Briefly: Story Limiting

Stories, stories,
So many stories:
I get caught on one
Then wake up to it,
Get stuck on another
And lose myself in it.

“Is there anything else here?”
I ask.
“Is there nothing more?”

Then I return to the breath.
I experience the sensations of
The body,
Notice and feel feelings,
Look at thoughts as they arise.

Soon my mind settles,
Peace arises,
Comfort ensues,
All is well.

But when I get up
From the cushion
A new story unfolds,
Another chapter is written.

Then suddenly I notice
And stop again
“This is just a story,”
I say.
“These are but thoughts,”
And I carry on.

Briefing: New Year’s Resolution

Just for a moment
I was in the moment:
No past, no present, no future.

Complete awareness,
No separation
Between “me” and “it.”

All my life
I’ve lived for
Such moments,
Thinking they were
Times when everything
Went perfectly for me.

But this one occurred
Amidst great anguish,
Sorrow, depression,
And self-depreciation.

Suddenly,
I saw.
The spell was broken.
“Happiness happens in
This moment,” I thought.

After writing this,
I noted, “New Year’s Eve,
How appropriate.”

New Year’s resolution:
Look nowhere else for
Happiness but this moment.

(Tall order!—Still ambitious
After all these years.
What foolishness!)

Bridge: Festive Metta

And now, I am taking another break on account of the festive season.

Best wishes to all!

See you next year, in January 2010.

May you be well.
May you be peaceful.
May you be happy.