I woke at 5:30am, and decided to meditate before walking to work. It only took 20 minutes for my mind and body to calm.
The walk to work felt different because of the meditation, and a couple of positive things occurred which I don't think would have happened if I had been in my normal state of mind.
When I was walking through Lincoln Square mall I passed 2 people seated on a bench. I heard a woman call out good morning in a cheerful voice. There was nobody around for her to be saying that to, so I turned around and saw her smiling at me. I smiled and returned the greeting.
When I got to work Joseph stopped by my desk and asked if I knew how Melinda was doing in California. I told him all I knew from reading her blog, and then we got into a pleasant conversation about our dogs, our ambitions to live in Oregon, and our discovery that we both do not own cars.
I see Joseph somewhat frequently, and we usually say hi/bye, and leave it at that. During our conversation I felt relaxed and happy, which was an aftereffect of meditation. I normally am not talkative, but meditation changes me into something different, and I believe other people and animals can sense it. Had I not meditated this morning, I believe I would not have talked with Joseph.
In a future entry I may write about some of the unusual experiences I have had while under the influence of meditation.
Today was the first day since November, 2007 that I have not run. What an amazing experience to run for 451 consecutive days. It's all over now, but I knew it couldn't go on indefinitely, there are too many things that can go wrong. I am thankful for having had the health to run all those days.
No pictures today either. I was pretty sad when I saw some beautiful things on my morning walk and realized I did not have a camera.
With Rachel being gone it is quiet in the house. Because I will have no interruptions for the next 13 days, I have decided to spend most of my time meditating throughout the day. During my breaks I plan to walk and practice drawing.
I am going to try to make a drawing a day. I will probably use charcoal and chalk, and will focus on still life, such as an apple, a vase, etc. Simple seeing exercises to test my breathing and concentration obtained from meditation.
Melinda, if you happen to read this, Joseph says hello :)
2 comments:
James, I am reading it, and I was very startled to see my name! Please tell Joseph I said hello back, that I hope he's doing great, and that my offer still stands that he always has a place to crash here if he's in the area. (That's all true about you too, of course!)
I'm so glad to hear about your triumph at Riddle Run, and your continuing progress with your photography. Interesting that you've been forced to take a temporary break on both so suddenly! I hope you don't go too crazy over the next two weeks, and that you can jump back into both pursuits re-energized and refreshed once you're able. :)
I always enjoy reading your updates and looking at your photography. I've been missing C-U quite a bit the past week or two, and your pictures make me long for home - they capture so many of the fleeting images I would see walking or running around town, in a sort of impressionistic, dream-like way that may make me romanticize central IL more than I should. :)
I am hoping to come home over spring break (in March) or this summer, though. If/when I do, I will definitely, definitely let you know, and we can do a loop through Busey Woods and out to Meadowbrook for old time's sake!
Melinda,
I will tell Joseph you said hello. We both miss you, Michelle does too!
I appreciate the offer to hang at your place in Berkeley, maybe I can travel there this year.
I am excited about your trip back home, Michelle & I both miss running with you, for sure. I will bring you out past MBK to the South Farms, not sure if you have run there, it adds a little distance and nature to the usual route, lots of crows to help us along.
Hope school is going well, and everything else...
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