Choosing

Jack R talked this morning at the Zendog about seeing and realizing the illusion that my experience and reality are the same. When we do this we see that my story about my experience is just one of many possible stories.

What happens after that? Who knows. The wisdom of the Zendog says, "Be responsible for your choice of possibilities and then see what there is to be done."

Enjoying meditation

Our Southcoast zen group has been sitting every morning between the holidays again this week. One of our discussion questions is, "What has shifted in your practice this year?"

This morning I realized that one of the changes in the my practice of late is that I often enjoy meditation. For so long meditation was a serious thing, almost a burden at times. My mind would wonder and I would almost yell at myself. Or I would subtly judge myself for not keeping the breathing and simple observation of meditation constant.

This year I've learned to just let go of whatever happens during meditation; and to not judge myself or my practice. Ergo it becomes an enjoyment - often a source of joy.

This change was made possible by a series of discussions within our meditation group this year - so thank you to all the members of the Southcoast sangha.

Winter vs. Christmas

Today turned from rain to snow, always wind blowing hard. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. Which is more true?

from Meister Eckhart

God is not attained by a process of addition to anything in the soul, but by a process of subtraction.- Meister Eckhart

How beautiful. Take away my protection and make me vulnerable and then I can receive the gifts of love and grace and be grateful.

Retreat haiku

At the Southcoast retreat weekend before last one of our practices was in haiku writing. The theme of the retreat was impermanence. Here is a link to some of the haiku written that day.

http://southcoastzendog.googlepages.com/fall2007retreathaiku

Not knowing

Embracing "Not Knowing" has changed my experience of life. Not knowing what will happen next - easy in some cases, damn difficult in others. Not knowing how I will feel. Not knowing what another person is feeling, why they are doing something the way they are, why they are even wearing the darn shirt they have one, let alone what lies deep in their emotional well.

Embracing not knowing brings freedom from judging which brings wisdom and compassion, the two gifts the Buddha promised to those who wake up. Thanks Big B.

early winter haiku

Snow covers the way,
The walk hidden within white;
Until she returns.