In the middle of Catalonia, in a rural retirement house sheltered by the silence and beauty of a forest environment, the second phase of the Psycho-Emotional Awareness Program took place. This program was organized by Samye Barcelona, the Escola de l’Ésser Centro de Meditación y Terapia, and the Asociación Bodhicitta Escola de l’Ésser.
Inspired by Phakchok Rinpoche’s broad view, profound teachings, and instructions; and putting into practice more than 30 years of experience as a therapist, a therapist trainer, and a meditation practitioner, Xavier Puigdevall designed this program as a support for a profound, sincere and non-judgmental self-observation of our mind and character manifested in our thoughts, images, emotions and sensations—as Phakchok Rinpoche has recommended and emphasized for all Dharma practitioners.
It is not easy! One can notice right away one’s own resistance in the form of prejudices, fears, concerns, discomfort… etc. But when the guide embodies the kind, loving, non-judgmental, honest, and compassionate attitude and thereby exemplifies how to treat ourselves in the process; the resistance softens, the heart opens and the mind begins to free itself from its restraints.
The invitation was open to anyone interested, regardless of age or experience. This time fifty-five people between 16 and over 70 years old got together. Most of us came from various places in Catalonia, but we had a few friends visiting from Seville and France! For the first time, the program was offered in Spanish, Catalan and English languages. With Xavier’s expert guidance, the collaboration of an excellent team of skilled and generous volunteers, and the willingness and openness of the whole group, we worked—separately and in unison—with our body (in Yin Yoga and free corporal expression sessions); with our thoughts (through deep reflection, visualization, and meditation exercises); and with our emotions (with Gestalt methodology and individual therapeutic guidance).
As a result of an intense three-day workshop, we achieved a better understanding of ourselves, and had glimpses of deep and sincere Love (in its three manifestations: devotional, compassionate, and instinctive), Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity that arose from “the bottom of our hearts and the marrow of our bones” by relaxing and connecting with the body, opening the heart and mind, and interacting with each other from that innermost part of us in which we are all alike.
Words cannot easily describe the experience; so hopefully images can say a little more. (Thanks to Miguel Ángel Franganillo for his experienced and generous dedication in capturing the experience in images).
If you are interested in participating in this and other activities organized by Samye Barcelona, write to us at info@samyebarcelona.org.
Written by Marcela López
