A Day Full of Emptiness

So now I've completed the first week of the course, and everything is just the way I wanted it to be: I have lots of time for meditation, a relaxed schedule and nice people in the group. The teacher is both funny and wise, the food is good, the rooms are fine (although a bit cold), and the location is wonderful. The institute is on top of a hill overlooking the capital, Kathmandu. From my room I look north across the city to the small mountains at the top of the valley, and behind them I can see the snow-capped peaks of the Himalaya.

Even though this is what I wanted and expected, it is still sometimes a little difficult. What do I mean? Well, to be honest, it is sometimes a bit boring!! There is no hectic rushing from one appointment to the next. I don't have to fit in work between appointments and mealtimes. There are no clients ringing me with contracts, there are no e-mails to answer. It seems that my body and mind actually enjoyed all that stress !! And it is missing here. So sometimes I want some more stress and hectic activity.

But it is only week 1. In a couple of weeks I won't want that anymore!!

Here is an idea of my daily schedule, from Monday to Saturday. Sunday is our free day, with no teaching. So Sunday will always be the day I have the chance to go into Kathmandu or to a tourist site nearby, or to meet up with my new friends.

(small writing = time for individual choices)
(CAPITALS = fixed course program)

6.00 get up, brush teeth, get dressed
6.30 GROUP YOGA AND MEDITATION
7.30 BREAKFAST
8.00 shower, wash clothes, other chores
8.45 meditation
9.30 PHILOSOPHY TEACHING
11.00 reading, sorting notes from teaching sessions
12.00 LUNCH
12.45 afternoon nap
1.30 meditation
2.00 TIBETAN LANGUAGE CLASS
3.00 TEA BREAK
3.30 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS SESSION
5.00 individual meditation / reading
6.00 GROUP MEDITATION
7.00 DINNER
7.45 sitting outside under the stars, informal discussion with teacher
8.30 Tibetan homework / reading
9.30 meditation
10.15 bedtime

So you see, the day is relaxed, but quite full. (As our khenpo/teacher would say, 'full of emptiness'.)