Loving God, loving self, loving all...

[junglove]

Hello friends,

I'm new to the forum, and I figure starting a journal is a groovy idea... I've been reading through some of yours the last few days, and it's both inspiring and hear-warming to feel your honesty and openness...

I found my way to Leo's site after happening upon some of his videos on youtube.. I love his 'what is God' message, which really resonates with me... God is not a man in the sky or some anthropomorphic superbeing, but rather the mythical personification of everything that is... I practiced as zen buddhist for some years, and while I love the simplicity and solemnity of zazen, I also think the devotional aspect of other spiritual practices is very valuable... Having been through a lot of ups and downs in my life - lived in many countries, made money and lost it, changed and transformed (not always for the better!) - it's become clear to me that the wisest way to navigate this journey is simply to do my utmost to love everyone and everything that crosses my path... just be, and love everyone... in many ways, despite the manifold complexities of life, that is the simple truth that has been most powerful in my life...

Saying that is all very well, of course, but the important thing is to practice it every day... For some years I kept a daily metta practice going - basically I would silently wish love and joy to everyone I met or saw each day.. it was powerful, and made life feel wonderful, so I want to work on that again... I used to carry a little tally counter meant for knitting, that you wear like a ring on your finger, and I would see how many people I could 'transmit' love to each day... it was great fun... I also believe in the value of the mundane - pursuit professional goals, keeping fit, and much else... so I'll use this journal to keep track of my practice and how I'm doing on a day to day basis..

I'm sure my practice and perspective will change with time, but just to get started I have a few questions that I will ask myself at the end of each day (the first two are borrowed from AA's Step 10):

1. Was I resentful? Selfish? Dishonest? Afraid?
2. Was I kind and loving toward all?
3. Did I meditate?
4. Did I exercise?
5. Did I waste time (and my brain) by sitting in front of the TV?

Thanks for reading! I look forward to sharing in your journeys

Love to all,

Lucas

[junglove]

Hello peeps,

Well, I am wrecked.... soooooo tired as I write this... I had a crazy long day with a work 'marking' two hours outside the city... just got home, did a half hour of zazen and now I'm about ready to collapse... I had a pretty good day, though... I think I did well on meeting others and engaging from a place of love and openness... no time-wasting with TV tonight either, though my meditation was a bit, well, groggy...

I'm gonna keel over right about now... I rewatched (well, relistened) to this gem in the car: