Meditation While Traveling
As we leave today, some thoughts about sitting
To hear the related 5-minute audio file that I uploaded today as my Morning Journal flash briefing for Alexa devices, please click on the play button:
J’Adore le silence
As we do final packing for the trip today, I begin with some thoughts about meditation while traveling.
Our friends Marie and Pam, who will join us in France next week, will drive us to the Portland Jetport this afternoon. In fewer than 24 hours we will be stepping off the American Airlines flight from Philadelphia.
Bonjour Nice Côte d’Azur airport!
My crimson inflatable zafu will travel with me, along with my meditation bell and striker. I will leave the candle and lighter at home, the better not to risk fire in an Airbnb or the villa we are renting from my high school friend Flip Morse.
I might find a wall or corner of our lodgings for sitting, but the side of the bed always works. That provides a comfortable base for my knees in cross-legged zazen.
If I have an aspiration for this three-week stay in France, it’s to learn how to eat like a Frenchman. By that I mean to appreciate food as an art, a gift, an inspiration. Small portions, eaten mindfully, perhaps with a soupçon of silence before each meal. No junk food, s’il vous plait!
I now weigh 82.55 kilograms (182 pounds, ugh). Wouldn’t it be nice to return to Maine weighing 77.11 kilos? That has a nice numeric ring to it, like a 7-11 store.
Another aspiration comes from a comment Darlene’s sister Deb made during coffee on the porch yesterday. When I asked for trip advice, she said, “Be available.”
Just now I asked her what she meant by that. She said “When we need help, be available.” I often get so wrapped up in a creative project or just wasting time on X that I give off a “not available” vibe. Noted.
Beyond those aspirations, I will leave Maine this afternoon with as open a mind and heart as I can muster.
Let the adventure begin!