jim's mindfulness blog

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Location: Osterville, Massachusetts, United States

I am a professor at Cape Cod Community College and and a member of a Buddhist order. After a 30-year career as a newspaper reporter and editor I became a full-time professor in 2001. I am the author of the textbooks "The Elements of News Writing" and "The Elements of Academic Writing." I enjoy running, hiking and camping. I have two grown sons and two grandchildren.

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

#24 Too Busy

I have gotten much too busy lately. I can't seem to get caught up. Of course I end up skipping my morning routine, which doesn't help. The good news is that we did finally finish painting Ben's room and having the carpets cleaned. It looks very nice.
This weekend, I am flying to St Louis to give a talk at CMA -- the College Media Advisers convention. That should be fun.
I have had a backache lately -- probably due to the painting and associated work. But, all in all, I am keeping my head above water, so I can't complain.
On Monday I had a good talk with my friend Steve, and we spent some time discussing the spiritual practice of "letting go." It is a very important thing for me to remember. I must let go of my attachments, including an attachment to outcomes and expectations.

Monday, October 16, 2006

#23 Off to a Good Start

This week is off to a good start. I ran and meditated this morning, and I got a lot accomplished at the office. I wrote a quiz in time for my 10 a.m. class, and then updated my digital gradebooks for several classes. I worked hard until 5 p.m. The motorcycle ride back and forth was mighty chilly. I don't know how much longer I will be able to ride it. Weather.com predicts clear and cold weather tomorrow. Maybe I'll wear longjohns ad ride one more day. Then rain is predicted for the rest of the week, so I'll be back to using the car.

Friday, October 13, 2006

#22 Much Better; More Mindful

On Thursday and Friday I got up at 6, had breakfast while Barbara went for an early morning walk, and then I ran and meditated. It felt wonderful. Both my days went very well. I did not get upset or impatient. Brandon is right, I am talking myself into believing this pattern, but I don't think it is an unhealthy attachment. I will simply try to take care of myself in the mornings as often as I can.
My running is coming along slowly. I still can't complete the whole two miles without stopping. That is frustrating when I remember lovely five-mile runs last summer. But I go a little farther every day, and I know I am improving.
It is Friday afternoon now, and I am going to be attending a Suffolk University banquet this evening. That should be fun.
May all beings be filled with loving kindness.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

#21 Weary Wednesday

This is a recurring theme: I skipped my morning routine and had a lousy day. I usually run and meditate, but I skipped it, thinking I should get to work extra early to accomplish more. But, as usual, I found myself tense and angry over little things, and ended up wasting much more time than I ever saved by getting in early. From now on, I should remember that running and meditating in the morning ends up saving time and making me a happier person. That is the miracle of mindfulness.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

#20 Columbus Day Weekend

I spent most of the long weekend working on what had been Ben's room and then was my library and study, and is soon to be Ben and Wolf and Nathaniel's room. Over the last few years I assembled all the books I had into that room -- There must have been nearly 1,000 books altogether. It was fun to see them all displayed. But I realized recently it was time to simplify my life and downsize, Since Ben and his wife and son are moving back into our house, we figured this was a good time. So we disposed of 90 percent of the books. I have a nice little shelf with about 100 books in my room now. Ben's room is completely empty now, in preparation for repainting. It is quite a change.

Also this weekend, I managed to get in a good run on Saturday afternoon. I almost finished two miles. After about a mile and a half, I had to mix in some walking, but I am definitely getting back in shape again.

Unfortunately, I did not grade any school papers over the weekend, so I am behind on that task, but I got a lot done this evening (Tuesday night), so I am on my way to getting caught up there too.

Thursday, October 05, 2006

#19 Long Thursday


It is 8 p.m., and I am exhausted.
I started out with an appointment with an oral surgeon at 8 a.m. He had bad news for me. I am going to have to get a dental implant, which will be a long, complicated and expensive process. Then I came back to campus and taught classes at 10 a.m. 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. I also had a meeting of the school newspaper staff at 12:30 and appointments with students. Unfortunately I never managed to correct any papers, so I know I will end up bringing home a lot of papers to correct over the weekend.
I will have a chilly ride home on my motorcycle, but it will be fun.

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

#18 Three Days in a Row

...Three days running, that is, not blogging.
I have resumed running regularly. Last Saturday I did a slow walk/run of the Bristol Loop. I had a lot of trouble sleeping Saturday night, so I slept in on Sunday instead of running. But then I did get up and run on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. By now I can run the Bristol Loop (three-quarters of a mile) without stopping. Next, will increase to a full mile and then more. Also, I have been meditating every day, which is extremely helpful.

IT is hard for me to keep up with seven classes, but running and meditating and remaining mindful is the key to making it, not skipping those things to make more time. It is better to use the time I have more efficiently.

My campaign to lose weight is not going well. I am still stalled at 171. Maybe I should eat less???

Monday, October 02, 2006

#17 Back on Track

My leg injury has kept me from running, but I am starting again. On Saturday and again today (Monday) I took a short jog in the early morning. It wasn't far or fast, but at least I am running again. I am also meditating more regularly. The combination of running and meditation seem to be the keys to my tranquility.

Last week my son asked if he and his wife and son could move back in with us for the winter, while they get back on their feet again. It will be quite a challenge to have seven people all living in our home, but it will also be a great joy to have the whole family together. We will have four generations. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas together.

I am going to try to lose some weight during the month of October. I am at 171 now. I hope to get to 165 by Nov. 1.