I am interested in visiting your center as I feel i am in need of a community and the guidance of spiritual leaders and fellow practitioners. I am truly a beginner with much curiosity and fear. I was abused as a child which has now become a long pattern of self abuse. I have been inspired by buddhism and meditation because I would like to understand and change these patterns. I’ve come to believe there is a force within me that can be tapped into through practice that will help me improve future karma which is important to me. I would like to be kinder to myself and others. I have read some information regarding finding the school of practice and also a teacher/community which will best suit my lifestyle and personality. It is important to me to make a good match so that I can better commit myself to a spiritual path. In many ways i fear being judged initially for my unhealthy patterns. I wonder how my individual struggles/situation might be regarded and approached by you the monks and your community. Is there some individual assessment made with a newcomer? Thank you for your time.