Today is January 3, 2014. First time I've typed that - 2014. Just a little hard to believe.
Jim sent this quote (along with 2 others) out in an email reminder for the start of the next session of classes:
"Discouragement - What happens is after some good experience in Practice you start to expect it to go on, and so instead of coming to it fresh you come with an expectation. That attitude kills the spontaneity of your experience and makes it heavy and unworkable.
It takes a while to notice this process and learn how to not make it worse by trying too hard or, on the other side, reacting against trying at all and wanting to give up – or indeed giving up.
It’s easier to handle once you realise it is all part of the process. You just turn towards that experience in just the same open way that you turn towards all experience – no problem. Just keep going. No need to grit the teeth and keep going – just lighten up and keep going!" - Lama Shenpen Hookham
I've felt discouraged about my Practice in these 102 Days recently passed. It's been a tougher season than usual for me.
I still hold to the point that my Practice has been the catalyst for much internal consideration, some shifts. But Practice... I am not better or more disciplined at making time every day for meditation and Tai Chi. I'm a lazy slug. What can I say?
Before you get all crazy, I'm working on the internal language. That stuff is just old habit energy. Somehow, it has been tougher to stand strong. I am SO GLAD that the 'holidays' are OVER. I will be elsewhere next time they roll around, with new plans.
