Home: Apart and Together

I have been reminded that time at home can be used to our advantage. While we might prefer group classes and shared practice, a period of forced quiet, self reflection and isolated practice can have its perks. We are spared the judging eyes and can really be present in our practice.

However, during this time, it is also nice to be reminded that we are not alone in our practice - even though we might be the only one in the room (or backyard fighting mosquitoes). To that end, I’ll be sharing thought and practices of mine over the next few weeks and encourage you to do the same!

I’ve found focus and centering in a daily shufa (Chinese calligraphy) practice. A very short practice of 15 minutes allows my brain to start the day with simple strokes and then one character, or perhaps characters from the last couple days. These can be words that have a special meaning for the day or just mundane words that are on the next page of the book.

This morning I thought “home” was appropriate since this is the place that many of us will spend so many hours this month. Why not take a second to write it in a beautiful language and learn to love it.

My amusement mounted when I read the description next to it: “combines meanings: “pig” under “roof” = home. I don’t think we should quote this to our housemates on a regular basis!!

Importantly, I’d inadvertently also chosen the character that we use for our school. The character can also translate as family. Take a peek at the banner on the home page and you’ll see it there.

And so, while we are told to stay HOME, we’re also told stay FAMILY. I thought I’d share this with our greater family! We’re are in separate homes and the same family.

For our inkslingers, I’m including the stroke order here. You’ll recognize the strokes and find the character a fun one to do! I don’t have LaoMa’s fancy PDF skills - maybe I’ll develop those over this month! In the meantime, this should get you through the character. Please share your version!

Send me suggestions of other characters to try during our time away from classes. We can share our practice pages this way!