My First Video Blog

Hi Friends,

It has been a while since I've blogged and today decided to do a video blog. In the video, I talk about an afghan I knitted for my brother. Here is a photo of the afghan.


And here is the video. (I feel like I don't look my best and will wear a colored shirt next time, instead of a beige one, and more makeup. Plus, I will hopefully not have a cold and look so pale! I guess it's true that we are all our own worst critics...LOL) Enjoy!

Cheers,
Jun-ri

Busy Being Fabulous

Hi Buddies,

You may notice I like to title my blogs with a reference to a song title or lyrics. Today's song is Busy Being Fabulous by the Eagles. Love the song and the title was too good to pass up today. Click here to watch the video.

I've had a fabulous day, sitting on the deck in an Adirondack chair, next to the creek with my laptop and a glass of raspberry tea, just busily working away on work projects. I like to do that this time of year. It was a beautiful, warm and sunny day until about a half hour ago when some clouds came over the sky and a cool breeze started breezing by. It's still a beautiful day, but I'll have to wear a jacket when I go running in a half hour!

So you can experience this joy with me, here is a photo of my deck from last year. I don't have one from this year, though I just put out flowers and will take photos soon. I will post one of the creek when I take one, as well.



The other day I signed up to do a 5k, the first one I've ever done! I'm really, really excited. I haven't been able to find anyone who can go to Sacramento (where the race is) with me that weekend, but I'm sure I will be able to get someone to take a pic of me while I'm there. Click here to know more.

WooHoo the sun just came out! So, here is a spur of the moment haiku.

The creek runs past me
Babbling, running, singing song
Melted mountain snow

I've had some really nice meditations lately. They've been very mellow and it's been easy for me to get to a good head-space. When I'm in the midst of such a place in my meditation practice it can be easy to take it for granted. But, I'm feeling very grateful. I was reminded of a quote I read recently by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche from his book Creation and Completion. "Everything depends upon your mind." For any of us who enjoy delving into spiritual or self-help topics, or who appreciate introspection, that is hardly a new revelation. But sometimes I forget that whenever I get something of value, it is usually because I've done something to bring it about. Of course, sometimes I just get lucky. And then there is the fact that when I don't get what I want I've probably done something to bring about THAT result! So,when it comes down to it, it's all a matter of accepting my own responsibility, for the good and the not-so-good. It all starts in my mind and snowballs from there. (Picture me making a mental note to be extra vigilant in watching my mind. Can you hear the wheels turning??? LOL)

I had the opportunity to introduce a new meditator to the practice a few days ago. It was an honor to be there to help him out and set him on a useful path.

Night before last I was in Reno at the Whole Foods store. I bought the coolest thing, a hanging basket with a trailing tomato plant, a basil plant and a parsley plant! I hung it in the roof eave, over my deck. I'm so excited because the bunnies and squirrels eat everything you plant unless it is already established, and sometimes they eat that, too, or it is out of reach, aka hanging up. The tomato plant is flowering, so I look forward to fresh, 2" tomatoes.

Before I went to Whole Foods, I bought some new running shoes that are so comfortable I feel like flying and running faster than my heart rate zone will allow me. My trainer, Norman, has to hold me back, reminding me that when I go out of my training zone I burn calories but I don't burn as much fat. I'm really loving having good shoes! I also went to a singles potluck. It was a nice time with nice people, good food and we played board games after we ate. A good time was had by all.

Well, it's time for me to get ready to meet Tina, my running partner. I hope you had as nice a day as I did, and that tomorrow is even better.

Cheers,
Jun-ri

I Wish I Had My Camera With Me!

Well friends, I'm back home from a week of training and have recuperated some. I had a great time and one thing that was really special was the Spring flowers in the desert. The Arizona state flower is the saguaro blossom, and the saguaros were blooming. It was beautiful and here are some pictures.

I love the saguaro blossoms. It was difficult to find a cactus bloom that was close enough to the ground, but I did my best!



While I was gone, I also wrote some haikus, but I have momentarily misplaced my journal. I think there are four of them.

While I was gone I gained a few pounds on the dessert that was served at every lunch and dinner! It will go away quickly, since I very seldom have any dessert at home. I went hiking twice while I was in Tucson, too.

Yesterday I went for a 5-mile walk with my friend, Tina. It was a nice walk; I stayed in my training zone nearly the whole time. But what was really special was the two coyote pups we saw! They were so sweet! They were so young and so small with such big, pointy ears they looked like little kittens. One of them was really quite brave and was very curious about us. He got quite close to us. That could be hazardous to the little pup if he isn't afraid of humans! I just feel so blessed to have been able to see them. Yep, I wish I had had my camera with me.

Anyway, the evening has slipped away and it's time to get ready for tomorrow....So, have a fantastic tomorrow!

Jun-ri

And, please, don't forget those animals!

I Left on a Jet Plane

Hello Friends,

I meant to write before I left, but I didn't! I'm just glad there is a computer I can use at the retreat center where I am! I am in Tucson, Arizona for the second half of LifeForce yoga training. I will learn more about how to use yoga techniques that help people with depression, anxiety and related issues. It starts tonight. The first half was in January.

I had a nice flight yesterday. I got the whole row to myself on both segments of the flight. I was able to stretch out a bit, read and take a nap.

Tonight, since it is the official start of the training, there will be more vegetarian food offered. The food hasn't been bad last night and breakfast and lunch today, but there hasn't been much for me to eat. They are feeding me three meals a day, but they are feeding other people, who aren't vegetarians, too. So...I've had a nice salad bar experience and some fruit. I had oatmeal this morning, with soy milk, so that was fine. I just had lunch a couple hours ago, though, and I'm pretty hungry now. I have some fruit and trail mix to eat, so I'll be okay. I am going to go take a nice walk before I have to register for the training at 4:00. I have a 3-hour break every day, and will try to get some cardio and strength-training exercise in. The temperature will be about 100 degrees the whole time I'm here, so I'll have to be careful I don't get too much heat. I'll be doing lots of yoga, though, so have some exercise already built into my week!

I'll write again if I get another chance. I'll be pretty busy, though, sooooo...maybe not. I'll be getting home on May 14, and will talk to you then for sure.

Love and hugs to you all,
Jun-ri

Everything is Blurry

Hello Buddies,

You may have noticed I've had a serious lapse in my commitment to daily blogging. It seems like once you let yourself go to bed without blogging, it becomes easier and easier. Just like cheating on your diet, or anything else, for that matter.

I've been unfocused the last few weeks. I've not been too bad with eating and have been keeping up the exercising. I've had a few lapses on the eating end, but it hasn't had too negative of a result, other than not losing any more weight.

I just haven't felt myself lately, and I've felt overwhelmed. It seems I still have one more mouse that likes to eat my cereal, unless it is bait in the live trap I put in my pantry last week. This mouse must have a bigger head than normal, since he (she, more likely LOL) is smart enough to not take the bait. I've just felt like there are too many things to do and not nearly enough time to do them. When I feel like that, I have to set a timer for 15 minutes several times a day, to prod me into doing things, or I will just do nothing but feel overwhelmed. Procrastination is an art and I am a procrastination artiste! Just give me a chance and nothing will get done!

