Merry Christmas?

04 Nov 2011 1 Comment

by razzray in Uncategorized

Damn you, Japan. Why is Christmas music playing everywhere? This is a country that DOESN’T believe in either idea of Santa or Jesus that sort of makes Christmas makes sense, so what is the deal? “embrace rampant consumerism”? Ok, I can see that, but canned Christmas carols from November 1 on bursting forth from any speaker in a public space is just NOT on.

Perhaps I am even more affected (effected? I can never remember which to use) because I am not celebrating Christmas this year. Not even a little bit. Well, I will be sending a few gifts home (and won’t be turning up my nose to any sent this way) but there will be no tree at my house, and no stockings on Christmas morning. No calls home either – sorry mom and dad. Actually I won’t even say “merry Christmas” on the day. Or happy new year the week after.

No, I have not been struck by a case of bah humbug or severe assholeitis. Instead, I have signed up for a 10 day, totally silent, Vipassana meditation course. Vipassana is a meditation practice that will help you look at yourself intensely. You work through and face all sorts of things that are happening within yourself that you ignore due to daily outside influences. So, for 10 days you meditate. You sit silently – no chanting or posing – just sitting. You wake up at 4am, eat simple meals (I might even lose a few pounds for the first time in Christmas history) and go to bed by 9pm.

I know, it sounds a bit crazy, but I am really looking forward to this. I will be in it from Dec 23-jan 3, in Chiba. John too. Wish us luck