I might be helpful in discussions on the following subjects:
For context: I have a Bachelor's in Business Administration (Marketing/Management) and a Master's in International Affairs (Ethics/Human Rights, with regional specializations in East & Southeast Asia).
Hey, @Mechaluke. Thank you for your post!
Deciding where to go to college and what to study are huge life decisions! It is great to see you are going about this so intentionally.
In reading your post, I think I have more questions than answers. Most notably:
While I have other questions, these seem most broadly pertinent. I'd be happy to chat more 1-on-1 if you think that would be helpful. Feel free to schedule some time with me or send me a message on the Forum.
Glad to hear it!
Just a quick note - EAGxBerlin is confirmed for September 13 - 15. Though applications are not yet open, you can save the date.
Context: I have been a practicing Buddhist, primarily in the Plum Village Tradition, since 2011. In addition to my personal practice, I am currently training to become a "lay monastic" (essentially, just doing more formal Sangha-building).
First and foremost, I appreciate your openness about your experience. I definitely understand how frustrating this can be, and you are certainly not alone in this. I feel comfortable in assessing that most, if not all, struggle with this to some extent - even years into practice. Myself included. There are so many variables that impact one's ability to be present and mindful, and it is important to be compassionate toward yourself whenever this happens for you.
Broadly, what has helped me in my own practice is not conceptualizing meditation as meditation = sitting meditation. There are many forms of meditation (walking, deep relaxation/resting, hugging, eating, etc.) and every moment is an opportunity to be mindful and present. Another aspect of this particular tradition that I have found helpful is to move away from conceptualizing meditation and mindfulness as means to an end (consequentialist/utilitarian-esque thinking), and rather, as the end in itself (this is largely how it is regarded in my main tradition, but others regard meditation as [TLDR:] the way to enlightenment).
I have also found that more diligently studying the sutras/teachings/texts/history has deepened my understanding and helped my practice, but I have simultaneously worked to avoid over-intellectualizing; instead, working to embody the practices and to integrate them into my daily life (incrementally over time, even if it is just a few seconds of being more mindful per day/week/month).
As for jumping into a retreat - results vary drastically. Some find this beneficial, others find it extremely challenging and occasionally harmful (the latter is often true if people are struggling with deep emotional/psychological topics). I tend to encourage people to try a one-day retreat, maybe a weekend, rather than going all in on a week or more. It may also be worth considering which type of retreat you partake in; I would recommend doing research and tuning into what sounds best based on your wants/needs at the time you are searching. I attend retreats in various traditions throughout the year, but I most often attend retreats at Plum Village centers, as I have found that style most suitable for my wants/needs. I do find that other retreats/traditions can be more helpful at different points.
It is difficult to discuss this at length in a comment format, but I would be happy to hear more about your experience and discuss it further, if you think doing so would be beneficial (others are welcome, too). Feel free to schedule some time for us to chat.
In the interim, I am happy to answer questions here, in a message, or by email.
Thanks for your questions, Niklas! It is great to hear that attending EAGxBerlin was so beneficial for you both times.
Please note: I am not affiliated with CEA in any official capacity. My insights are based on limited information and personal attendance at several EAG(x) events over the past few years.
I would like to note that some individuals have expressed experiencing diminishing returns as they attend multiple EAG(x) events, especially if they occur in quick succession. This has not been my personal experience. As a community builder, my focus involves sharing insights about EA DC, community building and community health, and policy-related careers, both within the US and other regions of the world.
In a recent post, I shared where I am donating through the end of the year where I am donating through the end of the year.
TLDR
I will likely write a post in January to share my 2024 giving plan.
Thanks for your comment! The UNOS pairing and BOTEC are great callouts. Fortunately, Johns Hopkins Hospital is a part of the program network. As for the BOTEC: I am going to spend more time researching across sources (including interviews and with the donor team), but finding solid data to factor in has thus far been challenging.
Hi, Eugene.
Thank you for sharing some of your story. It has been nice speaking with you on a couple of occasions.
Here are some opportunities that come to mind:
Please do reach out if it would be beneficial. I wish you the best in your journey!
Are there any updates on the EAGxs that were to be set somewhere in Africa and India? I have a bit of context on the latter but little on the former.
Will there be another elsewhere in Asia, similar to EAGxPhilippines?