No coffee, no enlightenment

I start my day with coffee. A very wise Tibetan Buddhist Lama once told me, “No coffee, no enlightenment.” I then say a prayer for all beings. It begins with “May all beings have happiness and the roots of happiness…” Then I read for a few minutes. Currently it’s a book by a wonderful Episcopalian priest named Cynthia Bourgeault. I only read until a phrase or a word really pops out at me; grabs my attention and won’t let go. So I examine the word: what does it open up in my mind? Then I just sit with the word: that it, I say it mindfully and then let it face away. Interesting stuff will always arise from my gentler self. (As an aside: my gnarly self has a lot of teaching to do as well.) Finally, I make a short list of everyone who bless me that day. The clerk at the supermarket is always on the list.

That’ll do for now.

Don’t worry. Be happy.

-Bill

I love Bill’s comment!. Feb 2. I love the cooking shows advice I have found them quite soothing especially Jaques Pepin and Chef Michael Smith. I love to cook and bake. I start my day feeding the animals and making breakfast and lunch for my husband to take to school. Then I read inspiring quotes from writers I adore….and write. My daily walks and swims at the YMCA are the best way to get out of my head and have a gentle community connectedness. I seem to need THE PHYSICAL (walks and swims) to medicate my brain into balance. The dance between solitude and humans is important. Sharing my writing is huge too.