I’m writing this as a fond farewell to all of you who have supported this website.
I know this has been another long pause between postings. I’ve been busy, for the most part, happily. I just don’t have the time anymore to devote to it. I’ve learned so much in writing this blog.
As you’re aware, much has been happening in this country and across the world. It has been a very stressful time and I’m not immune to it. Probably like many of you, I’ve also been searching for ways to effectively cope with this situation.
Since my break from meditation at the end of last year, I’ve resumed my practice. Actually, I only took about 2 weeks off. Life enters my practice, and my practice enters my meditation, so sometimes, I feel quite rattled, agitated, or upset. Sitting with that can be quite a challenge. Thankfully, it hasn’t all been that way. There’s been peaceful, calm sittings as well thanks to impermanence.
I want to thank you all for reading and responding to my posts, and I hope you continue in your meditation practice. In these chaotic times, we need a refuge, and our practice can provide that for us. Meditation is more necessary now than ever in this chaotic world. Getting together with other meditators feels like an island of sanity for me. I encourage all of you to join a local meditation group, if possible. Some are online, so if there is no group in your community, that’s an option. Lastly, if you want to join my online group, let me know.
I wish you the best of luck in this uncertain world.
Here is a parting poem I love.
Vijaya – Victor, adapted by Matty Weingast
When everyone else was meditating,
I’d be outside circling the hall.
Finally, I went to confess.
I’m hopeless, I said.
The elder nun smiled.
Just keep going, she said.
Nothing stays in orbit forever.
If this circling is all you have,
why not make this circling your home?
I did as she told me,
And went on circling the hall.
If you find yourself partly in
And partly out –
If you find yourself drawn to this Path
And also drawing away –
I can assure you,
You’re in good company.
Just keep going.
Sometimes the most direct path isn’t a
straight line.
Metta,
Erica
Erica, I love that poem! Thanks for sharing it.