tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83385314665196187762024-02-18T21:37:21.492-06:00My Dharma AdventureChronicling my adventures from boob to Buddha.Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16586141449898727114noreply@blogger.comBlogger242125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338531466519618776.post-48701626072239392142012-01-12T10:29:00.000-06:002012-01-12T10:29:33.691-06:00BackI spent the last year in semi retreat. I am looking forward to much the same next year. I will, however, be more up to date on posting.<br />
<br />
You will notice I've done some housekeeping today. I've updated the blog and removed blogs that no longer serve me.<br />
<br />
I look forward to being up and around more this year, blog wise, and sharing my Dharma adventure with each of you in the future.<br />
<br />
Sincerely, Patricia<br />
<br />
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Become-Buddha/190384012703?v=wallPatriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16586141449898727114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338531466519618776.post-34221316603198661352011-01-28T15:56:00.000-06:002011-01-28T15:56:17.090-06:00Feeling Pushy???<div class="MsoNormal">Do your remember bop bags? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmjE3B9TN0xNu8k1pLMztIMhKKO8vtL-5FRrZFLoJhGo9NCEm3gEhOsMv7t7FXvm6iEhRS2EpLeyRxFZVDSo34L_6z6undsSJ067hdSOTtDSs_ILDJ-clV7Swj-oLzEMvD6rBzGFPlNA/s1600/bop+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmjE3B9TN0xNu8k1pLMztIMhKKO8vtL-5FRrZFLoJhGo9NCEm3gEhOsMv7t7FXvm6iEhRS2EpLeyRxFZVDSo34L_6z6undsSJ067hdSOTtDSs_ILDJ-clV7Swj-oLzEMvD6rBzGFPlNA/s1600/bop+bag.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You know, those funny clown shaped toys that you could push over </div><div class="MsoNormal">and they’d swing right back up?</div><div class="MsoNormal">Once when I was a kid I hit my bop bag </div><div class="MsoNormal">it struck the floor and bounced back </div><div class="MsoNormal">hitting me in the face with the same force</div><div class="MsoNormal">as I had struck it.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Talk about karma in action!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpCqZ4zCpr8LyZkDSgRsnRQc3GCxpF-AWklHDZ7M1W9dRQKARqP-qm411fqF6K6rRNapD6c9vcik_LDo0WWzZOrcF8jsVbBB0jXEqKLQHZuc-fk3TehYlUlQvrxNlUDbORlNyfwyXDR0/s1600/falling.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpCqZ4zCpr8LyZkDSgRsnRQc3GCxpF-AWklHDZ7M1W9dRQKARqP-qm411fqF6K6rRNapD6c9vcik_LDo0WWzZOrcF8jsVbBB0jXEqKLQHZuc-fk3TehYlUlQvrxNlUDbORlNyfwyXDR0/s1600/falling.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqW7gE_j-_9kTVDxxG6dgIzfUcMQoTcLZRuzDepdQ_sYUavD-vHwH_DUSFvz_9HZbtD5liGuV9mhUrHaneQr_dVllN-Cj5PyipFE5j_sGd6To4_RAXdEfq48bJjHU-rOjd3bcoF_Yr4A/s1600/karma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">You see, your emotions are a lot like that toy. </div><div class="MsoNormal">The harder you try to push your feelings away, </div><div class="MsoNormal">the quicker they rebound </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It makes much more sense to work with what we’re </div><div class="MsoNormal">feeling rather than pushing our feelings aside.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Couldn’t it be wiser instead, to take the rage, </div><div class="MsoNormal">fear and hatred, that has driven us down onto the floor </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzt12nD6HbKQDiRBfpDaLXC9-n19ZFRwAPxGOUhfd1p4KI6GN1YA6-AjE0FUGB2ogoIgnM1p0zix6qFiueufiC_cUgk4T7V8vXYp5gIgHn4pGM3sUZgCiRAZE_3_rfddw1ho9oPeJNauU/s1600/boxer+on+the+mat.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzt12nD6HbKQDiRBfpDaLXC9-n19ZFRwAPxGOUhfd1p4KI6GN1YA6-AjE0FUGB2ogoIgnM1p0zix6qFiueufiC_cUgk4T7V8vXYp5gIgHn4pGM3sUZgCiRAZE_3_rfddw1ho9oPeJNauU/s1600/boxer+on+the+mat.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">and use that energy instead to bounce back,</div><div class="MsoNormal">to arise fully,</div><div class="MsoNormal">with </div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">greater peace, </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">devotion, </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">compassion and </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">wisdom?</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBS1LoH_g09D5lVCmKS_qOwzjrAOxotL1bHYPCXnlNzHa2pABr01t-nPVIvmifQ_7GMQeBso4Y7nTJpRzRMR65kz_3EnjXE5y9fZXsoDyzmZ9TciUu8vpVjrUtRvmxxYtDmouaEY2Rtg/s1600/rocky+on+steps.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBS1LoH_g09D5lVCmKS_qOwzjrAOxotL1bHYPCXnlNzHa2pABr01t-nPVIvmifQ_7GMQeBso4Y7nTJpRzRMR65kz_3EnjXE5y9fZXsoDyzmZ9TciUu8vpVjrUtRvmxxYtDmouaEY2Rtg/s1600/rocky+on+steps.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Your next opportunity to be trained in those techniques is coming this <a href="http://www.lamajigme.com/NextWebinarSeries.html"><span style="color: blue;"> March</span> </a> .</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">May you all benefit.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">OM MANI PADME HUM</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16586141449898727114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338531466519618776.post-72699911910382844582011-01-17T14:26:00.004-06:002011-01-17T15:19:54.886-06:00Avoiding the Endless Wheel of Nilhilism<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtb6H2o2bbk7JzgJh-Lr0SiPPs5j31zLmy7iFxYPN0sIXvMJBOM5Vnijv9OEXYINfhJRoHQZgJAJqn2T7hqT-va_frpJF6UWzOXiFHIqeKxXYu1F4T_cYWfbLiu3vViP7rV20dEHaHac/s1600/nilhilism+is+not+practical.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtb6H2o2bbk7JzgJh-Lr0SiPPs5j31zLmy7iFxYPN0sIXvMJBOM5Vnijv9OEXYINfhJRoHQZgJAJqn2T7hqT-va_frpJF6UWzOXiFHIqeKxXYu1F4T_cYWfbLiu3vViP7rV20dEHaHac/s1600/nilhilism+is+not+practical.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There are those who do not believe </div><div class="MsoNormal">in anything greater than themselves. </div><div class="MsoNormal">They live solely to consume. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqPXBH_ZNb3iWhQ_PsaCMueuRAiGNGsFDjOIVKkVnx2hNqHjRyITFchdm5XEMum_PwfjJJQcT8Q_Nt3xdxoAdataxT2b4BfPHhyphenhyphenxsXjY2JOLiDLDAkcDRViE2GoapfLfqhUDSPqzJAtM/s1600/consume.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqPXBH_ZNb3iWhQ_PsaCMueuRAiGNGsFDjOIVKkVnx2hNqHjRyITFchdm5XEMum_PwfjJJQcT8Q_Nt3xdxoAdataxT2b4BfPHhyphenhyphenxsXjY2JOLiDLDAkcDRViE2GoapfLfqhUDSPqzJAtM/s1600/consume.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">They will tell you that we are born,</div><div class="MsoNormal"> consume and die, </div><div class="MsoNormal">and afterwards wink out of existence. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And worse, they want you to think the same way as well. </div><div class="MsoNormal">They’ll even go so far as to try and ‘educate’ </div><div class="MsoNormal">you and deride you if you refuse.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">{<i>You know, like intellectual date rape </i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>without the courtesy of a dinner and a movie</i>}</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This pseudo-intellectual concept of nihilism </div><div class="MsoNormal">could degrade the human spirit. </div><div class="MsoNormal">How?</div><div class="MsoNormal">It could put humanity on par with microbes, </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxxIEKI1KiDL2RgmA1uFUIJjQMBbyhnlWVLpKpy7yO9Y-ANm-wy7NOk-3mAXFjh6j9E-4NJST9XEWvDTmRVzv-ArrNiX5u4qyZmQw6xcZuG1GS2jGE1KkSt0sbpfZq4JuaciD0c37afc/s1600/microbes.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxxIEKI1KiDL2RgmA1uFUIJjQMBbyhnlWVLpKpy7yO9Y-ANm-wy7NOk-3mAXFjh6j9E-4NJST9XEWvDTmRVzv-ArrNiX5u4qyZmQw6xcZuG1GS2jGE1KkSt0sbpfZq4JuaciD0c37afc/s1600/microbes.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">who do nothing but eat, poop, sleep, and breed. </div><div class="MsoNormal">After which they die and, you guessed it,</div><div class="MsoNormal"> blink out of existence. </div><div class="MsoNormal">End of story. