I went to a meditation retreat called "the loving heart", all day Saturday. It was in woodacre at a meditation center called Spirit Rock. . It was a very relaxing experience, just what i needed. The teacher's name was Howard Cohn. I actually thought Spirit Rock was in San Rafael, but it is past San Rafael and two other cute tiny towns, San Aselmo and Fairfax. When I finally got to the enterance of Spirit Rock on Saturday morning the first thought that crossed my mind was, am i about to join a cult? The meditation center was up in a mountain surrounded by trees. As soon as I stepped out of my car a serene feeling showered me. The vibe  of the place was so tranquil.. Then, I went into the meditation hall and was warmly welcomed by a middle aged woman. Before you enter the actual meditation room you have to remove your shoes. There were about 25 to 30 people there. Some sat on chairs others sat on these pillow seats on the floor.

The teacher sat in front on top of this alter.The first thing he asked was, why was everyone  here today? I wanted to raise my hand and say because, I have been feeling lost. I wanted to say that I wish I was money hungry and that I wish I was conventional, because then maybe it would be easier to figure out what I am doing in this life.But, I didn't.

These past 2 weeks, the thought of being money hungry has been crossing my mind. It seems like people who love money aren't so lost, because they have an intention in life, to make money.I was starting to allow the opinions of others dictate the way I live my life.

Some of the exercises that we did was meditate on people that bring us happiness, meditate on being happy for other's happiness, mediatate on love and walking meditations.

Anyway, the retreat was helpful, soothing, relaxing. I didn't find any answers. I just gained a little more peace in  knowing  I would be alright. I gained a little more comfort in knowing that how ever I am living my life right now is how I should be living it. The teacher said  many inspiring  things, and I wish I brought a a pen and paper so I could remember, but one thing I do remember is he said " if you want to know about your past look at your present, and if you want to know your future look at your present actions".

Dearest Universe,
     Hello. I am Rosalyn Santos and I am 26 years old today. Thank you, for everything. Thank you for my ears that allow me to hear music. Thank you for my job, because it keeps me physically, mentally and spirtually active. Thank you for my co-workers. Thank you for my friends, who keep me happy, sane, loved, smiling, and make my life so so so so special. Thank you for my family who give me  security, love, food, laughter, conversations, hope and complete my life.Thank you for people  from my past that drop back into my life randomly and unexpectedly, they warm my heart and are like my cozy comforts. Thank you for the food I am extremely lucky to feast on everyday. Thank you for giving me courage to be myself. Thank you for giving me integrity. Thank you for giving me a good work ethic. Thank you for teaching me about appreciation. Thank you for giving me love. Thank you for giving me dreams. Thank you for giving me passion. Thank you for the laughter you give me everyday! Thank You, for a birthday filled with everything I wanted, love and hugs.....what more could I ask for..
I am abundant.                                             
                                                                                              Gratefully,
                                                                                               Rosalyn.