Week 39 Day 2

Medi object choiceless awareness

Intention to remain alert

Afternoon all! A quick note. Today I attempted to practise but was all over the shop. Full of dreaded work thoughts. I attempted metta but to no avail. In the end I went backwards and forwards in my mind to work thoughts/tube noises/work thoughts/tense feelings etc etc. Got any tips on how to practise if one is totally distracted? As it turned out, work turned out to be bliss as a certain person was on leave. It was almost as though, my mindful fretful efforts had worked some magic to sort things out. Just goes to show that it’s always worse in your head than anywhere else. That’s the second time in as many weeks that that has happened.

Anyhoo, can you believe it’s almost September! Amazing. Only two more months to 30 days of insight and one more month to another course of 30 Days of mindfulness! Where has the time gone?

Hopefully tomorrow I will be calmer and more able to be in the present. I guess if anything this has taught me how I react to stressful situations – I am a planner to the core and just spend all the time thinking about all the possible scenarios that might happen (from the best to the worst!)

Have a great day!

39/2

Week 39 Day 1

Medi object choiceless awareness 
Intention to observe raw sensations and to be thankful for stuff

Afternoon all! Today 30 mins noting followed by short metta sesh. Today I would have played golf but the forecast was bad and none of my buddies were free. So I decided to stay in and later I will go to watch Ant Man!

As I sit I now hear the pitter patter of rain on the window so it was the right decision. I sat in my safe spot on the edge of the bed and observed. The radio was on in the bathroom but it was not too disruptive and every now and then I identified the songs and they stayed in the background of my meditation. The air temperature is just right and the time is just right for contemplation. As the thoughts came in and out of focus I turned to how I was feeling. A sense of calmness and well being pervades despite the difficulties I've had at work this week.  They are impermanent and I am thankful that my life is full of options. I am not tied to anything or anyone that I choose not to be with. As I ponder my work destiny I am thankful that I have skills that the market currently needs. They may not be the most titillating of jobs but you make your own interest and motivation.

Since I have been practising mindfulness my life outlook is more positive. In turn I find I am less bothered by frippery of office life and golf club politics. I have been able to focus on being healthy and happy. And to focus on good friends and my family. And also I am thankful that I have finally found a form of meditation that does not judge me if I can't  sit cross legged on the floor!

Ok so before I get to sit in the cinema my final task for the day is to continue to make progress on decluttering the living room...best get onto it.

Wishing all of you a lovely day and practice.  Thanks for being here.

🐽💜🐽

39/1

Week 38 Day 7

Medi object choiceless awareness 
Intention to remain alert

Evening all! late today and only a short practice, tomorrow foul weather forecast so no golf. Lie in and long practice maybe?

Nice to sit in quietness after busy day. Plenty of thoughts came through. Fan is whirring as it's hot here. The weather was scorching today what a surprise.

Just seen ginormous spider. Definitely not sharing my bed room. Tomorrow he's out!

Have a great weekend!  🐽 💜 🐽

Week 38 Day 6

Medi object choiceless awareness 
Intention to remain alert and receptive to all sensations

Afternoon all! In the lovely sunshine. Sat in the car for a short while to practise. The main sensation was the sun on my face tingling and warm. So warm that half way through I had to switch the air con on! 😅

It's the weekend and after an eventful week so glad it's here. Metta at the end for family and forgiveness.

Have a great weekend! 🐽 💜 🐽

38/6

Ps interview on Wednesday now  

Week 38 Day 5

Medi object choiceless awareness 
Intention to practise metta and some noting

Morning all! Today I focused on metta to try and prepare me for a difficult meeting today. I hope that I can be gracious in the meeting even if it is to tell her I resign! No need to worry it is a contractor's prerogative to leave if things do not develop in the way as hoped. ..a positive - as I will not have to stew in negativity. It was pretty much an experiment anyway since the last project ended.

Metta was warm but difficult when I reflected on people that were not close to me.

Noting was short with thoughts of the day pervading! Arrrgh.

Will update later after meeting! 🐽💜🐽

38/5

Week 38 Day 4

Medi object choiceless awareness 
Intention to remain alert and receptive to all sensations

Morning all! Today back to tube practice. It is a fair day and the trains travel with no issues. As I sit in the carriage I hear phone conversations to my right, the public address system is faulty so the woman only says half a sentence after she announces the station. Then the announcements stop altogether and at one stop I have an eerie feeling that it's my stop and lo and behold it's Hammersmith! The train was gently rolling from side to side in a soporific manner. Thoughts of weight loss, family and holiday came to mind, work only came later.  This was accompanied by purple blocks in front of my eyes.

Metta was sweet and continuous as I reflected on needs and forgiveness.

It's officially hump day and I'm in the office only today and tomorrow yeeehaaa!  Have a lovely day! 🐽 💜 🐽

38/4

Week 38 Day 3

Medi object choiceless awareness 
Intention to observe raw sensations

Morning all! Today I am in a cool hotel room pre golf. Short noting practice followed by metta.

Thoughts of golf politics pervaded the first half of the practice but these faded after a few mins. The air was cool and the room enormous as you can see! Weather good and hoping that golf will be good.

I watched patterns dance on my eyelids for a few moments and then listened to the air con for a while. Sitting is a very calming activity allowing me to fritter away the angst of socialising.

Have to dash,  have a great day! 🐽 💜 🌞 🐽

38 / 3

Week 38 Day 2

Medi object choiceless awareness 
Intention to remain alert

Morning all! A short practice before a busy socialising day. After packing I sat in my usual spot to practise. I allowed my mind to focus on whatever it wished. I observed swirls in front of my eyes, some planning thoughts and the physical sensation of my cooling skin having rushed around first thing.

A very serene yet vibrant session - always feels good about an hour or so after getting up.

Metta to myself then opening out to individuals, families, islands, continents and the whole world. Everyone wants love and kindness, we should send it to them!

Have a great Monday! 🐽💜🎈💜🐽

38/1

Week 38 Day 1

Medi object choiceless awareness 
Intention to remain alert

Evening all! Short meditation on returning home from a busy day and evening.

Golf fab, evening meal and film with friend. Delightful.

I sat to practise cycling through the senses and resting on some key thoughts. All is calm and peaceful here. Eyes very itchy had to apply eye drops.

Tomorrow another busy day. Need to plan carefully! Hope you all had a nice weekend! 🐽 💜 🌞 🐽

38/1

Week 37 Day 7

Medi object choiceless awareness 
Intention to remain alert

Almost forgot to post! I practised this morning for around 40 mins.

The fan was whirring and noisy, and I eventually had to switch it off halfway.  I've also had some trouble with itchy eyed so had to apply eye drops half way through. The room was quiet, the light and patterns danced on my eyelids as I entertained thoughts of holiday, garden and work. Nothing too in depth but some good ideas! 😅

After the final bell went I added some metta practice.

Tomorrow early rise, already late to sleep must get head down!

