18th June 2021 - distraction

It was pouring with rain and my bike tyres needed pumping, so I decided to practice at home. I practiced the sequence without deviation or abbreviation with the windows wide open. It was peaceful and soothing to be at home, alone, with the fresh smell of the rain outside.

But I was very distracted by my surroundings. As my gaze moved with the flow of the sequence I noticed things that need putting away, fixing, moving. The objects of my day to day life come with thoughts and associations.

Though I did the same physical practice that I do in the Shala, I didn’t experience the clarity and focus that I experience there. The Shala is not only a community and a place to receive guidance, it is also a special space. A place where everything is associated with practice, and there are very few distractions.

I am glad that I can practice at home and not miss a day, but I will make Shala practice my default and only practice at home when there’s a good reason for it.