5852

Cool down at the coast! Two different weather worlds between here and SC. I dressed for warm weather (shorts, sandals, t-shirt) and encountered coolness at the coast. What a difference a small mountain makes.

Today's "glimpse" from the Rigpa site is simple and direct--

Whatever joy there is in this world
All comes from desiring others to be happy,
And whatever suffering there is in this world
All comes from desiring myself to be happy.

SHANTIDEVA

Today's treatment dealt almost exclusively with me pretending that my body/mind parts are connected (there's a joke in having to pretend that this is true). Also practiced pretending to be telling the truth (another chuckle here as well).

Got more affirmation of my progress and some interesting insights into what I'm "holding on to" as I progress. Confirmed that moving my right arm involves moving my whole body even though I try and make it otherwise. Worked a lot with my upper right arm and shoulder--letting go of sensations in those areas that are restricting motion.

Thoughts about thoughts and using thoughts (imaginings, pretendings) to set the pace, drive the process--instead of negative thoughts and fears. It's all about taking control of the Mind and following the statement highlighted above from Shantideva. It's a balancing act to hold that focus, but the Mind (not the ordinary mind, but the universal Mind) can be made to achieve that balance.

As the evening cooled down, I lapsed into a "nap" state and have just awakened feeling refreshed and renewed. What a difference a nap makes. About time for a dose of triphala and a return to nap state, if that's possible (napping that is not dosing... Hmmm! Dosing is close to dozing!).

So, had a good session today (as always). Learned some new things to practice/do/repeat. It's all about imagining/pretending--from the heart! And following Shantideva's advice. Om Ah Hung Benza Guru Pema Siddhi Hung!

Just discovered a World Prayer site that's really nice--
http://www.worldprayers.org/index.html
Give the prayer wheel a spin!