Have a good day! 🐽 💜 🐽

37/7

Week 37 Day 6

Medi object choiceless awareness 
Intention to remain alert

Very short practice today due to serious nodding tomorrow's should be better.

The sounds of the quiet house wafted into mind. As did the unusual noises outside what we're they?

Metta at the end.

Today the rain do not drench us so we had a great time. A charity day I think we raised £3500 thereabouts for the British Heart Foundation.

More golf tomorrow but just a social game!

Have a great weekend!🐽💜🐽

37/6

Week 37 Day 5

Medi object choiceless awareness

Intention to remain alert

Evening all! Shorter practice today but remained alert throughout even though it's late. One can never anticipate how one will feel! Very quiet, neighbour has gone abroad. Calm and peaceful but some thoughts of the day. Today not so productive golf wise, had to come off after 5th hole because of thunder and lightning. Matches abandoned. But still ,a aged to run some errands which was a bonus, 

Hoping for better weather tomorrow....

Have a great Friday! 🐽💜🐽

37/5

Week 37 Day 4

Medi object choiceless awareness 
Intention to remain alert

Morning all! Today a toob meditation. My eyes have been itching like crazy so I will need to head to the pharmacy for meds.

However the itching was an exercise in impermanence as the discomfort has now stopped. However a new session may flare up this evening!

Metta at the end for my niece and me.

I struggled with planning thoughts for work but had a great idea for going to interviews! 😅

Bad weather is on the horizon but golf in the rain is better than work any day! 🐽 💜 🐽

Have a great day!

37/4

Week 37 Day 3

Medi object choiceless awareness 
Intention to observe raw sensations

Evening all! Meditated on the tube this morning. Busy at work so posting now.

Felt calm and neutral. And tried to focus on what was around me. A fidgeting man next to me! But it seemed very quiet and subdued on the train. Maybe the weather?

Tried to be positive and productive at work and seemed to be ok. Tried to be aware of whole picture rather than telescopic niggle bits.

Count down to golf. Just need the weather to behave!

Have a good evening! 🐽💜🐽

37/3

Week 37 Day 2

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert and observe raw sensations

Morning all! back on the tube again. Today I attempted to be in the carriage rather than plan my day at work. It lasted about 10 minutes so I spent the rest of the time batting off thought trains. Amazing what one can sense with eyes shut and then momentarily opening them. Just shows how little I notice with my eyes open all the time!

Metta to myself, Dean and my family at the end.

Well gotta hang on for 3 days then it will be a golf fest. Woohoo!  Anyhoo today I will see if I can make a few mindful notes about my reactions to situations. Let's see! Might all go out the window as I step into the office! 😀

Have a great day! 🐽 💜 🐽

37/2

Week 37 Day 1

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert

Evening all!  Today 30 mins at the end of a lovely sunny day golfing.

Today the room was warm and half way through I had to turn the fan on. I felt a little noddy towards the end.  Practice is definitely not good after a long day...how do people do it after putting children to bed? Do they drink coffee to keep them alert?

I cycled through the senses hearing seeing taste smell feeling and thought. Thoughts were random, no real planning or story thoughts.

Anyhoo work for 3 days then offskis again for 6 days of golf! 😅  phew hope I hold out! More importantly hope the weather holds out!

Hope you all had a nice weekend and that it is ending nice and chillingly! 🐽💜🐽

37/1

Week 36 Day 7

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert

Evening all! Short practice this morning pre golf. I felt alert but still - like a statue but soft. I listened to small noises from upstairs and ignored an itch and it passed! Remember those?m I had some random thought but on the whole just happy to be there.

After the bell I did some metta.

Today I came fourth (same score as third place but lost on countback) most importantly the handicap stayed the same. More of the same tomorrow I hope! 😜

Have a great weekend! 🐽💜🐽

36/7

Week 36 Day 6

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert

Evening all! Today another short practice as a bit out of routine and crazy busy at work at a local commuter hub office.

It's deathly quiet for some reason even the ringing in my ears is quiet. Glad it's the weekend 😅.

A few mins metta at the end to close off a very hectic but productive day.

Tomorrow. .? Golf. What else.

Have a great weekend! 🐽 💜 🐽

36/6

Week 36 Day 5

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert

Evening all!  Short and sweet and now time for bed. 10 mins noting 10 mins metta. Today a busy day, thanks for your well wishes, think I'm ok now!?

It's Friday tomorrow hooray! Can't wait...or is that attachment 😅

See you tomorrow!  🐽 💜 🐽

36/5

Week 36 Day 4

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert and receptive

Evening all! Practised this morning but have been busy till now. Also have appeared to have eaten something dodgy so sewers are working overtime in Ashford 😅.

Today it was a strange day, a tube strike looming so it wasn't the usual work journey. As I sat and observed what was around me, I briefly opened my eyes at a station and my eyes were drawn to a pair of enormous tan platforms attached to a woman's legs. Wow how she walked in them I will never know.

Today was a difficult day that got better and except for this minor bug where I must not be far from the loo, life is good.

Stay well! 🐽💜🐽

36/4

Week 36 Day 3

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to observe raw sensations

Evening all! Another late one as have been out most of the day. In today's practice there was busyness in quietness. My ears rang loudly as the world around seems asleep . No aches and pains only a sense of girding up the loins for 3 days work.

Metta at the beginning was focused for 10 mins or so. Continued to include forgiveness metta in there.

Now to bed at a sensible hour so that I can get up for the one day I need to be in the office (tube strike prevents me from travelling into town).

Have a good one! 🐽 💜 🐽

36/3

Week 36 Day 2

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to observe raw sensations

A late one today for 30 mins. But very alert. I decided to let all sensations into the field without categorising. Feelings sounds breathing lights in front of eyes and thoughts - all a jumble. Except not quite a mess as a few sensations came to the fore. Some minor transient pain above the head and then an ache in the legs. Thoughts of all sorts with background music. I have been watching the Voice kids on YouTube wow those children are amazing. It's early hours I suspect that my neighbour is asleep as he gets up at 4am to start work.

Metta for 5 mins at the end.

Okydoky have to hit the sack early rose tomorrow!

Hope you all had a great day! 🐽 💜 🐽

36/2

Week 36 Day 1

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to observe raw sensations

Morning all! Today a shorter practice due to time constraints. Metta first - towards myself and my family. Noting was full of thoughts, some I got lost in and others passed through.  My latest aversion is to my neighbour who is a peeping tom and I'm trying to work out how to block the gap in the fence!

Oh yes as promised pic of what's painted so far, more tomorrow.

Have a great Sunday! 🐽💜🐽

36/1

Week 35 Day 7

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert

Evening all! Today a shorter practice again. I seemed to be tired today and struggled with nodding. Sometimes I am alert at this time but not today.

Metta was of mixed success...but feeling weary didn't help.

