Greetings Ken & Visakha, :)

Please forgive the lapse since I've last written to you. Something can be said for the usual day-to-day, boring stuff, but it provides nothing really worth writing about.

I do hope this letter finds you experiencing good health and peacefulness of mind. I am doing well myself.

I write to share a recent event with you. This past Wednesday, Mary Basrai, and another dear friend named Sam, came to visit us here in Kincheloe. It was a wonderful, serene time spent in dhamma discussion and meditation. I was fortunate in that my work assignment supervisor consented to allow me time off, so that I could attend.

Mary and Sam shared how our group at Macomb had been faring these last few years. They related how differences in the practices of different men coming through the prison helped shaped how they practiced during those times. They found the impermanance both interesting and sometimes beneficial to each individual's practice.

Mary also shared that the members of the Port Huron group who went into Macomb inspired other members of their group to share their practice with other prisoners in other prisons within driving distance. She used the analogy of the ripples from a pebble tossed into a pond. Many of us found it all very inspiring.

I'm still working at my own practice. I've been having fun with the impermanence and unsatisfactoriness of this body as I find myself starting to experience failing sight and some wonderful aches from a couple past injuries. :) I recall a saying I saw on a wall or banner somewhere, "Times cashes the checks our bodies drew in our youth, with interest." I am learning to smile in gratitude for the reminders not to become complacent.

My parents are doing well. My father's brother is dealing with liver failure and isn't expected to be with us much longer. My father is dealing with it much better than I would have initially thought. They ask me to offer their warmest regards to you both.

That's about all there is to share. Again I pray that you both are well, in good health, and enjoy peacefulness of mind.

With Metta,

Steve