One of the best things about practicing Buddhism is chanting together as a family. Chanting together literally puts you in rhythm with the others. Even though Ben is a 16 year old teenager we have a great relationship and we chant together almost every day. When Aaron lived at home (he's at U of Illinois now) the three of us chanted regularly.
Today, Ben won a huge race. There were hundreds of kids in this race and dozens of teams. It was the West Aurora Stampede. Seeing him come in so strong at the end reminds me of how I feel when I'm nearing the end of my 2 hours of daimoku every day....I like to finish strong...really strong, and I picture Ben running into the finish line before anyone else...he always has to finish strong. Last week he had his picture in the Sun Times for coming in second...this week it was first!
Was Ben chanting during his race to focus his strength?
ReplyDeleteDid chanting help Ben concentrate during those last few hundred meters?
ReplyDeleteThanks for asking! Ben says during the race he's focusing his mind on paying attention to the race and his racing strategy. He's watching the other runners and aware of where they are in relation to himself. He is in the moment entirely.
ReplyDeleteI asked Ben if chanting helped him concentrate during those last few hundred meters, and he says he really doesn't know....but I can tell you one thing: chanting alongside Ben at our altar at home is a very invigorating experience. When he chants...he always chants very strongly and very focused! It is not unusual to break a sweat while chanting with Ben...and he starts quieter and a little slower and gains momentum as he chants. It's thrilling!
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