Originally Posted by alex
Jools,
This for me is the heart of the challenge. There are so many times I cannot settle down, I get "bored, irritated," and unable to settle down. There is an internal dialogue that accompanies this that says "I don't feel like sitting," "I don't have time for this - I'm too busy, preoccupied" or, "I'm doing OK and don't need this today." For me, these are the signs that it is precisely the time to practice. The times I have managed to sit are more often than not helpful. It has helped me even more in these times not to have any expectations of my sitting. Going through these periods has helped to establish my Zen practice as something relevant to my life, as compared to a "fair weather" practice. It's easy to be motivated and practice when things are going well. The practice that endures through the turbulent scenery of the mind is a keeper! It has helped me to realize that feelings of boredom, impatience, and irritation, as well as feelings of calm and pleasure in practice are impermanent phenomena, and therefore will pass. Please allow me to share a quote with you that I have been reflecting upon the last week, as you have been so good to share with me: