Monday, July 16, 2007

Columbus Circle, June 2007


I went back to the Zendo yesterday for the first time in about two weeks. It was terrific to finally get a chance to sit peacefully and for an extended period of time, though it was also difficult: the day was hot, and I felt very drowsy. As much as I tried to follow my breathing I occasionally found myself half-dreaming, in a state that wasn’t quite consciousness. I’d have to drag myself back to the surface again, back to the breath and some measure of alertness.

Practice waxes and wanes for many people, and I’ve felt separated from my practice. I’ve had so much going on: social events, co-op board business, my weekend in Southampton, my move to the new office building and all that entails, my bout with the flu. My head has been rolling with duties, thoughts, and yes, delusional compulsions, too.

So I was happy to sit again, as hard as it was, and I’m once again renewing my vow to return to sitting more frequently. I really need that time to find some space, to renew my connection with life. Without it, I stop seeing - I wind up rushing around busybusybusy and forget to notice, well, virtually everything.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Getting separated from, and then returning to, practice is part of practice for me. I do so admire your tenacity and commitment. Bravo!!

From yesterday's post, a question. Do you miss noticing the shadows? Because it might be seasonal and/or the shadows in NYC might not be as interesting during summer as during winter...interesting. I love your pics, whether or street art or whatever. Love following your eyes as you gaze around your amazing city.

Anonymous said...

Hello Steve. Your photo today reminds me of looking in mirrors that are opposite on another. The benches seem to go on forever.

Anonymous said...

Reya: The shadows are definitely different at this time of year. I miss the stark, spidery shadows of bare trees, for example - the leafy shadows of summer seem much less unified, more scattered than structured. But why do I have expectations about what I want from shadows?? What's THAT about?

Anonymous said...

I like clean crisp linear shadows best.

Anonymous said...

delusional compulsions?