I have been running pretty consistently lately and also doing 40 to 60 minutes of Tai Chi and Chi Gong. Both of which feel really good to do. As a bonus there’s a good feeling that comes from a sense of accomplishment. When you’re feeling down and don’t want to do anything - above all Don’t Give In to that feeling. Go out and do something.

Although no one thinks they have any, everyone has the same amount of time in the day. Quit making excuses and just do it. No matter how much you don’t want to - do it.

Several years ago I started to attend a local Zen Buddhist center. I’d been interested in Buddhism for a long time and had practiced meditation on my own but felt to really get anywhere it would be best to recieve some instruction from those in the know.

What is Zen? Zen is very simple . . . What are you? ‘Don’t know.’ Zen is keeping this ‘Don’t know’ mind always and everywhere.

After work last night I was feeling a little worn down but managed to force myself to run. It’s much nicer to run when I have more energy and actually look forward to it, but I can’t let my mood dictate when to run. Starting out I felt sluggish & wanted to stop and walk but I managed to push through it instead. By the time I was at the half way point I felt much better and it seemed less like a chore.

Today’s post is a little long winded. My apologies - I just don’t know how to shorten my story today. I hope your patience will be rewarded.

This is my 85 year old dad. By the age of 40 in his career as an Army officer he’d been in battle in 3 wars; World War II, Korea and Viet Nam. He was never physically wounded but he saw a lot of his friends die. He’s seen the best and worst of humanity and always managed to keep things in perspective and love & take care of his family.