With a Calm and Quiet Mind!
Ok - Here we go, let's all share about the re-entry!
I saw my family the day I returned and found a few moments of non-reaction - I was shocked. It actually worked!!
I then came back to my small apartment in the insane city called Manhattan with 2 houseguests for a week. I tried to meditate while they went to sleep, but often skipped my sittings. Then I tried to be a part of my life before dhamma and I got completely overwhelmed - I wanted to shut off and I questioned everything. I went into a huge backlash of fear, confusion and control. Many long sits later, I'm here and full of gratitude. It's those hour long ones that really do the work!
And I've got a new motto for everything in my life that I want to practice:
Make a Strong Determination
Then try my best
This is how I got through the 1-hour group sits - I somehow sat without moving a few times! What an accomplishment for everyone. I LOVE LOVE Vipassana and everything I learned is like a precious gem, just like Goenaka said.
Sadhu
Oh...
I bought a few book from this website: Pariyatti
The Discourse Summaries
Art of Living
Life of the Buddha: According to the Pali Canon
