Spirit Rock Volunteer: Joe Collins

I first heard of Spirit Rock about six years ago after my long-time teacher in India passed away. To my surprise, as I started exploring other types of practice, it turned out many of the authors I was reading were teachers at Spirit Rock. Having recently moved to California, I thought this seemed like a logical place to visit. It started with the Essential Dharma Core Buddhist Teachings Program. Next I began attending daylong workshops as my limited budget allowed.

Discovering the volunteer program allowed me to attend daylongs when I could not afford them. Attending these workshops kept me on track as my practice evolved. Once my focus shifted from attaining a goal to just doing the work, things changed. Equanimity snuck up on me, and over time the emotional pendulum of life stopped swinging from one extreme to another. With these changes budget issues disappeared as did other many other challenges in life. Volunteering always gives back more than we give.

Volunteering is now more important to me than ever and not just for the experience of being with others of like mind. It is a way to give back to Spirit Rock, which has given me so much. When I am asked to volunteer, my first thought is always, “Thank you for the opportunity to serve.”

Spirit Rock relies on the generosity of our many volunteers. We offer a range of volunteer opportunities from one-time projects to ongoing service. Check our website to find out more about out volunteer program or contact our Volunteer & Community Coordinator at Volunteering@spiritrock.org or (415) 488-0164 x224.