George’s Buddhist journey reveals that the deepest lessons of the Dharma are learned through practice, service, and community. What began as a search for mindfulness evolved into a lifelong commitment to teaching—not through titles or certificates, but by embodying compassion, curiosity, and presence. After struggling to find a sangha, George built one himself, discovering that authentic teaching is less about authority and more about walking the path alongside others. His story explores meditation, the importance of community, navigating teacher relationships, and integrating Buddhist practice into everyday life.

Born in Cuba, Giulietta took Buddhist refuge in 2014 at the age of 26 or 27. At that time, she was an art historian informally representing artists. Her interest in Buddhism began when an artist introduced her to it, and she soon discovered that a Buddhist teacher was visiting. Despite her lack of prior religious commitment, she decided to take refuge along with her best friend. The opportunity seemed unique, and they didn't question the type of Buddhism being practiced, which turned out to be Tantra under Lama Ole.

Nothing seemed to fit, however, until I began to be introduced to Buddhism. At first it was Insight Meditation, and then I moved to a town where the only Buddhist community was a Tibetan Buddhist Center.

Joking in 1980 as I introduced myself to the workshop leader of a weeklong seminar entitled “Owning your Religious Past”, I described myself as a Zen-Baptist. It was an attempt at the time to show off my witty nature to the attractive teacher. She and I remain married.

I walked into Against the Stream Nashville Meditation Center in January 2012,  shortly after coming out of rehab for alcohol dependence.   It was suggested that meditation could be helpful in further recovery.  I remember in one of the first talks Dave Smith mentioned that, sitting was just sitting.  Whether you were in traffic, the motor vehicle department or sitting comfortably on your  own couch that the experience of sitting was all the same.