the art of practice

Really, what is the need for writing this blog? To be honest I don't know! I do know that my life is one of action or activity (lets face it even breathing is an action) so at the root of it all I guess, the right question should be more like why not? If life is of action, writing seems like a fine activity. Why not?

If I really look underneath it all there is no purpose for my sitting down to share, express and write. There is no motive, no money, no name and fame that drives the action of writing and this I find beautiful. The ritual is the reward. Showing up everyday to do the same action or craft with a fresh eye (a newness) or with a child's enthusiasm is the art in it's self. How often do we show up for ourselves? How often do we give ourselves time? Sometimes we are so busy running that we have forgotten to care of our very own bodies.

A little daily ritual like writing or painting gives us a moment to honor our uniqueness and when we feel full and complete we can offer that fullness to the world around us. Daily practice may appear boring to the untrained eye but if one takes a deeper look one discovers that every moment is different, new and fresh. The writer of yesterday has changed and what is written expresses differently from one day to the next. Never a dull moment! The routine is a liberation of sorts and within the ritual, freedom. This is the beauty of practice; awakening to the splendor of each and every moment. Show up to the NOW.

Most often we don't even show up to our friend's home for dinner parties (especially if we have to drive cross town) unless its convenient. And these are people we say we love! Be very clear, if we are not showing up for our friends then we are most definitely not showing up for ourselves. If we are alone in the evening, how often do we cooking a beautiful meal, take out the best china, and light a candle for dinner? Almost never! More likely, if we are alone, we will open the fridge and eat a little of this or a little of that while standing by the kitchen counter not even reaching for a plate. If you do not care for yourself who will?

In my youth I had the great fortune to show up to classical dance lessons. Today my ritual is writing. The Buddhist meditate. Take your pick. Give to yourself and just see how beautifully you give back.

Everything exists in relationship.