Expert: Alex Wilding - 3/5/2010

Question
Dear Alex,

I've been with my partner for 5 years and I started to practice Vipassana meditation 2 years ago. He himself has no particular faith and does not always understand the idea of right speech and livelihood. So i try to walk my path while living with someone walking another but it's really challenging. Sometimes I stop meditating for a couple months at a time and lose the faith in the practice.

I was told by my instructors that its important to surround yourself with other practitioners. My problem with this is that we relocate every year with my partner's work.

I don't know what to do. Any readings you can recommend?

Thank you,
Janick

Answer
Hi Janick,
Yes, I've been in that situation and I know that it is difficult - no use pretending otherwise.
I can't think of any specific readings, though of course books can be good "friends".
But you obviously have access to the internet - maybe one of the many "cyber" groups that are around nowadays might be some help, even if not as good real friends. Have you tried searching for groups to do with your particular kind of interest?
If you do go that way, I have myself noticed that lists/forums connected with a specific centre or specific teacher tend to be more friendly, where those that exist completely in cyberspace are a bit more prone to the sort of one-upmanship for which the whole internet is noted! But it might be worth looking around.
All the best
Alex W