No shoulds

I’ve taken on many disciplines at different times in my life: 300 sit-ups once a month; relying exclusively on a bicycle for transportation; writing my dreams every morning after waking…Presently, I meditate sitting for 45 minutes in the morning and fast one day a week. But the hardest discipline I ever took on was the “no shoulds” hour. Once a week, I tried to disregard my rule book and do whatever I wanted.

I found I couldn’t do it. I was waiting for the hour to be over. I developed the habit, after awhile, of practicing piano to fill the time.

I would like to learn to live without a rulebook. I wonder what discipline I might pursue that will lead me to freedom.  I’m highly motivated to work at it.

— Josh Mitteldorf