40 minutes (30/10)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Up at my regular time but I was SO distracted, I felt like I wasn't even there. The last ten minutes were better than the first 20, but STILL....

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 8:30 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I was less distracted tonight. It's easier to talk myself into focusing when I know I'll only be on the zafu for 10 minutes.

40 minutes (30/10)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: St. C House
When: 8:00 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: One disadvantage to meditating at the house is noise. I woke up late this morning, so I had to deal with a telephone conversation in the background. I put on headphones and listened to an ocean waves recording to block out the noise, but it was still difficult. Wondering if a recording of white noise, along with my Bose noise reduction headphones would do the trick?

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: St. C House
When: 6:00 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Noise again, this time a movie ('I Heart Huckabees' which is bad enough when you're NOT meditating...). Definitely need the headphones, or maybe earplugs. Very distracted and unhappy tonight.

40 minutes (30/10)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: So sleepy! I felt like I was on the edge of sleep the entire time.

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 10:10 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I'm heading to the house for the rest of the weekend, but decided to meditate before I left because I'll probably be too tired later tonight.

50 minutes (30/20)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: A bit distracted this morning, but better than yesterday. I wasn't sleepy because I slept in until 7 a.m.

Meditation: 20 minutes
Where: Meditation Group
When: 7:15 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Only 20 minutes because the group leader did this 'meditation instruction' thing for 10 minutes to orientate the beginners in the group. The time passed really quickly and I'm delighted with the Mobile Meditator in this context - I was very comfortable!

40 minutes (30/10)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Very distracted, but I kept trying!

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 10:10 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: This was one of those nights when I needed meditation to slow myself down for sleep. It *almost* worked, but I was too wired.

40 minutes (30/10)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Very, very distracted. This was a great opportunity to practice bringing my attention back. Also good practice in observing my emotional responses. I didn't have very much sleep last night so I was feeling very drowsy.

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Subway
When: 10:10 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I was so distracted tonight, this almost seemed like a waste of time. I have no control over my brain. Kept looking out the window (at nothing). Argh.

40 minutes (30/10)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: First ten minutes I was distracted, second ten minutes, I was falling asleep, the third ten minutes I was fairly focus and more-or-less awake. Nice to end on a high note! ;-)

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 10:10 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I started my meditation with an agitated mind, but gradually calmed down. Not enough to sleep, though :-(

40 minutes (30/10)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Distracted throughout, but at least I wasn't drowsy!

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:45 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I was at a pub party following the ice hockey finals this evening. Meditating while tipsy and sleepy is not very effective, but I found it very amusing. Next time, I'll try to remember to meditate before heading out.

40 minutes (30/10)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: St. C House
When: 6:40 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: A bit distracted, but I was able to catch myself each time my mind wandered. Wow, random thoughts are so *interesting* during meditation! It's like having a cookie dangled in front of you when you're pekish. So hard to resist!

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 10:00 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Swirling, swirling mind. I hate meditating when I'm upset.

60 minutes (30/30)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:50 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Terrific except for the allergy attack. I was blowing my nose every few minutes! Very frustrating. This time of year, I'm allergic to the moulds in the air (due to the fallen leaves). Later in the day, found myself inspired by this recording by Erich Shiffmann.

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: St. C House
When: 9:15 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: It's been a while since I've done a long evening meditation. I wasn't even planning for it tonight, but I really needed it. I'm still working out the temperature thing at the house. I brought my down sleeping bag this weekend, but it wasn't quite warm enough. I'm investigating an electric microplush throw to keep myself warm when I'm here.

40 minutes (30/10)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:50 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I struggled a little bit with my focus this morning. I took a muscle relaxant last night to treat a shoulder problem and I think I had a bit of a chemical 'hangover' from the drug (I slept like a log). Lately, 30 minutes has not seemed very long for meditation at all. I've adjusted to it.

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Streetcar
When: 11:15 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: The streetcar is a smoother ride, a little bit easier than the subway, actually.

40 minutes (30/10)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:50 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Focus was good this morning and not sleepy at all! Hooray for adequate sleep!

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Subway
When: 9:45 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I had a good subway driver tonight, my meditation was a smooth ride :-D Good focus. I seem to easily remain focused for 10 minute meditation sessions now.

