THE MANY FORMS OF MEDITATION

TRADITIONAL

 Where is spring?!  Right now it is not outside....there are no signs that it will be here in a day or two.  My saving grace is my daily meditation practice.  My practice has taken different forms over the thirty years.  I was trained in what is considered the traditional sitting method.  Eyes closed, observing my breath as it flows in and out, gently, softly.  Calm, quiet mind.  It is a form that I still practice.

Over the years I have studied other types of meditation such as walking meditations, yoga, and drawing.  I have found them all to be wonderful ways to quiet the mind, soothe the soul, and relax the body.  My fiber art is a form of meditation for me for when I am creating I am in that special place.  In my studio there are no boundaries, no limitations, including what materials I may or may not have at hand.  It is my bliss, my meditation.  Whatever stress I am feeling melts away.

It is so important to find a way to reduce our stress in these times. Being in the moment is the only way to be;  no matter what you are doing be there as you are doing it.  In the meantime, help me bring spring into being, even if it is only in your minds' eye.

WHEN THE SPIRIT MOVES ME

FACES

When Mother Earth begins to stir like she has in the past couple of days, it is hard to contain my excitement.  Soon there will be flowers. and leaves on trees.  I get so excited like I used to when my grandparents were coming for a visit.  There I would sit, by the kitchen window, looking out over the field in front of our house, anticipating their arrival.  What a rush it would be when I saw their car turning the corner and drive up Ambach Lane.  I get the same way when I know spring is arriving.  I can't stand the wait!!!!!

Despite the cold weather we had here in the Catskill Mountains, I tried hard not to let the winter get the better of me.  Sitting by the fire every night was a comfort and it is where I spent a good deal of time drawing and knitting.  But the comfort did not come without cost.  Jay lugged in wood all winter long.  It was a hard job especially in such brutal weather and wind chill factors below 25.  However, without the cold, the warmth would not feel so so good.  The fire never so appreciated. I spent the winter being grateful for the fire and its flames and for the flicker of lights it gave; so bright in the darkest of winter.  I would turn off the lights and dance by the fire.  Sometimes Jay would join me.  It is moments like this when the spirit moves me. How wonderful!