Some people feel bad about taking time out to practice when there is so much to do. Paradoxically, we find that our practice time develops qualities that make us more efficient and our tasks more enjoyable.
Feel good about the time you devote to your practice. Practice first for yourself, so you are fit enough to share and develop an abundance to give. Make quality time for yourself, and you will increase the quality time you spend with others.
“One day a man of the people said to Zen Master Ikkyu: “Master, will you please write for me some maxims of the highest wisdom?” Ikkyu immediately took his brush and wrote the word “Attention.” “Is that all?” asked the man. “Will you not add something more?” Ikkyu then wrote twice running: “Attention. Attention.” “Well,” remarked the man rather irritably, “I really don’t see much depth or subtlety in what you have just written.” Then Ikkyu wrote the same word three times running: “Attention. Attention. Attention.” Half angered, the man demanded: “What does that word ‘Attention’ mean anyway?” And Ikkyu answered gently: “Attention means attention (page 10-11).” ― Roshi P. Kapleau,
The Three Pillars of Zen
Practice strategy for meditation: A total of about 40 minutes per day is a basic adult strength dose of meditation for an experienced meditator. It is often more illuminating - and more practical - to split the sessions up. Twenty minutes, twice a day, is often very nice.
Especially if you are having difficulty taking the peace of your meditation practice into your every day affairs, you might try this (or something like it): Do your formal meditation sessions for 2 minutes, 10 times a day. 2 x 10 = 20.
Always feel free to adjust your formal practice to the needs and exigencies of your current situation. If you would like help exploring what's helpful for you, be sure to ask your teacher.
