Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

We were given some wind chimes after our mothers both died, and hung them by the kitchen door. It is generally a sheltered spot; occasionally the chimes will sound, and we will both – if we are within earshot – invoke our mothers out loud. 

This week the wind, which has been pretty intrusive in recent weeks, was blowing even more fiercely; one night the chimes infiltrated my sleep – overnight wind is very rare. I had to wrap the striker in cloth the next day, as the chimes were going incessantly. We had damp mornings and evenings as well, with fog settling thickly over the city. The robins are still singing heartily in the lighter mornings.

Given the gloomier than usual weather of late, we were heartened to see that the ten-day forecast for London shows a distinct warming trend, to the kinds of temperatures we might expect here in the best years. It also helps, since we are going to be (separately) in hot places on the east coast on our way back. At least this way, we can pack a little lighter if we don’t need the extra layers I was anticipating.

We are doing our last preparations now; I am trying to make sure I have all my commitments covered – this blog and Patreon are both well-packed, with a few gaps for upades from the trip. My last class on the Bodhisattva Vows is this morning, and I am looking forward to wrapping up the material, which we have had fun discussing – the third class was as lively as the first two.

I will do my usual sessions on Monday, and I had a call for a last minute wedding on Monday, which will help with the upcoming weeks of not earning anything. On Tuesday will be the last chance to sit at the current Mukunda studio, which is such a lovely space, before Marc moves a few doors down while I am away. I will also lead my Within class, which will be the last thing before we leave for the airport.