By JUNE HEMBERGER

The sun was just rising as I left Naples to drive north, making my way to the FCM’s Mahasangha. Having missed the first day, I was determined to take full advantage of Day Two. The closer I got, the more excited I became, and maybe even a little bit nervous since I haven’t spent much time at our center.

Dion Hall and John McHarris welcomed me with big smiles and hugs. Then Pryanka Handa and I hugged as she was leaving to return to Naples. Their familiar faces certainly made me feel more comfortable.

My experience at a silent retreat last year was quite a contrast to the celebratory atmosphere at the Tampa Center that morning. Everyone wore big smiles and overflowed with joy! I greeted a few people I’d met at last year’s retreat, and they immediately made me feel welcome.

That morning a panel of early members, Angie Parrish, Brandy Kidd and Alex Lerner, described the amazingly fortuitous creation of FCM. From meetings in Fred‘s living room when he lived in Naples to the discovery of the Tampa site, the story was both entertaining and miraculous. I was moved by the thought of so many people working together to literally construct their vision once the site was found. Our center would not be here today without the hours and hours and hours of selfless service people gave to our sangha. I was inspired just imaging it!

Later that morning Fred interviewed three panels of FCM members about how their practice has impacted their lives. One panel of Marilyn Warlick, Karuna Reiff and Bryan Hindert focused on relationships, another of Misti Oxford-Pickeral, Max McHarris and Carl Newman focused on work, and the third of Libby Dunn, Peggy Wallace and Kevin Conlin focused on illness and death. I was moved by peoples' openness and deep, heartfelt descriptions. Kevin's experiences with end-of-life issues reaffirmed for me the value of just sitting with someone, whether they’re ill, in physical or emotional pain, or nearing death. I learned much from others’ practices.

That afternoon I met and learned from Peggy Wallace about community care and Raven Dreifus-Kofron about spiritual friends groups. Dinner was predictably delicious, and a chance to meet yet more people. The evening was topped off with an amazing cello and piano concert by FCM members Diana Fish and Bob Boguslaw, who are professional musicians.

All in all, it was definitely worth the trip! I strengthened friendships and made lots of new friends. Best of all was feeling so welcomed and cared about by my sangha sisters and brothers, even those I’m just getting to know. How grateful I am to have discovered FCM many years ago. I am learning how to be happy and how to bring more love into this precious world. 

June Hemberger joined FCM in 2019. She is a retired medical practice manager, management consultant and retail business owner.