Anyhoo..today a productive day, did some mindful painting of shed. More on Monday!

Hope you're having a good day! 🐽 💜 🐽

35/7

Week 35 Day 6

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert and receptive to all sensations

Evening all! Thought I would have some time for more practice in the evening but turned out not to be. Short practice this morning on the patio! Lovely quiet and warm day, heard some speeding mopeds and chirping birds and felt the cool air on the skin. Planning thoughts abounded, I had left myself insufficient time not to worry. Note to self...allow more time. Metta was good at the end with forgiveness reflections too.

Have a great weekend all! 🐽💜🐽

35/6

Week 35 Day 5

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert and receptive to all sensations

Afternoon all! today 45 mins with metta at the start.

Today is a non working day for me and has been productive so far! Soon after getting up I steeled myself to attack the overgrown weeds over the decking. Got most of it out.

Then cleared out the shed including birds nest although I saw a little robin on the fence so I'm wondering if he gave me the dagger eyes as I got rid of his hard work!

Today's meditation was calm and yet vibrant. Lots of energy today. I found myself observing thoughts about  beautifying my little ugly patch. Some good ideas! I also was very sensitive to the cold. It's not cold but it's not hot here either..curious British summer!

Metta was fairly stable, may read more of Salzberg's book toda.

My neighbour us back from work so there is noise from upstairs. Thoughts about my storage living room came to mind so I'm going to attempt to clear the sofa...more tomorrow!

I am very content that I am not at work for another few days and I am determined to make good use of it...tomorrow I will attempt to paint the garden woodwork! 😀

Hope you are having a good day! 🐽 💜 🌞 🐽

35/5

Week 35 Day 4

Medi Object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert and to practise metta

Afternoon all! A brief post during lunch. Today again the mind was full of bad work thoughts and I am struggling to focus on the task at hand. The couple in front of me were quite interesting (nice chit chat), as were the two Japanese women (not talking – looked as though they had had an argument) who stood in front of me on the District line. Metta was fragmented although reasonable for about 10 minutes.

My equanimity is being stretched to the limit at the moment as a colleauge is being particularly pernicious to me for some unknown reason. I’ll have to accept it as their sense of humour although my sense of humour is waning quickly. It’s good that I have been reading Salzberg’s book in the Chapter “Liberating the Mind with Sympathetic Joy”, the next chapter is called the “the Gift of Equanimity” and skimming through it I have seen a good quote…”All beings are the owners of their karma. Their happiness and unhappiness depend on their actions, and not on my wishes for them.”

Ommmm…..

35/4

Week 35 Day 3

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert and to practise metta

Morning all! Today I practised for around 40 mins ending in metta.

Today is the day for children on the tube. On the first train a family of  Indians and on the second a young girl in a pram with her mother. Also Cantonese speaking tourists on the 2nd train.

Noting was quite difficult, it seems as I arise I have these anti - work thoughts and they are hard to bat away. I followed the dialogue of the mother with her daughter which included "you're my best friend" and lots of kisses (from the daughter). Such is the innocence of childhood.

Metta was flowing intermittently today but was able to maintain on and off for ten minutes. The trouble is I am always fascinated by well-behaved young children so get easily distracted.

Back to work now. Have a great day!

🐽 💜 🐽

35/3

Week 35 Day 2

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert and practice metta

Afternoon all! Hope you are having a good day. Our team has relocated temporarily to a higher floor and we have a good view of the outside world, including the top of Big Ben (although we don’t see the clock).

Today’s practice was filled with concern about my work, and it’s never as bad as in my mind. I struggled to remain focused what was happening around me at that moment, the thoughts were overwhelming. However, this is my way of coping with uncertainty – I like to think of all kinds of “hypothetical scenarios” as one accountant used to say to me, and flog them in my mind to death. Then reality is always so much easier! Ha!

Metta on the other hand was soothing, as I was able to focus on that feeling for most of the District line journey. It is true that there is no room for bad thoughts if you are focusing on loving kindness, even when reflecting on your “enemies”!

Thankfully, the accountant has agreed that he has enough information to prepare the accounts now, so that’s a weight off my shoulders although I still need to chase my agency for the outstanding expenses they owe me. Panic over! (Panic because the accounts need to be submitted by the end of the week.)

Anyhoo, it’s quiet as the people around me have gone into a meeting. Over the weekend I did manage to do some tidying but I’m hoping I will be in a tidying mood tonight so that I continue to forge my way through to completion!

Hasta luego! 🐽💜🐽

35/2

Week 35 Day 1

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to observe raw sensations and practise metta

Afternoon all! Today although I couldn't play golf because of the rain I was able to practise for 45 mins with high alertness and strong feelings of loving kindness in the metta session.

I allowed my awareness to roam and was mainly involved in watching some thoughts about the garden and sprucing it up. Some good ideas came up! If they come to fruition I will post photos. I felt calm and content and very happy even though I'm not whacking that little ball around a field. I recalled the film Catching Impermanence which I have posted a link here on this group and thought about the beautiful designs Amador drew on the beach...so amazing yet transient. I'm also about to watch the Hungarian Grand Prix and pondered about the young driver Jules Bianchi who died this week from his injuries he incurred at Suzuka last year. Also thought about Schumacher who is now an invalid in his own luxurious home after the skiing accident. In a flash their lives were changed irrevocably. I am grateful that I am able to sit in my house with sound mind and body and explore the present moment.

For the first time I was able to focus on the feeling of loving kindness and was able to maintain it for the 15 minutes whilst having intentions of forgiveness and we'll being to myself and others.

Sometimes unexpected pleasures come from changed plans!

Have a great Sunday...go Hamilton! Although he is now 10th after some shenanigans at the start of the race!

🐽💜🐽

35/1

Week 34 Day 7

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert and to practise metta.

Evening all! today I practised after dinner for 45 mins. 30 noting 15 metta at the end.

I felt alert tonight but still towards the middle there was some nodding. I think it is also very quiet and the only time house is quiet is if I am sleeping!.

Today thoughts of golf, the garden, my new laptop and my accounts flowed through.

For metta I practised for 15 mins with well wishing intentions for myself and my niece and mother. I continue to practise forgiveness metta.

Tomorrow marks start of the 35th week of daily meditation. It has been a interesting and curious journey of exploration. And it is only just over 3 months to 30 days of Insight...time is flying!

Hope you are all having a good weekend. Golf was good, I came 3rd in the comp and won some money instead of booze (as I am teetotal). Tomorrow the forecast is rainy..booo. oh well plenty to do here if it's wet!

Love to you all! 🐽💜🐽

34/7

Week 34 Day 6

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert

Evening all! Today's practice was half noting half metta. Although it is late I am relatively alert. The air is cool although I start to bake under the blanket so that I have to open it a bit.

