so keep on keeping on with all those “haters” out there… and take comfort in the fact that you are always better than they are, even when they have “some good points”

I think it’s remarkable that you’ve developed a technique that works for you. You might be interested in reading this information from Stephen over at The Naked Monk who had done Buddhist training and then left the robes behind to go his own way: http://www.thenakedmonk.com/mindful-reflection/

Sometimes we put too much pressure on going into retreat. I’ve been putting off a session in Seattle myself as it never seems to be the right time. Such is the life of a householder walking the path, but the time will come. Granted I’m scared as it’s been a long time since I’ve been on retreat and I worry about being mentally stable enough for it.

Take care and thanks for your comment and for reading.

My critique was not meant in a negative way. I have not received instruction on vipassana mediation but I have been taught a deep reflective technique that I have employed for three decades. In retrospect, the instruction was brief and perhaps could have been learned by reading about it but I am grateful that I had a teacher. Unfortunately the reflection was totally based on exploring and fixing self rather than examining the nature of things as they are.

Kornfield skillfully explains the idea of disconnecting from self and undoubtedly attending a retreat goes a long way towards setting one on the right path. There are a scant few pages of meditation instruction in the book. Maybe some day I will find myself in the position to retreat. Right now it is not a possibility so I am digesting what I can though I would welcome the opportunity for instruction. Like many, I still cling to unanswered and perhaps unanswerable questions of faith. The idea of spending time, however brief, with someone with Kornfield’s experience would be a blessing indeed.

I was reminded of this great little animated .gif that Swiss-Miss posted on her design site, I think you’ll enjoy:
http://www.swiss-miss.com/2011/10/haters-gonna-hate-2.html

take care.

I sadly do get worked up over politics more than ever and admire you for joining a political party. I’ve done the same and am a card-carrying member who is going to do my part to make change. Seems a lot of folks I know are starting to get more involved in politics. I think it could be due to us being parents now and wanting to leave the world in decent shape for the little ones.

You’re fortunate to have realized that life is too short to waste energy on things that are so negative or draining. Sad that so many folks are still spinning their wheels in anger and hatred.

I wonder how much that also has to do with age. I find with maturity, I’ve become a lot more tolerant of other opinions and I’m quite embarrassed at the way I behaved toward other people as a young man. I was terribly rude and inconsiderate of others, often without realizing it.

I don’t get worked up over politics as much as I did before, either. Instead, I’ve decided to join a political party and start doing my bit for the change I’d to see happen in my community.

At one point in my life, I just realized that, in the grand scheme of things, I don’t have much time left in this world. I don’t want to spend it wasting energy on things that aren’t constructive.