Miscellaneous Missives

This week I practiced my meditation at 10 minute increments. Today when the instructor asked if we had any questions regarding our experience, I felt the need to ask my question (more of a statement). Although I realize I shouldn't have shared this in class a bit too late, I also realize I shouldn't share this in a public format such as this blog. I guess this will be my opportunity to embarrass myself in public, and it certainly won't be the first time. When I meditated this week, I drooled which made me feel uncomfortable. The instructor didn't find it strange, but the people in the class looked appalled and humored at the same time making me realize I should have asked in private. Maybe they don't realize how difficult it is for me to sit still for ten minutes without my mind wandering. According to the instructor, I forgot to swallow as I was concentrating on the meditation. Today's meditation went better in the drooling category, but I found it hard...

I am always interested in my zodiac sign. It really seems to fit me. This description came attached to an e-mail. Since I didn't forward the e-mail, it seems I'll have four years bad luck. Do you think they'll be followed by four years of good luck? Is there even, in the middle, luck? Is there luck? "SCORPIO - The Intense One (Oct 23 - Nov 21)Very energetic. Intelligent. Can be jealous and/or possessive. Hardworking. Great kisser. Can become obsessive or secretive. Holds grudges.. Attractive. Determined. Loves being in long Relationships. Talkative. Romantic. Can be very centered at times. Passionate and Emotional. 4 years of bad luck if you do not forward."

Today I saw a former student in the media center. She asked, "Why are you always smiling?" First I know this isn't true, but if it was true, I would know the reason. I am always smiling because I can predict the future. Last night I started an on-line Scrabble game with colleagues titled "Conferences Canceled." This afternoon the conferences were canceled. How did I know that we would get six inches (shown drifted on my car)? I knew it because my Christmas cactus recently started to bloom. By reading the newly formed flowers, I was able to predict the cancellation of conferences this evening. It's a gift!

A colleague and I were discussing curriculum and our hectic schedules today. Although this week is a bit intense with two nights of conferences, we both shared our plan of attending Ash Wednesday service (different churches, same message). "I have to admit that I enjoy Lent," she stated. With agreement I shared my decision to pray the Rosary during this Lenten season. Enjoyment may not be the word, but I do appreciate the intensity and reverence this season brings. Preparation for the celebration of East is a path of repenting and praying. This year my path will include mediation and praying the Rosary. Because I feel Lent should be a time to discard those feelings that hinder my spiritual growth, I find my path appropriate. My chosen path for Lent will bring its own challenges mainly that of reserving time for reflection. This is fitting since Lent is also a time to remember the challenges of Jesus as he prepared for the crucifixion.

When I watch the news, I typically don't watch ABC. Tonight I did watch ABC since it was on. McCain and Obama were having a discussion . Actually McCain was trying to make Obama seem ignorant. Does the old man forget how this worked for him in the election? Hey old man, give it up!

Yesterday I started a six week mediation course. The meditation is known as Vipassana. This is a description I found : "Vipassana is a way of self-transformation through self-observation. It focuses on the deep interconnection between mind and body, which can be experienced directly by disciplined attention to the physical sensations that form the life of the body, and that continuously interconnect and condition the life of the mind." The teacher told us that it would be more difficult at home. I'm not sure if I "meditated" following her exact instructions, but for the second day in a row I was able to sit without talking or moving (maybe a little movement) for ten minutes. This can't be a bad thing.

Rise and shine was 6:30 this morning in hopes of watching the sunrise on my walk. Although I missed the sunrise because it was too cloudy, I didn't miss the beauty of the new snowfall. On my way out the Greenway wasn't plowed which was more strenuous than the walk on the way in which was plowed.