I went to my Zen meditation group in Carson City this evening. It was great. The dharma talk is always good, but tonight Roshi's talk was really funny, in addition to being informative. I went right into a good meditative state and didn't want to come out of it at the end of the 30 minutes. It was fantastic!

I took Roscoe to the vet Saturday. It was time for his regular 6-month checkup, and he has a "thing" in his eye. The vet numbed his eye and took a sample. Turns out it is a fat deposit, probably because he is too fat. He's been on a diet this week and is really, really unhappy about it. I completely understand his feelings, but his whining would be really annoying if it wasn't so funny. I am soooo not starving him. He has plenty of hay and pellets in his cage. But he doesn't have extra dandelion greens, Italian parsley, carrots, strawberries, cherry tomatoes, or tangerine slices, which is what he REALLY wants. He woke me up at 7:00 this morning. THAT was not funny. LOL Squeak Squeak Squeak!!! LOUD. Did he run out of food? No. He had plenty of food.

Considering it is midnight, I am going to go to bed. But...I blogged before going to bed. So... I fulfilled today's commitment!

Cheers,
Jun-ri

It's Alive It's ALIVE

Hello Friends,

I'm sorry it has been such a long time since my last blog. I haven't felt well, have been dealing with a lung infection, etc., and really haven't felt at all creative. When you have Fibromyalgia, you just do the basic things to keep you going. That is particularly so when you aren't feeling well. You just don't have any energy for extras.

Other than my not feeling well, it has been a good week and a half! I have been busy, too, with working, various appointments and such. One nice thing, the lovelife has returned. I had a feeling it would, though, just in case, I was prepared for the event that it wouldn't. Picture me with a big smile.

This past Saturday I had to take Roscoe (my guinea pig) to the vet to check out a growth on his eyeball, and it was time for his 6-month check-up. I was worried about him. The vet numbed his eyeball and took a sample to be sent out to a cytology lab. Luckily, the vet called today to say it was just fat and isn't anything to worry about. He has to lose some weight (he's on a diet) and she thinks that as he does lose weight the fat on his eyeball will go away, too. Roscoe is very unhappy about the diet and peed in his pellets bowl twice yesterday because he wanted to eat something like a cherry tomato instead. That made the vet laugh! (He accidentally pees in his pellets maybe once a year, so I know it was intentional.)

I've been exercising the best I can with not being able to breathe. I missed a whole week of exercise, and was only able to do a small bit of yoga. I'm back at it today, with my trainer's help, and got in a full workout.

Tonight I went to the theater and saw "State of Play," the new Russell Crowe, et al., flick. I was pleased with the film and the mystery in the plot. I enjoyed myself immensely and would give it an A-. (My A's and A+'s are reserved for the best of the best.) If you like to be on the edge of your seat and involved in the nature of a plot, this is a good movie for you to see. Also, there wasn't a lot of graphic violence or language, and no sex or nudity, if that is important to you.

I went to Temple Sunday before last. The dharma talk was about how everything is impermanent and transitory, like the blossoms on the cherry trees, and the seasons. Our priest was speaking from his home temple in Japan (we see him on a big-screen TV with the help of Skype-it's quite amazing!). He spoke about some of the things he's seeing in Japan that remind him of the transitory, impermanent nature of life, like the white swans flying to their summer home in Siberia. He also talked about how this transitory, impermanent nature of life is natural and that we need to be natural with it, realizing it is the true nature of existence. I got an idea for a haiku and started taking notes during the dharma talk. (Bad Buddhist!)

Seasons of life change
Swans fly to Siberia
It's just natural

The natural, transitory and impermanent nature of life could fuel hundreds of haikus. Of course, for you Christians, and fans of The Byrds (and the song Turn Turn Turn), you may be thinking of the scripture in Ecclesiastes, which says that for everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven. Since I don't have a Bible handy, I'm paraphrasing, but you undoubtedly know to what I am referring. I don't know if every religion or philosphy addresses this naturalness of impermanence, but I'll bet most do. It is a fundamental reality. It is such a simple concept, but it is so deep and powerful at the same time. It is the basis of so much truth and not accepting this truth causes soooooo much suffering! We try sooooo hard to hold on to things that cannot possibly be permanent, things that are, by their very nature, transitory and impermanent. We have so many unhealthy attachments. Here is a quote from the Diamond Sutra.

By detachment from appearances, abide in Real Truth.
So I tell you, thus shall you think of all this fleeting world,
A star at dawn, a bubble in a stream;
A flash of lightning in a summer cloud,
A flickering lamp, a phantom, a dream.

So now I leave you to dream my dreams of this night...

In gassho,
Jun-ri

Started Training for a 5k!!!

Hello Buddies,

On Monday, I started training for a 5k that I will run on May 10. It's a short time away, for training, but since the event is not timed and is a run/walk event, it is okay. I am excited! There are three events in May and June that I am thinking of running/jogging/walking. I used to run a looooooong time ago, and am excited about getting into it again. I want to be able to run (slowly/jog) a 10k in September before my trip in October. I'd like to be my goal weight by then, as well, but I seem to be losing weight slower than necessary to do that. It will be okay either way.

I really need to buy some good running shoes. I'm torn about that. I have some good vegan athletic shoes, but they wouldn't be the best "running shoes." I haven't found any vegan ones. That bums me out. If any of you know of some good quality running shoes that are vegan, let me know! Please! I need some that would be supportive and comfortable for running miles and miles.

As for a haiku, hmmm, I'm not certain what I want to write about! It has been snowing off and on since yesterday afternoon and has been colder than it had been the last couple of weeks. I hope tomorrow is nice; I'm going to the hot springs with my friend, Melodi. The sunburn I got last time I went, about 2 1/2 weeks ago, has healed. I'm ready for another trip! I'm still not thinking of a haiku topic. Maybe tomorrow.

The quote for yesterday, in my favorite book, is from Matthew Bortolin in The Dharma of Star Wars.

The only way to balance within one's self and peace in the world is to face the dark side with openness and courage - and to come to terms with the truth of reality as it is.

That one was too good to pass up on passing along to you. It goes so well with my most recent post on my Awareness Village Blog on satya, or truthfulness. The following paragraph and quote is from that blog and says all I really need to say about this quote.

I believe, most importantly, satya applies to your relationship with yourself. Everything, satya included, starts with you, moving from our inside world to the outside world. When you are honest with yourself, you remove delusion and the filters through which you see your own behavior and your world. Sometimes it isn't easy to be honest with ourselves. We have had years of practicing habits, patterns of perception, and beliefs which work together to color our understanding of ourselves at any given moment. These are our filters. By practicing satya, we, over time, eliminate our filters and increase actions which arise from the truth in our relationships with ourselves and others. We act from a place of truth, not from a place of the fears and assumptions we learned through using our filters. Then we can think, speak and act from truth and in accordance with our highest goals and beliefs. When we consistently practice satya, we have no reason to fear our behavior and we have no regrets. In his book "Raja Yoga," Swami Kriyananda says it all.

