2011.11.22 _ 82

Seventeen days to go, and I think we should think about how to continue. Do we want to go straight from day 99 of the first set, into day 0 of the second set? Or shall we have an "intermission" of negative-numbered days and make (e.g.) January 1 2012 the next day 0? (EDIT after consideration: I have no strong preference either way.) ((To be clear: there will be no break in the sitting or commenting! Whichever way we go, there will be a day posted for you to comment on.)) edited 18:35, 22 Nov 2011

Standing meditation in the morning. Felt a bit numb.

All these background feeling that we usually don't notice, but I am sure influence how we behave during the day.

Yes, we are nearing the end of the first set of days. Personally, I am in favor of a short intermission to make things not so solid, and to evaluate what this set was like from outside the set. Like the 9- and 90- second pauses. We could make it a 9-day pause if we want to stay with the nines :-)

Occasionally review the view of the 99 days project, and also revisit my own aspiration for what it was that I was wanting to work with daily starting back in August. Having an intermission at the end of this period, would allow for reflections "outside" as Wester said, continuance for those wanting to sail forward with their particular discipline, and also make space for everybody, including potential newcomers, to consider what discipline they would like to play with, if they so choose. So intermission makes sense to me.

Last couple of days, awareness has been around physical sensations, and how states of mind feel in my body, and how this imbues the end before sleep, and the beginning, upon waking, and beyond. In finding some awareness of these background conditions, aspirations are made. The energy and conviction interesting to note, and the bookends speaking one to the other on occasion. I find myself recalling micro expressions on the face of Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh in a talk watched recently, that seem to resonate with a desire to integrate.. weave awareness, more naturally, and completely through the apparent cycles of this life.

::: Translucent dryads
::: Flames of souls in bare branches
::: Filaments of light

Well, let's consider what that might be. The 99th day will be December 6th, if we took nine days off the next cycle would start at Day 0 on December 16. That is fine in itself, and perhaps the need to continue might be a strength to us during what can be a trying season, offering us an excuse to escape from the joys of the family for a few minutes each day. *evil grin* edited 18:36, 22 Nov 2011

You're welcome, Aphrodite and Bertram, I too learn so much from all of you, both in terms of practical suggestions as well as mutual inspiration. Today again no time for sitting in the morning, so I did it in the afternoon. Extra glad I didn't skip yesterday, since what would I have done then today ?!? While reading Eos, wondering whether it was Canadian below 0 C or American below 0 F, presumably the former. :)

Wol, I'm happy with any scheme you like to count the days, negative or positive, with evil or angelic grin :-) And yes, definitely, sitting will continue every day in any case. edited 18:40, 22 Nov 2011

Settled in my spot with
orange cat ottering around
in my lap

first he was a koi fish then spring
dragon with his nose right on mine...

Petting the cat - no other than
meditation...
meditation - no other than petting
the cat...

(or is that no 'otter' than meditation... hehe) edited 19:20, 22 Nov 2011

Another morning of meditation... after warm up stretching, the cat woke up from the chair in front of me where I stood and began to , seems my breathing and the cat's purring were synchronized for a bit. This was followed by a "to early to Tai Chi" moment, but I persisted and continued until I was done, will lack of elegance and balance. Perhaps I will do better tonight (with standing up w/o falling over)

I use this rectangle
jumping in for many considerations
outside of meditation

[19:08] Lucinda Lavender: ready to sit quietly...
[19:08] Eos Amaterasu: :-)

At this time of night there is no "otter" place I would rather be - my daily re-connection and check in.

A short rest after #99 might be nice, as it would make the pleasure of returning to this company so much sharper, more sweet.

Today's Tai Chi movements took me along the paths of animals: golden rooster, ward off monkeys, parting the horse's mane, entering a tiger's mouth, connecting me with a bestiary both familiar and strange.

Then our cats - not completely domesticated - show us ways to help us meditate; head butting, rhythmic breathing, soft purring and ottering around. edited 06:14, 23 Nov 2011

Day 2 alone with my Lojong Practise. It worked ! edited 06:50, 23 Nov 2011