108 days and counting...

Today I start my own personal mala project. For 108 days I will devote myself to the following 9 commitments. My mala prayer beads will used for repetition of a mantra, for other forms of sadhana (spiritual exercise), and as an aid to meditation during these 108 days.

These 108 days will broken up into 3 parts - 36 days each. I am not sure how to structure or define these 3 parts. Anyone reading this blog and willing to make a recommendation, I welcome it! I will write in my blog as a tool to release what I am feeling - good & painful. To communicate with my friends how it's going. While staying present, I am looking forward to the unfolding, the work, the change, the challenges, the peace and love.

1) Have gratitude
Today I have gratitude for my family, my good health, and the warm sunshine on this late September day.

2) Meditate

3) Exercise - yoga, run, ride, etc.

4) Pay it forward

5) Practice a vegetarian diet. Eat whole, fresh and as much as possible, local foods.

6) Practice abstinence of alcohol

7) Practice abstinence of private news media organizations

8) Keep my immediate surroundings tidy

9) Acknowledge my daily blessings before going to sleep each night

Many of these may sound self-serving but if I am to be a better person to the people closest to me in my life and as a global citizen on this earth, I need to take care of myself first before I can reach out to my community.

I am also going to try to do something every 9 days: finish a book, learn a new hobbie, volunteer, etc.

I welcome your comments.

Thank you,
Muir