Member Profile

1. Could you tell me a bit about yourself - Where were you born, what were your parents like? Where did you grow up, and what was your education like? What is your profession?

I grew up in Endicott, NY. The fall seasons there were spectacular; I still miss them! My mother was the oldest of 6, with 5 brothers. My grandparents made sure my mother went to college, which was unusual in her day. She attended Wellesley and then got a degree as a nurse. She was a stay-at-home mom until her late 40s, when my father died. Then she went to work as a nurse and later as a social worker. My father never finished high school. He worked with mortgages for a real estate firm. My father started the first symphony orchestra in Endicott, and as far as I know it's still going. He didn't even play a musical instrument but loved classical music. He was an avid bird watcher, as well.

I went to a small Liberal Arts school called Antioch College, in Yellow Springs OH, where everyone on campus participated in a work-study program. By the time I graduated, I had completed 2 full years of work experience. I worked in different jobs all across the United States. In one job I worked with a gang of girls who lived on the West side of Chicago. I fell in love with Chicago and returned after graduating. I received a Master's degree in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago. I worked as a social worker for 13 years and then taught for the Ninth City College (it had no campus and I traveled to different locations to teach, including hospitals, businesses and the jail). After several years I left teaching and started my own business in training and development. I’m still working and for 37 years I’ve focused on offering career and professional development coaching.

I help people figure out what work they would most love to be doing, regardless of their age – and then how to blossom in that work. I help people step fully into leadership roles, develop their EQ (emotional intelligence) and improve their relationships, especially with difficult people. I've written two books. The first is titled, "No More Blue Mondays/Four Keys to Finding Fulfillment at Work." It was published in 1999 and won a national award. Years later I self-published a second book called, "Thrive/The Entrepreneurial Path to a Great Life." I work with people one-on-one and also lead two support groups: one for entrepreneurs and one for writers.

My husband of 30 years is Earl Lemberger. We married late; I was 48 and he was 50. We are great friends. I gained the wonderful gift of 2 stepsons, 2 daughters-in-law and 3 grandchildren in the marriage. Earl was a Chemical Engineer before he retired. We are very different but strike a good balance. I brought him to the Center. At first he was resistant but I told him that I wouldn't ask him again if he didn't like it. He liked it a lot and he came with me a second time to meditate and attend the Launch Party.

2. What hobbies do you have? Do you have an artistic practice?

Knitting is a hobby. And I’m hooked on crossword puzzles. I dabble a little with art. Reading is a passionate life-long hobby. The last book I read for our book club was "Exit West." Really interesting, everybody liked it. I also loved a book called "Less.” Both are best sellers.

3. What brought you to Zen Life & Meditation Center?

I think it’s been a circuitous route. I've been on a spiritual journey for a number of years. I've tried different Churches. I've explored different things. Then I found a spiritual advisor, who I love, and have been working with for three years. Through all my searching, I heard about the Zen Center. When I look back I remember that I had an interest in Zen and Buddhism early in my life but didn't pursue it. I met a new friend recently who had attended a few of the introductory classes at the Zen center and liked them so I went and liked them too. Since then I attended the 3-day silent retreat to deepen my understanding and my meditation practice. I loved it and want to continue growing my spiritual life.

Robin attended the Summer Three Day Retreat, and wrote about her experiences.

My First Three-Day Retreat
       Uh oh, something might be wrong. I better not go, I said to myself staring in the mirror at a tiny red spot on my face. It was the morning of the first day of a three-day silent retreat I had signed up for at the Zen Life and Meditation Center. Next I felt a slight pain in my right knee. Clearly more evidence I should cancel attending. When a third physical concern surfaced I laughed. The jig was up. I realized I was just scared. I had never been to a silent retreat.

     What if I couldn’t get up that early in the morning? What if I kept falling asleep while meditating? What if I couldn’t handle the two long days? What if I couldn’t stand the silence? What might come up? What if I didn’t get an A?

     I’m so glad I went; it was a wonderful experience. I enjoy talking with people and do it as a chosen profession so I was surprised to discover that I also loved the silence. It was deeply relaxing to not have to interact. I had space just to take care of myself. I was able to go deep inside and focus on my own personal work.  

     The retreat was designed to support us as participants and my initial concerns melted away. (No grades were given, by the way). There was time for a nap or walk if needed. June and Robert gave thought-provoking Dharma talks. The people who assisted were committed to giving us a good experience and helped create a sacred space. The food was delicious and thoughtfully planned and prepared. I deepened my meditation practice and learned a lot about Buddhism.

   For me, this retreat was a break from my daily routines, a quiet interlude, like a deep dive in a lovely pool. I’m grateful that I let my feelings and thoughts pass and instead honored my intention to attend.