Plans

As my Maryland departure date approaches, my plans for the future are clarifying. I leave Maryland August 16th; stop in Illinois to see my Sister and Nieces on the 18th; arrive in Colorado on August 20th. The list of things I need to take care of before leaving the country is growing so it looks like I'll be in Colorado about a month; this works well as September can be quite hot in Japan. Also, given flight schedules, I may fly direct from Denver to Tokyo and then take the bullet train to Kyoto.
Stay tuned:)

Book Review: Opening the Hand of Thought by Kosho Uchiyama

Opening the Hand of Thought - Foundations of Zen Buddhist Practice by Kosho Uchiyama and translated and edited by Tom Wright, Jisho Warner, and Shohaku Okumura, provides practical advice about Zen practice. I really appreciate the glossary and detailed notes explaining certain words and phrases; very helpful to understand the Chinese, Japanese, and Sanskrit words and phrases. I’m learning that words can be translated in different ways and as language changes over time, translation becomes critical and subject to debate. Another reason I want to learn Japanese, Chinese, Pali, and Sanskrit.

This is one of the few books I’ve read on Zen Buddhist practice that includes figures; although its difficult to put some of this stuff into words, let alone pictures, the author does a great job explaining  the unexplainable.

Book Review: On Zen Practice - Body, Breath, & Mind by Taizan Maezumi & Bernie Gassman

This book provides practical advice on breathing, sitting, walking, bowing, and other aspects of Zen practice. Although I didn’t understand everything, I also appreciated the chapter on Shikantaza and Koans. Like a lot of Zen and Buddhism books, a 2nd reading is helpful, at least for me; however, some of this stuff just can’t be explained in words. I'm learning so much through reading but know that I need a teacher to further my understanding.

Meditation

My meditation practice has benefited greatly from retirement; I'm meditating 2x each day around 6am and 6pm for 25 minutes each. Was meditating for 30 minutes 2x/day but read in a couple of books that 25 minutes is better so I reduced 5 minutes; made an amazing difference for me. It could be just that my practice is maturing but I now really look forward to meditation; I may go back to 30 as I'm preparing for my first Sesshin. Following each sitting meditation, I do walking meditation around my little meditation room; actually my "meditation room" is the 8'x10' rug in my bedroom:) but it works as my special space. On Saturdays, I do group meditation at a local Buddhism temple; consisting of chanting, sitting, and walking meditation.

Maryland has allowed me to really focus on my meditation practice and meditating with a group has been very supportive; still working on it, but I've also improved at that third leg of the meditation stool - not judging myself.  I'm a bit nervous about maintaining my practice after I leave Maryland and especially throughout all the travel over the next several months. Changing places, times, etc. make meditating "on the road" difficult for me. I'll take my cushion with me to Colorado so that will provide some consistency but I'm not planning to take it to Japan. Given the history of Zen Buddhism, I'm hoping to find meditation centers near my accommodations in Japan.

Carless

A big benefit of leaving the US for awhile is that I'll be able to get rid of my truck and not have to buy another motor vehicle, at least not for awhile. I've been wanting to go carless for some time and thought this Maryland gig might be the opportunity I was looking for but alas, no. Not sure how long I'll be outside the US but when/if I return, I hope to transition to a carless lifestyle. Not having a car is just another way to simplify my life:)

Journey to Japan

The next step in my journey is a trip to Japan. I'm leaving Maryland August 16th to drive back to Colorado to regroup but stopping on the way in Illinois to see my Sister, Brother, and nieces and to give them some of my worldly possessions. While in Colorado, I'll see my daughter, get rid of stuff in my remaining storage unit and hopefully downsize to a smaller unit.

After a week or two in Colorado, I'm considering attending a Sesshin and/or heading to the San Francisco Zen Center for awhile before leaving for Japan around mid-September. Haven't decided but leaning towards not getting a Visa at this time and just staying within the 90-day limit; I can always leave the country for a few days and then come back for another 90 days. While I hope to enjoy the beautiful Kyoto autumn, the primary purpose of my trip is to learn the language. The more I study Zen Buddhism, the more I want to learn, but much of the history and language is rooted in Japan and China so I feel the need to study these languages and cultures. Of course I could study Japanese in the US and indeed, I'm taking a couple of lessons from a local Japanese women I met here in Maryland, but, living in the country and doing a homestay and/or immersion language classes will be much more efficient.

Plans

I'm leaving Maryland August 16th and will pull a trailer with my truck back to the St. Louis area where my younger sister (and two nieces) and younger brother live. Plan to give away my dining room table and other things to them; that will allow me to drive the rest of the way to Colorado without a trailer. Will stay a week or more in Colorado to see my daughter, repack, and get rid of items in my storage unit (home to get a smaller unit). Hoping to visit the San Francisco Zen Center before traveling to Kyoto for the fall.

