For some reason, I felt super anxious about attending the Hindu Temple (www.cincinnatitemple.com). I hadn’t felt that nervous since the Church of Scientology back in February. Not completely sure why, but here are a few factors that I know added to my angst:
1) The Temple was in the middle of nowhere on the east side of Cincinnati (at the end of a long, narrow, winding gravel road). It was the stuff of horror movies.
2) The property had a gated entrance. Any building with a gated entrance makes me nervous. Why do they need to keep people out? Or do they want to keep me trapped inside? Either option seemed ominous.
3) When I pulled into the parking lot, there were five other cars. I sat in my car for fifteen minutes wishing the lot was full so I would feel much more anonymous inside.
So, I prayed. I know that sounds like a no-brainer, but for whatever reason, I almost never formally pray before I walk inside the churches I visit. But the prayer helped me relax, so I got out of my car and walked toward the building.
To finish reading about this experience or any of the reflections from my 52 visits, please purchase the full book here.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
1) The Temple was in the middle of nowhere on the east side of Cincinnati (at the end of a long, narrow, winding gravel road). It was the stuff of horror movies.
2) The property had a gated entrance. Any building with a gated entrance makes me nervous. Why do they need to keep people out? Or do they want to keep me trapped inside? Either option seemed ominous.
3) When I pulled into the parking lot, there were five other cars. I sat in my car for fifteen minutes wishing the lot was full so I would feel much more anonymous inside.
So, I prayed. I know that sounds like a no-brainer, but for whatever reason, I almost never formally pray before I walk inside the churches I visit. But the prayer helped me relax, so I got out of my car and walked toward the building.
To finish reading about this experience or any of the reflections from my 52 visits, please purchase the full book here.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
