I have a couple of thoughts about this. Even though it may have been perceived to be a mistake for me to have worn my spiritual interests on my sleeve as much as I did when I arrived here, I'm beginning to think that this may have accomplished a couple of things. Perhaps it sent a message to some people (who generally fail to understand such interests) that I am some kind of fundi for whom principles are more important than popularity. If so, it may actually have shielded me from opportunities to participate in unethical activity. For that, I am grateful, even though the experience has been somewhat isolating and mystifying.
In a related vein, I considered the other day that, even though I may no longer be so involved socially in my spiritual pursuits (and no longer as attached to the form of my practices), this does not necessarily represent a failure (as I have been inclined to think), but rather may be a testament to the success of the practices in helping me to become more comfortable with detachment.
Om Kreem Kalyai Namaha,
okm
