lovingkindness (again)

" You have to go swimming with me, or you'll get grounded"

-overheard at Puffers Pond, amherst MA. 

Driving these roads. I have driven them so many times. Western MA is where I became an adult. The bridge from early20s- 30ish. It feels like I am visiting a distant galaxy. At the main light in amherst yesterday, I saw that grey-haired petite guy Jeremy(?) crossing the street. I have seen him cross the street so many times. He must be working at amherst cinema still. At esselon, the wifi password is the same. The same staff. They recognize me. I recognize everyone. I have seen everyone before. At puffer's, women are swimming with their children. Amherst school committee members are gossiping at Cushman's.

A fire siren just made me panicked. That my old apartment with my dear animal friends inside was on fire. That was my instinct always. 

At times I hated living here. I hated the liberal earth friendly people who seemed so alike. I hated how they all were into good vibes yet headed to Trader Joe's in hoardes at the exact same time and all were annoyed when you drove too slow or cut in front of them at Whole Foods. I hated the fucking students who swamped the region with their parents. 

Now, I love all of them. At a distance it is easier to just love the charm of it all. How special it is, this area of the world. Like few others. 

I am another you: In Lak'ech Ala K'in.

So jam packed, these few days. Trying to milk the most of my time here, people people people. Frank, rihannon, maribel, deb, leopoldo, ben, stephen, josie, all in 2 days. And a swim. It's summer. 

What has summer taught me? That's on my mind. How will I weave its lessons into this coming year? Some ideas:

I want to laugh more often. I would like to watch Seinfeld and South Park for this purpose. It should be a daily task. Just watch something at night that makes me laugh.

I want to keep my apt. cleaner. 

I want to keep an "alter" near my bed which is clean of dust/ dirt, where I will keep my crystals and stones displayed and in sunlight's path. 

I want to keep my social life separate from my work life. I want to hang out less with anyone from Oakwood. Except on occasion. They are my colleagues, not my friends. 

I want to have a rich spiritual life. That means: reading things which inspire me/interest me, meditating/ deep breathing, journal writing, etc.

Physical health and attention to my nutrition will help me on my spiritual path. I want to drink only occasionally. I want to not abuse sugar if I am feeling low. I want to eat lots of real, alive food, and keep my system balanced and regular with as needed use of probiotics. That means not abusing coffee in the afternoon either. 

I want to speak french not just in my teaching. I want to make audio blog posts to this blog about whatever. 

I have to pee and meet Cousin Dan for dinner. Peace out people xoxoxox