An attitude of truthfulness means to try always to see things as they are, to accept the possibility that one may be mistaken in his most cherished opinions, to entertain no likes and dislikes that might prejudice his perception of reality as it is.

Today was a bit of a stressful day just because it was "tax day." But I was able to get my extension filed this morning and go on with my day. I don't know why I felt stressed, but I did. I'm over that, though, and now and I'm just tired.

Since I need some rest, I'm going to meditate for a bit, knit for a bit, read for a bit, then sleep for a much longer bit.

Many blessings to all of you,
Jun-ri

P.S. The animals still need some help. Won't you help me meet my donation goal? Thanks!

'Tis the Season

Hello Loved Ones,

First of all, I want to say "Happy Easter" to all of you who have sent me Easter wishes. My best wishes of the season to all of you!

The Easter/Spring season is one of new life and renewal of life and new energy all around! I love Spring! Here in Tahoe, the snow melts leaving damp ground that smells so fertile, giving way to a verdant smell when the plants peek through the top of the soil. Thus, today's haiku.

Stalks break through the soil
Shell cracks open chick peeks out
New life new season

The seed is to the flower as the heart/mind is to the human being. The seed, like the heart/mind, has such great potential. While I am a Buddhist, I grew up in a Christian environment. I remember a quote, that I think is from the Bible, that reminds me of the Spring season and "Spring fever." "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." We have that opportunity every day of our lives, but we seldom take it until something happens in nature or in our life and we take to "Spring cleaning." At those times we want everything to be clean and fresh and new. We need to remember that our mind is ready for renewing at any time, and to remember what Buddha said, "We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves. "

So, take every opportunity to keep your mind as pure, fresh and new as a Spring breeze, and reap the joy of renewal!

With love and hugs,
Jun-ri

Opening a Book of Quotes

Hello Friends,

Sorry to have missed you the last few days. I was working on a project, then yesterday and today I've had a migraine. It is gone for the most part. YAY! I got a massage today and I'm sure that helped. I had to be careful of the intensity while exercising today, but I managed to get in 45 minutes on my Gazelle glider and a half hour of strength training. It aggravated the headache a little bit, but I'm living with it. I wasn't able to exercise at all yesterday and I missed it. I haven't tracked my food since last week. I've been "good," but really need to get back to the tracking. I feel like I'm starting to loosen up, which I don't want to do.

I have soooo many books of quotes, Buddhist, yoga, Al-Anon recovery, spiritual, etc. etc. Most of them have dates in them and you can choose the quote/meditation of the day. I usually read the day's quote, but often like to just open up the book blindly and see what I fall upon. I did both today, so I'm going to tell you about both, because they are actually quite connected, in my mind anyway. The first one is from Liv Jensen in "Bad Dog!"

Within the structure of every conformity, every confinement and restraint, dwells the heart of the runaway. It is a being spare, swift, original. It speaks words of its own telling, sings songs of its own heart's consent, runs unhindered in fields of its own choosing. It is an unimpaired body and an irrepressible freedom. And it refuses to be forgotten.

The second is from Dharmarakshita in "Mind Training."

With whom shall I battle, for I am my own enemy? Who will save whom, for I am my own savior? I am my own witness, for my actions and inactions.

Both of these quotes speak to me, strongly, to my independent spirit. I am unlike anyone else and I am proud of who I am! I admit that I have often done things the difficult way, and done things that would make many people tremble. I have taken many risks, 95% of which were well-planned, like moving to Lake Tahoe from Tempe, Arizona. But, as a human race we wouldn't have made any progress in this world without people who weren't afraid to step into the fire and take risks. And wouldn't life be boring if everyone conformed to all the rules of society, staying inside society's (or their family's, church's, peer group's, etc. etc.) safe, little box?

I'm not saying there is anything wrong with the rules of society, family, church, peer group, etc. There needs to be balance between conforming and not conforming. That's where the second quote comes in. People have to realize the consequences of their actions, and to realize we are responsible for only our own actions. Many people get caught up in trying to be other's saviors. I've done it myself. There is no sense in trying to "fix" anyone but ourselves, not that anyone needs to be "fixed." We are perfect just the way we are, warts and all.

There is great freedom in the fact that "I am my own witness, for my actions and inactions." But when we talk about "inactions" we are really talking about a great deal of overlooked responsibility. We most often talk about what we do. But, how about what we don't do? Is there something we could do to make our lives better? (like getting healthy or refusing to lie to yourself about a pertinent issue in your life) Or other's lives, while preserving their independent spirits by not expecting anything in return? (it could be as simple as offering a friend a ride when she is sick or as complex as organizing the neighborhood with Easter dinner for the homeless people in the park down the street) Doing things for others is a less obvious way, to some, that we can be our own saviors. I have organized a knitting group at my yoga studio and am offering patterns to those who want to knit for charitable organizations. My first project will be to knit a blanket for a shelter animal. Then maybe a hat for a preemie. What can you do?

I have been my own savior when I've taken risks, and have been my own enemy, mostly due to those pesky inactions. These quotes have many different, and deeper, levels of meaning. This is just what I've thought up at this particular time, without much thinking. These are great quotes that merit further consideration and reflection.

About a month ago I bought a beautiful bouquet of organic flowers and put them in a ceramic vase in the living room. I let them dry and they have retained their vibrant colors. They are the subject of today's haiku.

Pretty dried flowers
I've decided to save you
You still bring me joy

Not really a great haiku, but what do you expect from a girl with a shadow of a migraine? LOL

I'm off to meditate. With the headache yesterday I wasn't able to, but I think I can now.

Happy thinking to you all!

Jun-ri

Volunteering, Chocolate and Sex

Good Afternoon,

Did I get you with that headline???? Hmmm????? LOL

It's a beautiful day here in Tahoe. I am sitting at my kitchen table looking at the creek running outside. It is running very fast today! It is sunny, but a bit cooler than it has been the last couple of weeks. I even woke up in the middle of the night because I was cold and had to put on an extra blanket.

Things have been going pretty well today. I've gotten some "stuff" done and am on track with most of my projects of the day.

Here's a haiku.

Water rushes by
A cool breeze touches the earth
Sun shines on it all

I've had a craving for bread today. I seldom buy bread, so there isn't any in the house. I did have a small box of organic chocolate chip cookie mix, though. I've had the box for ages. It called for eggs, but I didn't have any, but had some egg replacer. I just whipped up the batch and they are in the oven now. I'm not sure what they'll taste like. Without the egg it didn't have quite the right consistency so I had to add some water. The box only made one dozen so if they taste okay, they won't completely kill my diet and if they suck it isn't much of a waste! LOL

I've found that minor indulgences in my cravings works best for me. If I say "no no no," it turns into "gimme gimme gimme." So, I have french fries and chips and salsa once a week. A Starbucks caramel macchiato can be had once a month. I usually work it into my plan and I always track it when I track my food. That way I control my cravings, rather than them controlling me.

