Patti Breitman: Volunteer Profile

 I didn't actually decide to volunteer, but found myself volunteering. Almost twenty years ago, when I saw the class manager counting money and filling out forms I asked, "How can I help?" I became one of the "helpers," and then when she left, suddenly I was the class manager! I have learned that the people who work at Spirit Rock and who volunteer are very kind and lots of fun to work with. Also, the people who come to our Friday morning yoga and meditation class are as delighted as I am to do yoga in a non-competitive environment. We love the focus on inquiry, asking 'What is my mind doing in this pose?' and the Dharma themes that each class embraces. Also, through volunteering, I have learned to ask for help when I need it. Now we have four regular volunteers who are trained to help the Friday class. If I need help, or need to miss a week, there's a terrific team to carry on and to support one another. My life is pretty full. Friday mornings at Spirit Rock add balance and joy to everything I do during the rest of the week. As a writer, I find that the Friday sangha gives me an opportunity to get away from my computer and to connect with myself and others in a meaningful way. Greeting people at the door has got to be one of the most rewarding volunteer jobs at Spirit Rock. New and familiar faces are smiling, open, friendly and warm. What a great way to start my weekend!  

Patti's book, How to Eat Like a Vegetarian, Even If You Never Want To Be One, is available at the Spirit Rock bookstore.

To learn more about our volunteer program, please visit www.spiritrock.org/volunteer or contact our Volunteer and Community Coordinator at volunteering@spiritrock.org or (415) 488-0164 ext 224.