"Simple Living" - Chapters 77 and 78
Just jump in if joining, no "catch up" ... just today is today ...
I will include chapter headings, as we discovered some differences between the US and UK editions regarding chapter order.
Chapter 77 - Have A Conversation With A Garden - As it is hard to get to a Zen garden these days, I am going to suggest that you find some item in or around your home, made of some natural material like wood, cloth, clay or metal, something that is nearly worn out, showing its age, scratched and scarred. It does not have to be a magnificent item, and can be quite ordinary, like a chipped cup, wooden ladle, old shoe. Appreciate the beauty of its impermanence, the character in its scars, the marks of life that show in every scratch. Wordlessly, savor wabi-sabi.
Chapter 78 - Make Someone Happy - It may be hard to find seasonal ingredients these days, as shopping is limited for many of us. So, I will suggest that you eat three natural items that are very simple and plain, for example, an apple, a piece of lettuce (not buried in dressing nor together with other items) and a piece of bread with nothing added. Maybe with a cup of tea. Truly chew and focus on each, chewing slowly, carefully noticing how the flavor and texture change the more you chew. Can you sense the seasons and the passing of time? If you wish, do this together with someone else in your house or via online. No need to try to describe what one tastes (you can a bit, but this is not a wine tasting), and just experience the changing texture and taste.
Gassho, J
STLah
