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Chicago Trip Day 2
Nov. 11th, 2017 11:04 pmI overslept a half-hour, but was ready to go at 7:30 AM as I had planned. Google Maps' directions were good this time, and I made it to the bus, and got off at my stop. I had a four-block walk to the meditation center. I felt warmer in Chicago than I had at the train platform in Lincoln, even though it was colder, because I did a lot of brisk walking. I got to the meditation center before anyone had got there to open it up. About five minutes later, someone came to open up, and she was surprised that I was there, and even more surprised that I had a suitcase. I explained that I had come up from Central Illinois for the class. I drank some tea and perused the books that they had for sale. The instructor showed up, and then the students trailed in. There were about 12 (?) students.
We went into the meditation hall, and the instructor talked about meditation, how to sit, and to pay attention to our breath. She told us to keep our eyes open, which was new to me. Then we practiced. I was drowsy, not surprisingly, and not quite fell asleep. However, I was going deeper in my meditation than I usually do. I jumped whenever she struck the gong to end a session. The second practice session, I got into a good posture. I like the rectangular meditation cushions better than a zafu, but I don't think that I can afford a new one right now.
We practiced walking meditation. I kept on feeling like I was going to fall over, but when we talked about it later, apparently that's fairly common. Then we took a break.
I drank some coffee to wake myself up, and ate some apple slices. I was looking at a Buddhist magazine that had an article about the occupation of Tibet.
When we reconvened, the instruction talked about starting a meditation practice. Then we had a longer sitting meditation session and a walking meditation session. Then she talked about resources that we could use to learn more, including some classes there that I'd like to take. Then the class was over.
I bought two books on meditation that had caught my eye. Then I headed out to walk over to Union Station. Well, actually, to the restaurant where I wanted to eat lunch. The place was barely organized chaos, but the food was good.
Then I walked to Union Station. I was way early for the train, but I knew that I would be. I settled down to read my meditation books. A homeless guy was hanging out until the shelter opened. He had a conversation with me about how everyone wants him to quit drinking, but he's not ready to do so. He told me that I seemed like a winner. (Really?) Then he left.
Got on the train with no problems. I was hungry again, so I grabbed a cheese mini-pizza from the dining car. Dozed a little while after setting my phone alarm. Got off at Lincoln and got home.
The cats were giving me an earful, not surprisingly. I called my mom for our weekly call. My uncle is in the hospital. He was feeling weak, and fell when they were leaving to go to the doctor. He's okay with some bruises. They're transferring him to extended care.
Mom and I are looking for a cheap hotel with a refrigerator for my soda for Christmas. I need to get back to her on that.
Otherwise, I'm going to sleep soon because I'm really tired. I'm sure that I'll have feline company :)
We went into the meditation hall, and the instructor talked about meditation, how to sit, and to pay attention to our breath. She told us to keep our eyes open, which was new to me. Then we practiced. I was drowsy, not surprisingly, and not quite fell asleep. However, I was going deeper in my meditation than I usually do. I jumped whenever she struck the gong to end a session. The second practice session, I got into a good posture. I like the rectangular meditation cushions better than a zafu, but I don't think that I can afford a new one right now.
We practiced walking meditation. I kept on feeling like I was going to fall over, but when we talked about it later, apparently that's fairly common. Then we took a break.
I drank some coffee to wake myself up, and ate some apple slices. I was looking at a Buddhist magazine that had an article about the occupation of Tibet.
When we reconvened, the instruction talked about starting a meditation practice. Then we had a longer sitting meditation session and a walking meditation session. Then she talked about resources that we could use to learn more, including some classes there that I'd like to take. Then the class was over.
I bought two books on meditation that had caught my eye. Then I headed out to walk over to Union Station. Well, actually, to the restaurant where I wanted to eat lunch. The place was barely organized chaos, but the food was good.
Then I walked to Union Station. I was way early for the train, but I knew that I would be. I settled down to read my meditation books. A homeless guy was hanging out until the shelter opened. He had a conversation with me about how everyone wants him to quit drinking, but he's not ready to do so. He told me that I seemed like a winner. (Really?) Then he left.
Got on the train with no problems. I was hungry again, so I grabbed a cheese mini-pizza from the dining car. Dozed a little while after setting my phone alarm. Got off at Lincoln and got home.
The cats were giving me an earful, not surprisingly. I called my mom for our weekly call. My uncle is in the hospital. He was feeling weak, and fell when they were leaving to go to the doctor. He's okay with some bruises. They're transferring him to extended care.
Mom and I are looking for a cheap hotel with a refrigerator for my soda for Christmas. I need to get back to her on that.
Otherwise, I'm going to sleep soon because I'm really tired. I'm sure that I'll have feline company :)