The house is quiet but there is noise from upstairs.. The start of my neighbour's weekend. He's on his own as the rest if his family is in Italy. The ringing in my ears comes in to focus every now and then as foes my breathing. It is regular and smooth. Thoughts of the house come to yo mind and how tidiness eventually becomes chaos if not kept under control!

We had a deluge of rain this evening so everything is soaked outside in the garden. So much for drying out the wood!

Metta was about forgiveness and something good in everyone. Not easy.

It's the weekend hooray! Hope you all have a good one!

🐽 💜 🌞 🐽

34/6

Week 34 Day 5

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to observe all sensations and practise metta

Morning all!  It's Thursday apparently the new weekend. Today is cool and cloudy. The tubes are not as crowded as it's the summer holidays. I started with metta and then practised forgiveness metta also. It seems I still have a lot of junk to get out of my head!

Noting on the way to Hammersmith station. There were two Russian women sitting opposite me. I observed their clothes and remarked how similar their colouring was almost like goths. There were two phone users sitting next to them.

....and this entry was incomplete! doh!

oh well...

Week 34 Day 4

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert and receptive to all sensations

Morning all! back to normalcy one hopes!

Yesterday I did do pre golf practice but ran out of time to report. I practised in the hotel room which was cool and quiet except for the whirring aircon.

Today I'm on the tube again for 2 days at least. Both trains appear to have sorted out their ventilation so it was lovely and cool.

Thoughts of golfing and work drifted in. My connecting stop came sooner than expected so must have drifted off for a few stops. Man with suit and cologne squashed himself next to me. There were other spaces so I felt mildly irritated that his warm self should be interrupting my cool environment.

On the next tube a family of Cantonese speaking tourist boarded and stayed on for two stops. We're in a new tube with lots of space!

Anyhoo metta practice on the tube, I reflected how I keep disappoint resentment in my head...a waste of space. I will endeavour not to keep it in there!

Oh yes before I go the bacon smell on the connecting platform was getting the ghrelin going...not so easy for intermittent fasters! 

Until tomorrow. ..Have a great day! 🐽 💜 🐽

34/4

Week 34 Day 2

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert and receptive to all sensations

Morning all! A very quick check in before I hit the road.

Noting today was quiet with some thoughts. Thoughts about golf (what else) and the garden. A warm feeling in my left leg came to the fore at times as did the ringing in my ears. I also did some labelling for a few mins.

Metta followed and I am continuing the forgiveness metta which has proved reflective and interesting.

Ok ciao for now! Have a great week! 🐽💗🐽

34/2

Week 34 Day 1

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to allow all thoughts and sensations in

Evening all!  Today I practised this morning avant - golf but just posting now aprės - golf and dinner.

This morning I treated myself to roaming focus to whatever came into focus. Thoughts of garden design and water features and concrete pebbles! Every now and then I would see bright shapes and hear the ringing of the ears.

During metta at the end I performed the forgiveness routines and felt at the point when I had the intention to forgive myself for feelings of disappointment and annoyances, I thought I felt a smidgeon of loving kindness enter my sensations.

Tomorrow off to Wales for a spot of golf. Shame about the Open today will have to watch the golf after the round maybe?

Happy and peaceful Sunday to you all!

🐽💜🐽

34/1

Week 33 Day 7

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention practise forgiveness metta and noting

Evening all! Today 30 mins of noting and metta.

I struggled with alertness due to the lateness in the day but after 15 mins I practised metta and found that that yielded quite a lot of interesting reflection.

I observed how quiet it was but not a peaceful quiet, more of an agitated quiet. Today I was calm in the midst of moaning at the golf club.  I actually didn't care about what they were arguing about. These days I notice that a friend who is a newly important person is being surrounded by those who wish to curry favour. I am beginning to tire of this jousting so let them get on with it. Such is the sub culture of a club.

When I practised forgiveness metta I thought about today and how easy it is to get sucked into gossip. There are those who would have you think they are your friends until they've sucked the information they want from you. Then they're back into their crowd. I forgave them and forgave myself for the feelings of disappointment that I felt as they unsubtly moved to speak to someone else.

The weather was glorious and our team got the highest score..but as we were a group of women we didn't win the top prize! Like I said, this is the mysterious subculture of a club! I forgave them for their prejudice and forgave myself for being frustrated with the chauvinism. Not that it is right, but there is no space in my tiny head of wasteful draining thoughts like those.

Tomorrow more golf with my buddies. Win win.

Hope you're having a great weekend!
🐽 💜 🐽

33/7

Week 33 Day 6

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to observe raw sensations, practise forgiveness metta.

Afternoon all! Today  a slightly curtailed practice due to time constraints. 35 mins.

First I continued to practise metta including forgiveness metta. At each stage images of people appear on mind. Intention is strong and all sorts of people pop in there!

Noting was focused on the noises of the washing machine at one point because there was something scraping on the glass door...loudly. Temptation to look was strong! I felt a bit weary so nodded a bit..time to eat something!

The weather has been reasonable so.i have been productive in the garden but of course progress is always slower that planned.

Have a great weekend and hope the sun shines on you! 🌞💜🌞

33/6

Week 33 Day 5

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert and receptive, to practise metta.

Afternoon all! Today I started with 20 mins metta - forgiveness and seeing goodness. I am finding this form of metta much more meaningful as it allows me to reflect on past experiences and to observe my reactions towards them.

Noting began with the breath and I continued to layer on other sensations. I also did some labelling until it became too cumbersome to continue. The main focus today was a strange squeaking sound which I must identify later! Planning thoughts came in at the end but I allowed them to pass through.

Lots to do today but in no rush!

Have a fab day! 🐽💜🐽

33/5

Week 33 Day 4

Medi object choiceless awareness

Intention - metta exercises and noting remaining alert

Evening all! Realised that I had not posted today, I have been busy at work and then dashed to an exercise class afterwards. 

Today I decided to focus on metta exercises for most of the journey. Forgiveness and seeing goodness. The Salzberg book is a real eye opener. I recited the affirmations and reflected after each step. I am continuing the evacuation of unneeded thoughts and ideas out of my tiny head. Look forward to positive ideas to take their place!

Today I practised noting on the District line. The noting focus was on thoughts about work and daily life. And also thoughts about the metta exercises.

I'm off work again until next Wednesday looking forward to a busy productive time around the house and also in Wales on Monday and Tuesday! plus the change to do a longer practice tomorrow! 🐷💜🐷

33/4

Week 33 Day 3

Medi object choiceless awareness

Intention to remain alert and open to any sensations

Afternoon all! A quick post before I get back to work. Today it was quiet until the District line train which was noisy but not crowded. Practice was focused on my (less) itchy eyes and my tiredness. I sat listening to dialogue, tube rumbling and feeling the coolness of the air – as opposed to the boiling-ness last week! The tube seemed to whizz along super quick today, but it got to the connecting station no quicker than usual. On the next train, I practised a forgiveness meditation from Salzberg’s book. I have been musing about aversion (which is a pretty large topic) and agreed with Salzberg that there is no room for resentment, disappointment or guilt in the already small head of mine, so I will have the intention to remove them!

