Great conversation. I love the real life applications because if there is a goal for me, it is to carry what I have learned into all aspects of my life.   

Questions for you all:

Is the ability to have single minded focus for ____ (grafting, archery, cooking, gardening, etc.) the fruit of meditation or do you believe that anytime that you can achieve single minded focus you are meditating?  Is there a difference between concentration and meditation?

Wakinyan, you state "Desire has to come from within" yet Happiness comes from small goals, achievement, being on the path, etc.

Do you see a contradiction here?  I believe happiness must come from within by cultivating acceptance and gratitude for "what is" first before even considering what I desire.  If I am not happy first then I attach my happiness to this "outside thing" and the path to achieve it. Waiver from that path and happiness is lost.

I like your post and what you have to say so please take no offence as none is intended.