space for space

i finally made up a little meditation space in my home.

in the midst of all the chaos and strong emotions, i've been going up to the center to meditate a lot more often, and now have a meditation instructor. i've been wanting a daily practice, then longing for it, and finally got up the willpower to move some of the physical obstructions (a loveseat & a big box of crap) that were in the space where I wanted to be.

i put up pictures of my teachers (Miri will know who they are: Pema, Khandro R., and Thich Nhat Han - i will add the Sakyong when I find a good big pic). I added a pic of a lotus flower about to blossom - wanted a photo of something transitory that lives and dies quickly, as humans do (considered and rejected an AIG ad). There is also a small incense burner, incense, and a cigarette lighter with an ad from a porn shop on it (hey, it was free). And a poster of an amazing stupa in Nepal, which is one of my favorite places on earth.

gave it a trial run today - went well. had to move the poster because it was in my line of sight and too distracting. i worried that it would be weird to have the teachers' pix there, like i was worshipping them or something, but it feels like they are just there to encourage me, so that's a great support.

so yeah. hope i can stick to this.