Reading Buddhist Priory

Sunday morning. People will arrive for meditation shortly after 9am. There are a few people who come pretty regularly now on Sundays. We have longer meditation periods than we have time for on the Dharma evenings, two 40 minute periods with walking meditation in between, followed by short morning service. People are welcome to stay for a cup of tea afterwards and it is more informal than on the Dharma evenings.

Yesterday I went to Chichester to lead a day retreat for the Chichester and Portsmouth Groups. The retreat was held in the Friends Meeting House which has very good facilities. It makes such a difference to have a well-appointed room, clean and neat toilet facilities etc., especially when new people come along to the group. On that note, I am so glad that the London Group have found wonderful new premises to meet in: see the group's website  www.lsrmg.org .

Talking of neatness, it was lovely to arrive back from Chichester yesterday evening to a neat and tidy garden - thanks once again J!

I had a plumber round on Thursday to look at replacing some of the taps at the Priory. He will replace the taps at three of the sinks with taps that have ceramic washers so that they can't be over-tightened and won't drip (I hope!) and with lever-style handles to make them easier for any folks who have difficulty gripping things.

I'm hoping the rain will hold off this afternoon so that I can get a walk. I spent an hour walking around the centre of Chichester after the retreat yesterday, including a quick look around the cathedral. Today I would like to go for a walk along the Kennett and Avon canal which passes quite close by here. Whether it rains or not, I intend to go - I really feel in need of some fresh air and exercise!