a calm morning

It was the first time I took Elena's class in my Zen room, so today is the inauguration of my yoga practice in Zen room. It is unusual that I did not go to Yaletown studio for practice when I am in Vancouver. John, Sue and George are still sound in sleep and hopefully that they will recover from long flight nicely. To have them here is like to have a piece of old home back, my old Shanghai. Our friendship has lasted almost 4 decades so far. What a treat to have gift like this! We are living in a very transient society. The everyone knows everyone's days are in remote distance. In Nanhui (a town at suburb of Shanghai) where I grew up, it was a community. We know so many people and so many people know us, no one really moved so you could go visit someone in the same place for a long time. We seems to take roots that way. John's parents know my parents so the little John came for visit with his parents when he was 3. John had a hanker chief pined to his vest. Bright big eyes. The image of John as a 3-years-old coming visit at our home is so vivid that I can still remember the furniture, the lighting at our home at that time. Mind you, I was only 3 too. I don't know if I remembered anything else when I was 3, but that I do remember that night, just like John remembering our talk with Vivian when she was 8 at our living room about sharing. 3-4 hours marathon discussion with Vivian resulting she refused to share her room with George (8 years-old too). It went way past midnight. Daryl and I did not stop until we were sure that the sharing idea had burnt a hole in her brain and would stay. Well, it burnt a hole in John and Sue's brains too. Although it was not intended, it is quite fascinating to hear they talk about that night many times over to us and to their friends. The ripple effect! I am reminded that everything we do has an effect, a far reaching effect, farther than we can ever imagine. Be aware of what we do and should do at all time. If we like the world change for better, it does not come through major revolution, it comes from everyone of us be mindful of what we do and how we do.

Today's practice was very serene. I also sits in the prayer position long after the session was finished. I am growing roots because I feel my body is so grounded.

Namaste!

John's arrival

Today is the day John and his family moving to Vancouver finally. I was very happy to know that they are coming but I also have been stressed over the whole thing. What if they don't like here? What if what have prepared isn't good enough? What if? What if? All sort of things have gone through my mind, some are good, some terrifies me. Even on the way to airport, I was still a bit worried. I even brought a book to calm my mind. I have not even get to the page, saw John and Sue pushing the carts out of the door. Yay, they are here! Hugs and greetings! We took the limo to downtown, sending John and Sue through memory lane. It was 8 years ago when they first came to Vancouver and they "accused" me who has "seduced" them to Canada. It slowly worked ways into their mind. Well, I am happy to hear that. Long slow process!

I was so released that they were not turned off by the construction and even happier to hear they shouting in excitement when they walked into the new home I prepared for them. A huge release, all my worries went out the window. They feel home here! The best thing I could ever hope for. It was way better than what I have imagined. Of course I was perinoyed (I can't spell!!). We then went out bought the beds, got John a new iphone, had dinner at Kiisu which they loved, finished off with grocery shopping at Urban Fair and came home to relax. We now retreated to our rooms and I am feeling so accomplished. John has brought something for me, he has brought me openness, totally harmonious without doubt close friendship. Home is becoming this round circle. He has brought a piece of old Shanghai I have been missing so much, my old home. What a lovely feeling! Life is soooooo good to me. I must have done something good.