Shared Wisdom, Shared Strength: The Role of Community in Spiritual Growth
by Christina
I was born and raised in Newfoundland — an island on the East Coast of Canada. A visual artist at heart, I spent much of my life pursuing my creativity while working regular day-jobs. I was reasonably healthy and optimistic about my potential until March of 2020, when I sustained a life-altering head injury. The next couple of years were marked by subsequent head and neck injuries — a reality I struggled to accept. These repeated periods of incapacitation left me feeling vulnerable, stressed and disheartened. Simple, everyday tasks and activities — the things I had always taken for granted — were nearly impossible. My yearning to move ahead in life had been stalled by never-ending health challenges, and I feared things would never improve. I felt completely alone with my suffering, and the invisibility of my symptoms only heightened feelings of isolation
As months and then years passed, I eventually learned to be patient and deal with my situation as best I could. During this time, I found myself longing to be part of a spiritual community and, while I did begin participating in a weekly mindfulness meditation class, I still felt called to something more. It wasn’t until late 2023, almost four years later, that I finally regained enough capacity to pursue a deeper change.
The Support of a Spiritual Community is Powerful.
My first experience of Buddhist meditation was in the fall of 2023, during a four-day retreat in Nanaimo, British Columbia, on the West Coast of Canada. I had been living in Newfoundland feeling disconnected and adrift. Seeking change, I decided to jump into the unknown and embark on a journey that took me 7,000 km across the country to join a Kadampa Buddhist retreat.
I dove into the retreat head-first with curiosity and enthusiasm. I recall feeling an immediate sense of connection and ease with the other participants, despite not knowing anyone. The retreat afforded a nurturing experience, offering practical teachings and beautifully prepared vegetarian meals within the serenity of nature.
A feeling of belonging
In the days following, I found myself feeling inspired and started attending classes regularly at Kadampa Meditation Centre (KMC) Victoria — and so emerged the next chapter of my life and spiritual path. The community of practitioners at the Meditation Centre became a central component to my spiritual growth — a wonderful and caring place to start to re-integrate myself back into the world. I began attending multiple classes each week, engaged with and reflected on the teachings, and cultivated new and meaningful friendships. Having felt untethered for so long, this space became a sanctuary where I felt I was part of a community of like-minded souls. Like a seedling in fresh soil, I was finally being offered favourable conditions where I could start to bloom again.
I was particularly inspired by the Liberating Prayer, a poem recited prior to meditations and teachings as a way to bring one closer to Buddha Shakyamuni. I also resonated strongly with the teachings on cultivating wisdom and compassion, and took these to heart. As a result I found the feeling of belonging I’d been yearning for.
Finding Clarity
In early 2024 I had to leave Victoria and return to Newfoundland for medical appointments, with no certainty on when I could return. Going back to Newfoundland triggered many old internal patterns, including fears of re-injury and feeling trapped in circumstances. It became clear that the Victoria sangha and regular dharma teachings had become vital to my mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing — and in their absence I found myself feeling adrift once again. I spent some time reflecting and reminded myself that despite the appearance of stepping backward, I was still moving ahead. I found myself genuinely missing the people at KMC Victoria, and kept in contact with some of my new friends which was tremendously supportive, enabling me to feel I was still part of a spiritual family. I fondly recall the day I received a heart-warming group photo that moved me to tears (see below). Knowing my friends were keeping me in their thoughts and wanting me to return, I made the decision to go back to Victoria at the end of February
Feeling grateful
Once I returned to Victoria I immediately settled back into the happy routine of going to dharma classes and reconnecting with my sangha friends. As the future unfolds, I know I will continue to pursue my spiritual practice as I’ve observed the difference it has made in my relationship with myself and with others. I am grateful to have made connections with people on a similar spiritual path, and finally feel myself emerging from the cocoon I’d built around myself. I am thankful for the teachings and all of the kindness shown by my sangha friends and Kadampa teachers.
Cristina attends KMC Victoria in Canada
