"never leave home without Betty & Pansy"!

Time: 7:53am
What: 20 minutes seated practice
Focus: First Foundation / Exercise 5 - 6 (Sati-)

Have decided to lay the groundwork for a new (more positive) groove. Being punctual! Sat on the cushion (despite the lure of the computer) before 8am. Goal: to get to the studio on time. No lallygagging. Sitting felt a bit like a fog. Deep haze of heavy thoughts (in texture vs quality). Cat laying on the floor beside the blanket/cushion. Aroma of dirty litter box wafting to my nostrils. Noticed that calves twitch each time awareness touches the shin bones and ankles. Feel of the ribcage expanding out and lifting with the inhalation. Short smooth breath. Op! Must use the loo. Bong (oh good).

Time: 5(ish)pm
What: 10 minutes walking (my groceries to my apartment) meditation
Focus: First Foundation / Exercise 5 - 6 (Sati-)

Walking up Bathurst from St Clair. Purse slung over one shoulder, grocery bag tossed over the other. Beginning with breath awareness. Difficult to not manipulate or control breathing during movement (compared to watching breath while sitting). Deep groove of pranayama during asana practice. Aware of footsteps with breath. In, in, in, out, out, out, out. Breath is short (another hot day). Arm tingling from carrying the grocery bag. Shoelaces digging into the soles of my feet. Sharper as the foot hits the pavement. Wind blows sand and dust up from the sidewalk. Mindful of movement while adjusting the grocery bag and wiping my eyes. Thoughts fade in and out along with the focus of watching breath and body.

Remember how difficult seated practice was initially. Feel that same level and texture of struggle and aversion. Trust that it will settle as practice develops. Perhaps walking meditation should start in my hallways instead of a busy (and windy) city street. TBD.