The blog as spiritual practice

Everyday I read a blog called jack/zen (www.jackzen.com), written by a corporate-coach/corporate-facilitator in Cleveland, OH. I've met Jack; a calm, interested and interesting man, his quiet demeanor may speak of his introspective interior. I really respect his work, his thoughts and his blog.

So many people blog. It's so typical today, that everybody dumps their thoughts: some good, some personal, some only that their friends need to hear so they don't write the same things to every friend.

I asked Jack why he blogs. His answer: "It's part of my practice". I fully understood... and made it part of my practice to read his words.

Jack is a Buddhist, so the term "practice" is used quite frequently in Buddhist traditions; it means that to create (and re-create) ourselves, we must practice good things. (The word "good" here is relative; I only use it to distinguish from evil). We cannot be perfect all the time, yet to purposely set about to "practice" our intentions to improve. Within the intention of practicing, we might slip; practicing does not mean perfection, as practicing a piano lesson might improve upon last week's playing but might not make us worthy for Carnegie Hall.

We all "practice". In my coaching, I don't demand fitness "boot-camp" perfectionsim; nor do I ask it of myself. I have a general set of guidelines for health and/or leanness, yet without stringency. I know deeply that straying from healthful eating would bring me physical ramifications (for example, a sugar product would get me ill!) So I practice healthy eating.

For Jack, his practice of blogging sets him on the 'right' path for the day: thinking deeply about the world around him, considering compassion for himself and others, and, with those thoughts, growing.

I too, grow when I get outside myself... and practice.