It was as part of my graduation that I had my first contact with relaxation techniques. As a therapist, I have applied them in different clinical contexts, from anxiety to severe writing difficulties, with adults and children. Given the benefits of these techniques on both a professional and personal level, the desire (and need) to deepen my knowledge, but also to practice them, grew. So I did several trainings and went through different practices.

In 2015 I came into contact with Chan Meditation. After a few practice sessions, I felt it would be important to receive Master YongHua’s teachings and, challenged by Miguel, I flew to Lu Mountain Temple in Los Angeles to participate in the Chan Qi retreat.

Despite the difficulties experienced (schedules and intensive practice, pain in the legs due to the lotus posture, …)

Chan Qi was one of the most enriching and meaningful experiences of my life! With successive meditation practices (in one day, between 3 am and midnight it is possible to do 14 one-hour meditation periods and attend two hours of lectures), time begins to feel differently. The purpose of each day is to participate in as many meditation sessions as possible (i.e. increasing the time and number of sessions). We ate, rested during breaks, talked and resumed. The objective is always to achieve more and overcome the difficulties we encounter (impatience, leg pain, tiredness, thoughts). It is between the silence and the pain in our legs that we confront ourselves and that our thoughts learn to calm down. It’s not easy, nor pleasant.

The feeling of tranquility and lightness comes with practice and perseverance and gradually begins to extend into everyday life. On the other hand, the possibility of attending Master YongHua’s lectures, asking him questions and exposing difficulties is an exceptional opportunity to improve not only our meditation skills, but also our application of Chan to everyday interactions. In fact, I feel that practicing Chan meditation has brought me many benefits on a personal (health, well-being, interpersonal relationships) and professional level.

I returned to the Temple in May 2016, when Master YongHua’s arrival in Portugal began to be formulated.