free happiness!

I'm in the writing zone. It took a half marathon and a week of silent meditation (the Middle Way still eludes me), but I'm finally here. My friend Rebecca called this afternoon and asked if I might be interested in volunteering with her at the Democratic National Convention. I said no. No hesitation. It's not that I've become apathetic, despite the disappointment of the last time around. I just need to focus if I want to get this beast done.

Still, between long sessions with my significant other (i.e. my ancient Dell), I take breaks. I usually squeeze in two per day: one to exercise and the other to play with my nephew. As one of the meditation teachers said, hanging out with kids is free happiness! And, for me, exercise is a good though short-lived substitute for the inner calm I'm supposed to be cultivating. Sometimes it all just comes together. Today, for example, I walked and jogged my way up to the top of Twin Peaks. The bay was sparkling and clear, but the fog was rolling in with gusty howls. I faced the fog. I took a few cleansing breaths and recalled the calm of Spirit Rock. As I headed down the other side of the peak, I saw two monks below, maroon robes fluttering like oversize prayer flags. I bowed.