The long list turns to joy?!

I am currently in the process of trying move house (well: continents actually) without losing my head. And: without a house waiting for me on the other said so far.

From the moment I said 'yes' to the new gig, my to do list became a mile long. Who to tell and in what order? (This is still Asia). Where to get tickets? How to transfer all the Thai money to Euros? When to take the bus to Vientiane to get a new visa? Which books and things can I bring? What am I leaving behind? You get the picture.

The first time I did this (four years ago) was a little chaotic, quite hectic and very exciting at times. This second time around there's a lot more space to enjoy the process and the things and the people you're leaving behind. This of course has a lot to do with going back to a place and having done it before.

It will be very familiar to be back. On the other hand: I'm pretty sure a lot has changed in four years and it will be fun to reacquaint myself with my home town. And with the other mile long to do lists that are surly waiting. Hold on. I'm coming. At least here will still be here and now will still be now.

Wrong way holiday postcards

Just for fun and to confuse people. Directions: Print/attach to email. Send. Laugh.

More.... right here!

The right tools for the job

The more I come across fellow mediators, the more I'm blown away by the different ways people meditate. First there's what they do with their minds. That depends mostly on tradition. I know people who are just one with their instrument, people who count their breath, people that use mantras, rocks and even actual corpses for meditation.

Like I said that depends mainly on what tradition you came into contact with, be it Zen, Tibetan, Theravada or whatever (especially that last one's good :) But the range of 'equipment' people use is even more astounding. Especially in the sense that people are very particular about their set up.

I for one, I sit in the Japanese way because I used to own a bench. To approximate that, I now use two cherished Thai block pillows to sit on and rest my knees on a cushion. And last but not least I like their to be at least a hint of the Padma Rudraksh Mysorian sandalwood incense in the air.

Some people have elaborate altars with candles and statuettes or cushioned rooms or mats or blankets or music or meditation timers they can't do without. I have the incense. Honestly I'd hate to give that up. This is incense from Mysore The incense capital of the world. (By way of Bangkok's Little India in my case).

Okay, so what if their factory is now in Bangalore. It's still hand rolled and magnificent. And for soul stirring meditation: it says so on the box. No they are not paying for this (although they should). I think I'll crack open a fresh box right now. I guess I just love to replenish my senses. Hmmmmm Sandalwoooooood...

Haiku #5

Smoke rises the scene
Even older than these words
Seems new and absurd

Happy new year, happy viewing!

Just a quick hello and all the best from Khon Kaen. (And yeah: check out my new photo stream on the right, isn't it neat?)