Very zippy! Have a good day!

33/3

Week 33 Day 2

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert

Morning all! Today it's a work day. Quite weary as have been awake with itchy eyes. More antihistamine needed!

The weather is damp today and so the ambience is slightly depressed. Not sure it's really negative vedana but it's asking to be.

The main focus today was alas my eyes which are very uncomfortable. I tried to relax but if I kept my eyes closed they would start to itch. Trying not to scratch arrrgh! Passengers were quiet today, and there don't appear to be any notable  foreigners in this carriage as I write.

Anyhoo as soon as I get to work will be consuming drugs to hopefully cure eye itch.

Have a great day! 🐽 👀🐽

33/2

Week 33 Day 1

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to observe all sensations and allow all thoughts to take their course.

Morning all! Today 45 mins with a bit of metta. Very alert with high energy today. I decided to allow all thoughts in and see them through to the end.

I began as always with the breath and then layered on the other sensations. The ringing in my ears is loud today and the TV box is whirring...must be getting an update. Thoughts for the first half hour were some strange scenes about measuring something.  I have been following an intermittent fasting regime and so my mind must have made something up about it! I did have some thoughts about calculating future weight loss. Was able to observe these as simply thoughts and not follow a trail to drifting. Every now and then my focus was on what I saw on my eyelids..green swirls moving towards a centre point. Also my neighbours are active upstairs so I followed them around for a while. I felt relaxed but also felt an ache in my back I could not remove with adjusting position so I just left it there.

Thoughts overlapped and I watched as some progressed and others disappeared as I took a deep breath or adjusted my posture.

I did metta at 25 mins for 5 mins (the bells allow me to stop at 30 if I want to)  I tried the Salzberg affirmations and then focused on my niece, had to bat sone thought trails to the background.

For the last 15 mins I thought about my garden. A few handy ideas came up but nothing earth shattering. The thoughts were intermingled with sounds, sights and the physical feelings of my sitting.

Anyhoo have to dash to speak to mother and then head to the golf course.

Have a great day, will Federer be Wimbledon champion?  🐽💜🐽

33/1

Week 32 Day 7

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert and receptive to all sensations

Evening all! Tonight a 30 mins practice ending in metta.

I started with the breath and added the layers but it became apparent that I was tired and I nodded frequently. So I ended up standing for the last 15 mins.

In between noddings the sensation smoothie consisted of the fan noises, the ringing in my ears and various aches and pains particularly when standing. Plain light on front of my eyes.  Thoughts were about golf and ummm eating cereal! Ha!

Anyhoo. Standing seemed to stop the nodding but I had to sway gently to keep balance.

Hope you are having a good weekend! See you tomorrow! 🐽💜🐽

32/7

Week 32 Day 6

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert

Morning all!  It's quiet on the way to work as it's Friday and mist people work away from the office.

Noting was around 30 mins followed by metta.

Today it was quiet and the train rattled along at speed, it seemed more rocky than usual. A woman opposite me had a brief phone conversation. At one point we stopped and the train announcement did not happy so I observed the missing announcement!

Anyhoo, for metta I review the 11 benefits in the chapter I am reading of Salzberg.

The trains are slow today although every is supposed to be back to normal.

It's nearly the weekend. ..hope you have a great one!

🐽💜🐽

32/6

Week 32 Day 5

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert and receptive to all sensations

Afternoon all! Today 30 mins of noting and metta at the end.

Today I am lucky to be at home because of the tube strike. It's a sunny day but I'm indoors avoiding it because of work!

I began as always with focus on the breath and layered on other sensations. However today thoughts were prevalent so I let them happen whilst trying not to progress them and lose peripheral awareness. A thought about yesterday's  Bokwa class came up and I was about to try and remember the routine we went through! Nooo stop, not for meditation practice! Another time.

I did jot a couple of things down because I really needed not to forget them, which I often do after practice.

Metta was ok, I have been reading Salzberg's book and it's beginni4to make sense, although it's hard to believe the idea that of you have the intention of doing or feeling something in this case. .feeling the loving kindness feeling, you can keep going through the motions of the affirmations and eventually it will happen. More work required!

Ok time for lunch I believe...and maybe I will peek outside a bit! Have a great day! 🐽 💜 🐽

32/5

Week 32 Day 4

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to observe raw sensations

Morning all! Today I'm back on the tube with a tube strike looming so it will be challenging this evening.

As I am weary practice was a combo of drifting off and reaffirming intentions. Not sure if it was a practice at all. Still I refrained from tube mobile activity and continued to mindfully observe surroundings as the train terminated at an earlier stop. There is a cool breeze in the air so it doesn't feel like the summer days we've been having. Better for being at work I say. Acton Town station looked as gray as ever without the sun. I couldn't squash on to the next train so waited for the next. Am now in a new District line train which has air conditioning. ..very nice!

Wondering what work will bring today? The new boss is a bit lost...

Little finger is still swollen and stiff but what should I expect?! May resort to medical means to reduce inflammation.

Okydoky it's nearly time to disembark so ill bid you adieu! 🐽💜🐽

32/4

Week 32 Day 3

Evening all! A short 30 min practice with metta before shower and bed.

Noting began with the breath and then layering on the other sensations. The ringing in my ears is prevalent today as it a slight throb of my little finger as I trapped it in my golf trolley whilst trying to collapse it one handed this afternoon. Drew blood argh!  Different size to other finger but hopefully will not impinge on golf!

I accepted my aversion to the quiet familiar environment I'm in as thoughts raced through my head. I did follow a few to conclusion.

Back to work for 3 days tomorrow. ..never fear the weekend will be apon us soon!

Have a great day and practice!

🐽 💜 🐽
32/3

Week 32 Day 2

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert

Morning all!  A quick practice today early.

I started with the breath and then began to layer on the other sensations.

The main focus today was the birdsong outside my hotel window. Before that though I had to rid myself of the urge to sneeze...how awkward! I felt a cool breeze around my ankles..The general ambience was one of very pleasant vedana.

Only a few thoughts came on about future plans.

Metta at the end, I made the affirmations a few times and then moved to my usual focus object.

Hope you all have a fab day...I'm off to hit that little ball in a huge field.

🐽💜🐽

32/2

Week 32 Day 1

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert and observe raw sensations

Morning all!  Today a 45 min practice with some metta in the middle.

I began by cycling round the senses and trying to observe as much detail as possible.

Today's thoughts were mainly about the golf I played yesterday. I fell into a few thinking trails and then once I realised I tried to observe them till they finished. These thoughts were interspersed between moments of what I would call "being here now"...a variation of the slogan that was used at a company I used to work for which encouraged one to "be here now" particularly in meetings. Not sure it ever worked for them!