Tea Brack

Baked Tea Brack (aka Irish Freckle Bread) again; this time in a 9" round. I love this bread; its easy and a great comfort food. Would be great in cold months too. The combination of dates, prunes, and raisons makes for a very moist, fruity bread. The Irish-style wholemeal flour gives it a unique and substantive body but not too dense. This time I remembered to add a sparkling sugar topping. Made two batches; gave one to the Buddhist center and the other to the club where I work out/swim. Too dangerous to keep this tasty bread at home:)

Lifestyle

Recent conversations with my sisters stimulated reflection about lifestyle. Two years ago, my journey began with an intent to dramatically and irreversibly altering my lifestyle. I’ve achieved this goal; however, until now, I hadn’t given much thought to how dramatically different my new lifestyle is from that of my family, or for that matter, others. Change can be somewhat disconcerting for family and friends; imagine seeing someone you haven’t been in contact with for a year or so only to discover the person doesn’t remotely resemble your memory. 

My previous western lifestyle was pretty typical of the time period; grew up in a stable, two parent home, followed by 20 years of formal education, followed by a 30+ year professional career, and including marriage, a child, and lots of material possessions. I lived in traditional western homes for extended periods - first with my parents and later with my family or on my own. I spent much of my life dwelling in the past, worrying about the future, comparing myself to others, and striving for everything I thought I lacked. Looking back on this lifestyle, its easy to see why I was searching for material happiness. And its understandable that my sisters (and others) might view my current lifestyle, of living in the present, as strange. I have no regrets and to be clear, I’m not saying my new lifestyle is better compared to my previous lifestyle or better than anyone else’s lifestyle. It just is.

One aspect of my new lifestyle that worries my sisters is ridding myself of most of my worldly possessions. Their reaction is understandable; but, my previous zealous pursuit of material happiness never resulted in the happiness I now feel in retirement with significantly fewer possessions.

Lifestyle is a choice. This simple statement might elicit a “Duh!” from many readers, and maybe I’m slow:), but its only recently that I’ve actively chosen how to live - liberating!

Book Review - Taking the Path of Zen by Robert Aitken

This is a good introduction to Zen including practical guidance on meditation. I found the chapter on "Establishing the Practice" particularly relevant as I'm looking for a Rōshi to further my practice. The author is adept at explaining the complexities of Zen Buddhism to the lay person.

Zen Studies

Options for where to go/what to do after leaving Maryland include furthering my Zen studies; this could include a trip to Japan. Doing research now:)

Greek Kasha Salad

Found a great recipe for Kasha (buckwheat groats) on Whole Food’s recipe App. BTW, although I’m not a big App fan, this App is helpful to find recipes based on typing in 1 or more items you want to cook with; I just typed in Kasha and this and several other recipes came up. Sometimes I just search the recipes to give me ideas about what spices and other ingredients might go well with a particular item and then make up my own recipe.

With 1c green lentils, kasha, and feta cheese, this is a protein-rich vegetarian entree. Other ingredients include:

• 3tbs olive oil
• 1 bay leaf (cooked with lentils)
• 1 sliced shallot
• 1 minced garlic clove 
• 1/3c chopped pitted Kalamata olives
• 3tbs chopped oregano
• 1 chopped tomato
• 2 sliced green onions
• 2tbs chopped flat parsley
• sea salt and pepper
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

The lentils require the most time but after they cool and drain, putting together this dish only took about 15 minutes; the kasha cooks quickly. Serve at room temperature or chilled; I prefer the former but chilling is nice for those hot summer days. This dish would really benefit from fresh, home-grown tomatoes:)

Control

Lately, I've realized how much I like to control things. This desire to control was stronger as a working professional but its still there. I expended a lot of effort trying to control things beyond my  control and less effort focused on things within my control. As I write this, I'm aware of feelings of regret of time wasted and a tinge of judging, but then as I come bak to the present, I smile:)

Pools

I've learned a lot about pools during my journey; most recently, maintaining a 30,000 gallon in-ground pool in Maryland. While the Maryland pool is large for residential, its not big enough for lap swimming:(. What I've learned is that pool maintenance can be a lot of work, requiring regular application of chemicals, and, by my standards, is quite expensive.

I've also learned a lot about lap pools. Some are metric but most I've visited are English (length 25 yards). Lap pools have a center line on the bottom of each lane to help guide swimmers; some of the lines are quite colorful but most are just black tile. Each pool typically has a set of swimmer rules for safety and to help swimmers get along (e.g., swim in counterclockwise direction). Most swimmers I've met are friendly and will share a lane if asked; on more than one occasion, other swimmers have just jumped in the lane I'm swimming without asking - makes for quite the surprise when one is focused on swimming laps:) Also, every pool I've visited has a schedule for when the pool can be used for lap swimming or aquatics classes. Something I didn't realize is the number of people who just like being in a pool - walking in for exercise or just hanging out.

Vashti

A big part of my current care taking gig in Maryland is watching after the owner's dog (Vashti) when they are away. Vashti is a female German Shepard who seems to like Mom best but tolerates me; she is a bit nervous (and more affectionate) when the owners are way. I'll miss her:)

Moving On

After 2+ months in Maryland I've decided to move on at the end of the summer. This care taking opportunity has been great; I've been able to resume my passion for baking, further reduce my worldly possessions, regularly swim/exercise, and expand my meditation practice. My time in Maryland also enabled more formal study (online courses) of Buddhism which I find intriguing and plan to continue.

So I'm planning to complete my Maryland care taking commitment through August and then travel back to Colorado to regroup before moving on to destinations unknown. While in Colorado, I hope to further reduce worldly possessions in my remaining storage unit and possibly sell my truck. Ideally, I seek a living situation where owning a motor vehicle is not necessary (not the case in Maryland). I'm advertising on care taking and house sitting websites for living situations beginning sometime in September; other options include traveling and a Sesshin. I feel so fortunate to have these options; life is wonderful:)

Book Review: What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula

This is the most authoritative book I've read on what the Buddha taught. It dispels some myths and clarifies some of the confusion about Buddhism. It seems well-documented and provides a straightforward explanation of the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path. Other chapters on the Doctrine of No-Soul: Anatta and Meditation are very interesting. Although first published in 1959, I found the Chapter on What the Buddha Taught and the World Today still relevant.

Adzuki Beans and Kale Salad

Adzuki beans originated in East Asia and are not very common in US grocery stores so I bought mine online from Japan. Used the last to make a salad with Dino kale and pine nuts.  In addition to their nutritional value, what I like about Adzuki beans is their texture; they don't get soggy like some beans. This recipe called for sautéing garlic in olive oil and adding chopped kale, cumin, tamari, and coriander. After a few minutes, the cooked beans are added and simmer for about 20 minutes. I added pine nuts and served it over wild rice. Not much color contrast but the taste was delicious and it is filling.

Worldly Possessions

The quest to reduce my worldly possessions continues. I sold some furniture with the sale of my home. Storing most of my remaining possessions in two climate-controlled storage units allowed me to begin my Airstream journey across the west; I've since sold the Airstream.

Before moving to Maryland in April, I consolidated the two storage units to one by selling and giving away more possessions. Since moving to Maryland, I've donated numerous kitchen items and clothes to the local Buddhist center and gifted other items to family members. I'd like to give my daughter more furniture but her current living situation/lifestyle isn't conducive to having more stuff.

Without the Airstream, my big truck is the next possession up for sale. But what to do next? I'd really like to get rid of everything in my storage unit and replace my truck with another motor vehicle.

Tea Brack (aka Irish Freckle Bread)

First time making this Tea Brack recipe (http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/tea-brack-recipe)  with lots of dried fruit, it is similar to common sweet breads (e.g., banana bread). The big difference is the Irish Style Wholemeal flour. A copy of my review of this recipe appears below.

Baked in my 12" Tea Loaf Pan

Challenging to turn out of the pan without breaking up.

The dried fruit distributed evenly throughout; along with the wholemeal flour this combination provides the firm structure I prefer. 

With encouragement from the KA chat line, I baked Tea Brack in my KA Tea Loaf Pan (Item 5785); it turned out well. I greased the pan with canola oil and filled it to about 1 inch from the top; it rose in a nice rounding arc about 1/8 inch above the pan rim. Placed the loaf pan on the oven rack in the bottom 1/3 of the oven, set oven temperature to 325 and timer for 40 minutes. It was at this point, I realized I’d forgotten to add the sparkling white sugar:) 

Recipe calls for raisons and currants but lacking the latter, I used 213g raisons. Also used 163g chopped prunes and 116g chopped dates; recipe calls for 142g dates but I ran out so used 26g of dried cherries to make up the difference. For the brew, I used 227g Korean green tea given to me by a friend. All other ingredients followed the recipe.

Cake tester had wet batter at 40 minutes; color was fine and it wasn’t turning too dark but I tented with foil just in case and baked for another 10 minutes. At 50 minutes the cake tester came out clean on one end of the loaf but wet on the other. Interestingly, each time I inserted the cake tester, the loaf center deflated somewhat (about 1/4 inch) and never fully bounced back, leaving a slight depression down the center (lengthwise) of the loaf. 

At 55 minutes, the cake tester was still a bit wet, but at 60 it came out clean in 2 places so I removed it from the oven and let it cool on a rack for 5 minutes. I was nervous about whether it would turn out of the pan without breaking up; after it cooled in the pan for 5 minutes I optimistically turned the pan over onto a rack but nothing came out:). I then used a stainless steel dough cutter to carefully loosen the brack from the sides of the pan; it then turned out onto the rack without breaking! It looked great, even with the slight depression down the center line. 

After 1.5 hours cooling on the rack I cut into the loaf - delicious! The loaf actually stuck to the rack a bit but not enough to break up when I moved it to a cutting board. The distribution of fruit was even and plentiful; providing a moist, sweet bread with fruit in every bite. Didn’t miss the sparkling sugar topping:) The density of fruit gives the loaf a firm structure which I really like.

I love the loaf size of KA’s tea loaf pan but for this recipe I worried too much about removing the product without breaking up so next time think I’ll try baking in the small paper loaf pans so I can gift the final product; thanks KA!