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“<i>But take heart</i>,” the nihilist will tell you; </div><div class="MsoNormal">“<i>your prodigy will live on to carry out the endless wheel </i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>of eating, pooping, sleeping, breeding, and dying.</i>”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZxiy6HstYkTu1PgQdPB7I11gcW2-XechVrzQ7ihHPUauHrdwBNf0CS0jhPJxrib0vnwp_HzorETkoMFy-b9hxaGlZrBZSA-8uqrPDHlTUncXX3AjoVPjVo22u6IGuVfFG4FiTYHf_LU/s1600/hamster+wheel.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZxiy6HstYkTu1PgQdPB7I11gcW2-XechVrzQ7ihHPUauHrdwBNf0CS0jhPJxrib0vnwp_HzorETkoMFy-b9hxaGlZrBZSA-8uqrPDHlTUncXX3AjoVPjVo22u6IGuVfFG4FiTYHf_LU/s1600/hamster+wheel.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sounds perfectly abysmal to me. </div><div class="MsoNormal">How about you?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Come let us NOT get on the insane hamster wheel </div><div class="MsoNormal">of perpetual consumerism.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Let us make the most out of this precious opportunity </div><div class="MsoNormal">to become far more than mere microbes.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Let us leave this world, {no less humanity} </div><div class="MsoNormal">better then we found it.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Like Neo in “The Matrix” </div><div class="MsoNormal">lets become the spiritual superheroes that we were born to be.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie"
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Let us put effort in not only <u>learning</u> Buddha’s teachings </div><div class="MsoNormal">but putting them into <b>practice</b> and fully enlightening ourselves, </div><div class="MsoNormal">not in ten lifetimes, not in ten decades, not even in ten years</div><div class="MsoNormal">but in THIS year; with<b><u>out</u></b> even abandoning: </div><div class="MsoNormal">spouse, work, home, kids or pets. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfciBS3qkuh9AHVEp6T6HFQ8BfVzukZaNCiwlfA1RUJpIGi2pjxhKsTaagRw_JSVHfQcAGP0D9E-5K5k0afDR7cGwYKAQNEeDv62zwozOGox2cjh6gJcTVrmLmnf1pKHeiIE2iQj1Tlus/s1600/blue+meditation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfciBS3qkuh9AHVEp6T6HFQ8BfVzukZaNCiwlfA1RUJpIGi2pjxhKsTaagRw_JSVHfQcAGP0D9E-5K5k0afDR7cGwYKAQNEeDv62zwozOGox2cjh6gJcTVrmLmnf1pKHeiIE2iQj1Tlus/s320/blue+meditation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What are some of the reasons you could yearn </div><div class="MsoNormal">to start the<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Become-Buddha/190384012703?ref=ts"> journey </a>from</div><div class="MsoNormal">from microbe to Buddha?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFCj4biyQhEEBSuEEO4uSl1sBUBMHhmwwH3OTH3rms7uDIlD6O1vAA4gQjGshPCFKPNEeGP6dTpdVs0vPGFUcdnBSUz7Wo_Ye33qRun63OrtdNVCzesYbLsiZxwgAc17-J0F-xiJhcFo/s1600/buddha+cat+is+at+peace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFCj4biyQhEEBSuEEO4uSl1sBUBMHhmwwH3OTH3rms7uDIlD6O1vAA4gQjGshPCFKPNEeGP6dTpdVs0vPGFUcdnBSUz7Wo_Ye33qRun63OrtdNVCzesYbLsiZxwgAc17-J0F-xiJhcFo/s320/buddha+cat+is+at+peace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16586141449898727114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338531466519618776.post-71578325775640684782011-01-01T09:56:00.000-06:002011-01-01T09:56:54.821-06:00Dog BulliesHuman bullies are relatively easy to deal with.<br />
Either you stand up to them, or you contact law enforcement to deal with them.<br />
If bullying persists, there are laws and courts to deal with it.<br />
But what if the bully is a lesser being? Yes, I'm referring to my neighbor's dog.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3dr5azBAq99m9r6pVvtNkx9VQJX2oQdVJkfGjkixTJdnyfmNSehtGUKAH6atsu_PlGMyVbf5K8liSW4nZb5oWyOjE3ft-uQ14F6ct4EC504qxOglgMb3mTDFLSgNgaMKd_Y499wuzik/s1600/hound+of+the+baskervilles.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3dr5azBAq99m9r6pVvtNkx9VQJX2oQdVJkfGjkixTJdnyfmNSehtGUKAH6atsu_PlGMyVbf5K8liSW4nZb5oWyOjE3ft-uQ14F6ct4EC504qxOglgMb3mTDFLSgNgaMKd_Y499wuzik/s1600/hound+of+the+baskervilles.jpeg" /></a></div>The dog is quite violent. He gets out of his fence and charges me and my dog while I'm taking her out for a walk.<br />
Yesterday the dog got out and charged my husband while he was getting into the car.<br />
The owner knows about this problem. He's tried patching up his fence, but the dog can crawl out.<br />
When the neighbor is home he'll stand on the porch and threaten the dog.<br />
But on those days when the neighbor isn't home, the dog gets out and terrorizes the neighborhood.<br />
<br />
I love dogs. And for the most part, they love me back.<br />
But this one threatens me with a mauling every time I leave the house.<br />
So.<br />
I called animal control. I hate doing it.<br />
But when it comes to my and my family's safety as well as the safety and well being of the neighborhood--there are small children here and the thought of one of them getting mauled to death by this dog keeps me awake at night--I seem to have little recourse.<br />
The problem is, is that animal control doesn't seem to be interested in dealing with this problem.<br />
I called yesterday after getting chased into my house.<br />
They never came.<br />
I'll have to go outside to get the mail. I know the dog will get out and come after me.<br />
But the shelter is closed for the holidays so calling would be an exercise in futility.<br />
Calling the city police will only send me to a voice mail at the shelter.<br />
<br />
This caused me to consider the unthinkable; to borrow my brother's pellet gun and shoot the dog.<br />
I loathe that idea, but I also have no desire to spend the weekend in the hospital after being viciously mauled, either.<br />
I'll call animal control again on Monday, in hopes that someone will come out and restrain the animal before anyone gets hurt. If that doesn't work, I'll contact the DA's office and see what can legally be done.<br />
It's ludicrous to think I can't leave my own house because I'm being terrorized by a dog.<br />
A big dog--but still--a dog.<br />
May this issue be resolved quickly and easily without harm to anyone.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3dr5azBAq99m9r6pVvtNkx9VQJX2oQdVJkfGjkixTJdnyfmNSehtGUKAH6atsu_PlGMyVbf5K8liSW4nZb5oWyOjE3ft-uQ14F6ct4EC504qxOglgMb3mTDFLSgNgaMKd_Y499wuzik/s1600/hound+of+the+baskervilles.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Om Mani Padme HumPatriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16586141449898727114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338531466519618776.post-82880049602789524832010-12-29T07:39:00.000-06:002010-12-29T07:39:59.808-06:00A New Diet for Autism?: Finding Alternatives to the GFCF Diet<a href="http://www.suite101.com/content/a-new-diet-for-autism-a154116?sms_ss=blogger&at_xt=4d1b3a2694c7335b%2C0">A New Diet for Autism?: Finding Alternatives to the GFCF Diet</a><br /><br />http://www.facebook.com/pages/Become-Buddha/190384012703?v=wallPatriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16586141449898727114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338531466519618776.post-79920651862342548072010-12-26T07:03:00.003-06:002010-12-26T07:18:53.895-06:00Beware of the windmill tipping Lamas!<br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gazfbWXyoOUhGL9n-QkD66vbXmdkUdUKH-GCahVp1QQvSPXxyTX07GDV-XVNLMjFMoSVC-yUcFKmz_sDr7dl7TiDxlGIWDsmxOFnivPWTyhy6wk_8egQOpQ0uM1p_dNSNMfI2R2rmFU/s1600/windmill+tipper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gazfbWXyoOUhGL9n-QkD66vbXmdkUdUKH-GCahVp1QQvSPXxyTX07GDV-XVNLMjFMoSVC-yUcFKmz_sDr7dl7TiDxlGIWDsmxOFnivPWTyhy6wk_8egQOpQ0uM1p_dNSNMfI2R2rmFU/s1600/windmill+tipper.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Some Dharma teachers {be they lay or ordained} are on a mission. <br />
