awakeningDaring to be in the world. My weekend of Shambala Warrior training was exceptionally wonderful. At level 3 I believe my training caught up to my experiences and other Buddhist studies and finally all fit together. So many of my questions just answered as I meditated and came back to the essential breath.
We spoke of how in level 2 we had explored our "cocoons", our habits, our way of being asleep in the world, zoning out to the tv, the use of substances, our anger, our self-pity ... the list goes on. This level we worked on being daring enough to step out of our familiar protection and start to live a life of being fully awake, of being mindful, of seeing, of listening, of compassion and basic goodness. We talked of how to catch those self-critical voices that tell us we are "not as good as", and we talked of discernment (the tiger) and of karma.
I had flashbacks of child trauma's that I was able to resolve quickly with the breath and the letting go. I finally was able to connect something that had been troubling me for 30 years. I am very pleased to put it away where it needs to be and to be able to have back my month of February. I am thankful for this path and excited for all that is available to learn.
On Monday I started a Tai Chi for Arthritis 6 week program. A great class that I can really get into. It will move on to different levels, but for now I like the beginners journey.
I started to get ready for my snow shoe adventure, buying warm socks and waterproof boots. It is going to be a hilarious weekend, 9 of us, all eccentric, fun filled personalities more than happy to play some good practical jokes. I have to get some toy snakes and spiders, seems like a good thing to have for a few peoples sleeping bags :-) I'll pack my Eyore slippers and purple housecoat to wear while we enjoy some "hot toddies" as we say here in Nova Scotia. There will be lots of laughter and I look forward to coming home with stories from "Wreck Cove".
Have a great day. I'll be back :-)
