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| Visiting Camels On Retreat |
| August 20, 2006 by Stuart |
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*** The following story was sent to us by Diane (August 2006)
Whenever I visit the Mountain of Attention Sanctuary I make it a point to visit Fear-No-More Zoo, and each time the highlight of my visit is being with the camels.
(Shown at right is Peaceful Baba in 2003; his date of birth was March 23, 2001.)
When I was on a three-day weekend retreat in 2003, I was able to spend several minutes alone with one of the young camels. I don’t know which one it was, but my guess is that it was Peaceful Baba, since I felt that he recognized me from when I helped bottle-feed him as a newborn during a previous retreat.
I approached the fence of the camels' habitat and the young camel came over and stuck his head over the fence. I began to stroke him on the head and nose and he began to give the sweetest kisses on my face with his soft muzzle. This continued for a while as we gazed at one other with warm loving affection. I only had a short time before I had to return to the retreat program, and when it was time to leave, I heart-breakingly backed away.
As I was walking back, I felt unusually light and playful. When I rejoined the other retreatants, I noticed a distinct shift in my attention. Before I went to the zoo I was feeling uneasy, but now I felt heart-open, blissful and free.
This simple but powerful interaction was a reminder to me of how valuable Fear-No-More Zoo is. The animals there always teach me about being present, and I am grateful for the opportunity to experience their company in this happy and contemplative environment.
-Diane |
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© 2005-2006 The Avataric Samrajya of Adidam Pty Ltd, as trustee for The Avataric Samrajya of Adidam.
All rights reserved. Perpetual copyright claimed.
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