Everywhere Practice ...
Everywhere practice is practice without walls.
Everywhere practice means there is nowhere practice does not reach; no situation
practice is not suited for; no moment, no breath that is not absolutely practice.
Without Walls
Most of us live busy, demanding lives. We may think of our jobs, our relationships, family and friends as obstacles to practice.
"If only things would slow down, then I could get to practice."
"If only I could get away."
"If only my boss, my husband, my kid would leave me alone, then I could practice."
We imagine we need a quiet, distant mountain top in order to practice, in order to truly find peace & ease.
Ku, San Francisco
In A Dynamic World ...
But life is dynamic, always in flux, always fluid. Practice is life and life is practice.
Practice is not about getting away from all the challenging circumstances of our lives but rather about being in the midst of them with presence and space, with stability, awareness and ease.
Practice is radical inclusion.
The invitation is to deeply connect with our lives right here, right now,
in each and every moment,
in each and every breath,
no matter what.
This we can each do.
Practice doesn't require special garb or equipment. It doesn't require years of text or sutra study. (Though all of the above may be helpful.)
Practice only requires that we bring our intention and attention to each moment
as it arises.
"Becoming proficient in one's daily conduct while on the path toward Buddhahood is what is meant by a 'buddha just doing his/her practice.'"
Dogen, On The Everyday Behavior or a Buddha Doing Her Practice
And whether we are in the heart of the city or on an open trail, we can do that beginning right now.
"When you find your place where you are, practice
occurs, actualizing the findamental point."
Mt. Tamalpias, Marin