Zen Knees

I hurt my right knee several weeks ago and it doesn't feel good.

This isn't the first time I've felt pain in the right knee. It's an old injury. Some years ago, a skilled physical therapist gave me an exercise that, when done consistently, keeps the knee pain-free.

And there's the rub:  consistency.

After several years with no pain, I sorta slacked-off in recent months. And, guess what? The pain has returned.

Why is it so hard to practice consistently, whether a simple knee exercise or a simple mind exercise?

Since the pain returned, I've watched myself resist meditating in a chair. In truth, I'd rather not sit at all, than sit in a chair. Stubborn, just plain stubborn. Holding onto some prideful idea about my practice. Holding onto another mind-hindrance, as if it made a difference.

So tomorrow, I'll start sitting in a chair. Now that hurts!

Father and daughter sitting outside a coffee shop in Philadelphia's Italian Market.

Comments

[Puerhan]

Looks like you are both just sitting very nicely in chairs in the photo Barry! :-)

Thanks for sharing.

The times I have meditated in a chair I have found it quite challenging actually, not a 'lite' option by any means I reckon!

[Uku]

Sorry to hear your knee is hurting. In the other hand, it seems you have so great opportunities to practice and learn. How often our hurting knees or wandering minds or fevers can truly be our masters, our teachers if we would just listen what they have to teach to us?

Sitting is sitting, I think. Thank you for sharing, Barry and let us know how's your knee teaching you. I think you have a lot to offer to us; you're a truly wise teacher.

Thank you, take care!

Gassho.

[Barry Briggs]

Hi Puerhan - I sat in a chair earlier today and it went smoothly for the most part. But I had a lot of resistance as I lowered myself into it. Ah, the mind...what a ox!

Yes, Uku, our knees and wandering minds and changing bodies teach us in every moment. We only need pay attention. Even when we're grumpy or pissy, we can learn something new about ourselves. How wonderful!

[mama p]

Hmmm, that's funny; I seem to remember someone saying 'just days ago' that "if we can heal dukkha, then we can work with any body situation." (Insert gentle ribbing =here=.) Same person also added, "It's ongoing work", so while you're working on it, a nice physical remedy you might try is arnica. It's a nice rub (pardon the pun) to help heal muscle soreness when you fall off the "consistency" wagon ;) A tube of arnica is my own constant companion during sesshin.

You make a nice point about somehow needing your zen practice to meet a certain standard-- me? sit in a chair? During one painful medical issue, my old teacher recommended I come to the zendo and practice lying-down zazen. Wha?? I did not--and I think it's for reasons similar to yours. I couldn't accept that my practice would be or look any different; and, I did not want to look weak. I also did not want to ruffle feathers-- you know, have people wonder about me, or worry, or trip over me, or whatever. Sometimes I regret not showing up; sometimes I'm glad I didn't.

Hope your knees get to feeling better!

[Barry Briggs]

Hi Mama p, thanks for your comment and the gentle ribbing and rubbing!!

The knees are actually just as they are. But as I tried to say in my post, my mind makes the situation into, well, a situation. Hence, dukkha!

Already the knees are doing better. What a relief to be honest about my life! Thank you, again!