That mission doesn’t involve ending the tyranny of suffering, <br />
thereby enlightening themselves and others. <br />
<br />
Instead, they’re on a quest to end what they perceive to be as <br />
a ‘degeneration of the Dharma.’ <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09E-KH1SSSQUpppSJqU3uOo65RUK1SJ1jScLFRLteeqXKHHOWd3gxb5QSEmo-yoWrB6ratAW_P9-AafIuRa1cpi8PuXqn-oaITuKh3YJ1fcYlGEqFKLKckAycMRR8lPYcO0xzNdW-Hcs/s1600/donquiote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09E-KH1SSSQUpppSJqU3uOo65RUK1SJ1jScLFRLteeqXKHHOWd3gxb5QSEmo-yoWrB6ratAW_P9-AafIuRa1cpi8PuXqn-oaITuKh3YJ1fcYlGEqFKLKckAycMRR8lPYcO0xzNdW-Hcs/s1600/donquiote.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The sad thing is, this is as foolish and useless a task as <br />
Don Quixote’s crusade in the film Man of La Mancha.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_m_IEX6Z-dyci5D7Lfmaykjz13CoUnq9V0QtAI3Wprxj-BTDhI72EQ1oHCtowSqtma0nPP7YUkxTM8HMweOqN9HPGAVEP2Qjz6yOos5tHt7IwOQHE1FukyQpKfR4kWCUE8MedFkb5N3E/s1600/man+of+lamacha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_m_IEX6Z-dyci5D7Lfmaykjz13CoUnq9V0QtAI3Wprxj-BTDhI72EQ1oHCtowSqtma0nPP7YUkxTM8HMweOqN9HPGAVEP2Qjz6yOos5tHt7IwOQHE1FukyQpKfR4kWCUE8MedFkb5N3E/s1600/man+of+lamacha.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Have you seen Man of La Mancha?<br />
It’s one of my favorite films<br />
The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Quixote">book is</a> pretty good too. <br />
<br />
Don Quixote is a man who dreams of a fairy tale past <br />
where gallant knights in shining armor fought giants and dragons, <br />
and rescued fair damsels in distress.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Don Quixote is so enamored of these stories that <br />
he dons his grandfather’s rusted suit of armor, <br />
grabs an antiquated lance and treks across the <br />
Spanish countryside looking for giants and dragons to slay.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
He doesn’t find any, of course, because there aren’t any.<br />
However, Don Hidalgo Quixote is not concerned with the truth. <br />
He’s fixated on the myth. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And when he comes upon a neighboring windmill, <br />
he conveniently mistakes it for a dragon, and charges it.<br />
And as we know, charging windmills never ends well.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2FSS4gtK73ijd1YA6a3H4hfJW4dEsObKJMfO8cghl1hjFpNsjeioD4nbZxs5AkxLSev3E7OSkZjvsORALuLhn67dPAs6zKqJpXk-lwEYaWZLS52BX0yhw48FvP9Iz0FSH352rZg6pp8/s1600/Don_Quixote+falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2FSS4gtK73ijd1YA6a3H4hfJW4dEsObKJMfO8cghl1hjFpNsjeioD4nbZxs5AkxLSev3E7OSkZjvsORALuLhn67dPAs6zKqJpXk-lwEYaWZLS52BX0yhw48FvP9Iz0FSH352rZg6pp8/s320/Don_Quixote+falls.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“What does the story of Man from La Mancha have to do <br />
with degeneration the Dharma?” you may ask.<br />
<br />
<br />
Because there are teachers, for whatever reason of their own, <br />
who have embarked on a similar quest to <br />
rid Buddhism of teachers or teachings that they deem unworthy, <br />
in the guise of ‘preserving the Dharma.’ <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<em>Hmmmm smell of self-importance!</em><br />
<br />
They, like poor Don Quixote, are lost in the myths and legends of <br />
their own making. <br />
<br />
They don’t see a windmill as a windmill. <br />
They see ogres, giants and damsels in distress <br />
when there are <strong>NONE.</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And like Don Quioxte, who abandons his responsibilities to those who <br />
depend on him, these teachers abandon their students in <br />
a self aggrandizing desire to seek out and destroy what they <br />
consider to be fake or unworthy Lamas. <br />
<br />
Thus, the teacher becomes something akin to a Buddhist Joseph McCarthy or <br />
a contemplative Kenneth Starr by putting up nonsense websites and <br />
railing against others on his own web forums. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNhk3Js9_YUAs7wJPCzx_WgI0oCvjO7OMPDCQ4pbnke3Z2-Y27d8pHRRc8-QI5iJyYuooQmxOXc7wnl589BiBq7_dMMqs1pw5BDYhDext14ZMvMDIhbkrEvshyphenhyphenYajJFDTmMI3_gRsFt0/s1600/joseph+mcarthy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNhk3Js9_YUAs7wJPCzx_WgI0oCvjO7OMPDCQ4pbnke3Z2-Y27d8pHRRc8-QI5iJyYuooQmxOXc7wnl589BiBq7_dMMqs1pw5BDYhDext14ZMvMDIhbkrEvshyphenhyphenYajJFDTmMI3_gRsFt0/s1600/joseph+mcarthy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It’s especially sad whenever those who are in the position of teaching <br />
forget one of the core tenants that the Buddha himself taught.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQRr9iBF7uPAlARQBdSiuWm5cfedjm9cg-fh6Y-C5u5mbZTAHIQXATuOOLwTPmcWk5b_Di38rtZTnkZ4poLxXYee1LImLVILhxD0kZaoqIBv-3gMOWjjAM7r_xDVvNB-BeBoyjLRf9lU/s1600/facepalm-lion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQRr9iBF7uPAlARQBdSiuWm5cfedjm9cg-fh6Y-C5u5mbZTAHIQXATuOOLwTPmcWk5b_Di38rtZTnkZ4poLxXYee1LImLVILhxD0kZaoqIBv-3gMOWjjAM7r_xDVvNB-BeBoyjLRf9lU/s320/facepalm-lion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
What is that one tenant?<br />
<br />
There is only <strong>ONE </strong>criteria for determining whether or not a teacher or a teaching is <br />
worthy of reliance… <em><strong>it’s effectiveness</strong></em>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In other words:<br />
<br />
#1 suspend judgment and give a teacher the benefit of the doubt<br />
<br />
#2 receive his teachings<br />
<br />
#3 apply his teachings twice a day, every day, for no less then 6 consecutive days <br />
<br />
#4 and THEN ask yourself, “Have I grown, stagnated or degenerated?”<br />
<br />
Not only did Buddha state that the effects of teachings were the ONLY test of a teacher, <br />
BUT he insisted that logic, intuition, fame, reputation, prestige and convention <br />
{such as resume, credentials and letters of recommendation} <br />
would only lead you astray. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ym8E3SiLQO1g6jsUCxq1psvi7rUhGAqAQdZAxpWPpdmGhQCnmlo6EsA1gMmNlDI1XJvU-opk8Lmqxgy1wrleFJJrIZAjR9KDzbVsZ8kHNCCnNGTKzRosgY8M8x3NKvQZXzRvc5ovP_4/s1600/buddha+teaching.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ym8E3SiLQO1g6jsUCxq1psvi7rUhGAqAQdZAxpWPpdmGhQCnmlo6EsA1gMmNlDI1XJvU-opk8Lmqxgy1wrleFJJrIZAjR9KDzbVsZ8kHNCCnNGTKzRosgY8M8x3NKvQZXzRvc5ovP_4/s1600/buddha+teaching.bmp" /></a></div><br />
Gentle beings, if a crusader wearing rusted armor, <br />
and carrying a crooked lance knocks on your door, <br />
under the misguided idea that you need salvation, <br />
yet knows so little of Buddha’s teachings that he <br />
{in the name of protecting the teachings} <br />
ignores the teachings, <br />
then he is just another Don Quixote wannabe and for the sake of yourself and others, <br />
you should run, not walk to the nearest exit.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvUgrm9npe_dvuonQ5u57qoEIgNVUJL_VZhhG-CCsn4pUc1jTlWIXZvpQVU1v7cgISbmu19gIkATWhyoBzEwsnD5QsagmAMv4itxStOtQoc6CtVthMzYsrirWRMs6uT8Z0NjTug5jOa8/s1600/donquixote+award.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvUgrm9npe_dvuonQ5u57qoEIgNVUJL_VZhhG-CCsn4pUc1jTlWIXZvpQVU1v7cgISbmu19gIkATWhyoBzEwsnD5QsagmAMv4itxStOtQoc6CtVthMzYsrirWRMs6uT8Z0NjTug5jOa8/s320/donquixote+award.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
May these words benefit you and all beings.<br />
<br />
Om Mani Padme HumPatriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16586141449898727114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338531466519618776.post-68587166070761414992010-12-23T11:45:00.002-06:002010-12-23T11:45:16.886-06:00UpdateThe Dharma Adventure will be up and buzzing shortly. I apologize for the lengthy delay, but as a wise man once said, "life happens when you're busy making other plans."<br />
