We meet meditator Teresa from Italy who has recently been at the Essential Teachings retreat held in Bonnevaux this October.
Tell us a little bit about you, where you come from, what brought you to the world of meditation?
I am Teresa from Italy. I came across the world of meditation by chance. Ten years ago, a friend of mine invited me to join a weekend that was organized by the World Community of Christian Meditation in Padova and when she told me what it was about I realized that it was exactly what I had been looking for all my life. Since that weekend of meditation, I started meditating twice a day.
How do you feel about the experience of meditation? How important is it in your life?
It was not difficult for me to start. The annual meetings with father Laurence and the visits to some different weekly groups helped me very much to persevere. During these ten years, there have been, and still there are, difficult moments to overcome but as time passes by, remaining faithful to the practice of the discipline not only helps me but it becomes more and more part of my spiritual journey.
“remaining faithful to the practice of the discipline not only helps me but it becomes more and more part of my spiritual journey.“
How long have you stayed at Bonnevaux? What have you enjoyed the most about being there?
I spent four days in Bonnevaux this October. I had the opportunity to attend the weekend for the Essential Teachings planned for the French community. It was an experience that has enriched me enormously and I am grateful to the community for this. Bonnevaux is a magic place full of energy and is a place where everyone is welcomed with affection and discretion so to make you feel at home.
How do you see the importance of being in a community?
To be part of the community helps you to continue in your daily spiritual pilgrimage. Knowing that a lot of people all over the world meditate (maybe at the same time you are) is very powerful and you feel accompanied along the way.
What would you say to others who are thinking to come and visit?
I would say go and see for yourself. Anyone has their personal spiritual journey. In my opinion, it is better to experience Bonnevaux by taking part in a specific event (as I did) and not simply visiting.
