Improving Our Moments

The last couple weeks, I've been on the road quite a bit. That being said, when I get busy, I can inadvertently let some things slide. During that time frame it was principally two things. One was time with my wife and kids. The other was formal Zazen practice.

Though some things are unavoidable, given that I grew up Catholic, I'm pretty good in experiencing guilt. Despite those feelings, that didn't actually stop me from having to take care of business, so I did. But now that most of the hub-bub is past, getting reconnected and plugged in is key.

As I mentioned yesterday, Deb and I went out to dinner and the movies, which was a really nice time. We spent a lot of time talking about different things. It was more than the routine stuff of, "How was your day? How was work? Did the kids behave?" Before we left the restaurant, the thought that flashed through my head was, "I'm glad that we still have things to talk about. I'm glad that I'm still learning new things about her."

As a sidebar, if I really want to see how far I have to go with my wife or kids, technically all I have to do is look at their playlist on their iPods and ask, how did they get turned on to that? I'm totally serious when I say that you can learn a lot from looking at someones top 25 played songs or their play list. It's a lean into their psychology.

Zen and the practice of Zazen, from my perspective is a relationship too. Their can be times when it's almost like we take it for granted, as nothing special and just sit down and being counting the breath, following the breath, or live with our koan. One of the only things that I've found that brings me to task when it comes to Zazen is remembering, "Death comes without warning. That corpse that I fear is with me now." Some might think it morbid, but for me it's is a reminder to not be petty and appreciate everything, even the things that are "not so good." Zen practice takes care of me and my life, but I must take care of it and respect it too.

As I mentioned yesterday about Stephen R. Covey's, "Living By Default or By Design" is a very important point. As I've been consciously pushing against some of my "default" positions, I've learned a few things about myself and others. I'm glad that I'm not done learning yet, even after 42 years of life.

In concluding today's post, I wanted to thank "Jenny" for her comments. She pointed to a nice forum by sponsored by Stephen R. Covey. There are no gimmicks that I saw there and it's free.

May Your Life Go Well,

Jaye Morris, Curator
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