Leaves 2

The clock read "Now."

Among the images and thoughts that entered my mind lying on the ground with my left leg propped up on a log, the split open knee bandaged up with the young German's black T-shirt in that span of time between the wave and the purported arrival of the rumored next wave is the vow to begin practice. I once said:

Purists have scoffed when I say washing dishes, long-distance running, and long commutes are my meditation.

All well and good except I don't really wash many dishes, run consistently nor mindfully, or take in long commutes frequently.

Without practice, you will never move beyond the phases of belief, faith, and random peak experiences. You will never evolve into plateau experiences, nor from there into permanent realization. You will remain, at best, a brief visitor in the territory of your own higher estate, a tourist in your own true Self. - Ken Wilber, One Taste

So here I was just one week ago at my very first all-day mindfulness retreat. The clock in the room is entirely covered by a stark sign with simple black lettering that reads "Now."

My mind is agitated all week. I've been straining to come up with creative breakthough strategies. Since 'strain' and 'create' don't mix the results are mixed too.

My car decides not to start that morning.

Finally I am nearly sprinting to the mindfulness retreat. As I pass another student calmfully reminds me in the hall: what's the hurry?

I laugh. Ah, the irony of it all.

Practice.

Zen is more than a philosophy, more than a way of thinking. Zen is a practice. It is something that you do, preferably every day. You cannot think your way into the present, into altering habits and patterns formed over a lifetime. You cannot simply read books. Zen requires a regular meditation practice - a time to pay attention to your mind and body. It requires taking what you learn from your way-seeking mind into your work, relationships, and everyday life. It requires your life to be guided by values of openness, honesty, and compassion. - Marc Lesser, Z.B.A.: Zen of Business Admistration

Practice, the voice gently echoes again.

I resist: Who would I be without my thoughts?

Comments

[Diarynka]

I was using the words Lori-Ann used. But I'd say that everything is what you think it is, and for many the dirty seecrt' aspect is indeed what provides sexual excitement. The contrary movement of sanctifying sex is just another kink, really. But more often it is an excuse for being sanctimonious in glorifying desires that are just transitory and not worth building up into yet another temple of the divine. Whether or not the content of all opinions is bunk, still they line up for and against.