10 Tips for the New Kid at the Spiritual Center

By Scott Edelstein 

You stand in the doorway of a strange building, surrounded by unfamiliar sights, sounds and smells. You wonder what to do, what to say, what questions to ask and how to get to know the people inside. Perhaps those people dress strangely or use unrecognizable words.

This scenario gets acted out daily at spiritual and meditation centers around the world. This article is for people who are contemplating such an encounter. It covers what questions to ask, what etiquette to follow, what to look for, what to avoid, what to keep in mind and when to turn around and leave.

Call before you visit. The center’s hours may be unusual or irregular, or it may be staffed only at certain times.

Don’t be afraid or intimidated. A visit to a meditation or spiritual center may be surprising, disappointing, exhilarating, enlightening or disillusioning — but one thing it will almost never be is dangerous. Of course, when you first visit a center or group, everyone but you will know what to do, what to say, how to act, and what is going on in general. The best thing you can do is be straightforward. Say, “I’m new here and need some guidance.” Most folks should be happy to help you.

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Find the full article, and others like it at: http://edgemagazine.net/2011/12/the-new-kid/