I’m writing this from a sickness induced haze. My bedroom smells like Sudacare Advanced Vapor Plug, or so I’m told…because I can’t smell a thing. And when you can’t smell, food has no flavor – so eating loses it’s pleasure.1
So that’s where I am – but this post is about where I hope to go. This post is about the power of intention.
Since 2007 it’s been my yearly tradition to pick a #ThemeWord. Two years ago, I also started picking a #ThemeColor & #ThemeSong all meant to encompass the year ahead. Last year my #ThemeWord was FORWARD. I wanted to move on with my life. I wasn’t sure what that meant – I just knew it was time to stop standing still. This year – I am ready to take that FORWARD motion deeper through PRACTICE. In fact, PRACTICE is my official 2012 #ThemeWord.
Why PRACTICE?
prac·tice/ˈpraktəs/
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“My life is my practice.”
I’ve read so many great books over the last year, but two profoundly influenced my life and my work. It just so happens both were by Steven Pressfield. The first The War of Art taught me how to overcome creative resistance, and the second Do The Work gave me a roadmap for “getting to done”. In fact, I catch myself repeating “Do The Work” over and over again whenever I’m trying to finish a project or task. A silent mantra to overcome even the most stubborn resistance.
But in order to do the work, I must practice. And for me that means returning to the cushion again and again. This past year I’ve been an imperfect meditator. And that’s okay. But this year I’ve set a really BIG goal for myself. I intend to sit Zazen (my practice) every day for the next year. I even ordered a fancy new Zabuton and Zafu from Carolina Morning (They are seriously the best! Ask for Deborah). Sitting imperfectly I’ve seen a huge improvement in my ability to focus for longer and longer periods of time. This is inspiring!
I might fail at my BIG goal of practicing everyday- but that’s okay. That’s why it’s called PRACTICE. But I’m gonna try my best. And I’m gonna report back here every day to let you know how it’s going.
My teacher says “Every question in life is how. And every answer is do. And do and do.” It’s that simple.
#ThemeColor this year is GRAY. And my #ThemeSong (drumroll please) FOOTLOOSE! The Kenny Loggins version 
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- Maybe that’s the answer to the perfect diet pill? We should create a pill that temporarily inhibits your sense of smell. Just take it when you need to lose a few pounds, and you’ll be able to drink down those green mega-superfood protein shakes for breakfast, lunch and dinner without gagging even once. It’s a thought. ↩
Erica OGrady is a writer, avid shoe-wearer, and genuinely nice human being.
