overflowing

Well, how did you do? Did you have occasion to sit still, to observe your breath rising and falling, being present for a moment? If you didn’t, no worry. That’s in the past. Perhaps you take a moment right now … or later today? The point is to make time as often as you can, regularly once a day if possible. to turn inward. To look in on yourself; to witness what is, as it occurs.

I’m still elated and somewhat disoriented from the time with the Mayne Island group (see previous post). Elated because we worked so diligently from early morning to late afternoon: sitting, walking, standing meditation, eating in silence, working in the rain moving firewood and raking the grounds, listening to my teacher’s recorded talk, having tea. Disoriented because I set out immediately after the retreat to catch a ferry, sleep on a bench for an hour, then drive another 20-odd KM to my temporary home in Victoria. Driving and paying attention to other drivers requires extra effort. Probably not a recommended activity so soon after meditating all day. But I’m home now, the resident cat’s sniffing the pile of meditation cushions, and a long sleep ahead till tomorrow’s 10 am start at the hospice.

My gratitude to the 13 women and one man who invited me to Mayne Islands and supported each other in this practice of awakening. Deep bows to you all!