That's the question, often. I When time is scarce, I find myself having to make a choice. Either blog, or sit. There is something ironic about blogging about practice and forsaking actual practice because of it. In any case, this week I knew what mattered most and I chose sitting.
Hence, no post for the past few days. And today, just a short one.
Posts
I think blogging or writing can be a form of meditation in itself. I've been starting to write every single morning before I sit. I'm not sure what will come of it, but it's certainly interesting to see all of the thoughts coming out of my head and onto the paper.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I agree with the above. I'm not sure I would want to fully replace my sitting practice with a writing practice. I see both as important and different ways.
I agree with you, Nate that writing and sitting are both part of practice. I just see sitting as the top priority between the two, when time is running short and I need to make a choice. Talking, writing about are not essential. Formal practice is.
ReplyDeleteWhy can't get into the same 'state' as when we are living life? I keep asking myself, not to have an end to meditation, but trying to relax in the chaos of life, which blogging sometimes feels like for me. I have taken a break while being busy, and surely I've had good ideas pass by that I could have posted, but felt that it would take me away from the task at hand...a deadline to meet. I have also had meditation moments in the midst of painting my house, but when I sit down there is a real knowing of my mental state. I will continue to bring this knowing into life.
ReplyDeleteMindful writing is as challenging and rewarding as mindfulness in other areas of life - eating, walking, breathing, sitting with others, sitting alone... There is an element of beauty to words and their flow, meanings, feelings aroused, sounds, shaping of the mouth, firing of brain neurons - well the idea is there that all our minutes are potential contributors to our practice.
ReplyDeleteYes, Was Once, like you I see all of life as practice, and formal practice as an essential part of strengthening the mindfulness muscle. Like doing scales on the piano, or reps at the gym. No way around it . . .
ReplyDeleteJDB, I agree with you, and I don't :) There is something about formal sitting practice (or walking meditation) that is very different than all these other activities. In the quiet stillness of body sitting, it is easier to discern what is, including all the hindrances, the mind's attempts at selfing, the three poisons. And the mind gets the best chance to decant.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, as shared above, all of live as practice. One is not a substitute for the other.