Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

I’m writing this on the floor of my bedroom as we pack our bags to head first to Florida where it will be 70 degrees when we arrive, and then to England, where it will be just above freezing when we land. Here we have had a week of sunshine during the day, the bright moon, stars and planets out at night when we walk the dog. We dropped her off at a friend’s today, and the flat feels empty without her.

As with all trips, this has been carefully planned. I have been mentally packing for weeks – and was happy that all the clothes I was planning to take fitted in my carry-on bag. I have got pretty used to doing this over the years.

Sitting this week has been very varied; on Monday, as soon as I rang the bell, I had a sense of relaxation. On Tuesday, my mind wandered at speed, and my body did not settle. 

With several students from my Wednesday class in LA, I have been naturally talking about the impact of the fires, and this week I used the Robert Aitken gatha that may also be helpful in my talk to the Hebden Bridge group next weekend where I will be discussing “zen everyday.” Right now, this feels to me like showing up no matter what the circumstances.

This was my theme on Thursday for the Zen Center sitting group; once again I thought of recording my short talk, the transcript of which I have posted on Patreon.

I have scheduled posts for most of the next few weeks, but will be trying to find time to record some of our adventures.