Since I started paddleboarding last year I've been on rivers, lakes and now the ocean, or rather the big bay here on Cape Cod. I was excited to try surfing, but it's been flatter than the river all week. The other afternoon it was both hazy and sunny on the bay and I headed straight west, into the light enveloped in a surreal glow reflected back in the waves.
A long, steamy drive from DC to Kripalu Center in the Berkshire Mountains left me pretty wrung out. But there was just enough light to inflate my paddle board and head out to the middle of the lake.
All alone. Finally.
Except for one horsefly.
I learned a new dance.
I call it the try-to-smack-the-horsefly-while -standing-on-a-board-in-the-middle-of-40-acres-of-water shuffle.
Days upon days of rain, the river is rising and the pup is happy.
Morning walk in the woods along the river.
Just back from two weeks on the Kauai. Where did the time go?
Is she seeing into the nature of Form and Emptiness? Or is it a bug?
Most days I feel tall. The other day, with Carol and Nancy, well ....
I'm just back from an inspiring day at the IMCW Men's Retreat. There is nothing quite like the company of like-minded men who share an intention to be more awake and alive. We had a pretty diverse group and despite the differences in age, culture, sexual orientations and professions, a sense of kindness and generosity permeated the day.
It's been an honor to lead these gathering these last years.
If you are interested in joining up with men in the DC area, do check out Men Meeting for Meditation (M3). More about this group:
Men Meeting for Meditation (M3) is a monthly meeting of men for mindful movement, meditation and discussion. Our goal is to create a space for men to learn the power of silent meditation, to deepen their meditation practice, and to interact with other like-minded men.
This is a meeting for men who desire to live awake, alive and fully aware lives. An important goal of this gathering is to be challenged and corrected by like-minded men, “as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” The Proverb is the metaphor for these gatherings. It is an opportunity for men to sharpen each other in their spiritual walk so we can live as fully awake beings.
Currently we are changing locations, but will announce a new location soon. In addition to the monthly meetings, we would like for M3 to serve as a forum and network of men who want to challenge each other and grow in their own meditation practice.
What are ways in which we could be of service?
We are looking at online video streaming sessions with live chats, simultaneous live meditation sessions, smaller local groups that could meet more regularly to have more personal interaction.
Other ideas and suggestions are welcome.
Contact Kevin at Kdejones@gmail.com with any ideas or comments.
If that statement is true, we've got a fully enlightened dog.
With the cool weather the bluebells are hanging on, but the Flox are already moving in. From one shade of blue to another. First light on Flox:
Great to be on the river again.
It's peak Bluebell season here on the Virginia side of the Potomac.
Photo shot and edited by Sarah Foust
When I was head of curriculum at Kripalu Center I once tried to get Bo Lozoff, founder of the Ashram Prison Project and author of "We're All Doing Time," to come and present at a conference we were hosting. "I'm going to screw things up for you," he said. "I'll come, but it would have to offered by donation."
Though we were an ashram and non-profit, the only model we had was charging for program and services. I looked into how we might accommodate him and, well, we couldn't. It turned out he had a conflict anyway, but I took the opportunity to ask him about how he managed to teach this way.
"These teachings are priceless," he said. "How can you ask a set fee? Everything we offer is by dana - or donation. Sometimes it's tight and scary and sometimes someone will put a check for $3,000.00 in the collection bowl. I'll tell you this, though - we have always gotten by."
I resolved that I might do this ... offer my classes freely and trust that I might be supported.
When I moved to DC I had my opportunity. I offered yoga and meditation classes free with a suggested donation. IMCW's retreats are offered freely. You just pay room and board and make a donation to the teachers.
Initially I was pretty tight about it as I do depend on this income, but mostly, I love the practice. I know there are many who come to classes and retreats who would not be able to if there was a set fee.
My classes and guided meditations are offered freely through my podcast on iTunes. I'm touched when I get an email or a mention of it and recently a most generous person emailed me from California asking if he might help cover the costs of distribution.
Wow.
I've been blessed with a lot of support and generosity. It's affected how I give. I am now a huge tipper particularly in places like Subway as I'm more sensitive to those who are serving. I am much more inclined to share my small fortune with others.
I really like the feeling of being generous.
So I was surprised and touched by this table card from Panera. How can one not feel positive feelings toward this company and humanity in general?
While I was on retreat, our little pup Cheyla passed. I called her a 'substandard poodle' as she was the runt of the litter. She had a host of health issues and if it wasn't for a monthly injection to keep her immune system going from Addison's disease, she'd be long gone. Six years of prednisone led to congestive heart failure and after a satisfying hike last week, she gave up. This is one of my favorite shots from last spring when I thought she was leaving us.
I conspired to give her many 'best days ever' and truly she had many of them. She graced us with an unfailing sweet, cheerful presence.
Given we've got three dogs, two of them rather hypervigilant, I can't quite believe how brazen our local fox can be. The other morning I was doing standing meditation facing the deck when I noticed the activity. First the fox made a run for the squirrels under the feeder, coming quite close to capturing one, then it turned it's attention to the errant seeds under the bird feeders. This wonderful winter coat will soon give way to molting, when the foxes start looking scrawny again.
110 meditators for five days. Good medicine. A few images ...
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Pat Coffey, Hugh Byrne, Tara Brach, Ruth King, Jonathan Foust:
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Each participant takes part in two small group sessions. They can be quite powerful, almost ethereal, which inspired me to edit this image of my room:
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After five days of silence (other than the small groups which meet for about an hour) it can be a challenge to enter back into speaking. Small groups making the transition to mindful speech:
Down by the pond.
Part two on pain this week.
The blurb:
Pain is a messenger. When you can investigate the arising of sensation and how you are relating to it, new possibilities can arise. It's helpful to remember that whatever your experience may be in any moment, when you remember that "Other people feel this too," a sense of "I" and "mine" can fall away and open up space inside.
Podcast here and online streaming here.
Morning light.
