I must admit, I was a little weary to visit the Lake Shrine Temple because I have never considered meditation to be an important aspect in my religion. It was enlightening to learn that all religions leading to God were represented at the temple; a sense of welcoming that I did not expect. I realized that meditation can be for any religion as a way to speak to God himself.
The location and scenery is obviously very beautiful and peaceful, so it’s almost impossible not to feel a sense of relaxation (unless, of course, a crazy man is following you around proclaiming we should have a resurrection immediately). I enjoyed being around all of the plants and flowers and smelling their aromas. The waterfalls, for me, where perhaps the important factor that effected my mood. Nothing quite beats the sound of water falling and splashing steadily.
I don’t necessarily think the visit changed my personality, but it did make me realize how important it is to pull yourself away from the chaos of life and focus on the more important, spiritual aspects. So often I get completely caught up and enthralled with trying to do 800 different things that I forget what’s most important in life. How many times have you said to yourself, “I should spend more time doing that.” or “I really need to make time for that in my life because it makes me happy.”, but you never did? Why? Why do we keep the things that make us happiest in life at a distance? I want to challenge myself to get back in the habit of going to church. I allowed my move to California to serve as a crutch, but it is no excuse: my church mainstreams it’s services online. What am I waiting for? Better yet, what are you withholding from your life? Let’s go be happy enjoying the things that make life worth living for. There is no time like the present.
