Dharma sharing, for anyone who doesn't know, is when you say your thoughts about the reading / recording that we listen to, after meditation. It's this whole like, formal thing, in my group, anyway, where you put your hands in prayer, bow to the group, and say your insights and thoughts. It is so stupid, and I will tell you why. I find it too formal. I also have a lot of anxiety, doing it. When it's my turn, I never know what to say because my mind goes blank. I don't feel connected to the people in the group. And i feel like the things I say in dharma share, make me sound stupid. I cannot deal with this anymore. I don't think I'm going back because it hurts too much to participate and I think the rules are stupid. It is just so uncomfortable for me. I tried, and while I liked it at first, I no longer feel that way. I guess I'm just venting.

[Sunflower123]

If you're not getting any benefit out of it and some parts are actually causing you discomfort, you shouldn't go back. Is there another support group you could join?

Thanks Jennifer. I dunno. I wrote this when I was really upset. I'm feeling better now. I don't want to stop going. I might for a little while. I'm not sure. Thanks.

My first reaction was maybe this is not the right group for you but after reading what you wrote above then I thought again.

Do you feel it would be okay to say something along the lines of "Tonight/today I'd rather not share my thoughts."? Maybe you could sound the teacher out beforehand.

I feel this may be a boundary issue, and you absolutely have the right to decline something you do not feel comfortable doing. That is healthy boundaries.

Thanks Prefab. The people in the group are nice, and I like the other parts of it. Even tho I don't feel connected. It's a toss up btwn pushing through, and not. I don't feel like even contemplating it ATM. But I did email the teacher about it. I don't even know if she will receive it bc there's two groups. But I tried. I truly don't know if I will go back or not. But I don't have to decide right now.

Starry I know I would feel pressure if I felt expected to speak at a yoga class and say something pertinent. When I do yoga I go extra quiet and reflective, and I don't feel connected to the other people in the class either. For me connections take time.

Your feelings sound quite normal to me.