I'm not old. Yet, in my thirties, I begin to notice mortality. Friends, family and acquaintances-- they all seem to have an expiration date now. We don't think about death very often when we're young, but as we get older, inevitably, people around us begin to die. A frequent customer at our restaurant who is… Continue reading Perception No.1
Goals
It's been around 120 days, and a little more, since my practice seemed to fall apart. A large amount of stress is where I've decided to lay blame- though I'm sure there are other factors. So for the last month or so I've been trying to revitalize my precept practice by setting goals. I figure… Continue reading Goals
Keeping at it
Today's meditation was short. It was hot in my little storage space turned meditation hall, and having slipped away from work knowing I'd only get 15 minutes, my mind relentlessly pulled itself back to thoughts of the tasks ahead. As always, waking up earlier to meditate before work would have been more beneficial. Surprisingly, my… Continue reading Keeping at it
Setting it down
Before you read: If you're new to this page- this is the new home for my journals as a Buddhist Layperson in California. If you'd like to know more about these journals, check out the introduction, and a short primer on the topic of Buddhism from an aspiring practitioner. May you be well!....................................................................................................... I've been… Continue reading Setting it down
Walk it off
I did some walking and sitting meditation this morning, pondering the night before- when I drank all too much alcohol, revisiting one of my biggest weaknesses - The Fifth Precept. It's interesting how much clarity I have about the precepts when my head hurts and I'm realizing I lost an entire day off to something… Continue reading Walk it off
Before I Start Rambling
As I stated in the Introduction, these journal entries aren't for teaching Buddhism. I'm far from qualified to teach-- that kind of thing is best left to the professionals. Just to reiterate, A Few Skillful Days is just a way for me to get my thoughts down, and to have something to reflect on later.… Continue reading Before I Start Rambling
Introduction
This website is going to be the home of some journal entries on the subject of my spiritual pursuits, and the successes (and failures) therein. You will primarily read about what it's like for an average American guy to try and shoehorn himself into behaviors and practices very much contrary to the society in which… Continue reading Introduction
