Meditation Orientation

For those of you that know me pretty well, you know that I have been interested in learning how to meditate for a couple years now. Here in Hawaii they offer many zen/meditation centers, so I finally got off my lazy butt and got in touch with one. The one I chose has a 3 hour orientation once a month, I have been unable to attend because of my stained glass class. The next one is when Theresa will be here. They were kind enough to offer me an hour orientation before their meditation practice last night. I learned how to sit, you may think that is funny, but when I have tried in the past my back has been a huge issue. She taught me how to sit many ways, and to find one that would be comfortable.
Okay, now time for the 2 hour zazen (sitting meditation), 25 mins. of sitting, 5 mins. of walking (back and forth for the 2 hours). The first session my foot went numb (you know the feeling of the dentist when you have had "The Shot", much worse), if I would have gotten up right away, I would have fallen flat on my face. So each time I sat, I sat differently and didn't have the problem with numbness again. I was told to count my exhales, when I hit 10, go back to one. Did fine the first 2 rounds, on 3 my mind started to wonder, Nickleback song, couldn't help it, back to 1 again. It is hard to just sit, but I did it and will do it again. After we were done, they served tea, was nice, and a lot of good people.

Finished Floor Basket

Here is the "almost" end result, I just need to stain the basket. I love this basket, wish I was back on the mainland so I could make and give them to the people I love, yes, that means you!!!!

Floor Basket

Tonight I started my 2nd basket weaving class, it is a floor basket. Again it is only 2 classes, but well worth it. The same two ladies are in this class as well, no new blood. I do not think the classes they offer on base are well publicized. I had signed Matthew up for the art class, 5 kids had to join for them to hold the class, it was canceled until someone had posted it on the home school group. Now there are 13 kids and the class was pushed back a week. I know that Lois (the instructor) is going to do a new basket each month, and 3 people have to be signed up or it will be canceled. I am looking forward to all she has to teach. Will post the final picture next week.

Actually Seeing Shape

Our glass is finally looking like something. These will be the last pictures I post until we are completely done, will be in about 3 weeks. Last Sat. we grinded, Rusty finished his Sat. night, I just finished mine last night. For me, this is rewarding, seeing where you start and end up, and saying "WOW, I did that" Enjoy the pics, will update at the end of it all.