Patterns in front of my eyes were prevalent today as was the breezy sound of the fan. I felt that my body seemed a bit lopsided but when I tried to correct I felt lopsided the other way!

I did try jotting down any planning thoughts and ideas that came to mind. But they only came at the start of the practice.

The weather looks overcast I may be rained on today!

Hope you have a great Sunday and woo hoo Murray is through to the 4th round of Wimbledon and Hamilton is on pole in today's British Grand Prix! 🐽💜🐽

32/1

Week 31 Day 7

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to observe raw sensations

Morning all!  A brief practice of 30 mins today pre golf.

Noting began with a cycle and then a layering of the sensations from all the senses. This time I also included thinking as a sensation. I felt alert and calm today and very happy as I had interrupted sleep due to a very blocked nose which had cleared so I was marvelling at my clear air passages for a while!. Very positive vedana!

Thoughts came in about future plans but instead of dismissing them I allowed them to play through whilst acknowledging that I may have drifted.

Metta at the end was hard but seemed to be able to focus on my object for a few seconds at a time.

Sometimes ideas cone into my head whilst practising and it's a shame I don't have a pen to write them down...another lesson in staying present. Or perhaps I should? Will ponder...

Have a great day today, hoping for nice weather! 🐽💜🐽

31/7

Week 31 Day 6

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert and receptive to all sensations

Afternoon all!  Today is  joy joy sunny day which has been very productive so far. I'm in an upbeat mood!

Practised for 45 mins including 5 mins excellent metta.

For noting I went through each sense to remind myself of them starting with breathing and ending with feeling. I did that a few times then in the next cycle I started to add each layer of sensation on. Then I allowed my observation to be choiceless. Today the cool air from the fan which became cold and unpleasant dominated some of the practice. I had to change blanket coverage several times.

For the last 15 mins I felt my mins wander and had to renew intentions frequently. Planning thoughts came to mind which I must have slapped away because useful as they were I can't remember them. Doh!

Hey ho time to crack on to the fun part of my day! Have mown lawn, cleaned car, sorted out golf trolley, just need to hang up laundry in tge gorgeous sunshine (love doing that) then I'm out at physio then golf lesson and more golf.

Note to self - does help if one sleeps earlier! Funnily though the better I feel the more likely I am to retire early. No matter how weary I am.

Have a great weekend! Hope you all have some sun where you are! 💜🐽💜🌞

31/6

Week 31 Day 5

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert and experience raw sensations

Evening all! today and evening practice walking from 15th minute.

After spending all day walking round watching ladies pro golf I returned fully knackered.  After dinner I set to practise . However due to low energy I was falling asleep so I resorted to walking.

Today’s physical aches and pains featured in my practice smoothie. Hip pain and knee pain mainly,  nothing too drastic but I know I've been walking for 7 hours!

During the walking meditation in which I take very slow and deliberate steps around my kitchen it's rare that thoughts come in. It's mainly sensations to do with my feet touching the floor and what catches my eye when I turn round (not quite mastered walking with eyes closed!).  My arms are heavy, I hold my phone in my hand as the timer and time goes quickly. It is a very centering and calming experience when there are no thoughts whizzing round in my head.

Metta at the start was repeating the affirmations and also visualisation of my object. Pretty hard.

So now to chill out with the tennis/golf/mock the week on the telly.

Have a great evening and see you on the morrow. 🐽💜🐽

31/5

Week 31 Day 4

Medi object choiceless awareness

Intention - Metta practice and then noting raw sensations

Afternoon all, today I decided to practice metta before noting. I used a few of Sharon Salzberg's affirmations but as Maxine previously said, hoping that they will eventually produce a sensation of loving kindness. I did read some of her book on the tube - will commit to reading some more.

Noting was a hot sweltering affair, I did half of it standing. Everyone was looking a bit wilted. I pity the men in their long sleeved shirts. Wasn't too hot in the first train but almost unbearable in the 2nd. Besides the oppressive heat, I was grateful for the occasional breeze when we were at station platforms. I was also grateful for the women using her hand fan next to me. Result! The tube seemed a bit more jolty today, maybe the tracks were a bit more bendy? Although I had left the house earlier (resulting in standing required on the 2nd train) I was not more weary as I had gone to bed an hour earlier (gadzooks!). Wilty feelings and planning thought rummaged through my practice. Now I am in the icy air conditioning of the office! Very nice.

Hope you are all having an ice, I mean, nice day!

31/4

Week 31 Day 3

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert, to observe raw sensations

Morning all! Today’s tube was beginning to swelter and I do not relish the journey home. Tomorrow is supposed to be the hottest day of the year, so we are all pondering how to adjust our office wear!

Today’s practice was a Piccadilly line noting session, with a District line metta practice. Today the main sensations were the cotton shirts brushing against my arms of my next door neighbours. There was a humming of ventilation of sorts. The station announcements were quiet. I saw swirls in front of my eyes and my feet firmly on the floor.

Thoughts pervaded today – can’t quite recall of what, I was watching them like a video. My mood was pretty upbeat and as I had made an attempt of an “early” night I was a bit more alert.

After disembarking from the first train I had a short wait for the next train. The bracing breeze had turned into a cool balmy breath of pleasant vedana. Let’s not think about what will be happening in December!

As I sat for my metta practice, I battled with the drifting of the mind.

Have not been reading too much (of anything) these days, so today I commit to reading a few pages of Sharon Salzberg’s book. Time seems to fly by and Wimbledon has started and Le Tour next weekend. How can this be?

Well we can all enjoy what we have now experience the micro pleasures of being here right now. I’ve found a quote:

“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” Thích Nhất Hạnh
Live well and prosper.
31/3

Week 31 Day 2

Medi object choiceless awareness

Intention to remain alert and observe raw sensations.

Afternoon all! Today a tube meditation of mixed success. As I started earphone leakage from a man nearby was terrible, so I moved further down the carriage. A woman sat down next to me and opened her drink with with a loud *POP* which embarrassed her so much she apologised whilst laughing. I think we all smiled but were all a bit comatose to worry about it.

 

Of late tiredness has abounded - perhaps it is due to the hayfever season? Anyhoo, I bathed in the sensation smoothie on and off. I must say I was driven away from it frequently by planning thoughts, and thoughts of work.

I boarded the connecting train and two girls who were sitting opposite me were playing hangman on a notebook. These simple games still give so much pleasure! I could hear some more students chatting noisily further down the carriage - boys!

There is supposed to be a heatwave in the UK this week, peaking on Wednesday in the 30s. As long as it stays fine for days following I'm not too bothered about Wednesday, I'll be in the air conditioned office!

Have a good day!

31/2

Week 31 Day 1

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert

Evening all! Today another short practice of 30 mins.

First 20 mins spent sitting and nodding so decided to walk a bit.  Much better in future will do this all the time in evening practices.

