Measure Twice, Cut Once

On my way along my path, I have been noticing how often a person's last ditch and often hopeless attempt at something actually works.

People often leave the thing they dislike (or simply like least) until last - then seem surprised when it seems to work.

Where does this surprise come from?

The thing you put off is usually the reason you tried the others first - They weren't as painful to attempt compared to admitting that your likes and dislikes could be wrong and that you need to start with a fresh new approach that is more likely to work. So everyone tends to fixate on the things that they could do that could go wrong or that they may do poorly in such an attempt. This results in them doing the things that would usually make them hesitate, with more mindfulness and discipline than all their other attempts. Close enough isn't good enough for the things you try to avoid. You only want to do this once! When you attempt what you think is impossible you tend to be more diligent and want to take notes so you can throw it back in the face of all those that suggested it to you. Throw it in your own face for even contemplating doing such an unlikely thing ...

The discipline, the mindfulness and the methodical diligence you apply to your task are what makes it work - Not the fact you hate it.

Having the painful things work opens your eyes to what you have been missing - the ability to access to a more honest and authentic place in the world. Shying away from the truth you see in those moments and convincing yourself that the world is against you will get you know where.

Using the memories that come from times of learning that stick in your mind and skills gained from those experiences will help to startle yourself awake and to open your eyes wide and see the real complexities of the world as it is. Such a view is priceless ...

Meditation from Thursday 24 September 2015

It is Thursday 24 September 2015 - some interesting big things have happened recently. You are up now - the house is quiet, it's dark, it's 1 o'clock in the morning here. The air is pregnant with possibilities.

You were annoyed.
You listen in the dark quiet to your body.
You hear the thunder - the noise is infectious.
You smile.
This is you.
You are sitting ill.
You can't lie down - that makes your illness worse right now.
You smile your subtle smile.
This is a gift.
You sit like you sat before.
You sit and listen to yourself.
You smile at the noise.
What happens happens.
Such a way to experience your body!
Listen to it groan and moan in it's pain.
Feel it do what it needs to rid itself of illness.
This body is not you.
It is a vessel you are given the opportunity to express yourself with and in.
Take care of it.
No gift lasts for ever.
You were annoyed.

Someone made you ill.
You saw many people recently.
It most likely was the person you know that had a recently ill family and discovered they could be ill themselves.
Was it them?
It could have been anyone else though too.
Your illness may not be their illness.
It matters not.
You are ill.
You need to to what you need to get better.
Let that process occur.

You learn from your body.
You learn the signs of your body in stress, your body in pain.
This is what it feels like to be ill like this now.
All ills are different.
This one is unique.
This one will never occur like this again.
Smile.
Sit.
Bow.
Take reverence in the moment.
What this moment is sharing with you now is fleeting.

This message - this text - will never be taught upon like this again to anyone ever.
Sit.
Bow.
Smile.

If something this ... uncomfortable can teach you, then all can teach you.
When you open your ears and hear - there is opportunity to learn.
Learn.
Share.
Grow.
Use this ill - use this lesson to increase your knowledge of you.
Your power.
Your understanding.

When the lesson ceases only the idea remains.
Beyond words - remember.
Use the idea wisely - use it sparingly.
That is how you get better.
Idea of a person can never be touched or handled with human contact, with human words.

You remain untouched, lighting the way of the world - being the mirror reflecting the light.
You are light.
You are ill.
You are you.

The illness of this world will not cease while this world continues.
You may use it to debase yourself - to spread the dis-ease.
You can use it to reflect the world back on itself.
You can use it to reflect the light, the way of the world back on to the world.
Light the darkness and shine forth.

Pausing When We Eat

Here are some methods for helping yourself to slow down your eating by creating pauses:

1. Pause before beginning the meal. Look at each item of food, taking it in with the eyes. Notice colors, textures, shapes, arrangement on the plate or bowl.

2. Take a moment to say grace. Thank the animals, plants, and people who brought this food to you. Be aware of their gifts as you eat.

3. Begin the meal by pausing to inhale the fragrance of the food. Imagine that you are being nourished by just the smell.

4. Eat food like a wine connoisseur tastes wine. First sniff the food, enjoying the bouquet. Then take a small taste. Roll it around in the mouth, savoring it. What ingredients can you detect? Chew slowly and swallow. Take a sip of water to cleanse the palate. When the mouth is empty of food and flavor, repeat the process.

5. If you notice that you are eating without tasting, stop and pause to look at the food again.

-Jan Chozen Bays, "Mindful Eating," Tricycle, Summer 2009