40 minutes (30/10)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: The first 10 minutes were very focused, the second 10 were scattered as I engaged in mental 'story-telling', the last 10 were mixed, focused with occasional mental forays.

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Subway
When: 8:05 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: 10 minutes of bliss on the subway ride home. I'm starting to notice when I have a veteran operator; the train doesn't jerk around when there's someone with a light hand at the helm. I always appreciate that more when I'm meditating!

40 minutes (30/10)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: The first 10 minutes was really nice, but the longer I sat, the sleepier I became. May take a nap later.

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Public Health Clinic
When: 8:05 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I was asked to wait for 15 minutes after receiving the Swine Shot, so I spent the time productively, meditating. I'm always amazed by the feeling of calm that descends whenever I meditate in a public place. But it was difficult to concentrate.

40 minutes (30/10)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I had a difficult time staying awake this morning. I felt tired and heavy.

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:35 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I decided that sleep trumps meditation tonight. Ten minutes of meditation was a peaceful way to end my day, especially after playing ice hockey.

40 minutes (30/10)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: St. C House
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I was fine in the first ten minutes, but really distracted near the end. I was interrupted midway though, which may have contributed to my lack of focus.

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:45 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I very rarely drink alcohol, but tonight I had two vodka coolers. I discovered where the expression 'buzzed' comes from. My entire body was buzzing!

60 minutes (30/30)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: The first 10 minutes were good, the second 10 minutes were very distracted and the last 10, I was falling asleep.

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: St. C House
When: 9:45 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Nice meditation. We found a small space heater for me to use. It was a big help in keeping me warm.

40 minutes (30/10)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 7:45 a.m.
How: This was a good meditation. I was definitely distracted, but I was diligent in bringing my attention back to the passage. It's amazing the meandering paths my mind can take if I let it loose!

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:35 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: A ten-minute meditation was the perfect way to conclude my day! I went to sleep immediately afterward. No problem sleeping after meditation, by the way. That used to be problem, but hasn't been for the past few weeks.

40 minutes (30/10)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:30 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: This morning, I was deeply body-tired from teaching so much (and so intensively) yesterday). I wasn't falling asleep, but I was very distracted. I had such a difficult time calming my mind and remaining present!

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Subway
When: 9:45 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Given that I was on a moving train, I had a really nice meditation. This may become the norm on Thursdays because I'm travelling home so late.

40 minutes (30/10)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:30 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Really nice meditation this morning. Moderately distracted, felt calm and well-balanced. It was a nice start to the day.

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:55 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Very tired. I didn't know if I would make it through ten minutes, but I found it soothing.

60 minutes (30/30)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:30 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I finally took the plunge and set my alarm for 15 minutes earlier. Even though I went to bed earlier to compensate, I still felt it. I was sitting by 6:30, with no construction noise. Unfortunately, I was sleepy during my meditation and this is the hardest thing for me. I hate the struggle to stay awake.

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 8:30 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)/(St. Francis prayer)
Notes: I had a weird meditation. When I started, I spontaneously started using the St. Francis prayer, but my mind was flitting all over the place. After 10 minutes, I switched to the Twin Verses and settled down a lot, but I was still distracted.

60 minutes (30/30)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 7:00 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I had a tough time 'settling down' this morning, but once I did, I was fine. The time passes so quickly! I never imagined that I would ever say that about a 30 minute meditation, but it's true!

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 8:30 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I had one of my best, most focused meditation sessions in ages! And I was wide awake, having just spent an hour playing ice hockey. I'm never sleepy after games, just wired. But apparently I was worn out enough that my monkey mind took a rest.

60 minutes (30/30)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: St. C House
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Good meditation, moderately distracted and only sleepy in the last 5 minutes or so. I've learned that I need a heavy blanket over my knees and a light meditation shawl over my shoulders to stay warm enough. Experiencing some stiffness in my neck and this is new (and very distracting).