I haven't meditated yet today, but plan to do it, and exercising, before dinner. I have an Al-Anon meeting to go to tonight, so I want to meditate beforehand. I like to be centered when I go. I don't need much help anymore (though sometimes I still do) but I want to be the best version of myself so I can be there for others who may need my help. It is a better way for me to serve others and works out well for me, too.

And how about that idea of helping others? I read an article in a magazine sometime in the last couple of days that said volunteering actually lights up the same areas of the brain, and sends endorphins (our feel-good chemicals) into our body, in the same places and ways that chocolate and sex do! WOW! That's pretty cool! I don't know if feeding the hungry can take the place of sex, for me......chocolate, maybe. When it comes to sex, I prefer to keep the hungry and homeless out of things. But, it's a great thing, nonetheless. So put on your volunteer hat and go get 'em!

Have a great day,
Jun-ri

I'm Back From My Weeked Trip

Hello Friends,

Let's start out with today's haiku. When I arrived at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, I immediately heard animals. They were wild turkeys, their feathers spread out wide. Gobblegobblegobble is how they actually sound. It should have been Thanksgiving! It was absolutely beautiful. Later that day, I went hiking in the forest and was blessed by the presence of lots of green moss in the shadows, wildflowers, including wild iris in the sun.

Path through green forest
Moss, animals, wildflowers
Blue sky, clouds above



I saw Ajahn Amaro speak. He was sooooo funny! I would consider him a Buddhist stand-up comedian! He talked about spring and the season for moving forward, new beginnings, being inspired about your goals, that type of thing. We did a few hours total of meditation, including some walking meditation, outside in the sun and cool, spring breeze. It was beautiful and just what I needed.

Ajahn Amaro had instructions for walking meditation. Basically, pick 25 or 30 yards of flat ground and go back and forth and not to choose a path that would cross anyone else's. Simple enough. I had two issues that affected my ability to get into a meditative state of mind. The first was that I had a difficult time not thinking about how far I had to get to the end of my path where I would turn around and anticipating getting there and turning around. That's not being mindful of the present, obviously, just of the future. The second one was that I was judgmental of others who were not following Ajahn's instructions. Outside the hall where we were listening to the talk, and where we were doing our walking meditation, is a large circular path with a big meadow in the center, with some other paths and nice, clear spots for walking in the area. One person, in particular was really getting under my skin. I chose a nice place at the bottom of the circular path, at a nice clearing. This woman chose to walk the circular path, instead of walking a straight path and turning around. When she approached the bottom of the circular path, on the edge of the clearing I was walking, she got in my way, every time, and I had to move for her! Someone not following instructions! AAAAAHHHH!!!! CLEARLY, I have some control issues. That's the thing about meditating, and especially when meditating with a group of others. Meditation puts all your issues right in front of your face where you can't deny them. Sometimes that's okay, sometimes it's just annoying! But, it's one reason I'm a Buddhist. I get to learn about myself and learn to be a better person over time.

Ajahn Amaro will be back on June 20 for a talk for the Summer season. I'll be there! I probably won't have my control issues solved before then, though. LOL

I stayed in a really nice hotel. (The Embassy Suites in San Rafael, California.) I didn't get back to the fitness room, but did get a chance to do some yoga and other exercises. I am so pleased with my increasing level of fitness, and am still excited about being on the elliptical for so long Friday night. Getting back into running is seeming like more of a reality every day. In fact, my trainer and I will be taking my cardio workouts outside starting next week. I'm looking forward to it!

Today I started a weekly blog on yoga philosophy, starting with the 8-limbed path. See the Awareness Village Blog noted on the right-hand sidebar of this blog. For those of you who don't know, Awareness Village Yoga and Meditation Center is my business, where I teach yoga and meditation. I hope you enjoy it!

I hope you are having a great evening and I will check in with you all tomorrow.

In gassho,
Jun-ri

P.S. April is Animal Cruelty Prevention Month. Please donate to the ASPCA by clicking on the banner below. Animal abusers need to be punished, to the fullest extent, in accordance with the law. Your donation will help the ASPCA arrest and punish abusers, and provide care for abused animals so they may be adopted out to loving homes.

Focus Pocus

So tonight I am sitting in an oversized bathrobe in an Embassy Suites hotel suite. It is a lovely suite and the bathrobe is huge! I rolled up the sleeves and am using them as a wrist rest while I type on my laptop. LOL I am wearing an ergonomic bathrobe! That's quite a selling point for Embassy Suites, don't you think?

Early this evening I had a great workout in the fitness room. I did 45 minutes on the elliptical trainer while watching a movie on TV, on a screen, ON the elliptical trainer! All I had to do was plug in my headphones. Every hotel should have Precor cardio equipment with the TV built in. This hotel has a recumbent bike, two treadmills and an elliptical. They also have a good amount of strength training equipment in the gym and free fitness videos on the TV! What a great hotel for travel. I'm telling everyone I know.

One really great thing about my 45 minutes on the elliptical is that it wasn't brutal for me! I was very sweaty and had a good heart rate reading on my monitor, working out in my zone, but I didn't feel like I was going to die. I felt great! The last time I was on one about seven years ago, I couldn't stay on more than 15 minutes. I am very pleased with my progress since December. I would have never hoped to be comfortable on the elliptical. (Picture me jumping up and down with glee...)

Shunryu Suzuki in Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind says "When you practice zazen, just practice zazen."

I am usually good at doing only one thing at a time, but today was a multi-tasking day and did I have issues! I was in way too big a hurry to start with. It was my goal to get to my hotel by 3:00 in the afternoon, which means I would have had to leave by 11:30 or noon. I left at 1:45. I did not prepare well yesterday and was in a big hurry to get everything packed and to get myself on the road. So, how did this impact (i.e. impair) my ability to be calm and effective? I packed too much stuff, I aimed for my pocket with my extra key for the petsitter and drove away with the key having fallen on the living room floor (I had to go back home, wasting precious time to find the key and drive it to the petsitter's office), I didn't get my lunch packed correctly for tomorrow's retreat because all I got at the store was fruit for the monks (a donation), I forgot my mp3 and cell phone chargers, and that's all I know so far. But the WORST part was that I was so frazzled I had breathing problems and my heart was beating out of control.

This was not necessary. All I had to do was think one thing at a time.

Normally when I go somewhere I make a list and check things off, packing 3 or 4 days in advance. (Granted, I did this on a 2 day notice, but still - 2 DAYS! I had time.)

But the issue is more than just being prepared. When we do only one thing at a time, we are focused on that one thing. Then we can usually do it well and be more productive. Ultimately, we get more done. This is something I have to remember. Why? Mindfulness.

