#16 Rainy Saturday

Oh no, another six days have gone by since I blogged. How can I expect my students to post on a blog every day, when I can't find time? I will try to do better.

Last Sunday I posted before the monks visited our sangha. It was a great experience. They said they liked the way we practice at the Cape Sangha, and that was gratifying.

I have been very busy this week. Teaching seven classes is too many for me to handle, especially while doing leading the sangha and serving on several committees.

Overall, I have been feeling good. I have helped several people, and that makes me feel good. There was a young student who couldn't find her tutoring appointment, and I ended up walking her clear across campus to get her to the right place. I wasn't my job, but I still feel good knowing I helped her. Then my friend Joyce, who is blind, needed a ride to her physical therapy appointment (she broke her wrist). I gave her a ride Friday, and it was very enjoyable to have the time to chat with her. It is always interesting to me to learn more about the world from someone with a different perspective. Obviously blind people "see" things differently from those of us who have eyesight. Joyce is a terrific person, and I am glad I know her.

#15 Mindful Sunday

I try to make Sundays particularly mindful. Today I woke up at 9 and watched CBS Sunday Morning, which is a particularly thoughtful television show. Several of the segments on the show dealt with issued raised in my mass communication classes. One was about the pervasiveness of advertising. Apparently CBS is experimenting with ads stamped on millions of fresh eggs.

I rode into campus to make up the quiz for Monday morning's mass communication quiz, and I have just finished doing that. This afternoon I am looking forward to the meeting of the Cape Sangha, the Buddhist meditation group I founded nine years ago. Two monks from Thich Nhat Hanh's monastery at Plum Village, France, are visiting the Cape and will be joining us. That is a very exciting prospect, although I am nervous that they might think the way in which I lead the sangha is too casual. Nonsense -- they are specialists in not judging. It will all be fine.

I hope to post more regularly on this blog.

#14 Saturday night

This wasn't a very mindful day all around, but I did spend some time planning the guided meditation I will conduct at the Interfaith Prayer Service Monday in honor of the Sept. 11 anniversary. I wonder if anyone will show up for it. I send press released all over, but it had not gotten much publicity yet. I hope it is mentioned in the Cape Cod Times tomorrow.

I spent some time working on an ideal schedule for myself, which includes running every morning. I hope my sore leg heals enough so I can resume running soon. I know that regular running and meditation are the key to my happiness.

But for now I would settle for a good night's sleep.

#13 Labor Day

Happy Labor Day.
School starts tomorrow, and I am looking forward to it. Teaching is hard work, but it is very regarding. I think I am well prepared for the new semester.
Yesterday we had our regular Sangha meeting, and it brought much-needed mindfulness back into my life. Although I usually facilitate or lead the meetings, I have asked my friends who are aspirants for ordination to alternate playing the leading roles. It is good for them and for me. I need to practice letting go of being in control of every situation. Ruth did a fine job as facilitator.