An Interview with Board Member Alicia Bell

May 3

Alicia Bell has been a Sukhasiddhi practitioner for 16 years and currently serves on our Board of Directors. In this interview, Alicia shares her introduction to Buddhism and how she integrates her practice into life and over the course of her 30 years as a Children’s Librarian. Alicia also shares her favorite books for introducing children to Buddhism - a wonderful list that includes beloved authors Thich Naht Hahn, Jon Muth, Demi, and many others that inspire and share the dharma.

How long have you been a Sukhaiddhi practitioner?

I've been a Sukhasiddhi practitioner for 16 years.

What brought you to Sukhasiddhi?

I had been searching for a spiritual home for a few years and happened to have friends who are Sukhasiddhi members. After taking refuge, the first event I attended was an empowerment for Powa (transferring consciousness at death). Some folk might say that starting with Powa is like diving in from the deep end when you can't really swim yet, but for me it was perfect. I was always worried that when it came time to die, I'd be lost and terrified. Having the ability to practice Powa at my time of death, meant I had some guidance, and help to die without fear.

As a longtime Sukhasiddhi practitioner, how do you see your role on the board? What perspective do you bring to the board?

I think being on the board is about nurturing and sustaining the Sukhasiddhi community and offering gratitude for the teachings and dharma that have benefitted me. There's a song we sing at the beginning of each meeting that starts, "When you are making a dharma organization, the first thing you need is a mind that wants to help others." Singing that puts me in Beginner's Mind, and helps me remember what it was like as an early practitioner so that as we brainstorm and plan at board meetings I can say, how does this help fellow practitioners? What would be most helpful for them?

Alicia Bell reading to children at Sukhasiddhi

How do you bring Buddhist practice into your daily life?

As a children's librarian, I get to nurture and sustain all day, every day. How cool is that? Each person I meet no matter their age, or what they bring with them emotionally when they walk through the door, is a manifestation of the divine, whether they know it or not. And whether I remember in the moment or not. We're only here on this earth for a little while. My dad would always say, "You know neither the day nor the hour." whenever I was being reckless. Of course, being the pesky kid I was, I'd roll my eyes at him. But he was right. Practice reminds me of the importance of each interaction.

How has your practice impacted your life?

For someone who works with kids, I sure have seen a lot of death. Without practice, I'm not sure how I would have made it through so much loss and still be able to sing at storytime with an open heart, and with sincerity.

As a member of the board’s diversity workgroup, how do we reach a broader and more diverse community?

There’s no definitive answer to this one. I’m here because friends of mine were members and I saw the benefits of practice in their lives. I think if we can find ways to help diverse communities see themselves reflected in Sukhasiddhi’s community, that may provide an opening for them.

What are some resources you recommend for introducing children to Buddhism?

Stories! We live and learn through stories even as adults. In addition to these titles, be sure to share stories from your life with the young people you know.