Author: Francis Maile

I managed to sit somewhat earlier last night. It really is easier to sit when you’re not fighting to stay awake. I was a little calmer too, though I don’t know why.

I haven’t conquered the late nights yet. I’m still sitting though.

Simply could not get the mind to quiet. I gave in to it. Sat for the entire second half-hour just daydreaming. At least I sat.

I seem to be specializing in meditating by the midnight oil. I finished around midnight, again. As many of you know, when we sit we are confronted head-on with ourselves. I put off that unpleasant task is long as possible – as if that could somehow make it easier. All self-flagellation aside, I did sit….

I’ve heard it said that there is no such thing as bad or good meditation. You sit; that’s all. That’s some comfort as I spent the entire time this day lost in thoughts. Screwing myself all up over past events, old hurts and unalterable mistakes. But that’s good, right? I’ve also mastered the art of…

One of the most important aspects of any meditation program (or any training program really) is daily or at least regular practice. One of my hopes for this site is that it become a place in cyberspace where people can come to practice together. Many have set up websites or blogs to allow people to…

I think its Day 11 – I’ve sort of lost count. Very sad given its not that many days to keep track of. A quick look at the calendar confirms it – 11 whole days. I haven’t missed a day, at least. One day at a time. I waited until the end of the day…

Journaling every day is tougher than I thought. The hardest part, frankly, is that I’m boring myself. The practice is notoriously boring. Pretty much the same thing happens every time. sit down begin counting breaths counting fades into the background attention wanders bring it wanders back to the breath repeat again and again clock sounds…

I made it through the first week without missing a day. OK so I shouldn’t give in to pride. Given how long it’s been since I sat and all the false starts, I am proud of myself. Not too proud. It’s only the first week and I have at least 40 years to go 🙂

The stiffness has finally arrived. I doing some stretches to combat it. They’re helping. I have been a little lax on keeping up with the journaling. There isn’t really much to say. I’m journaling this because I was told it is a good idea. I’m doing it online because…I’ll get back to you on that…