I never realized how accustomed I was to things being on my schedule, until these last couple of weeks. For years, I’ve moaned and groaned about society not respecting the sanctity of the holiday vacation. And how we need to be more “like the rest of the world”. Than this holiday rolls around and I vow to bask in the “Tillie Vacation” I’ve long awaited for – sleeping in, going to things on my time, sleeping some more, doing laundry at 2AM, sleeping in, and repeating this for two weeks. It was meant to be the vacation of my dreams, until I checked the MNDFL schedule. Their team, and apparently the rest of the people I correspond with on a daily basis, had the same idea. We were all going on a “vacation” from the madness of reality to bask in the beauty and love of family and friends.
WTF?!
Yeah, my thoughts exactly!
What happened to the world? Did all these marketing campaigns and unforeseen tragedies remind us life truly is an unknown abyss therefore make the most of it? Or have I been surrounding myself with some workaholic douchebags that focus solely on the loud ching-ching of a cash register rather than the underpaid employees that work said register? Whatever it was, I felt lost, for like a second, before realizing, like me, MNDFL needed a break too. As much as they love to help us find that inner sense of calm, those teachers need time away with those who bring them that calm. So than I thought,”It’s New York. I’m sure they have clients that can’t function without them. How do they cope?” And that’s when I remembered the shelve of books upon entry.
Right in front or behind the check-in, however you view it, there are shelves filled with books recommended by each teacher. Some nameplates have several, while others have one. They are available for purchase and seem beneficial aids for moments, similar to this, when you attending just isn’t an option. And since it’s divided up, you can choose based on the person who best fits your meditation style.
Which is brilliant, right? I mean, the only real time you have to read is when you’re forced not to work. Or when the office is completely closed, but you are the new hire, so still have to come in. Why not have some material that’ll will keep you grounded, during those eight or so hours you’re couped up. And to make it easier, below is one book from each MNDFLinstructor. [The options may have changed, as these were noted a while back, but yeah.]
Aaron – Autobiography of a Yogi by
Adreanna – Rebel Buddha by
Ally – Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by
Elena – How to Know Higher Worlds by
Emily – Transcend
Eric – Shambhala by
Joe – How to Meditate by
Kate – Hope in the Dark by
Lodro – Work, Sex, Money by
Maho – Radical Acceptance by
Paulette – Full Catastrophe Living by
Ralph – Hardwiring Happiness by
Sebene – Being Black by
Sharon – Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation by Sharon Salzberg