Day 1

I'm not waiting to start day 1 on a Monday or the start of a new month. It's Thursday on a hot summer day. No better time to start paying attention to my breath than now.

Earlier today, I was walking back to my car from a yoga class at Runyon Canyon feeling rejuvenated, alive, and breathing. I was so hyper aware of my breath that not a single thought of doubt, worry, or planning for the next moment entered my mind. I was in bliss. I was breathing right through it all. Hence, the idea for this blog. I already breathe without doing anything at all. We all do. The only life-changing difference being whether we are aware that we are breathing.

The Practice:

Light morning yoga for an hour
Zazen meditation in the afternoon for half an hour - kneeling position with my back straight, knees shoulder-width apart, supported by two folded pillows, for now, with my left hand palm up on the palm of my right hand resting on my lap, with my eyes slightly open looking downward in the direction of the floor and out of focus.

Reflection:

First day is always the easiest because I don't know what awaits me tomorrow and the next day. But I know to come back to the breath when I start worrying about things like that. I've been feeling pretty centered overall. From about 2 to 4pm, I felt drowsy as I usually do during peak day hours. I laid down and observed my breathing. When I began to feel bombarded with thoughts, I sat down in Zazen. The meditation itself was relaxing today. Afterwards, I felt energized to publish this blog and post.

At this moment, thoughts are there, as is always the case, but I'm more in tuned with my breath.

In words of Peter Brown, local spiritual teacher, I'll be back tomorrow or die trying...

Thank you!