Meditation X

"At last I've broken Unmon's barrier!
There's exit everywhere - east, west, north, south.
In at morning, out at evening; neither host nor guest.
My every step stirs up a little breeze."
Daito

Meditation X

Running everyday is fun because the momentum can be felt, and that inspires me to get out there and not miss a day. Now that I am injured, I have been running every other day, but I am finding that it too has its advantages.

Yesterday was an off day, and since it was cold I was relieved not to run. It was the first time in over 19 months that I was happy not to run. Today was equally cold, but I was excited to get out and run because a 2 day rest is good for building energy.

Today I felt some improvement in my overall leg strength. This injury has more to do with my hip than my knee, although it is the knee which stops me from running. Before the knee starts to tighten I can feel the hip getting progressively weaker, then it is only a matter of time before my leg strength is corrupted, which is manifested in a tight knee flex.

I finished another watercolor painting yesterday. I am happy with how these paintings are turning out. I have always wanted to be a painter more than a photographer, but I love how the camera can capture exact line and spacial perspective. This new method of picture making allows me to combine my love of the exact line with the unpredictable, free hand that places color and spirit onto paper. Within a few months I hope to have 30-40 of these types of paintings made.

I made an incredibly delicious meal tonight. I placed golden potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, and peas into a large pot and cooked them in just a bit of water for 15 minutes. I then dropped various types of indian spices into the pot, added 1 cup of water, and cooked on low heat for 30-40 minutes. I then put the burner on high and cooked for 5 more minutes, just to get everything smoking. This was followed by adding a cup of cooked basmati rice, turning the dish in an Indian biryani. I warmed up some paratha bread on a skillet, and sat down in the quiet, dim room with a cup of hot nettle tea to enjoy my meal. I mixed up some chocolate pudding earlier in the day, and ate that for desert. I'm looking forward to the leftovers tomorrow :)


M. Ward :