You are currently browsing the monthly archive for January 2007.
My life leaves me little time to practice (meditate) these days. I know this is a common statement – I can’t find the time, etc. (yet I found the time to make cookies – baking is the favorite among my grounding (though unfortunately more caloric) activities). However, this is one of the most crowded times I’ve know in a while – a busy busy toddler at home – writing and writing and designing on deadlines- all which are more often than not usurped by countless re-readings of a Thomas the Tank Engine book, and diaper changes and so on (yes, there are mindful parenting groups – you bet ya – we’re planning to head down to the “Tiger Club” on Sunday). With Hubby at work during the week, and a nine-year-old home from school in the afternoon – the day is over as soon as it’s begun – the house is usually VERY loud, my studio left cold and lonely, and work undone. Finding those 10 minutes seems so difficult.
Last night I found it very helpful to begin reading “The Four Foundations of Mindfulness” by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche (CTR), my primary teacher, or my “root guru.” It is a Buddhist piece, an excerpt from a lecture given years ago at a three month long retreat called “seminary”. I needed an infusion of mindfulness, and as is so often true of the Dharma, as I read this article, it was as if CTR was standing there pointing the big flashing arrow right back in my face, saying, “too bad, find the ten minutes, go sit.”
I am preparing for my Mindful Knitting Retreat coming up next month in Vermont, and – yet another reminder – go sit.
Okay, okay, I get it. The toddler is in bed, lunch is already prepared, I guess I’ll go sit. Then, I will go knit, and I will practice Mindful Knitting, relating with the current moment as my yarn moves through my hands to create fabric – a place where there is always time to find that ten minutes, and more. I’ll probably eat some cookies too.
A magical box arrived at my doorstep. It contained a Superstar!
A Lexie Barnes Superstar. Jack (age 9) said “wow Mom, you must really love that bag, I’ve never seen you get so excited about something in a box before.” Ah and love it is, true love.
The big love, however, goes to Lexie Barnes – Lexie Rocks. Before I extol the virtues (and there are many) of this awesome bag – I will extol the virtues of Lexie. First of all, she lived for several years in Boulder. ‘Nuf said. She’s the mother of many little boys, designs an amazing collection of bags and products for knitters, moms and folks on the go, which in many cases is all the same person. She designs the groovy laminated fabrics from which her products are made and is running a kick-butt women-owned bussiness. Go Lexie.
Now for the other Superstar – the bag. I ordered the Bali Hai fabric color – a mix of Japanese motifs – perfect for me – in a brilliant ultra-blue. Pockets, and more pockets. A convenient zip pocket just under the handle for your cell phone and keys. Multiple interior sections allow for a book, your knitting, diapers and wipes, maybe the half gallon of milk you picked up at the market – and there are waterbottle/sippy cup holders on each side. I’m just getting started – get the full story at LexieBarnes.com. I love that this particular product is listed under just about every section – baby, knit, travel Glee Glee.
I recently returned home from The National NeedleArts Association (TNNA) trade show in San Diego, California. This is always an amazing experience. It is a wholesale trade show where shopowners can view new products from every vendor imaginable. Attendees and retailers can take classes from the biggest names in the industry on topics ranging from how to effectively merchandise your shop and how to teach techniques to simply appreciating good customer relations.
The knitterati are there in full force. This year Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably, Erika Knight, Amy Singer, Lily Chin, Teva Durham, Melissa Leapman, Leigh Radford, Suss Cousins, and so many more I can’t remember (but I remember that I was there). TNNA gives yarnies at all levels to interact and play – manufacturers, distributors, designers and shop owners – all of whom combined are ultimately responsible for making yarn and fiber goodies accessible to the general yarn buying public (otherwise known as all us fiber junkies).
Amazing products abound. At each show there is always something new and often something something show-stopping. Much to my excitement, I found many natural and organic-based products and had wonderful conversations with the people who so enthusiastically offer them, make them, hand dyed them and travel around the world to find them.
So suffice it to say it was quite a weekend. It was exhausting as much as it was fun. Several days later I get around to unloading my suitcase. I’m not someone who unpacks right way, never. It takes me a while – like until I realize I can’t find a shirt because it’s still in the suitcase. So, a few days after arriving home, I finally unpack, do the laundry and then press and fold things to put away.
Honestly, as much as I dislike (hate) housework (rather be knitting), I really do try to invoke the “chop wood, carry water” quality in the tasks required to upkeep my environment – slow it down, enjoy the process. So, as I’m neatly folding my assorted light delicate wash I notice that most of tees and tops have random spots on them, a smear here, something that looks like a chocolate stain there. And the first thing that goes through my mind is – how did that happen, I didn’t do it. It’s not my fault. It’s the kids, darn kids.” I rationalize – Someone (Zane/Jack) must have spilled something on me. Someone (Zane/Jack) with little chocolatey fingers obviously grabbed at me and left behind an indelible stain.
Then I stop myself and the flurry of my mind and I start to laugh. I apply Meditation in Action to the situation. Of course these things are not because of the children. (Mind you, there are plenty of other times when they are the culprits, but that’s for another time.) Of course it was me who spilled tea on the shirt. And as for the chocolate – yeah right, I’m the chocoholic of the universe – and I’m not a very tidy eater either. I continue to smile at my mind’s escapades.
But, next comes the inevitable self-blame (not about the laundry or the suitcase – them, I can live with) – about the fact that I would immediately, with first though, accuse my children.
who could blame these adorable guys?
Eastern teachers often laugh, pretty loud, at the notion that the Western psyche is based on the concept that there is something fundamentally wrong with us. They tell us is not part of the makeup of the Eastern mind. Western mind starts from the basic point of view that states “I am basically a bad person.” From there, we do all sorts of things to further our worthlessness – like blaming little kids in a millisecond flash of thought or (fill in the blank ______________________).
How fun it must be to walk around without that little voice inside you somewhere telling you you’re basically not okay. Try for a moment – you can feel a simple, quiet and calm center to your existence.
My wakeup call was a spot on my shirt. It just goes to show how the littlest thing can flip over and remind you of how you treat yourself, and furthermore, to remind you that you are basically okay — there’s no need to try to put blame anywhere. Instead, simply fold the laundry and try to keep the kids hands clean.
Consider cultivating a method of spending some time in the quiet blameless space – use your needles to get there. Pick up your knitting and let everything else melt away. And if that little thing inside starts yelling, “Hey, you should be doing something else – isn’t there something more important, you are neglectful (etc),” just say” this is okay.” Gently ask the little inner critic voice to go someplace else for awhile and enjoy yourself. Meanwhile, I think I will go get myself some spot remover.
and lots of joy, knitting and laughter all year long.
Love, Zane and Tara