<br />
On that note, I'd like to add that my lama has given me permission to teach. If you're interested, contact me at valhall13 at yahoo dot com<br />
<br />
Thanks again for your patience.<br />
PatriciaPatriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16586141449898727114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338531466519618776.post-84730580351762599442010-10-19T13:19:00.002-05:002010-10-19T13:19:36.023-05:00hiatusI'm going on hiatus for a few months. Never fear, it's simply work related. I should be back in a few months.<br />
PatPatriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16586141449898727114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338531466519618776.post-23994087694361841922010-10-14T08:45:00.002-05:002010-10-14T08:49:19.454-05:00Walking Can Reduce Brain Shrinkage<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqs0A9LU3SF5CXz6dE8MuU0mUMIdCMFLQzIIPOgB0gCithhYpgBEquEKjHT2My5uSNU5SUyh25k1RkOOKFGmXAo0O9R1qMcG-xhzJenJFGyDNlVk3lQOWmDPMjhgev68ECSqFfEHgLbI/s1600/old-man-walking-on-an-ano-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqs0A9LU3SF5CXz6dE8MuU0mUMIdCMFLQzIIPOgB0gCithhYpgBEquEKjHT2My5uSNU5SUyh25k1RkOOKFGmXAo0O9R1qMcG-xhzJenJFGyDNlVk3lQOWmDPMjhgev68ECSqFfEHgLbI/s320/old-man-walking-on-an-ano-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/alzheimers"><span style="color: #0000cc;">www.guardian.co.uk/<wbr>lifeandstyle/alzheimers</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Here is a fascinating article I read this morning in regards to how walking can reduce brain shrinkage as we go<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2010/oct/13/walking-could-protect-brain-against-shrinking"> older</a>. Studies show that if a person walks at least 9 miles a week he or she can reduce the possibility of developing degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfkHQSKYV8DABa2mMh0iLuLjyi3VjrVUwoD5V918RVBMNDpb6UaoEC1BP9aOIY6eRRGnCWn6GlEQZQbD0oXnhlkVL62Tob4Q306WaBnzL2C49cnI2En-zKwr3-SBAJOKPwDhzUrSxnoY/s1600/brain+shrinkage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfkHQSKYV8DABa2mMh0iLuLjyi3VjrVUwoD5V918RVBMNDpb6UaoEC1BP9aOIY6eRRGnCWn6GlEQZQbD0oXnhlkVL62Tob4Q306WaBnzL2C49cnI2En-zKwr3-SBAJOKPwDhzUrSxnoY/s320/brain+shrinkage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It's certainly not a cure for Alzheimer's, but it's a good way to keep your brain healthy, regardless of whether you are in middle age or still in your twenties.<br />
<br />
I used to work in a nursing home (or two) and I noticed that residents who didn't walk, who didn't leave their rooms although they were ambulatory degenerated faster than those who could stroll the grounds. I saw this same phenomena when I worked as a home health care provider. If you're active, your brain stays healthy. If not, it develops sector errors and finally quits working altogether.<br />
<br />
So here's another reason to discard our sedentary lifestyles. If nothing else, go out after dinner and walk the block. It couldn't hurt.<br />
I know I've added walking to my daily routine.<br />
may you all benefit.Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16586141449898727114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338531466519618776.post-6782536754034852752010-10-12T16:27:00.003-05:002010-10-12T16:36:54.321-05:00The Long Walk<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzc9fv9Dp8Y06yqJTnr-DDSDmBlb9U8jOC_IYPIbirKbK70Sh6hYX9ra14KYHJx_5acSVKe79Or79TKSumorNRPcz4I1eYBmSLppV1mbwEO-JxVhwQOsJJPTi_3p4ubdtDA65Z7BcXZY/s1600/long_walk1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzc9fv9Dp8Y06yqJTnr-DDSDmBlb9U8jOC_IYPIbirKbK70Sh6hYX9ra14KYHJx_5acSVKe79Or79TKSumorNRPcz4I1eYBmSLppV1mbwEO-JxVhwQOsJJPTi_3p4ubdtDA65Z7BcXZY/s320/long_walk1.jpg" width="269" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.visitabergavenny.co.uk/uploads/long_walk1.jpg">http://www.visitabergavenny.co.uk/uploads/long_walk1.jpg</a><br />
all the artists right's reserved.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I have to admit it; I was afraid.<br />
It was irrational I know. <br />
It was after all just a walk to town and back.<br />
The walk was 4 miles, round trip.<br />
Hardly a trek across the Himalayas.<br />
<br />
I did my formal meditation practice,<br />
and planned a sequence <br />
of informal ones while I walked.<br />
<br />
The informal practices are very simple<br />
yet very effective.<br />
<br />
They go like <a href="http://www.lamajigme.com/">this:</a><br />
Inbreath: Why take fear?<br />
Outbreath: Chenrezig<br />
<br />
Inbreath: Take all fear<br />
Outbreath: Chenrezig<br />
<br />
In Breath: Chenrezig<br />
Out Breath: Letting go<br />
<br />
In Breath: Why give peace?<br />
Out Breath: Chenrezig<br />
<br />
In Breath: Give all peace<br />
Out Breath: Chenrezig<br />
<br />
In Breath: Chenrezig<br />
Out Breath: Letting go<br />
<br />
<br />
Although my journey<br />
took me across a couple of less than chic neighborhoods.<br />
I was still determined to go.<br />
So I loaded up my library books, kissed my husband<br />
and began my walk..<br />
<br />
There was nothing to fear.<br />
No one stopped me.<br />
The traffic was light<br />
the sky impossibly blue<br />
the heat of past summer blown away<br />
<br />
I walked down crumbling sidewalks<br />
passed crepe myrtles, spiderlilies and<br />
patches of wild onion.<br />
<br />
Houses decorated for the Halloween season<br />
yet I did not meet one single black cat.<br />
Or anyone at all for that matter.<br />
<br />
In no time at all<br />
I was in the middle of down town<br />
I discovered two little boutiques<br />
and a bistro tucked away between <br />
the old cinema building<br />
and a respiratory supply store.<br />
<br />
<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Li0-PXsrRHs?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Li0-PXsrRHs?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
I returned my books<br />
took the same route that I came<br />
marvelled at the beauty of the day<br />
that I would have missed if I had stayed inside<br />
locked away in my fear.<br />
<br />
<br />
I promised myself I would make this trip<br />
at least once a week as long as the weather holds.<br />
<br />
It is truly a good day to be alive.<br />
And to be able to practice<br />
even during a long walk.<br />
<br />
May you all benefit<br />
om mani padme humPatriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16586141449898727114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338531466519618776.post-74332941623119501342010-10-09T07:37:00.001-05:002010-10-09T15:31:23.316-05:00A Sunday School Lesson....From a Buddhist.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjXsRIdDFIYuQfdbRlJkmyTWjq8YXDcclOSpqcRAtj2sfH3EXyOJ16YGWSHzlss87w-epHCUekNA0ugw6p3khQ5Hw5hKcQ2AJ-4oellqsF0spGRzoxUoWx5bcF6CIr073Bk4NcqnElfY/s1600/sermon-on-the-mount.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjXsRIdDFIYuQfdbRlJkmyTWjq8YXDcclOSpqcRAtj2sfH3EXyOJ16YGWSHzlss87w-epHCUekNA0ugw6p3khQ5Hw5hKcQ2AJ-4oellqsF0spGRzoxUoWx5bcF6CIr073Bk4NcqnElfY/s320/sermon-on-the-mount.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><br />
I know it's been a while since I picked up Bible and read it through.<br />
But I don't recall at any time during my Biblical studies that Christ:<br />
<br />
Charged Lazarous' family for raising him from the dead<br />
Charged the blind and lame for healings and turned away those who couldn't pay<br />
<br />
Nor do I recall the Sermon on the Mount having had an admittance fee<br />
or gave teachings for the select few.<br />
<br />
I don't recall Christ forcing the hungry to pay for loaves and fishes<br />
Nor do I remember him hobnobbing with the wealthy and affluent<br />
<br />
I don't recall the Last Supper being a $500.00 a plate black tie affair,<br />
nor do I once ever remember the Lord giving someone the back of his hand<br />
