Zen Weeding

Cathy and I were out doing "Zen" weeding yesterday after that great thunderstorm we had at 4 AM earlier in the night. I was told by my daughter that everything spiritual does not have to be a "Buddha on the mountain" type experience. So we now Zen weed our beds. Unlike most Zen weeders, Cat and I talk during parts of the adventure. Lately, she has been letting me ramble on about the various sensations that occur inside my body. I told her recently that I am now so incredibly aware of all of the aches, creaks, rumbles, movements etc that go own in me. It actually can get a little overwhelming at times but often I see it as my own private entertainment center. The "Stomach Rumble Waltz in B Flat" is always a good one. My sense is that food arrives in my stomach much quicker than before because there is less distance to travel. Once there the rumbles begin and spread across my abdomen. The low deep groans on one side are answered by high pitched trickles on the other. This can continue for as much as five minutes reaching a crescendo that is often followed by a trip to the depository room. It is truly amazing to learn that one's body can create so many varied sounds when doing the stomach rumble waltz. One more and then I will stop. This one I call "The Histamine Dance". Apparently due to one of the chemicals I intake my histamines get tricked and think parts of my body are being attacked and they rush to the location. Finding nothing wrong they do what they do best and start itching. As soon as I start scratching these little bastards think it is now a game and move on to another location. It is not long before I find myself looking like I am playing twister. Even my feet get into the scratching action sometimes. Over time I have developed the skill of stop, flop and ignore. It took a while but it is very useful now. When I catch myself itching I stop scratching, flop my arms by my side and focus on ignoring the invaders. I can actually feel them getting bored and start heading home. I have tried to follow them but they must have gone to spy school cuz I lose them everytime. I don't always win the battle but it is very satisfying when I do. When I think I am losing the dance I will treat them with a move I call the "Benadryl Pop". Takes about 30 minutes to complete but then it takes them right out. Usually followed by a short nap on my part.
And that is how I use my meditative Zen weeding time.