Went to one of Lena’s teachings last night. It’s odd (to me) to think of Lena as a Dharma teacher, as I mostly know her as a healer and a friend. She treated me for the bipolar disorder using acupuncture and Chinese herbs, and got me stabilized until we found a (Western) medication combination that works for me. If not for her, I’d be dead by now, so I owe my life to her. I don’t take that lightly, but I don’t dwell on it, either. What’s mine is hers, if she’s ever in need. Otherwise, we’re simply friends, which suits me just fine. 🙂
Anyway, Lena taught for about an hour and a half on Tibetan meditation techniques in the Dzog-chen lineage, most of which would flatten out if I tried to explain it to you (some of it also went over my head, as I’m not a practiced meditator). It was grounding, and also fascinating. I wish I had enough time to spend six months in retreat, meditating, but (as Lena pointed out) I’m still too young/restless/energetic to go into retreat without engaging in some fantastically creative project that would obviate the whole idea, so perhaps it’s better to wait until later. 🙂 I’m considering adding meditation to my daily practice, but am not sure about it–it’s not the time so much as the mental focus and commitment. I have too many irons in the fire already, and one more item to juggle is perhaps a bit too much.
But I will think about it…I could use the groundedness and insight that meditation brings.
I am also considering sponsoring a meditator. There are a number of yogis and nuns in the caves at Rewalsar who need people to sponsor them in their meditation retreats. The exchange rate being what it is, it only costs about $20/month to sponsor a yogi/nun/child (the children don’t meditate; they go to school instead), and it’s a nice thing to do. I’ve been up in the cave community, and it would be nice to give something back. Haven’t decided firmly on it, but I’m thinking about it…will talk to Lena about it more next week.
Book-wise, I have put the entire proposal into a single Word file, created a table of contents and a title page, and done some light edits on it. I’m going to give it a look-over tonight, add the photos, zip up the file, and email it to my writing coach for a final review. He, meanwhile, is doing some inquiries about agents for me, and hopefully should be able to save me from having to do “cold” submissions to agents. If he isn’t able to find someone for me, then I’ll start networking.
I got my ostrich feathers! They are big and red and plumy. I’m definitely doing an ostrich-feather tutu for Red Dress Day. Now I just need the top to go with it…!