and telling them to get a job when there weren't any.<br />
<br />
So.<br />
When self proclaimed Spiritual people<br />
Deny the poor<br />
the hungry<br />
and the sick<br />
much needed food and medical attention<br />
<br />
Or needed help with simple things<br />
not offering so much as a kind<br />
word of encouragement<br />
or inspiration<br />
<br />
Instead give the suffering their contempt;<br />
a slap in the face<br />
instead of the warmth of a smile and a kind word<br />
<br />
<br />
I have to wonder<br />
Would the Savior have approved?Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16586141449898727114noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338531466519618776.post-20180090424642112732010-10-07T11:35:00.000-05:002010-10-07T11:35:03.707-05:00Caring for the weakest links.The concept of social Darwinism isn’t a new one. It’s been around a while…at least during the age of the robber barons way back in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Darwinism">1890’s.</a> <br />
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The concept of social darwinsim is simple, sterile and horrific in its approach. The basic idea is this: those who are affluent, who are financially able to take care of themselves create a healthy vibrant society. The weak, afflicted and impoverished who, for whatever reason are not financially stable, are a drag on the society. According to Social Darwinists, the poor and afflicted are little more than parasites who, weaken a society as a whole, and thus, must be purged in order to keep the social order healthy and strong. In short, the economically strong survive, the weak do not.<br />
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Throw in eugenics (which America experimented with, literally, before Nazi Germany thought it was a grand idea and took it to the extreme) and pseudo-Christian furvor (believing that the prosperous are morally superior and thus blessed by God, whereas the poor are not) and you create a toxic mix that does far more damage to social and economic growth than anything the poor or weak could ever do.<br />
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Like I said, this concept is not new. It was tried out during the Victorian Era, dressed up in modern clothes and trotted out during the Great Depression, and has come back, redressed, re packaged for the post modern world, but it’s still the same moral sludge that pervaded hard times before. And sadly most likely will again.<br />
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Think it's not happening now? Think again.This isn’t just academic jerking off. Watch the news. Or better yet, go to the local mall or bistro, sit down and just watch people. Listen to the self righteous arrogance of those who say there is no such thing as a free ride in this world. That’s Social Darwinism in action.<br />
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Just imagine, your child gets sick. You have no health insurance. The Social Darwinist will tell you that it’s better to let the child die than to ask someone for help, because a sick child is a social and economic drag on society. Never mind that a human life is at stake. The society as a whole must be preserved, and if the weak must perish because of it, so be it. The child will be blessed with riches in Heaven, but that’s poor comfort to the parents who have to bury their child.<br />
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<br />
<br />
And there lies the crux of the problem. In a healthy society of lab mice, Social Darwinism works. In human society, not so much. Humans, in theory at least, are not rats. We are endowed with the capacity to feel compassion, empathy and the ability to distinguish right from wrong. Most of all, humans have a strong capacity for understanding injustice. And that’s where Social Darwinsim runs against the brick wall of realtiy.<br />
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<br />
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And the reality of this is, is that a segment of people can be repressed for only so long. And once that group gets fed up with it, really fed up with it, they revolt. And with revolution, heads literally roll.<br />
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Here’s the secret the social Darwinist doesn’t want you to know. A society is only as strong as its weakest member. A society is judged by how it treats the poor, the helpless and the indigent. A society without compassion, wisdom and love for all its members is doomed <br />
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Think on these things. Especially when you're tempted to tell someone who is hurting that there's no such thing as a free ride.<br />
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om mani padme humPatriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16586141449898727114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338531466519618776.post-81840048017802874952010-10-03T08:25:00.000-05:002010-10-03T08:25:14.059-05:00Monkey meets Buddha<object style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/EwuQRUuZ76w/hqdefault.jpg)" height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EwuQRUuZ76w?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EwuQRUuZ76w?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="425" height="344" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object><br /><br />http://www.facebook.com/pages/Become-Buddha/190384012703?v=wallPatriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16586141449898727114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338531466519618776.post-9460205026371637522010-09-30T15:31:00.000-05:002010-09-30T15:31:39.265-05:00Basic Crepe Experiment and the 20/40 Minute RuleAmericans don’t dine. We bolt down our food like starving dogs. Don’t believe me? Go to any restaurant and just watch people. When you eat at home, observe your family while they’re eating, that is if you're sitting at a table instead of gorging in the car on the way to some activity. <br />
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And its no wonder, when we spend so much time rushing from job to home, to after school activities with the kids, rushing around like ants from one task to another. If you’re in college and juggling a job and kids it's oh so much easier to either shove something into the microwave or go to the nearest take out.<br />
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Afterwards we feel the results, and are advised to take a little purple pill, or some other concoction to keep down what we ate. And if we sit down and really think about it, the food we’re eating is too noxious to digest, not just the first time, but time and time after that.<br />
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Who wants that?<br />
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I’m guilty as charged. After it occured to me that I eat way too fast, I decided to time myself. It took me ten minutes to eat a large salad, chicken breast and a piece of fruit.<br />
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Ten minutes.<br />
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I have no idea what it all tasted like. But I got the after effect, in spades.<br />
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I decided to look back into my French roots (yes French, not Irish as I had been told) and see exactly what this whole two hour lunch thing was about.<br />
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I found the concept incredibly simple, elegent, perfectly sensible. And very much in line with Dharma.<br />
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It’s about mindful eating. Its about relaxing and truly savoring and enjoying what you’ve eaten. Something my <a href="http://www.lamajigme.com/">teacher</a> advised about a while back and somehow forgotten. But more on that later.<br />