When we do one thing at a time, we can choose to do it mindfully. I've found the best way to learn to be mindful is to meditate. After 32 years my mind still wanders; that's its job. But I have the power to choose to refocus on the task at hand, in meditation or out in the world.

(One note: When Suzuki makes this comment, he isn't actually talking about mindfulness, he is talking about pure practice in the context of right effort. Which is another great topic for a different day. But, when I read that passage today, I thought of mindfulness, probably because it was the lesson I needed today.)

I am looking forward to tomorrow's daylong meditation retreat with Ajahn Amaro at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. I'm sure I'll get a whole lotta mindfulness!

In gassho,
Jun-ri

P.S. Thanks so much to all of you who read my last post and let me know I am loved. I love you, too!

Dazed and Confused

Yeah, well, I'm dazed and confused. Yesterday, I was more dazed. Today, I'm more confused.

Yesterday, my lovelife went to hell in a handbasket, politely, respectfully and gently, but still to hell in a handbasket. Thus, I'm dazed and confused. Then there is the sad and disappointed aspect... It is natural that I am feeling a sense of loss. We'll still be friends. He's a very good man and we have a nice friendship. Luckily, I've done a great deal of learning about how to take care of myself. I'll be going away for a few days. I'll take my laptop with me and probably do a bunch of writing. That seems to help me deal with life when life isn't doing what I want it to do. I will bury myself into writing work until I can't write any more and then I'll know I have a better perspective. I will probably go to a meditation retreat center that is nearby. Tomorrow I can set up the petsitter to take care of Roscoe.

I am concentrating on remembering how much love I have in my life. When I think of this, I think of the following quote by John Bulwer: "It is astonishing how little one feels alone when one loves." Soon, the lonely feelings will fade.

For now, I feel an empty hole where my solar plexus is supposed to be. Naturally, today's haiku is going to reflect that. But also, it is about spring and new beginnings. In loneliness there is hope. In hope, there is faith that things can be okay and that everything renews itself. Sunflowers are my favorite flower.

Golden sunflower
Growing tall face toward sun
Bold, bright, strong and free

I will continue to meditate daily and take great comfort in Bhante Henepola Gunaratana's words in Mindfulness in Plain English. "The you that goes in one side of the meditation experience is not the same you that comes out the other side." That observation has been a staple of my life for 32 years, now. No matter what I feel in my mind, body or spirit when I sit on the cushion, I am different when I get off the cushion. Today I am taking great comfort in that fact.

Blessings on your journey,
Jun-ri

Strange Days

Reality is like a face reflected in a blade of a knife; its properties depend on the angle from which we view it. - Master Hsing Yun, in Describing the Indescribable

Yes, Yes, Yes!!! We all know that we experience life based on the filter through which we look at things. Meditation helps me see the filters I use and choose to see my life through a different filter, the filter of a truer reality.

I can't tell you how well that quote fits my life today. (It's still Sunday for me.) I'm not sure what to think about this day. It was so very strange.

I was very, very happy today to buy size 16 pants, not 16W, size 16 period. I bought 2 pairs of jeans, and a few other things, all on sale, to hold me until I get to a 14. I was ecstatic!!! I haven't bought clothes in the "normal girls" department in years. But fifteen minutes after I left the store, I got an overwhelming feeling of loneliness. On my way home I was unable to stave off the tears. I started balling uncontrollably. I haven't been sad for months!!! That just isn't how I am. I am normally so happy, peaceful and serene.

I remember hearing that as you lose weight, you sometimes process the emotions you were feeling at the time you were that weight. I remember the last time I felt this loneliness feeling. It was January 1, 2000, and, yes, I was the same size I am now. It was one of the worst days of my life. I won't go into what happened, it is ancient history and I don't want to dredge it up. My heart hurts. I actually feel the physical pain in my chest I felt on that day. But I can't let myself go backward. I have to now work through that pain so it will no longer take up space in my mind and heart. I am looking forward to the feelings of joy I felt when I was smaller! And I'm going to get to a size 14 as quickly as I can! LOL

To help me process these feelings, here is today's haiku.

Lone tree in the field
Animals its only friends
Standing in the sun

I don't want to make this blog post depressing! I hit a milestone and this loneliness feeling is not an obstacle! I didn't have hope and faith on January 1, 2000. I DO now and I know that with the support of my friends I will work through this and my heart won't hurt for very long.

Thanks, my friends, for being here for me! And may your hearts never hurt. I'm off to meditate...

In love and friendship,
Jun-ri

I Can't Believe it's Friday!

Hello All,

I can't believe it's Friday at 12:33 a.m., Saturday morning actually. I feel like I didn't accomplish anything this week. Geez. I hate feeling like this.

I got a massage today and my therapist noticed how much thinner I am. That was good! After she left, I weighed myself and was down another 2 pounds, even in the middle of the day after eating 2 meals. I also tried on four pairs of pants I thought might still be too small and found they are actually too big! Into the charity pile they went. So....today was a good day!

I have been having some personal life issues this week and have been a bit confused, to say the least! It's been occupying my mind somewhat and I haven't been able to focus as well as I can normally focus. To take my mind off "things" I developed some new yoga classes for my students and investigated some new techniques that I can share with them. My meditations have been going pretty well, so I'm happy about that.

I took some new photos of Roscoe for someone who has an animal-related blog and wants to do a special blog on guinea pigs. I am also going to help him with information. I'll post a link when he does his post on piggies.

I haven't written any haikus the last few days, but here is an old one I found.

Prepare for new day
The earth opens her cocoon
Life begins anew

I should take that advice. Tomorrow is a new day, and tomorrow morning I'm going to the hot springs!

Cheers,
Jun-ri

Trendy Tuesday

I've had a very, very good day. It started out in Reno this morning with a trip to Walmart and Lane Bryant for some tops. I've lost so much weight I needed to go shopping. I found some good sale prices, which was great! I get to be trendy in tops that fit! YAY!

I've been very busy since I got home this afternoon. I had a nice lunch and client call, then some work. I'm pretty tired. I slept very well last night, and will sleep well again tonight.

I wasn't really inspired to write a haiku so looked at a picture of Buddha that makes me feel serene. I noticed that the breeze this afternoon was serene, so wrote the following haiku. I hope you like it.

So serene the breeze
Wafting through leafless gray limbs
Scent of the damp earth

Yesterday's quote in my Buddhist daily reader was, "Realize that the journey to the center takes place within your own mind," by Matthew Flickstein in his book "Journey to the Center." Great quote, very simple, to the point, and worthy of consideration. I think that introspection is the only way to find out who you are and make joyful and honest your journey of life itself.

Time for meditation and bed. I hope your evening is lovely and your tomorrow even lovelier.

In gassho,
Jun-ri

P.S. Yesterday was the first day of the Canadian seal hunt, a very ugly event. This year it is expected that 250,000+ baby seals will be killed in a most brutal, barbaric way. Sign the petition to help end this heinous practice by checking out www.protectseals.org. Remember that April is Animal Cruelty Prevention month. Learn more by going to the ASPCA's website, www.aspca.org, or click on the banner below.

I'm Back from a Little Trip

Hello All,

I hope all of you are well and happy. I had to go away for a few days for a conference and I'm back from my little trip. I didn't do anything exciting there, so I won't bore you with the details.

I'm feeling a little funky. You know how it is when you go away and eat things you normally wouldn't eat and your normal routine goes out the window. I will feel myself again in just a few days. I got in some nice meditation time and actually did some jogging, which felt really good!

It snowed a little at my house while I was gone. I hope we get at least one more heavy snowstorm before the winter season is completely over. We really need it and I really want it. I doesn't feel like we've had a winter. But the snow and ice is melting from the roof and that's what today's haiku is about.

Warm and sunny day
Ice sheets sliding from the roof
Flowers on their way

I've got loads of stuff to do and work to catch up on. It's Monday and the start of a new week. Time for a new beginning.

Cheers to you all,
Jun-ri

Hello Friends,

Sunsets are absolutely beautiful. Here’s today’s haiku.

Colorful ribbons
Orange purple yellow blue
Bright sun sinking low

I had a great day today. I worked for a few hours before going to the salon. While at the salon, I had a facial and detox body treatment, then had my hair cut and colored, 6 hours of girly stuff. Now I’m completely beat! Tomorrow will be a very busy day! I have to make up for not getting much done today. My trainer is coming over, a friend is coming over to help me do a bunch of work around the house, I'll do some work on the computer and teach a yoga class and a meditation class. Off to bed with me.

Cheers,
Jun-ri

Perfection in Imperfection

Dear Perfect Beings,

Today was a pretty good day, and very busy. I worked out with my trainer, got a manicure, ate lunch out, and talked with someone about an advertising plan for my yoga studio, all before planning, preparing for and teaching a yoga class!

I opened my book of daily Buddhist readings today and read something really great to share. In the book Mindfulness in Plain English, Bhante Henepola Gunaratana writes:

Be gentle with yourself. Be kind with yourself. You may not be perfect, but you are all you’ve got to work with. The process of becoming who you will be begins first with the total acceptance of who you are.

What is wrong with all of us that we think we have to be perfect, and because we aren’t perfect we have no worth? Where is our compassion for ourselves? We are perfect, even in our imperfections. And so is everyone else. We are so impatient, not only with ourselves, but with others. Everything is so fast in our world. Express gratification is around every corner. What do you think would happen if we just slowed down and let ourselves be happy, accepting what is, unconditionally? I can tell you what would happen; we would be happy! Happiness would come from within us, and not from what we perceive will make us happy once we get it. Also, we have to like ourselves to want something better for ourselves.

I was talking to someone the other day who was also from the Phoenix, Arizona area (where I used to live). I lived in Tempe and worked in downtown Phoenix. The bright points of my day were driving to and from work past the Japanese flower farms and their stands on Baseline Road. The flower farms have since been sold, all except one I was told several months ago (it might be sold now). In their place is now a golf course, condos and new housing developments. There were some old citrus trees, as well, where there had been citrus groves. I will never forget the days I had to follow a slow moving tractor, with my windows down, smelling all the beautiful flowers and seeing all the colors. Here is today’s haiku.

Rows of bright flowers
Sweet and fragrant, colorful
My own paradise

Go forth and find your paradise! (And love and accept yourself while you are searching.)

Cheers and blessings,
Jun-ri

P.S. Remember the Animals!

Getting Ready for a New Week

Hello Friends,

The last couple of days you haven’t seen any blogs by me. Sorry if you’ve missed me. I’ve had a few really weird days and today I’m feeling a little exhausted. Friday the 13th was one of the few true Friday the 13th’s I’ve ever had, except for my friend’s surprise 60th birthday party. I won’t get superstitious about future days, though. So, I’m proceeding like they didn’t exist and just going on from today.

I was thinking about walking through the forest on a cold and misty day. It was really windy on Friday night, which normally heralds a storm, but there was no storm. It was supposed to start snowing last night and continue through Monday, but it is 9:00 on Sunday night and it still hasn’t started snowing yet, it rained a little bit today. The forecast still says snow for tonight and snow and rain through Tuesday. I hope it snows a whole bunch! We haven’t had enough of a winter. Anyway, here is today’s haiku.

A chill in the air
Cold morning mists through the trees
Brisk walk brushes skin

I got pretty upset Friday morning. The company I hired to get rid of the mice put down glue traps after I told them glue traps were not acceptable because I didn’t want any of the mice to die. I thought I had thrown them all away and I missed one behind the TV. A baby mouse got stuck on it and I tried so hard to save it, but I couldn’t. I found that cooking oil would get the glue off and I freed one back leg and got the toes all cleaned off, but I guess the stress was too much for the little one and it passed away. I was very upset. I did everything I could, and it was never my intention for any to die, just leave, and they do all have to leave! I got some live traps at the hardware store. None have been caught, yet, but I am confident I will catch the rest of the mice.

I’d best get the end of my tasks for the day completed or it will be too late to do them. I'm getting ready for next week! See below for a special message that I will put on my blogs until the end of April, maybe longer. We'll see how it goes.

Many Blessings,
Jun-ri

The entire month of April is Animal Cruelty Prevention Month. I'd like to help the ASPCA prevent animal cruelty and make sure animal abusers are tried, convicted and punished for their crimes. Don't you? I've pledged to help raise awareness and $1,000 for the cause. (Even $10 would help meet the goal!) If you would like to help, please click the banner below. If you can't help with cash, go to http://www.aspca.org and see all the educational materials on their site. (Scroll down to the resources links on the right side of the home page.) In the section for teachers, there is loads of information, even lesson plans. You don't have to be a teacher, you can use these ideas to teach your own children about how to treat animals. The kids website is great (kids can send in their pet photos for the "Pet of the Week" contest) at http://www.animaland.org.

See Others as Just Like Us

Hello Loved Ones,

I was reading in my daily Buddhist meditation book and a quote by Master Baek from his book, Polishing the Diamond, came up.

See everyone as a buddha. This purifies the mind of ignorance and arrogance.

This reminds me of the fact that I blog on four different sites/online communities every day. (I copy and paste most of my blogs from one to another and add a short note relevant to each community.) I have so many friends from each of these communities; we are bound together by common interests. We offer each other kind words of support, inspiration, laughs and friendship on a daily basis. The thing is, out in the concrete land we live in, instead of the online land, it would be unlikely that many of us would be friends. We simply wouldn't "run in the same circles." Because of our common interests, we see each other as buddhas. Yet, if we are to collaborate with each other and make our concrete worlds as peaceful and happy as possible, we need to set our differences aside, purifying our minds of the ignorance of other's beliefs and creeds, and the arrogance that ours is the only "right" way. If we learn about each other and let each other be his or herself, we can work toward common goals. This is not only important on a global scale, but within ourselves, as well. Everything on the outside is a reflection of the inside. If we can see our own selves as buddhas, we can have self-esteem and self-love, thus, inner peace and happiness. This is a good starting place to see others as just like us, then there is no separation/division between us.

