Why do we sit daily? 

What does it take to have a daily practice?  What I have noticed about daily meditation is that it is helpful if there is a clear aspiration or intention and also support and accountability.  I know for me my wish for myself and for all being to be free and liberated helps me get on the cushion and meditate.  I may not always feel like meditating but when I can connect with my aspiration I am motivated to sit.

What is your aspiration?  What do you hope for by engaging in your meditation??  Answering those questions may really help you in staying with your practice.

Day 1 of 360 days of meditation practice 2011

-Day One of 360 days of meditation Practice 2011 -

For the past seven years or so I have made and kept the commitment of meditating 360 days each year. Some find this commitment to practice inspiring and some just find it daunting. What I want to do with this year is do a blog as a journal of a year in the life of a daily meditater. Like a ships log, which was used to log what happened during a ships journey, this blog will be what happens on this 360 day journey into unfolding consciousness.

Why 360 days and not 365? What I know is there will always be days I will miss. It is easy to for me to track the 5 days I miss and 360 feels like I am honoring a daily practice.

This is day 1 of 360 days of meditation. Up at 5am for a fifty minute meditation period and then a 30 minute period at 8am. I choose those times because they are a good time for me. My energy is up and awake. My 5 am sit is more strenuous as I really have to work to get focused and concentrated. It feels like a good work out and has me be even more concentrate during my 8am period of sitting meditation. It is really just like a workout, there is nothing special on one level. You just show up and do your best at watching the breath and then when you are finished you can reflect on the fruits of your practice.

May we be free and live in liberation!

I have just returned from the Living Dharma retreat at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre. I had the opportunity to have a student interview with Richard Shankman. I have been a meditation student for 16 years but my meditation has never been very concentrated. I joke with my friends calling it “thinkatation” or “napatation”. After a brief interview with Richard and some pointers on things to try in my meditation, I feel like my practice has blossomed. I am feeling deep gratitude to Richard. Sending love and gratitude to you Richard! Check out his book to deepen your meditation practice...

http://www.shambhala.com/html/catalog/items/isbn/978-1-59030-521-8.cfm

The light hearted unenlightened Boddisatva

I realized this weekend while teaching a class that my work in the world has changed. I know that it had been shifting but the direction became completely clear.

My work is to engage with people toward their freedom and happiness. To that end this blog is dedicated to the conversation about awakening freedom and true happiness.

I am excited to see what we create!

May you be peaceful, happy and well - Marla