01-28-2010, 04:24 AM
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Worrying if one makes the harvest is not, I humbly suggest, is not really a very practical approach on focusing one's energies.
The question I often ask myself, after accepting my most "interesting life" as a series of karmic entanglements for the purpose of learning thyself, is what specific activities should I partake in as to accelerate this process of self discovery?
I can safely assume that most of us, in this forum, have given up the illusions of self aggrandizement and materialism. After freeing myself from such "distractions", I was surprised to find out how much free time was suddenly at my disposal.
Since then, I have been doing the following:
1. Reading: one or two books a week plus several magazines/newspapers and websites (like this one).
2. Exercise: 3 or 4 times a week. Strict routine: Run+Walk 1-1.5 miles, 40 sit-ups, 25 push-ups, and then 3-4 laps in the pool. The benefits of this activity are spectacular. I could do a whole thread on this topic alone.
3. Meditation: immediately after exercise, 30-40 minutes.
4. Reflection: usually at the end of the day. This is where my self evaluation/criticism comes in where I try to work on my: patience, forgiveness, anger, empathy, and purpose.
5. Travel: 3 to 4 times a year. I love the ocean. I am most at peace when surrounded by thousands of fish. I also prefer places with historical meaning (I hate Vegas).
6. Playing Music (instead of just listening): 1 to 3 hours a day. Another very rewarding activity. The feeling cannot be described--it must be experienced! It may be difficult when beginning but if you persist...ah!
Other activities I am contemplating:
1. Serious Cooking (culinary semi-pro)
2. Going Vegetarian: This may need to be discussed in another thread.
3. Service to others: Eventually. I am still "regrouping" and contemplating my purpose. But fear not, I shall make up for lost time for I am one who goes "all the way" when committed.
I would appreciate any recommendations, criticisms, concerns.
Worrying if one makes the harvest is not, I humbly suggest, is not really a very practical approach on focusing one's energies.
The question I often ask myself, after accepting my most "interesting life" as a series of karmic entanglements for the purpose of learning thyself, is what specific activities should I partake in as to accelerate this process of self discovery?
I can safely assume that most of us, in this forum, have given up the illusions of self aggrandizement and materialism. After freeing myself from such "distractions", I was surprised to find out how much free time was suddenly at my disposal.
Since then, I have been doing the following:
1. Reading: one or two books a week plus several magazines/newspapers and websites (like this one).
2. Exercise: 3 or 4 times a week. Strict routine: Run+Walk 1-1.5 miles, 40 sit-ups, 25 push-ups, and then 3-4 laps in the pool. The benefits of this activity are spectacular. I could do a whole thread on this topic alone.
3. Meditation: immediately after exercise, 30-40 minutes.
4. Reflection: usually at the end of the day. This is where my self evaluation/criticism comes in where I try to work on my: patience, forgiveness, anger, empathy, and purpose.
5. Travel: 3 to 4 times a year. I love the ocean. I am most at peace when surrounded by thousands of fish. I also prefer places with historical meaning (I hate Vegas).
6. Playing Music (instead of just listening): 1 to 3 hours a day. Another very rewarding activity. The feeling cannot be described--it must be experienced! It may be difficult when beginning but if you persist...ah!
Other activities I am contemplating:
1. Serious Cooking (culinary semi-pro)
2. Going Vegetarian: This may need to be discussed in another thread.
3. Service to others: Eventually. I am still "regrouping" and contemplating my purpose. But fear not, I shall make up for lost time for I am one who goes "all the way" when committed.
I would appreciate any recommendations, criticisms, concerns.