I'm not exactly qualified to answer this question, but from my own layman's view it seems like when you sit formally your mind naturally settles down. Based on what I've read (I'm going off of memory here so forgive my lack of citations) this is a good thing. Your mind is starting as a glass of agit...

Atamma is definitely a great place. Also, Paññobhāsa Bhikkhu lives in the Bellingham area as well; perhaps try contacting him if you'd like: http://www.nippapanca.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; There is some interesting stuff in this link, I'm enjoying going through i...

I have been to a few meetings in the past, but not recently. The Red Ceder Dharma Hall is actually just down the street from where I currently live. Great suggestions, I'll have to look into that other place also (the name escapes me as I can't see it while I'm writing).

In searching for an answer to a question I had about my object of meditation, I found this place and promptly decided to sign up. I'm a 22 year old from Seattle, WA, USA, though I'm currently enrolled at Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA. I'll be graduating this spring with a degree in...