“We cannot take for granted this Bay Area gem.” Antoinette González’s Gratitude Story

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“My journey to mindfulness began about fifteen years ago as I experienced great heartache from a relationship break up. And, after attending a People of Color (POC) Retreat at Deer Park Monastery, a practice center in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, I became very curious about engaged Buddhism. When I relocated to the Bay Area in 2017, I already knew that I wanted to be a part of East Bay Meditation Center because of the various daylongs and Sangha offerings for communities of color and queer folks. In fact, I was drawn to the center because EBMC didn’t just offer practice spaces for marginalized communities, it centered us! I didn’t take this fact lightly especially since I had not encountered other practice centers or spaces that consistently and actively center marginalized communities. So, as I walked up to EBMC’s space for Sangha gatherings, I could feel myself exhaling and lightening up a little.

I still remember feeling so much joy in being at EBMC’s physical space during POC Sangha and POC Yoga. Thursday nights, especially with back-to-back practice communities of POC Yoga and POC Sangha, brought to life these words for me: “beloved community.” My heart and mind benefitted from both the sweetness of Sangha and the offerings from the various teachers. Honestly, various times I showed up a little edgy or irritable from the day or week, yet Sangha and the teachings softened me.

And, as our Sangha communities continue to meet online, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the generosity of all the teachers, volunteers and staff in continuing to create space for such important practice, where we can continue to find refuge and build these vital, connected communities. I cannot imagine not having the wonderful Sanghas nor the various offerings that East Bay Meditation Center provides. We cannot take for granted this Bay Area gem.”