Lessons of Week One

Well I have made it through the first week. Praise Buddha, cause it ain't been easy.
I am sitting at 7:00 a.m., again at 12:20 p.m. and finally at 5:30 pm DAILY.....so anyone wanting to join in out there, feel free.

As it turns out the sitting is tough but it is the most rewarding of all. I always stand up feeling refreshed and renewed.

Being here in a communal atmosphere is challenging at times. Six woman are sharing a room now. My anal retentiveness kicks in on a regular basis.

I have however come to appreciate the grounds. This morning I was eating a breakfast of plain yogurt and granola outside in the sunshine while I watched a hummingbird eat it's breakfast. The place is full of birds...(sometimes they sing so loud during meditation. It is so beautiful) and it is full of butterflies as well.
With week one behind me this is what I have learned so far:

1. People are people where ever you go.
2. I have a hard time just being with myself without the distractions of normal daily life.
3. I take a lot for granted.
4. We are all the same, no matter how rich, poor, ugly, beautiful, fat, thin...it matters none. We all think we are not good enough.
   
5. Given enough free time with out my beloved T.V. (which I really miss) I will do the things I normally resist...like exercise, or heaven forbid take a walk or be alone.
   
6. I still judge everyone and everything and probably always will, and so do you.
   
7. I will never not sparkle and glitter. In fact if I am ever really sick and can't dress myself, I request that my daughter be in charge of adding glitter and sparkles to my bedridden wardrobe.
8. Add making sure that my nails are done as well as all tweezing to that request as well.
   
9. I am going straight back to coffee as soon as I leave this place...for sure.
   
10. I am spending more time with the people I live and less time alone or with my T.V.
11. Ain't no place like home...just like Dorothy knew.
    

Okay, I am off of work today ( and thank God cause it is a community work day and everyone else is sanding and staining window sills.). I however am outta here to go and explore Santa Fe and find something to occupy and entertain me for the rest of the day. And I get to preserve my manicure as well.

I bow to you in love,
lotus girl