Member Profile

Ben Rankin Parker has been a ZLMC Practicing Member for nearly two years. He has a genetic condition called Fragile X Syndrome, often compared to autism.  Itʻs a condition that makes it hard for him to read, write or do math.  He also finds social settings challenging and canʻt always communicate clearly.  

It was a joy when his brother Teddy brought him to meditate at the center.  Ben sat quietly, sometimes looking around, but always quiet.  And then he started to come regularly with his brother or with his friend Mike Carmody or with his parents Ruth Rankin and Steven Parker.  

I happened to be at Ruth Rankinʻs retirement party a week ago and Ben was there, telling people about the Zen Center and meditation in short, enthusiastic sentences.  Ben Rankin Parker told us this about why he became a ZLMC practicing member and more.

Ben:  I was going but not a member.  It's close to our house.  My mom and dad and brother go. I like Robert's talks.

June:  Do you like to meditate and why?

Ben:  Yes. I get calmer. I like to hear the gong.  I like the walking. It's interesting for me to be there at the Zen Center because it's fun to be with people around there.

June:  You work at the Jewel, what do you do there, what's the best part of the job for you?

Ben:  I bag groceries for people. People smile every time I go there.  There are so many people there I know. 

June:  You also work at Aspire coffee works, what's the best part of that job?

Ben:  I grind coffee for people. I like the people there.

Hereʻs a video clip of Ben working at one of his jobs:  Ben at Aspire