First, a recent five star review of Softening Time.
”Elena’s artistry is present. I love Elena’s journals and writing, and her poetry is lovely. But this collection for calming inspiration.”
Offline this week in silent meditation: May this pre-scheduled post transmit the diligent care from the heart of our practice field straight to you.
Per my previous post, James’ mom is expanding her bravery daily, her body giving way. And eight years ago today, my mom pierced the veil and moved on from this world. Meditation brings her around, so I’ll be listening for her this week.
From left, yours truly, my beautiful mom and my much-cooler sister, circa 1980.
When you receive this, I’ll be bowing out of meditation, mid-week of noble silence and copious practice, a period known as sesshin. Six sits per day, dropping the personality, no eye contact, being in each moment as it is. Or at least trying.
As you read, I’m likely sliding kneepads over my knees, slippers onto my feet to help silently, swiftly, line up small wooden tables in preparation for breakfast served in the zendo, or temple.
Next, a large cloth will be laid down in the sunroom, onto which we’ll place large pots, bowls, ladles, trays. Then those vessels will be brought into the zendo, two at a time, timing our bows and steps to synchronize as elegantly as we can to serve fifty or so practitioners three meals a day.
Precise, mindful, strenuous. Offering bows, kneeling down and back up dozens of times: Nothing special, yet for some reason I’m savoring every second like a kid.
Upaya Zen Center snowfall last week, January 2024.
Learning at first through books and virtually, as I entered my sixth decade, Zen Buddhism quietly found me. The clear commitment to simply awaken, serve and care makes perfect sense to my heart.
Allow me to offer a bit of context while we discuss the possible benefit of having no idea what’s next.
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Expect sitting time, a short talk, ask me anything and prompts for your heart.
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