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Right now, I want to give you a gift. I present to you the 20/40 minute rule. It's not my idea, this concept has been around a while.<br />
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Here's how it works:<br />
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Spend 20 minutes on breakfast and lunch. Set a timer if you have to. You must eat at a table, whether it's in the break room at your office, or in the park or at a cafe. You cannot eat in the car, at your desk and for God's sake don't eat breakfast like I did when I was in nursing school, hunched over the kitchen sink!<br />
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Take your time and savor your food. Eat small portions. Stop and rest between bites. Engage in conversation with your family or co worker. You can do a concise meditation practice while you eat. (More on that later.) <br />
Dinner is a little different. The idea is to dine for 40 minutes. It’s not hard, but it does take practice, because gorging and dashing is a nation wide bad habit. You cannot eat in the car on the way to class or soccer practice. You cannot do this in front of the tv or while on the computer. You must sit down and actually acquaint yourself with your dinner plate as well as wit your dining companions.<br />
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Relax and enjoy your meal. Taste what you’re eating, really taste it. You might find, like I did, that I rushed through certain foods simply because I didn’t like them but was expected to eat them anyway. (remember all those starving kids in Africa?)<br />
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Take potatoes for example. I used to drown them in sour cream, gravy, cheese, butter, anything I could find to make them palatable. When I quit eating potatoes and tried a French fry not too long ago, I realized that it tasted like dirt. Greasy dirt. I didn't like potatoes. I never had, because they taste...well...dirty...I did the logical thing. I stopped eating them. Potatoes are no longer part of my diet. And honestly? I don't miss them.<br />
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That said, I want to introduce you to the idea of preparing your own food, sans microwave if you don't already. Preparing your meal should be as enjoyable as eating it, after all.<br />
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Therefore, I’m leaving you with my favorite paleo inspired recipe for the simple crepe. Don't let the idea of making a crepe intimidate you.. They're easy to make and...well give it a try and let me know how it turns out. <br />
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Bon apetit.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Paleo Crepe</strong></div><br />
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This is one of my experiments. I tried it a year or so ago after mimicking a basic crepe recipe and found it quite good, a little flakier than usual with a slightly nutty flavor. In fact, my mouth waters just thinking about it. This recipe makes two medium sized crepes.<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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¼ cup of almond flour<br />
1 egg<br />
2tbs of coconut milk <br />
2 tbs water<br />
1 1/2 tbs of coconut oil, melted<br />
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<strong>Directions</strong><br />
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In a large mixing bowl whisk together the almond flour and the egg. Gradually add in the coconut milk and water, stirring to combine. Then add the coconut butter and beat until smooth. <br />
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Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle using approximately ¼ cup for each crepe. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface of the griddle.<br />
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Cook the crepe for about two minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook on the other side. When the edges curl it’s done. Remove, add your favorite fillings and roll it into a tube, or just eat it plain. Personally I like to stuff mine with lightly sauteed apples, onions walnuts and a good quality extra lean sausage. <br />
Enjoy.Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16586141449898727114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338531466519618776.post-49435428210375357932010-09-27T15:05:00.000-05:002010-09-27T15:05:33.240-05:00No S Meets PaleoMy Lama tells me that in order for a practice to be effective, one must follow the teacher’s instructions for seven consecutive days and notice the results. By seven days one will know whether or not a teaching or a practice is worthwhile. If it is, continue. If not, discard it and find another teacher, practice, etc that works.<br />
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When I wrote <a href="http://www.lamajigme.com/">Lama Jigme</a> and asked what he thought about incorporating the <a href="http://www.nosdiet.com/">No S diet</a> into my daily nutritional routine, his response was the same: do it for a week, notice the results and then report the findings.<br />
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I did this and I am forwarding what I learned along to you.<br />
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What is this No S diet? Does it mean I cannot eat anything that has an S in it?<br />
No. <br />
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The No S diet is a set of simple commonsense guidelines that keep your eating habits under control. The no S diet works like this…no snacks, no sugar and no seconds, except on special days. Yep that’s it. How easy is that?<br />
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Before dietitians, nutritionists, big agriculture and even bigger diet companies got involved in our nutritional habits, it was normal to eat 3x a day with little or no snacking in between meals. As a child growing up in a working class household, we had three meals a day, no seconds and desserts were meted out only during special occasions, such as a birthday or holiday. Every now and then my step mother would bake something on the weekends, but that was a rare treat.<br />
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Think about your parents or your grand parents. I’m willing to bet that they ate 2-3 meals per day, rarely if never snacked, and had desserts only on special occasions too.<br />
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I understand that there are those folks who must eat six SMALL meals a day, but that doesn’t pertain to the rest of us who are healthy. The rest of us gets along just fine on three meals a day.<br />
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You see, it’s unnatural for humans to graze. We are simply not grazing animals. We’re predators. Our bodies have a natural cycle of fasting and sating. In other words, it’s perfectly natural and even acceptable to be hungry. Our ancestors went hungry, often for days if the hunting and gathering thing didn’t work out. They didn’t eat six meals a day plus snacks. They ate when they had it, hunted when they didn’t and adapted accordingly.<br />
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It makes sense, to me at least, that eating six meals a day (which as I said earlier, was designed for people with metabolic disorders) could contribute to the problem of obesity and diabetes instead of preventing it. Think about it. Eating all the time doesn’t give your pancreas or liver time to rest, to readjust insulin or enzyme levels. That means that your digestive tract is constantly working overtime, pumping in insulin, not to mention acids and enzymes at a pace that’s neither natural nor normal.<br />
