Where do you sit?

[Davidseon]

In the truck, its called, Meditation in motion! :lol:

[Justin]

During my (hopefully) daily sittings in my apartment "living room" (though even calling it that is a stretch, its a small studio thing) on an improvised zafu/stack of pillows. I've got a little Buddha statue (one of the standard mall variety with Shakyamuni touching the Earth) that I rest on top of my stereo speakers so that I can bow at eye level before sitting.

When I have free time during a lunch break I'll sit outside. Like others have noted elsewhere, the sounds of daily life work as nice little mindfulness bells.

[egbrooks]

Hi All,
I sit in the middle of my living room as it's the only place in the apartment that has some floor space. I try to tidy the room up, otherwise, while I sit I'll only think of how messy or cluttered it is.

I see that other people in the Sangha sit outside when possible. Sounds like a great idea to me, however, I can't think of a place around here that wouldn't be crowded with people. Besides, I'd be a little self-conscious about sitting "in public".

I hope everyone is well,
Eric

[Jundo]

Howdy,

Although I sit outside quite a bit on the daily netcast, or sit facing the camera, I do not recommend either as the standard manner of sitting for most folks.

I sit outside to make the point that inside/outside are all in the mind, that all walls are of our own making, and that there are no 'distractions' without a being 'distracted'. And I face the camera purely so I can keep watch on the Zendo and see how all of you are doing (you did not know that I can see you through the camera, huh? :shock: )

However, the best way to practice, most times for most folks, is inside a quiet room facing a wall, I think. Once in awhile outside is good, whether by the side of a noisy highway, next to a fetid garbage dump, in a cemetery, on an airplane ... but as a contrast, and a special practice.

Gassho, Jundo

P.S. - I am pleased to report that the anti-earthquake, electrical and plumbing repairs on the Zendo (and out house next to it) will finally start July 17 and may be done in time for us to move in by the end of the month, Yeah. I mean, even though time is a state of mind, and we do not distinquish "good" from "bad", that is some VERY good news!

[paige]

I have a small bookshelf that would be a good height for an altar while I'm sitting. Unfortunately, my cats have laid claim to it. And I think the cats are pretty much guaranteed to win any tussles with a Buddha statue.

Candles and incense are completely out of the question.

[Don Niederfrank]

I'm restarting my practice, so I'm really glad to have found this site last night. Sitting without a sangha just doesn't work for me.

I sit in my basement office, facing a white wall, incense to my left, on a zabutan and zafu.

By way of introduction, I'm a 59 y.o. United Church of Christ pastor living in Wisconsin. I've been interested in Zen for a long time and have practiced at different periods since living in S.F. for a few months in 1971. I'm not sure what else is relevent. I guess people can google or ask. Oh, for people living in San Diego, my uncles founded Niederfrank's Ice Cream in National City. All natural ingredients for over 50 years.

[Jundo]

Welcome Rev. Don

Gassho, Jundo

[Justin]

Welcome, Reverend! Glad to have you with us.