For quite some time, I’d think about Dharma teachings throughout the day, every day.  It was constantly in the background of my mind.  It wasn’t unpleasant, but I had mixed feelings about having Dharma teachings floating into my thoughts so often.  I have no idea what happened, but this stopped, or at least slowed to a trickle.  This was a little disconcerting.  Had I lost interest in the Dharma teachings?  I didn’t think so.  Rather, it occurred to me, I was more living the spirit of the Dharma teachings.  And that thought brought me some joy.  I continue to bathe myself in Dharma teachings.  I read, I listen to audiobooks, I attend meditation services, I visit Mt. Adams Buddhist Temple, and I’m in touch with Thay Kozen often.  It’s almost as if I’m taking a nice, warm bath in the Dharma.  I used to “try” to figure things out.  I like this nice, warm bath much more.  My thinking mind has faded.  My reliance on non-thinking is comforting.

I’ve also learned that “trying” to have “experiences” is fruitless.  The several times I’ve had an Experience, it’s been totally unexpected.  I suspect that Experiences are triggered by more bathing in Dharma teachings, rather than struggling to learn, study, or contemplate them.  That’s been my experience, at any rate.  So I continue to sit.  I continue to bathe.  And who doesn’t like a little Mr. Bubbles in their bath?