Hi Everyone

Well it is 30 days later.  I sit pretty much everyday...the days that I do not...time seems to be the factor.  Long hours...too much to do.  Monday night practice with my sangha.  That is such nourishment for me.  Sitting with a community is such a benefit to me.  It strengthens my practice and I am grateful.  In the month of March I attended a weekend retreat with Heather Martin.....put on by the local Insight Community.  For a small city on the prairies we are rich with retreats.  Our sangha is having a residential retreat in June and I just received confirmation for the Thich Nhat Hanh retreat in Vancouver in August.  I feel very fortunate and grateful. 

Over the last month I have thought about the 28 Day Challenge and what a good experience it was for me.  It really made me think about my practice.  Reading the posts....the comments.  I realized that...it really really made me think about my practice and it is not just about sitting.  Sharon had made a comment to one of my posts about taking your practice into your everyday life and that really resinated with me.  In particular with lovingkindness for myself....as that is something I find more difficult.   To sit and say phrases for myself.....feels empty to me.....but to take lovingkindness into my daily life....while it is still challenging for me....it is something I can do.  It was so helpful to read that.  It was like giving my head a shake (I should have had a V8!!)  So I have continued thru March (and upward and onward) to practice lovingkindness for Tracy....in my life.  Doing my stretches to help my leg.....nourishing myself - with retreats, with a good book, wholesome food (that includes Ken bread).  Things are going ok.  When I nourish myself....hold myself with an open loving heart....as best I can, try not to be too harsh when I don't...as best I can....when I can hold myself......things are calmer.  Or...I should say....sometimes calm....sometimes not.   But when I am anxious...upset...angry and I actually see it.....I remember to breathe.  Just breathe.  I am here.

This challenge helped strengthen my practice.  Quite the community.  Thank you so much to everyone.  To Sharon for your lovely book and this opportunity to share with this community.  Ambika thank you for all your work and everyone involved.

A bow.....and a hug.