This morning, at the stroke of 9, seven people began meditating at Doylestown’s Pebble Hill Church, with Norm Danis.

Meditation ended at 9:45, enough time for an in-depth session.  But only five people remained; a couple of first-timers had tip-toed out halfway through the session in order to make a phone call.  (During meditation, isolating one’s self from outside contact, including electronic, is de rigueur. )  A former facilitator then left the circle before our customary three “OM’s” were chanted.

Breaking the circle is distracting and sends a confusing message.  And I wonder: Why would a meditator turn her cellphone ON during a spiritual journey with fellow companions?

The world outside is not conditioned to respect thoughtful silence and peaceful meditation.