I resolved a couple of months ago to strengthen my equanimity, mostly through deepening my meditation practices. #zazen
I am definitely experiencing results. I am recognizing how I used to react to similar circumstances and more often am finding the space to respond in ways and at times I am happier about.
Even more curious, I think I am retrospectively recognizing past experiences that were also progress. At the time, I was unsure what was going on other than it being deeply uncomfortable.
TFW you start experiencing the desired effects of a daily well being practice, in this case my #zazen meditation, but it isn't what you expected. Equanimity doesn't necessarily also come with comfort, let alone contentment.
My comfort at my new $dayjob keeps growing. I am still preparing for my first project and have some ideas for some coding to help me work out a few ideas before the formal kick off.
I am planning to end my work early to visit my usual weekly haunt, Saints Row Brewing, to see my friends among the staff and regulars.
Why do we see very few people from minorities in #meditation circles? Is #zazen a white upper middle class-only activity?
I don’t think so. But because #capitalism makes life so hard for those minorities, they aren’t granted the chance to participate in those meditation sessions, as they have other, more urgent, things to struggle with in the first place.
Therefore, as a monk, vowing to liberate all sentient beings means to offer equal opportunities to everyone to practice #zen and this can’t be achieved under capitalism. Only an #anarchist society, where both #liberty and #equality are guaranteed, can allow that.
I think I am hyperphant, as opposes to an aphant, meaning I have an "overactive imagination". I think this has fueled a certain skepticism and hyper-rationality in me as hedges against putting too much credence in experiences that might simply be my overpowered imagination.
Then I learn about popular science that tells me, at least for my meditative practices, that some effects may be more real, like Tai Qi hands, than I previously gave credit. #taichi#qigong#zazen
#Today, I did what my mind has been telling me was impossible for the last ten years. Woke up at 4a and made the one hour drive for the early morning meditation session with the monks at the zendo. Sometimes what first appears impossible can become possible after all. From my teacher (also the abbot) the notion that I couldn’t do it was “just a thought.” Then on the way out she asked me if I was coming tomorrow. She’s good.