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Because of this, I married the concepts of the Paleo Diet with the No S diet and voila! It worked very well, especially with several issues that I was having, which I will share in small increments throughout this week. The first thing I want to do is simply introduce the concept to you and let you think about it. Perhaps do a seven day consecutive trial run of the No S /Paleo Diet pairing and see how it works for you. For myself, it rid me of excess cravings, allowed myself to be hungry—truly hungry—and to savor my meals when it is time to eat. And of course, there’s Dharma practice involved, because unless an activity is connected to the Path, what good is it?<br />
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Until next<br />
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Om mani padme humPatriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16586141449898727114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338531466519618776.post-5844014803362036202010-09-25T14:32:00.085-05:002010-09-26T14:01:21.993-05:00Three Faux PasLast thanksgiving my seventeen year old nephew and his girlfriend came into the kitchen where I was busy preparing vegetables for the evening feast. He draped one arm casually over his girlfriend’s shoulder and says, “See how skinny my girlfriend is?”<br />
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<div></div>This was NOT something you should say to your Rubinesque aunt of an uncertain age.<br />
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<div></div>I spent the next ten minutes meditating on my rage with the techniques I was taught by my <a href="http://www.lamajigme.com/">teacher:</a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">IN-breath: {Where/ What [is] <em><u>rage?</u></em></div>OUT-breath: Chen-re-zig<br />
<br />
<div></div>IN-breath: How <u><em>rage </em></u>NOT<br />
OUT-breath: satisfy? <br />
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<div></div>IN-breath: How could<em><u> rage</u></em> <br />
OUT-breath: never last?<br />
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IN-breath: How could <em><u>rage</u></em><br />
OUT-breath: NOT be Grasp’d?<br />
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<div></div>IN-breath: Chen-re-zig <br />
OUT-breath: Letting-go<br />
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<div></div>I had to go through this cycle of practices several times, but it worked. At least I hadn’t chopped up my fingers along with the carrots.<br />
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Once calmer, I realized it was time that my nephew learned <em>the secret</em>. What is this secret? It’s the secret that keeps men from getting their sacks snatched off by an enraged female.<br />
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<div></div>If you wish to live a long peaceful life with the woman of your dreams I told him, never commit these three faux pas:<br />
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<div></div><ol><li> Never ever ever ever discuss your girlfriends weight, especially around another woman. We make comparisons, you see. </li>
<li> Never discuss your girlfriend’s age, or any woman’s age for that matter. </li>
<li>Never ever brag to your lover about your past sexual exploits. Wanna die early? Bring up an old girlfriend in middle of lovemaking. I promise it won't be pretty.</li>
</ol><br />
<div></div>At this point you might be wondering how this pertains to the Dharma, to diet and exercise. Perhaps not diet and exercise so much, unless you commit the unthinkable and are too out of shape to run for your life, but there is a bit of Dharma to convey to you within this little post. If you haven't guessed already, I'll tell you. The first was my use of Dharma to keep from ripping my nephew's face off and the second was being mindful of what you say to others.<br />
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<div></div>Enjoy your Sunday.<br />
om mani padme hum<br />
NOTE: Yes, I know it's a wine commercial. Im not advocating alcohol.<br />
Read the subtitles if you're not fluent in French. Then you'll understand why I chose it to illustrate today's post.Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16586141449898727114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338531466519618776.post-55030048735645328242010-09-23T13:31:00.003-05:002010-09-23T14:01:42.142-05:00Ladies, whatever became of our feminine mystique?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUIdeeGm_XHn6mivAje_cuiTHbIiprkUa7UvENunpuuKN1Wa_VR6TgKiuFhHqsrG-CNPPUk-RSOomXsjoG1eOFRX1-yDojNCrIvZe48QrprH7Xq1jlIYFJpF5LQqWDV7pTe70_to4hhs/s1600/Aphrodites_Revenge_40140006_std.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUIdeeGm_XHn6mivAje_cuiTHbIiprkUa7UvENunpuuKN1Wa_VR6TgKiuFhHqsrG-CNPPUk-RSOomXsjoG1eOFRX1-yDojNCrIvZe48QrprH7Xq1jlIYFJpF5LQqWDV7pTe70_to4hhs/s320/Aphrodites_Revenge_40140006_std.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Borrowed <a href="http://atelier809.com/annette_matrisciano"><span style="color: #0000cc;">atelier809.com/<wbr>annette_matrisciano</span></a> all her rights preserved</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Ages ago while sitting in the break room a co worker plunked down across from me and told me her life story in grossly personal detail. I didn’t respond, but sat there, shocked and feeling put out as this woman emotionally vomited on me. I literally couldn't get a word in edgewise. She simply wouldn't stop talking.<br />
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And when she did, she wanted to know about <em>my life</em>. Not the common garden variety things you ask someone when you’ve just met them, like what does your husband do for a living or what’s your favorite meal. No, she wanted intimate, deeply personal details about my life. Things I hadn't told my closest confidante or my own step mother.<br />
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When I told this rude woman quite frankly that the questions she asked were none of her business , she insisted. Ignoring her, I pulled a book out of my purse, opened it and began reading. I think this confused her, because it took some time for her to get the hint. When she finally realized she wasn’t going to get a response, she got up in a huff and stomped off, to let everyone within earshot know that I thought my shit didn’t stink.<br />
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After taking the dog for a walk this morning I came to think that people who mistake my desire for personal privacy with rudeness is a recurring theme in my life. But how can you not be rude to someone when they demand to know intimate details of your boudoir habits? You can't. It's simply none of any one's concern. And it was profoundly rude of them to ask.<br />
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I have my Aunt Marilla to thank for that, and I do with a whole and grateful heart. Shortly after my mother died, my aunt came to stay with us. When I went out to play I would go into the lot behind our house where all the women in the neighborhood kept their clothes lines. While they put up their laundry they gossiped, and I absorbed it like the 9 year old sponge I was. When I came inside to regale my aunt with some sordid information Mrs. X had told Mrs. Y, my Aunt Marilla, the brilliant woman that she was, handed me a mop and a bucket and told me that if I had time to gossip, I had time to clean.<br />
