Anyway. I am determined to chant more. I really want to be strict with myself about this and chant 1 hour a day in front of the Gohonzon. Although it is good that I chant while I bike,  it isn't the same as chanting before the Gohonzon. The Gohonzon really helps me focus on my goals and reflect  more deeply on Buddhist concepts. It also holds closer Nichiren's great compassion for all humanity. Having realized all this, I have decided that chanting while I bike will not count toward my daily goal of one hour. Yu-chin gave me a chart she got in Japan that has 15 minute increment blocks. When they are all filled, I will have chanted Nam Myo Ho Renge Kyo about 1 million times!

Chanting is of course not about how much I do it, but my sincerity in possessing a seeking, determined spirit. The numbers and the time merely give me something more tangible to work at. I am not chanting for the satisfaction of anyone else, but to become absolutely happy myself and to help others to do so. When I chant, it is easier for me to see possiblities, connect with people on a deeper level, and put myself in better harmony with the universe so that I can make breakthroughs and build peace. 

Biking and spending time in nature are good for my body and my imagination. Whenever I spend any significant time in a natural setting, my imagination starts creating without my having to push or stress in any way. Lately I have really been wanting to do art and maybe write a story. I'm not sure what the content will be yet for the story, but it will be fun to see what I come up with. I have a couple of loose ideas, but I haven't worked serious writing time into my life yet. I definitely want to make some changes to how I spend my time. Less time tinkering around, more time with focused creativity, study, and chanting.