Journaling is Good – It’s not what it used to be.

Writing with a fountain pen is a joy to do. Even with my horrid penmanship, which I do not like to look at when I write with a ballpoint pen, is tolerable when I use a fountain pen. Perhaps it is knowing I need to slow down and put a little more space into the curls and loops. One of my active goals this year is improving my penmanship, so I’ve gotten some practice books and instructions in Spencerian Script. The act of writing with a fountain pen, taking time to clean and refill the pen, deciding which color of ink to use this time, and so forth are all intentional acts which the ballpoint pen does not invite.

There are many ways to journal. Some of the newer non-traditional ways of journaling are exciting and liberating. I’ll be spending some intentional time this month at the temple talking more about this subject. I’ll also point out some of the many benefits journaling provides.

Stay Tuned.

Noodlers Bay State Blue @LAMY #fountainpen #handwriting in @Levenger refill – #journaling it’s a #goodthing to do. https://t.co/kwQI29fWxN

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Incarcerated Lotus – #9 – Anger

Anger is one of the Ten Worlds and, therefore, a very real part of our whole self. The question for us as Buddhists is not to eliminate anger; that is impossible. I believe we serve ourselves well, and thereby improve our lives if we examine when we are the master of anger and when anger is our master. When anger so consumes you that you act without thinking or, act in ways you would not…

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Incarcerated Lotus – #7 – Personal Practice

Personal Practice It is impossible for me to write a customized daily practice routine for each person who may read this book. I figure I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know. I’m just making sure you understand that what follows will be a suggestion. Please use this according to your situation based upon the idea that every moment is an opportunity for you to engage in your Buddhist practice and to live a…

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Incarcerated Lotus – #6 – Isolated Practice in Crowded Environment

This portion of the book is out of sequence. This is from what will be Chapter 4. I have not posted anything from Chapter 3 yet. The series number is simply offered so any reader will be able to follow the sequence I post things in. Writing is an organic process for me. I simply go with what emerges offering up the structure of my outline conception as a framework from which thoughts and ideas…

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