go to a meditation retreat

There’s a beautiful monastery of the forest tradition about an hour away. Best of all worlds and not as scary as that goenka thing in central california. I planned to do it when Sid was gone, but maybe when Papa is gone.

now I’m back home there’s some great options available for this. Closer to home is good, but to do one with gil or Thanissaro would make sense

I spend way too much time alone in silence as it is. I decided to remove this from my list—it just doesn’t sound like what I need in my life these days. Thanks to all who cheered me!

Did a daylong retreat- 730 to 530 although I took a nap after lunch and did an hour of yoga in the morning. Didn’t achieve a deeper state of concentration than usual, really had a hard time staying awake, developed a bad outlook. Still, I think it was important- it brought some discomfort close to the surface, where I dealt with it. Good to see what its like. Still don’t consider this goal complete.

I would love for that time of trying NOT to think. I wouldn’t go expecting anything, just to go!

This completely intimidates me. That’s part of why I want to do it. One of my friends is incredulous that I can do “nothing” for three days and wants to attend just to observe me. Ha ha ha. Very funny!