welcome

Welcome to the Stone Soup Sangha, a collection of reflections, poetry, and prose born from shared meditation and spiritual practice.

Like the folk story of stone soup, our Sangha began with something simple and grew richer as each person brought something of their own. Our practice draws from different spiritual traditions and lived experiences, grounded in meditation, reflection, compassion, and community.

These writings are what rise to the surface when we become still, listen inward, and share what is in our hearts. We invite you to read, reflect, and perhaps find something here to carry into your own journey.

Catherine Valleroy

May 192 min read

welcome...

Meditation had always seemed an impossible task to me. And being bipolar has brought with it an additional obstacle; that of a never-ceasing, rampant mind. Despite these things it has come to my attention that meditation is an integral part of maintaining my sobriety and mental health. Initially, when exploring how to meditate, I found myself attending Rochester, New York’s Zen Center. Every Sunday I would be with my son, then 13, and sit in silence practicing Zazen. Then Ros