grateful for all you contribute and for who you are. It has been a pleasure to get to know you better.