A year-round stream runs along two sides of my house. I love to listen to it running, even in the winter when I have to go outside to hear it. In the spring it runs full and loud. I don't even have to open my double-paned windows to hear it! It is a beautiful, natural feature of the land I live on.

Bubbling brook runs sure
Over and around the rocks
Muffled by the snow

I'm going to Zen meditation group tonight. I'm really enjoying it! Yes, it's a little bit of a drive, and the weather here can turn very quickly. Last week it was clear and dry on my way to Carson City, and it was snowy and wet on my way home, but I was settled, peaceful and in no hurry to get home. What a nice way to drive.

I hope all of you are having beautiful days (it is a sunny day here) and that you can connect with those you love sometime today.

In gassho,
Jun-ri

Cockadoddle Don't

Howdy all of you in internet land,

I got up at 8:00 for a 9:00 appointment with my trainer, Norman. EGAD! That was a bit tough. I am still a little fatigued from yesterday, though I was asleep by 11:30. I'm so not a morning person. But, actually, I've gotten up early all week, a good start for a new habit. As long as I get enough sleep, about 9 hours a night, I'll be okay. I'm doing a 90 day meditation challenge with Tricycle magazine, so maybe I can figure a way to get the bedtime hours into a challenge, as well. Hm. I'll have to think on that one!

When Norman got to my house, I told him I hadn't done any cardio time on the Gazelle for a few days, so I did 40 minutes cardio and 20 minutes of strength training while he was here. I noticed that, while I am definitely working out, the movement is getting easier. Norman says I am an athlete now (because of the work/training I've been doing) and that's why I am feeling much more comfortable during movement. It was markedly easier, even though I was working hard. (Hey hey, I'm an athlete! That feels great to say.)

There is a bunch of ice at my doorstep because the icicles above my door have been melting in this nice warm, sunny weather we've been having. The ice slopes down toward the door and, though I keep putting ice melt there, twice I've slipped and fallen face-first into the door. That's what today's haiku is about. Not too exciting, but I haven't yet figured out how to be eloquent, and write something of substance, every day!

Warm wet then freezes
Slippery slippery slide
Wham, into the door

My friend, Michele, came over today and we took everything out of the pantry and noticed more mice poop!!! We put some things back into the pantry, but anything with a cardboard box or in a bag we put into the oven. (I bought some thick plastic containers to put stuff in that I'm going to take care of before I go to bed.) We cleaned up the poop and I went to teach two classes and when I came home, there was more poop! And, the paper had been torn off a can we put into the pantry. I'm going to scream!!!

Today I was reading in one of my Buddhist daily meditation books and found this quote by Thich Nhat Hanh from his book Buddhist Peacework.

Adopting the practice of generosity and loving-friendliness one day a week or once a month or once a year or periodically is not enough. We should practice these virtues throughout our lives in order to help ourselves and others have peace. These practices are not restricted to saints, far and above the hearts and minds of human beings. These practices are the guidelines for peaceful living among ordinary people.

I think that is so true, and not just for Buddhists, but for everyone. Imagine if everyone thought that way. I'm challenging everyone who reads this to smile at someone, generously and with loving-friendliness, at least once every day for a week and see how you feel at the end of the week. I'll just bet you will feel more peaceful. Don't you think?

Time for me to go....

In peace,
Jun-ri

Totally Tuesday

Hello Lovies,

All the events with the mice came down on me today. I was so tired I took a 5 1/2 hour nap. I had lunch with my friend, Melodi, today, which was really great. (We went to Thai Recipe.) I got home from lunch at 2:00 and fell asleep sitting on the loveseat in the living room. I woke up at 7:39 to a darker living room and a very hungry guinea pig watching me with begging eyes. He knew I was there, but I wasn't getting his dinner. He was probably thinking if he looked at me long enough I'd wake up and get him something to eat! LOL

I've been working on getting up earlier, and going to bed earlier, as well. I am a night person, that's for certain. Waking up early has never been easy for me. The problem is, I stay up late and then I can't get up and do the things I want and need to do. So, my plan is to be up by 7:00 and exercise, meditate, then eat and shower, first thing in the morning. That way I can start my day by 9:30 or 10:00. I think that would really help me. That means I have to go to bed by 10:00, 10:30 at the latest. It is 10:26 right now so I've got to get it together and get to bed. I still haven't meditated today. I have to do that before I go to bed.

I wasn't really inspired to write a haiku about the typical nature-related subject. I wrote one about my guinea pig, Roscoe, who I adore and spoil like there's no tomorrow. LOL I hope you like it. :)

My sweet little man
Love and cuddle kiss and squeak
My heart swells with love

Tomorrow is going to be a very busy day, so I'd better get to bed and get ready for it! It starts with my trainer coming over at 9:00, and at 10:00 my friend is coming over to help me put things away in my house. Theeeen, I teach 2 classes tomorrow evening. Whew! Lots to do!

Hugs to you all,
Jun-ri

Monday Monday, So Good to Me...

I love the free and easy feeling of listening to the Mamas and the Papas. LOL I'll be glad when all the mice related activities are finished, and the Mamas and the Papas feeling sets in. WooHoo! I know logically that other circumstances can't dictate my state of mind, but, I tell you, it is sometimes not easy for me to be patient and calm when my home is not in the state I want it to be in.

At 9:00 the cleaners came to disinfect my house. Boy oh boy, did they clean! Everything was taken out of the cupboards and the furniture was moved away from the walls, etc. When everything was put away, it just got stuck in the pantry and on the shelves, and not in the same place it was to start with. The house looks fantastic, though! My friend, Michelle, is coming over on Wednesday. We can put things away properly. I want to keep it looking this way. I really do like it; I just can't find anything.

Roscoe and I could not be in the house while it was being disinfected and cleaned, so we went to see my trainer, got me a manicure, and went to my yoga studio for lunch and a nap, where I also worked on my novel. Roscoe didn't like being away from his cage. I was holding him and he tugged on my shirt. (This is his way of saying he wants to go back to his cage.) Since I didn't put him in his cage, I put him on the floor next to his carrier (he could walk in and out of the carrier-but I put up barriers so he couldn't go too far), he was not happy. To let me know that, he looked at me, walked about 3 feet away from his carrier, pooped on the floor and sauntered slowly into his carrier with his nose in the air! The spoiled, little snot! LOLOLOL

I found the haiku I wrote yesterday at the stoplight. Since I am committed to writing a haiku a day, you get to read two of them. Here is the one I wrote yesterday.

Gray spidery limbs
Elm trees will soon come to life
Sleeping now ‘til Spring

I wrote this haiku tonight after seeing the moon. The actual full moon is tomorrow, but it looks full tonight!

