Thursday, February 26, 2015

On Sitting

The retreat is coming up in April.
I started to sit again. I need it.
If for nothing else, I need to condition my legs from falling asleep.
I can't count to ten without my mind racing like a wild animal.
I chuckle every time I recite the Four Vows.
"Sentient beings are numberless; I vow to save them;"
I can't save myself, neither can anyone else.
I think it's ironic that my teacher wrote a book titled "Hand Wash Cold,"
While I took scissors to de-tag every piece of clothing I own.
It's the way of lightweight backpacking according to Ray Jardine,
Cutting away the excess.

Monday, February 2, 2015

A Run in the Park

I've been cooped up inside for much of January since I've been back from Nepal. At first I was just resting but now it's getting to a point where I'm starting to feel sluggish. I think February is the proper time to start wishing for the spring. It doesn't help that I'm behind on my training schedule for the NYC half that's taking place in just six weeks.

Running is the perfect antidote for an unproductive day. Even though the thought of going out in the cold is dreadful I know I'll enjoy the run once I get out there. And now, every time I get into the park I'm reminded of how joyful life can be. There are two creatures that love the winter and snow: kids and dogs. One can't help but to smile with the sight of kids running, laughing, sledding down slopes in their impossibly cute hats and snow boots. We used to how to be happy, even over silly and trivial things. Somewhere between being that little and growing up we lost it. Wouldn't it be nice to find that again? In the meantime, I'll try to remember to smile at the sight of these happy little creatures.