Big Sit, Day 89: Endings & Beginnings

Unbelievably, today (May 22) is the eighty-ninth day of the ninety day The Big Sit. While missing only two or three opportunities, I have successful managed to "sit" during most of the "challenge" and have seen some "progress." (So many words are in quotes, as I don't know how to really define them--for example, though I sat on a pillow and counted breathes, not every engagement was as meaningful as the previous or next, whatever "meaningful" means...)

So, you might ask, "what has been the result of this new beginning?" Why, even more new beginnings, of course!

At the very least, this ninety day period has allowed me to develop a discipline of sorts; setting aside 10-20 (mostly around 15) minutes each morning before work, running or eating to sit in quiet mediation and count breathes. Starting with simply counting "in one, out one, in  two, out two..." and eventually mixing things up by employing sutra lines "breathing in I feel joy, breathing out I feel joy" to vary and focus my experience.

Some of these lines, in addition to other poems and gathas have also found their way onto a deck of index cards Pictured above) that I made to I carry in my back pack (or at work--in my front shirt pocket). I have begun to use these to reflect or offer thanks throughout the day. It may seem sort of weird, but I have a poor memory and am trying to train myself to be more conscientious and aware of these good things that I come across... and to avoid the negative thoughts and ideas that come to my mind throughout the day.

Tomorrow is the final day of the "official" Big Sit, but my intention is to continue on with some of the positive practice I have started...

Breathe in, breathe out… YOU AND I ARE ALIVE!