Today's vedana pleasant with a few unpleasant aches. Such is one's lot with age! Not too many thoughts, although some useful thoughts when pacing in kitchen. At least I can remember them now, usually they are lost in space after practice.

Loved the cool floor against my feet as I walked and the sense of blankness. Nowhere to go and nothing to do but walk like..an Egyptiannnnn! (complete with 80s tune)...only joking bet that woke you up. 🗻🐪 there are no Egyptian style emoticons so a mountain and a camel will have to do.

Metta was good today felt the lurrrrve and focused on it for a few minutes.

Okydoky time for chillax and food, and watching the rest of the Senior Open!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend.🐽💜🐽

31/1

Week 30 Day 7

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert

Evening all! today another short practice 30 mins . Tired at the end of the day after only playing 9 holes- came in after tweaking knee.

Practice was filled with nodding and reaffirmation. Seemed so tough.  I cycled through the senses trying to keep myself on track. Did feel relatively peaceful but dozy. Sigh one of those days. Probably need to slap myself into sleeping properly.

The fan was blowing on me intermittently. It's pretty warm and the pollen count is high. General malaise abounded. Thoughts of golf and courgetti 😅 featured. Not in the same stream!

Metta at the end on niece. Again tough but dragged myself back to focus object.

The weather has been glorious today shame about the knee, otherwise would have played 18 holes. Here's to tomorrow and next week's 3 day week! Yeeehaaa!

Ciao for now! 🐽💜🐽

30/7

Week 30 Day 6

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert

Evening all! Today a short one as it's late -30 mins. Felt meh today so left practice till all other distractions were out of the way.

Noting began with a smorgasbord mainly of physical feelings. Initially I felt my pulse through my body, vibrating in my chest and through my fingers and in my temples. I had just finished eating so may be the seasonings were pulsing through my veins?

My breathing was ragged and deep at first. My head seemed to be pulsating and the ringing in my ears was in pulsing as well.

I started to overheat so had to turn on the fan...ahhh a lovely cool breeze of very pleasant vedana...like a balmy beach in summer here.

Thoughts about various activities came in my head at one point I disappeared into a thought about a cooking show! Strange...

Thoughts about Tunisia and Lyon came into my head, a feeling of disbelief and sadness. Why?

I tried to relax and stay here, neither in the future or the past, it took some effort but kept drawing myself back.

Metta at the end was so so. Still struggle with keeping focus.

Ok now it's time for Rudimental at Glastonbury. ..love drum and bass!

Have a great weekend! 🐽 💜 🐽

30/6

Week 30 Day 5

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to observe raw sensation smoothie.

Morning all! I'm amidst a cacophony of noise as a group of secondary school children have boarded the train and just before a group of primary school children travelled one stop. No more metta practice, too noisy.

I attempted to observe the raw sensation smoothie as yesterday but did not seem as alert. However peripheral awareness was reasonable for most of the journey. My hayfever was set off by a man's cologne as he wafted on. The woman opposite me was applying makeup and drinking coffee from her travel mug now and then. But she was not as efficient as a woman yesterday who had a makeup counter in her handbag and her transformation was complete by the time I got off. Today's woman appeared to be less practised.

The atmosphere was warm and the train relatively quiet. In my smoothie there was a mix of announcements, lights flashing past my eyes, the secure sensation of me clutching my bag and the warm presence of a stripey woman next to me.

A connecting train had just left the platform so I continued my practice on the platform but was interrupted by a woman speaking into her phone...semmingly dictating. The next train came and so now I am in the midst of organised chaos.

Could it be Thursday? Wow have a great day! 🐽💜🐽

30/5

Week 30 Day 4

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to observe raw sensations

Morning all! I'm on the Barking 🐕 train! LOL. Enough silliness back to practice. Today I practiced for 30 mins until barons court. This included a dash across the platform to my connecting train already about to leave.

Today I chose to observe raw sensations in a bunch - I will call it all sensation smoothie. Each time I drifted off the smoothie I pulled myself back to the centre and resumed the smoothie observation.

Within this mix I just observed everything without categorising which made it easier to observe more but it was easier to drift.

Mentally elaborating I heard Quaver  crunching by a girl, felt sharp elbows, heard newspaper page turning which sounded like he was ripping the pages off each time, smelt faint fragrance. I also had a few itches which I dealt with and felt my sticky eyes glued together due to hayfever. No time for thoughts but planning thoughts preceded this little bursts of alertness.

As I dashed across the platform I appeared to have cramp across my back which still hasn't left me...hopefully inky a result of going mad at the golf range on Monday!

Will spent a few minutes on metta before disembarking.

Have a fab day! 🐕💜🐕

30/4

Week 30 Day 3

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert

Evening all! Just posting now although practised this morning. 30 mins noting on Piccadilly line with 10 mins metta on District line.

Anyhoo today no squish but two competing fragrances. Again sensations merged into one - sounds, smells, lights.

On the 2nd train practised metta. Tough but doable. Some quiet Portuguese hot on the train.

That's all today, just returned from Paco Peña flamenco performance - fabulous.

¡Hasta la próxima! 🐷💜🐷👚🎶

30/3

Week 30 Day 2

Medi object - choiceless awareness

Intention - to remain alert

Afternoon all! Just had time to post but did meditation of sorts on tube. Today I seem very tired, the added dis-amusement of having to get to work after being away for over a week seems to weigh heavily - am I in the wrong job? Anyhoo only a week to go before part time working (for a while anyway).

Today's meditation was about noting, and today my biggest focus was the wide man sitting next to me, eating his sandwiches and drinking his coffee. Felt very unduly squashed even with my eyes closed. With that in the foreground, I could feel my breathing and my hands on my knees and the light on my eyelids and the tube machinery, except this tube had a different whine. After being squashed by said man, I struggled to eject myself onto the platform to my connecting traing which was coming into the platform. This train was much quieter and but I felt more dozy. Phew I struggled not to drift off. In the end, I could hardly open my eyes to get off at my station.

The office is very quiet, everyone is taking advantage of the cat being away to have "the boiler man" visit the house.

Anyhoo, yawning through the day, work is turning out to be not as bad as anticipated, although it is of course only midday!

Ok, off to forage for food - welcome to a new week...and the Minions movie is on at the end of it! Yeee haaa!

30/2

Week 30 Day 1

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert

Evening all! Tonight 30 mins of practice. Very tired from the day so hard going. Should gave got up early to practise but up watching US Open till very wee hours.

Pondered the difficulty of practice when weary and kept eyes open for a while.  Metta was hard too.

Sat and observed all the sensations for a few moments, hearing, seeing, feeling.

Anyhoo one more night of late night telly watching, it's the final day of the US Open on that fiendish golf course!

Normal service to be resumed tomorrow. 🐽💜🐽

30/1.

Week 29 Day 7

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to observe raw sensations

Evening all! A late one today due to tiredness in the morning.  So I have practised for 30 mins in total with 5 mins metta at the end.

