Elliot and I traveled to the Green Gulch Farm Zen Center yesterday morning for their Sunday program. Grace, a woman who has lived there for over twenty years described it as a place with many “introverts who don’t want to be alone.” A friendly way of saying, don’t be shy here, ask questions, and enjoy.

From 8:15-9:15 we had meditation instruction, which simple and delightful (on posture: “pretend there is a balloon attached to your breast bone lifting your chest up”). From 9:15-10:15, we enjoyed meditation and I couldn’t believe how much the room was packed! I started the time by counting my breaths, then about half way through didn’t need that practice anymore and went into a period of no deliberate thought, then wound around again to counting toward the end. It was a really memorable meditation with Elliot by my side, because the air was fresh and pure, and because the crowd was so respectful of one another. A communal solitude of sorts.

After another break we listened to a lecture by Tenshin Reb Anderson. The following wonderful thoughts are credited to him and his lecture today:

There is one big family and we’re in it. Anderson told a story to the children to illustrate this point, saying that he came across a patch of quarreling pumpkins who were fighting over everything. He instructed them to touch the top of their heads and report back what they felt. The pumpkins felt their stems of course. He then told them to follow the stems to see where they led. The pumpkins curiously obeyed only to discover that they were part of the same plant.

The children loved it, as did the adults. There were other lessons as well, but this one was the simplest and most fun.

After a Q & A, we joined the crowd for sweet and sour soup, salad, and freshly baked bread. The company was delightful (have I used that word enough yet this post?).

(photo by Elliot Jordan)

Pretty great first visit to Green Gulch. We will definitely be back.