Good Luck and Farewell to Mike

3 April 2009

Mike DiMeglio has decided to relinquish his position as a disciple at the YMAA Retreat Center and return home. It is a decision that he came to after much pondering, discussion, and deep thought over the past few months. Although he will not be completing the 10-year training program, he believes his experience over the past year has helped him get to a much better place in his life. Describing it as an increase in consciousness and discovery of who he truly is, Mike is departing the Retreat Center with confidence and clarity. We are happy to see that Mike has benefited from his training experience, but we're sorry to see him go.

"When I first came to the Retreat Center, my level of consciousness was very low, which I feel was due to the circumstances of my mother dying when I was only a year old. My father could not face the pain and heartbreak, and he was taken by drugs, into a place where he tried to cope. Due to reasons such as this, I had very little guidance or support in my life. Many bad behaviors and habits were formed and instilled in me. I had no idea this was happening, partly because people did not alert or correct me, and they may not have had that awareness that I needed it.

After arriving at the Retreat Center, I was torn apart and put back together in a way that I cannot even begin to explain to you such that you would fully understand. Before I was gullible and easily manipulated. I believed in things some may have said was fantasy or unrealistic, but now I finally have what I was missing: the ability to question everything in my life and not believe blindly. We all follow different paths that lead us to where we want to go, and it seems that the nature of this "Tao" thing, which cannot truly be named, is leading towards the way of nature for me. I am now going to pursue these other goals and allow Dr. Yang to find someone else who fits his goals and can help him accomplish them. I have discovered who and what I truly am. I have found my path. THANK YOU, ALL! GOODBYE MY FRIENDS."

- Mike DiMeglio
March 30, 2009

The quest for mastery in any art is indeed a long, difficult, but remarkable journey. Whether we spend one year or 100 years, the process that we endure, persevere through, and ultimately enjoy -- for whatever time we put into it -- can benefit our lives greatly and have a significant, meaningful impact. It is what helps us to learn about our lives and those of others, to bring clarity to our minds, and to achieve an overall sense of accomplishment. While it is unfortunate that there is one less disciple to study and help pass down Dr. Yang's knowledge of the Chinese arts, we are ecstatic to hear that Mike has found himself just through his short time at the Retreat Center. We wish you the best of luck in the times ahead, Mike.