Round orb white and bright
Gray clouds shifting shapes and drift
Glowing granite rocks

I hope you've enjoyed today's haikus. Now I have done everything I've committed to today. It's time for bed!

Many cheers and blessings,
Jun-ri

Late Sunday

Hello Friends,

It is after 1:00 a.m. on Sunday night (a.k.a. Monday morning!). I had a wonderful, wonderful day. It started with breakfast out, and then I went to Temple. I got there early because I assisted during the incense offering today.

I did some shopping this afternoon. I got some new yarn for a lace shawl I'm making and some necessary beauty supplies from Sephora. It was the only exercise I got today. I exercised my card swiping arm with skill and dexterity. LOL

I wrote a beautiful haiku about elm trees, onto a receipt, while I was at a stoplight. I stuffed it into my purse and now I can't find it. I wrote one about mice, that isn't as eloquent, but since I can't find the good one, the mice haiku will have to do tonight.

Little gray beasties
Sorry, but it's time you go
Adios small ones!

And adios to you mis amigos!

Buenas Noches,
Jun-ri

Lazy Saturday???

I don't know why I say "Lazy Saturday." It's funny, it feels lazy, but I haven't been lazy at all. I've been watching TV and working on my laptop on the couch, and my work has been enjoyable. I guess that's why it feels lazy. I've spent seven hours writing book reviews for my new website, www.bookreviewvillage.com, and working on the book I am writing. Soooo, you see, it hasn't been lazy at all, just enjoyable. Why do we sometimes think that enjoying our time is lazy??? Something to think on.

Every time I go outside, the icicles on the eave just past my front doorway drop melting ice onto my head. That is what today's haiku is about.

Icicles dripping
Teardrops fall in the sunlight
Droplets freeze at night

I'm not very verbose anymore today, so will sign off. I guess that's what happens when I write all day before blogging. I hope your Saturday evening is lovely!

Cheers,
Jun-ri

Here Comes the Sun and the Snowflakes

Hello dear ones,

Today a pest company came to smoke mice out of my house. (They trap and release them elsewhere.) Apparently it was quite a day for them and there were too many mice for them to get them all at once. Yep, an infestation. I have traps in my house and they will be checked for the next two days. Yuck. You don't want the details! They will be back for six hours on Monday doing a deep clean to get all the potentially virus infected droppings, etc., taken care of. Roscoe (my guinea pig and baby) rode around with me today while the pest company was at my house. Spending the day away from home is not his favorite activity. His eyes get really wide open while the car is moving. He's a little bit happier when the car isn't moving.

We went to my Friday meditation group at a chiropractor's office today. Roscoe seemed to enjoy the energy. He was looking around and smelling the air when we first got there, but went to sleep once we started meditating. We will be out and about all day Monday when the cleaning crew is at my house. I'm not sure what all we'll do that day, but we'll figure it out. We'll probably go to the yoga studio and do some work.

I wrote a haiku today, as promised. The sun was shining and it was snowing large flakes off and on all day. It is so weird to see the sun and snow at the same time. It is pretty common here, but is still a strange site to see. It will be snowing again soon, and heavier. That is what the haiku is about. Here it is:

Trees are tipped with white
Snowflakes coming through the sun
Heralds more to come

Okay, I'm going to bed now. Thanks for reading my blog! I've received some nice comments from some of you and I really appreciate it.

Cheers and lots of sunshine,
Jun-ri

Another Bright Sunny Day!

Hi Friends,

Today's Buddhist Wisdom from Beliefnet.com was so cool and relates directly to what I learned when I was in Arizona in January for the Yoga for Depression Practitioner training. This is what it said:

If we train our breathing, we can control our emotions--that is, we can cope with the happiness and pain in our lives. We should practice until we feel this; our practice is not complete until we can see this clearly. -Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, "Mindfulness with Breathing"

Pure truth is what that is! I'm mean, really. Have you ever noticed how you breathe when you are anxious? Your breath is shallow and quick. If you breathe shallow and quick on purpose, you can make yourself feel anxious. Try it if you don't believe me!

Today's haiku is about that fact that today is a beautiful, sunny day in snowland. I went out to my car to get the recycle containers I'd left in there the other day. They were so warm they radiated warmth for several minutes! It was so comforting to feel.

A bright sunny day
The feel of summer, yet not
So warm to the touch

Today's Tricycle Daily Dharma was also very good. It was a quote from Pema Chodron's book "Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings" (Shambala Publications, 2002). It was about how you make your own heaven or hell. It was a story about a samurai who, just before he was to cut off a Zen Master's head, realized at that moment he was in hell. "Instantly, the samurai understands that he has created his own hell—black and hot, filled with hatred, self-protection, anger, and resentment. He sees that he was so deep in hell that he was ready to kill someone." He was in heaven when, "Tears fill his eyes as he puts his palms together to bow in gratitude for this insight." Obviously, he didn't cut off the Zen Master's head.

I think we can all remember a time when we felt both those states of mind.

Those are my ramblings for today. Tomorrow won't be so Buddhist-oriented for those of you who aren't "into that." But, it was what was on my mind. Tonight I will go to my Zen meditation and study group in Carson City. I'm looking forward to it, especially since I wasn't able to make it last week.

Have a fantastic day and check back tomorrow for more ramblings.....ramble ramble.....

Re-Instituting an Old Habit

Hello All,

I used to do the mental exercise of writing a haiku a day, but stopped doing it, for some reason. (Plus, I misplaced the really cool journal I wrote them in!) I was thinking I'd start doing that again and a great time to do it would be after my morning meditation. I also thought that doing a blog post every day with my haiku would be a good way to keep me accountable and share something with others. So.....enjoy today's haiku.

Crystals form prisms
Under the bright sunlight gleams
New snow so pristine

As you might guess, there is snow where I live. Actually, there is lots of it! (I am on the north shore of Lake Tahoe.) Today was very sunny and when the sun shines on an expanse of new snow, it is like someone threw buckets of multi-colored glitter as far as the eye can see. It is so beautiful I could look at it for hours.

Everything is going well with me. I'm feeling pretty good and have been exercising a great deal. It's been working; I've gotten into some smaller clothes. I love shopping in my closet!

I've started a new website for book reviews. Please see the submission guidelines page and send me some reviews! None are posted right now, but by the middle of next week there should be some ready to view. The site is at http://www.bookreviewvillage.com. Let me know what you think! My friend, Bruce, is a web designer and has been working on this new website, as well as my Awareness Village site. He's really good! Check out his web design site by clicking here. (He's also a great photographer and sells his work online and in galleries/art shows in the Reno area. Check out his photos by clicking here.)

It's been great chatting with you! Have a wonderful evening and I'll "see" you all tomorrow.

In gassho,
Jun-ri

P.S. This is me in December 2008 with Roscoe, my little piggie. He turned 3 years old in December, 2008, and still acts like a little pup (that's what baby guinea pigs are called).



This is me last week. I had to go to an awards luncheon to accept a grant I'd applied for (for my job at the non-profit). My dimples are coming back!