Abstract Procrastination!

Apparently procrastination happens to us all but now research says that concrete is better than abstract, when it comes to planning. The study suggests it's easier to handle a question of how than one of why.

"Merely thinking about the task in more concrete, specific terms makes it feel like it should be completed sooner," which reduces procrastination, the researchers write.

American writer Don Marquis said that “Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.”

I couldn't agree more, I often find myself writing yesterdays blog today.

How is it that in a world where everything is seemingly available now we can still embrace the maxim of the Spanish proverb, "Never put off today what you can put off tomorrow."

I'd like to believe that the art of procrastination is the personal rebellion of those who see the world getting in front of itself.
The abstract is so much more romantic than a block of concrete, though I have to admit that concrete is more practical.
My Pop made a small fortune pouring concrete around town but he also appreciated the abstract styling of a late 1970's Volvo which added to the concept of how to, rather than, why be safe?

What do you reckon the point of Salvador Dali's "Melting Clock" was?

Procrastination melts the clock but in a strange way it also acts as a statement on the timelessness of the abstract.

So there the post of the 16th, finished a touch after midnight on the 20th, and here's to siesta!

Zen and the art of drinking beer!

It occurred to me while reading a blog article in Ode Magazine called "Zen and the art of drinking beer", that in fact it can be an incredibly (in moderation of course) meditational experience.
It takes me back to many a traveling moment when the cares of the world seemed far away, the location was perfect and only the taste of the local brew was having its hypnotic effect.

As the writer says, "We can meditate on anything we choose. Some people meditate using their breath or on yoga poses. Anything can be used for the practice of meditation, for the practice of mindful living. So next time you lift up a frosty glass of beer, just tell everyone around you that this is part of your spiritual practice". Indeed many Buddhist masters would agree that you can use the experiences in your daily life as part of your meditation.
Lama Yeshe says, "Buddhist meditation doesn't necessarily mean sitting cross-legged with your eyes closed. Simply observing how your mind is responding to the sense world can be a really perfect meditation and bring a perfect result."

It gives great hope to beginner practitioners, like myself, to think that we can incorporate the everyday pleasure of experiences like sipping on a favourite brew into our practice. Of course the key is, Mindfulness, and using it to generate wisdom and compassion on the path to generating loving kindness (Bodhichitta).

The photos are from a few moments on the road, Mumbai (Bombay) in India, Trieste in Italy, Bingan in Bali.