Being Present

To have an attentive and sustained presence... I have to make an effort to rid myself of concerns and distractions.

The Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh tells of a visit from Jim Forest, a Christian leader. After the two enjoyed dinner together, Nhat Hanh prepared to customarily wash the dishes before serving tea and dessert:

So they finished dinner and Nhat Hanh said he would wash the dishes before getting the tea. Jim offered to do the dishes, while Nhat Hahn was preparing the tea; but Nhat Hahn said, "I am not sure you know how to wash dishes." Jim laughed at him and said, "Of course I know how to wash dishes. I've been doing it all my life." "No," the monk said, "you would be washing the dishes in order to have your tea and dessert. That is not the way to wash dishes. You must wash dishes to wash dishes."

So, it'll take time, but It would be wonderful to: tattoo to tattoo. It's approaching each piece with resolve. Sure, I will be learning something during the process. Yes, I need to build up a portfolio so I can make me some money. Both are welcome byproducts. But when I'm in the skin, I look forward to being directly focused on the process of creating that tattoo; pure creativity out on a limb.

* I post this a risk of sounding a bit cheesy, but it's new to me so I indulge.