Noting today started with everything vibrating and oscillating together. The sounds, feelings, light in front of my eyes all at the same time. Strange but interesting.

Then thoughts arose - some to do with what I'd been watching just before practice...a video about cruelty to slow lorises except that the animals were replaced by humans. Ooof! Apparently their back venom teeth are removed brutally with no anaesthetic. Anyway a weird and macabre film played in front of my eyes. Then a few golf scenes. A few cooking scenes. Nothing in too much detail after that.

I cycled round the senses a few times. I hid the noisy clock but could still hear it quietly.

Metta was again an effort of focus, but I'm assuming it takes practice!

Anyhoo hope you are all having a great weekend! 🐽 💜 🐽

29/7

Week 29 Day 6

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to observe raw sensations

Afternoon all! Today I am back at home but have decided to clear a space for practice in the living room. Then I can open the patio door and hear what's outside. Eventually I will be able to practise  outside - it's a bit chilly today.

I am sitting next to a very loud ticking clock so that pervaded my practice throughout.

Thoughts about clearing the house came I to mind and also thoughts about eating...well it has been a gourmet fest the last few days.

The gardeners have forgotten about front garden do I will need to mow that soon (but not today).

Besides the clock I heard some birdsong, the washing machine and the breeze on my shade outside. I had planning thoughts about the patio, some good ones too.

I am still tired I guess as I nodded once...and kept my eyes open for a while. I am now looking at the back of my purple armchair which is much more calming than the mess on my chest of drawers!

Metta today was an exercise from Salzburg's book which was pretty good. She talks about imagining having all the people who have love you surrounding you so that you can eventually feel loving kindness towards yourself. All metta has been outwards till now.

The last 15 mins was an homage to micro joys. The joy that I am able to practise in peace in a safe place. The joy that I am able to visit new places every so often. I also thought about dislike of people and the aversion that brings. Like is it ok to dislike someone and be equanimous or does that mean you are displaying aversion...perhaps one needs to acknowledge the irritations towards the disliked person and then be equanimous about them to avoid the suffering that aversion brings. Or are you to like everyone? Surely that is a matter of taste, culture and personality...hmmm

Anyhoo a micro joy that it is nearly the weekend but a slightly lesser micro joy that I will have to play golf in the rain tomorrow. Further micro-joys that the house was ok in my absence and no mice took residence!

Ok now for some lunch...possibly a morsel of fromage and saucisson. Have a great weekend when it comes 🐷💜🐷🐐

29/6

Week 29 Day 5

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to observe raw sensations

Morning all!  Last day in Lyon boohoo had a lovely time.

For some of the time observed the sensations around me, the rest of the time I used to ponder a dilemma although not quite resolved. More later perhaps. Not practice but essential for my sanity! Whilst thinking I did occasionally 'stand back' and include periphery sensations.

Will be on the train in the afternoon. Maybe have some time to practise more then.

See you in Angleterre! 🐽💜🐽

29/5

Week 29 Day 4

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to observe raw sensations

Morning all! Today 30 mins with 5 mins metta at the end.

A brief post. Today the weather is cooler so it was a little uncomfortable practising outside. I pulled the towel over my arms and it seemed better. The sun is shining though but the air is cooler. This could have been because of the huge downpour yesterday at 1830 for about an hour.

Noting was full of thoughts mingled with other sensations such as the breeze, lights and floaters in front of my eyes and low traffic noise. There appear to be occupants in the next terrace as they noisily opened the door and walked around. 

The sky is clear and we are off to the other hill today. Yesterday we went to the hill of the silk workers Croix Russe and today we will go to the religious hill Fourvière where the Basilica is.

Time to go, have a great day,
Here is a picture or two...🐽💜🐽

29/4

Week 29 Day 3

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert and receptive, observe raw sensations

Morning all! A cloudy day in Lyon today but still warm enough to practice in front of the huge pot plant.

Today 30 mins with 5 metta at the end. Today I had the intention of observing raw sensations before mentally identifying  them. The main focus was human sound which turned out to be children playing in a sports ground. Intermingled with that was the traffic noise and the sound of construction in the distance - to be exact a kango drill. The children's noise reached a crescendo several times, they must have been playing a structured game. In the middle I heard a familiar sound which I identified as airplane noise.

Every so often a warm breeze would waft past my face very pleasant.  I detected a smell of food cooking.  My hands were resting on my knees and my back was intermittently aching.

Accompanied with the lights and swirls in front of my eyes, these sensations were very pleasant. For a while they all mingled together with no start or end.

Metta at 25 mins was still tough, yesterday we arrived back at the hotel after midnight and so no time to read or reflect. Need to address that tonight.

Today a walk with a local greeter in the afternoon.  Let's hope it's not raining!

Have a great day, thanks for all your well wishes and I am having a very nice time particularly since I can meditate outside which blocks out the ringing in my ears!

Á bientôt! 🐽💜🐽

29/3

Week 29 Day 2

Medi object choiceless awareness
Intention to remain alert and receptive

Morning all! Today I am practising on the outside terrace. It is warm with a slight breeze.

45 mins with 5 mins metta. It is an urban setting and it's Monday morning everyone's back to work.

I'm a bit sniffly but managed to calm my itchy nose for most of the session.

The cacophony of urban noises in the street below are fascinating. They are intermingled with the occasional bird tweet. There must be a set of lights down below as intermittently there is a noisy bus or a speedy motor bike screaming past. There are sounds of children perhaps in a play ground shouting with excitement. Every so often a breeze wafts by and the smell of fragrance artificial or otherwise fills the air.

The noises keep me occupied with little thought and the other senses are in the periphery - breathing,smell and my hands on my knees and my feet on the ground. There is the statutory angle grinder somewhere close by.

Metta at 25 was reasonable but this week I will read Sharon Salzburg's book to understand more.

It is balmy, a little  close but pleasant enough. An angry grey cloud looms above.
Anyhoo, time for brrakfast.

A few pix from the terrace for you.

Have a great day! 🐽💜🐽

29/2

Week 29 Day 1

Medi object choiceless awareness

Intention to remain alert and receptive

Bon soir! Today a very brief post about my attempts at practice on various forms of transport.

I managed around 20 mins on the Eurostar this morning before succumbing to a short doze. Can't be helped if as I left the house at 0545 today. Much the same as in the tube but of course not as many stops. In fact only one at Ashford International. 

After the Chunnel I opened my eyes and mindfully gazed at the fields zooming by. They didn't look much different to English fields really. However the train was going much faster on the French side I noticed! 

Raced from Gard du Nord to Gare de Lyon and conked out on the TGV...super fast and they motion is very soperific so I'm not suporised everyone was asleep! 

Hotel room is fine, and we have a room with a terrace outside where I will meditate if it's not too chilly tomorrow morning. 

So that's it for now. My phone isn't connecting to the wifi for some reason so no photos for now.

Have a good day! 🐷💜🐷

29/1