Three, It's a Magic Nmber

Three Up, Three Down.

Starting to get into a rhythem here. Getting easier to feel my breath. Feel good.

Looking forward to #4 tomorrow.

:)

With a Little Help From My Friends

Not that two days in it was needed, but there was a little help from my friends last night. Been going to a regular meditation group sitting on Tuesdays for a month or so now, and last night was Day 2 of the Big Sit. The meeting was good, a nice 10 minute Dharma talk before the meditation and then some sitting.

The talk was on Impermanence, something everyone needs a little more touch of in our daily lives in my view. Just a little nod to the fact that things have changed, things are changing and things will always change. Don't get too attached to the here and now, it won't last.

At the same time, knowing it won't last, savor the moment. Appreciate it........

"For, we may never pass this way again......"

Started !!

Well, 1st day of the Sit, first day of Sitting. A little unsure about myself, this is all very new to me. Lot's of readings and listening, at places Tricycle, Shambala Sun, Audio Dharma and many other places. There is lots of good information out there. But there are certainly many different ways of sitting.

Meditation sure can be lots of different things. The most prevalent instruction / descriptions that have come across seem to be awareness of the breath and mindfulness. That's what the first attempt today involved.

Just mind on the breath...
mind on the breath...
mind being aware.....
oh, there's a thought......
what is it.......
OK, that's it.....
let it go.....
be aware.....
another thought.....
let it go......
another thought....
another thought....
let it go.....
let them all go.....
breath.....
mind on breath.....
breath.....
mind on breath.....
mind on being aware.....

Eyes open, time to rise.

Good job self.......
wait, no self......
More tomorrow.....

:) :) :)......
be aware......

Gotta Get Back To This Place

I've been neglecting this site. So figured I'd kick start it for myself.

I signed up today for the Big Sit over at Tricycle Magazine. Committing to 90 days of daily meditation, the 16 precepts, studying the Genjokoan, ........

Glad this came up, I've been looking to jump start myself, and just like Yoga a year ago, I think this is just the ticket. I'm going to do this (that's a statement).

It's a New Day

Truely a great day in this nation's history. Whether you agree with Barack or not, whether you like his politics, personality or anything else about him. The majority of the people in this country have elected an African American as our President.

I would just like to say that perhaps, many of the people in this country are now giving as much weight to the color of person's skin as they do to the color of their hair. Maybe the next new president can be the first without a y chromosome.

I congratulate the American people, not on electing a democrat, a liberal, a socalist, a whatever that this man is or isn't. But of having the courage to look past the color of this man's skin and saying

"Mr. President"

Lunch Time Walk

I went for a walk at Stiglmeir Park during lunch yesterday and got a pleasant surprise.



There were three in all and they seemed to be as interested in me as I was in them. We all stopped to look at each other for a minute or two. I was the one who blinked first, I figured I'd leave them to themselves, they seemed content where they were and I had to get a move on.

Caught a couple of other snaps also (below).

More Puppy Tales

Autumn had her second day out on the trails on Labor Day, and being true to form (for a dog of the Golden Retriever variety) she did three things.


1. She got Goofy


2. She got Muddy, and.....


3. She found a swimming hole.

All in all, the trails were very dry. Considering the amount of rain we've had this year, and up until the last week or two no sun or dry weather, this was pretty amazing. I don't think the trails would have dried out so quick during the spring or fall. All in all Autumn enjoyed herself and I think she will be the one dragging me out for more hikes for years to come. I just hope I can accommodate her in the future.