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: St. C Park
When: 12:05 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Sundays are a tricky day for evening meditation because I don't return home from St. C until 9:30 or 10:00. The solution is to do my 'evening' meditation earlier (entirely possible, as this is my day off). I left my zafu set up with that in mind. However, in the afternoon I took the dog on a walk to a nearby park and it was so warm and lovely out! I sat underneath a tree with golden coloured leaves, bathed in sunlight and meditated for 30 minutes. It was sublime!

60 minutes (30/30)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 7:00 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I had a very good meditation this morning. I wasn't drowsy at all, I was somewhat distracted, but diligent in bringing my attention back to the passage. I felt very calm and focused. My periods of unfocus contrasted starkly with my periods of deep focus.

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: St. C House
When: 9:45 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Being in a different place for meditation sometimes makes my mind swirl. It did that tonight. It took about 10 minutes for me to settle in, then I had a good meditation. It felt good to do a long evening meditation - I haven't been able to do this in a few days.

40 minutes (30/10)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I'm trying to fit my meditation in earlier to avoid construction noise. I ate breakfast and sat in front of the S.A.D. light before meditating and that was helpful (no drowsiness). I'm thinking of shifting my wake-up time 15 minutes earlier so I can be on the zafu by 6:30 (construction starts at 7:00 a.m.).

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Subway
When: 9:45 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I had hoped for a longer meditation session tonight, but circumstances interfered. Instead, I ended up doing a 10 minute meditation on the subway while travelling home. I try to avoid meditating on the subway, but it was an interesting experience. Most of all, I was surprised by the sense of serenity that overtook me as soon as I closed my eyes and focused on the passage. It was immediate.

40 minutes (30/10)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 8:00 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Lovely meditation this morning. I'm feeling at ease with both the new routine and the new passage. I kind of miss the romance of sitting for meditation shortly after waking, but it just wasn't working for me. I may experiment with sitting right after breakfast though (going for a walk afterward). It would be nice to do my meditation before the construction noise starts in the morning.

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:50 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Another short and sweet meditation. I really do appreciate the transition from my busy day to bedtime. Tonight, my mind was full of the past, analysing my day of teaching.

40 minutes (30/10)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 7:50 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I had breakfast, sat in front of my S.A.D. light and went for a brisk walk before doing my meditation this morning. This, along with adequate sleep (the perfect formula for this is something I'm still figuring out) seems to be right formula for an alert meditation. Even though I was feeling a bit sleepy this morning, I wasn't drifting off in my meditation. I was, however, quite distracted this morning. I had lots of practice in bringing my attention back to the passage.

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:50 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Now that I'm regularly sitting for a half-hour at a time, 10 minutes feels like a walk in the park. It was a really nice way to 'wind down' after work, before going to sleep.

60 minutes (30/30)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 8:00 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Great meditation this morning and I felt very alert. I'm excited that I'm no longer feeling sleepy during my meditation! This is really the hardest thing about meditating, falling asleep. I can embrace my monkey mind and the distractedness, but when I'm sleepy, my defences are down and I feel like I can't do the 'work' I need to be doing in meditation. My mind just shuts down.

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 8:50 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Again, no sleepiness in my meditation! I wonder if it's the extra sleep that is making the difference (perhaps I need more sleep than I previously thought?). In fact, tonight I was a bit 'wired'. I felt very warm as I started the meditation, cooled down about half-way through. Moderately distracted, but diligent in bringing my attention back to the passage.

60 minutes (30/30)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 8:00 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Great meditation this morning! I wasn't sleepy, I was only moderately distracted and I felt calm and centred. I woke up feeling a bit scattered this morning, tidied up the apartment, ate breakfast and sat in front of my S.A.D. light before starting meditation. I'm wondering if the S.A.D. light made a difference?

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 8:30 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I skipped hockey and opted for an early bedtime tonight. My meditation was really good until the last 10 minutes, when I started drifting off to sleep.

40 minutes (30/10)

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: St.C House
When: 8:30 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I was not sleepy this morning, so I had a *much* better meditation. For some reason, I was deeply aware that I was in a new place. I had to consciously make an effort to calm down and not feel time-pressured. The new passage is very nice - I'm enjoying it.

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:50 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I arrived home late, so only had time for a brief meditation. I was feeling very tired, but I didn't feel sleepy as I meditated. Though short, this meditation left me feeling more centred.