Shift

There's the story about the stone carver, skillfully, carefully tapping 99 times against a rock.  Then, on the 100th blow, the designated stone falls away.  I am sure I've heard it a million times about acceptance, but sitting with a visiting teacher, Arinna Weisman for a lovely weekend retreat recently, there was a shift.

She invited me to notice and appreciate not just the times I was connected to the practice (walking, breath, etc), but also the times I was not.  Inclusive. Accepting.

This has pervaded.  Zazen has felt like a safe place, a refuge, a place for there to be whatever there is unfolding, blossoming, changing.

Perhaps it is more noticeable in contrast to the past year or more trudging through the desert of Acedia with its blandness, its chores, and drudgery.

My husband in the Atlantic Ocean with his Pelican friends

Oh, the waters of compassion and acceptance; so large, so soothing.