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Hence the first lesson in feminine mystique came from my wonderful Kiowa/French aunt!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>There is this impulse—almost an obsession—with giving out too much personal information, and worse, demanding it from others. And if you don't give out your private information, people think there's something wrong with you. Somehow, American culture seems to think this kind of behavior is nomal. I disagree. In fact I disagree so strongly that I flatly refuse to not only hop from one house to the next collecting and spreading gossip, but I also won't be assimilated into the collective of cell phones and I phones. I don't own a cell phone, a blackberry or an I phone, nor do I want one.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhynxwc9dc4SGS1Q7A5yOObuhP5vFdILOO2hcB2yJV5TWzejIUkK3IBQw5m1ainX4zbCe1dL3Myii9gmxtXGau07oaMgCVoPSMjJgJ95oTtMQDI9AE4doiO3uU4aWGCHPPqsUe5rqWQHFY/s1600/borgqueen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhynxwc9dc4SGS1Q7A5yOObuhP5vFdILOO2hcB2yJV5TWzejIUkK3IBQw5m1ainX4zbCe1dL3Myii9gmxtXGau07oaMgCVoPSMjJgJ95oTtMQDI9AE4doiO3uU4aWGCHPPqsUe5rqWQHFY/s320/borgqueen.jpg" /></a></div>No one relaxes any more; we’re too plugged in, so intent on giving out lurid details about their lives, and expecting to get the same that we spend more and more anxious moments pouring nonsensical speech into each other's ears than simply taking time out to enjoy our daily lives without the fuss.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, when my husband and I went to the grocery store, I saw no less than a twenty people wandering around, no more mindful of their surroundings than a turnip, dumping useless speech into mobile devices, and making sure that everyone in the surrounding area heard what they were saying. No one saw the beautiful flower displays, the produce aisle filled to capacity with the first fresh fruits of Autumn. They were all too busy gossiping. It was tragic. Our precious human lives is much too short to be wasted on nonsense such as this.<br />
I prefer to stay as unplugged as possible, which is difficult when my job is online, but I do take breaks. I relax, I rest, I enjoy my life, and nobody needs to know the intimate parts of it with the exception of my husband, and occasionally, my <a href="http://www.lamajigme.com/">Lama</a> who told me a few days ago that it was okay to relate some things about your past, but unless it relates to Dharma, what good is it?<br />
<br />
So I relate this to you, dear reader, not to regale you about my past exploits, but to invite you gently to unplug, de-gossip, relax and enjoy what life has to offer. You really really dont need to know you're neighbor's business, just as I don't need to know yours. I'm certain you'd be far happier if you did not. <br />
Au voir<br />
om mani padme humPatriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16586141449898727114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338531466519618776.post-84809056945910061602010-09-21T15:30:00.001-05:002010-09-21T15:36:26.816-05:00Joy!When was the last time you experienced true joy?<br />
Honest to goodness, tears streaming down your face joy?<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cPvWQooArxdvrcRevSDeQweVZgOCd2kO16q2vyIXPeDDJsoYnksHWiNoM_bO-Av3vHQ-Kda86QTyYdwVVNE0s4KKHrUXPFQp32R5c4NlBeEO3Dp9KANM4iwQwKZGpgjJYCfq-oz8gVk/s1600/joy.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cPvWQooArxdvrcRevSDeQweVZgOCd2kO16q2vyIXPeDDJsoYnksHWiNoM_bO-Av3vHQ-Kda86QTyYdwVVNE0s4KKHrUXPFQp32R5c4NlBeEO3Dp9KANM4iwQwKZGpgjJYCfq-oz8gVk/s320/joy.bmp" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gif borrowed <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHrp3AVqAIIWltc97imoRDn4hdcwfDIRZ7DEo4BeCyr-NrKN3IueKhyphenhyphenV2iQKilAmYDsmvJ8hu7ckaA0GSLAjAo8-hUV7AD-_LOIjWaPYQIk0okR97ocPevGuqNv-jHo-6Wx7YXo_Xxuo/s1600-r/jumping+joy+best+blog.jpg&imgrefurl=http://godotsway.blogspot.com/2007/12/jumping-with-joy-today-is-last-day-of.html&usg=__jS24qgt9pJOGdIcBpZuFKaQqjpY=&h=1200&w=1600&sz=176&hl=en&start=88&zoom=1&itbs=1&tbnid=hcCaYZzwIMailM:&tbnh=113&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3Djoy%26start%3D80%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D20%26tbs%3Disch:1">1</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Too often I meet somber Western Buddhists<br />
who take a Puritan approach to their practice<br />
<br />
Listen...<br />
<br />
I have a secret...<br />
<br />
The path to enlightenment is NOT to be treaded like a<br />
funeral march<br />
<br />
The path to enlightenment is tread with joy<br />
free from the tyranny of suffering.<br />
<br />
Om mani Padme hum.Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16586141449898727114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338531466519618776.post-79544582486552526152010-09-18T10:08:00.000-05:002010-09-18T10:08:41.622-05:00Shameless Plug<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUj7WaPV4Fz1PHXVQ5pl8I6JpvtRmGpdKe7Ikw86NdSR_PDf9boK6-j09QLIgVzzgOWqPSfgPk7vTuujqfhlOXJCV2RWvyAjmrjdCIXwbHw9mcL0wotqvNHxREf_7CQMovrWMNl1zXs6s/s1600/Glorious+Cover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUj7WaPV4Fz1PHXVQ5pl8I6JpvtRmGpdKe7Ikw86NdSR_PDf9boK6-j09QLIgVzzgOWqPSfgPk7vTuujqfhlOXJCV2RWvyAjmrjdCIXwbHw9mcL0wotqvNHxREf_7CQMovrWMNl1zXs6s/s320/Glorious+Cover.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I am a writer by trade, and even though it seems glamorous, it doesn't pay well. That is, of course, unless you're Nora Roberts or Stephen King, both of which I am not.<br />
<br />
Royalties for my novel, <a href="http://samhainpublishing.com/books/mercers-bayou">Mercer's Bayou</a>, for instance was 2.00 for this month.<br />
<br />
This blog runs via your donations, of which I am profoundly grateful. I does not, however, generate enough revenue to keep my water bill paid or my food pantry filled.<br />
<br />
And on that note, if you prefer, I offer you my latest work. A novel published by Mundania Press, entitled Glorious. This is a work of fiction, non Buddhist related (although I have found that Dharma does creep into everything I write) about a small town in rural Arkansas. What is it about, you ask? Think To Kill a Mockingbird.<br />
<br />
<br />
You can find copies of Glorious at your favorite bookstore in a few days once they're distributed. If you wish to sponsor this author by purchasing a copy of my current work (or my other books as well) and can't wait for it to arrive at your local Barnes and Nobels, You can order a copy from <a href="http://www.mundania.com/book.php?title=Glorious">here</a><br />
<br />
And of course, gifts of any form, be it art supplies for my tsa tsa workshop, cat/dog food or anything else is greatly appreciated and generates tremendous good karma for all of us.<br />
<br />
Thank you for your kindess and generosity.<br />
om mani padme humPatriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16586141449898727114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338531466519618776.post-7239476958053355872010-09-17T15:54:00.000-05:002010-09-17T15:54:46.802-05:00Carrot Salad6 carrots<br />
1 cup of raisins or dates<br />
1.2 cup of chopped walnuts<br />
<br />
shred the carrots, add raisins and walnuts. serve.<br />
<br />
There's no need for a dressing. This salad is perfect just as it is.Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16586141449898727114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338531466519618776.post-27273372709098894882010-09-14T10:37:00.000-05:002010-09-14T10:37:59.594-05:00The Joy of Baked EggsIt's been a while since I posted a recipe, so here goes:<br />
<br />
This is a simple recipe that I use for baked (shirred) eggs, compliments of Author Mark Bittman who has, wonder of wonders, his own <a href="http://www.howtocookeverything.tv/">website!</a><br />
<br />
So here it is, my paleo version of this excellent recipe. Enjoy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVcudc60P1hJy1rnh7naJiImllrQZBbbxWG2rzA5vbzbxZ0i35DG03dFos_WlzzVmGZgNA9pw6YunCJFTqigpU86NWEVu38hXDcdjwNx3748uuP_ZvraZjaeWGFL-o4DjWhEGO4aqRZM/s1600/BakedEgg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVcudc60P1hJy1rnh7naJiImllrQZBbbxWG2rzA5vbzbxZ0i35DG03dFos_WlzzVmGZgNA9pw6YunCJFTqigpU86NWEVu38hXDcdjwNx3748uuP_ZvraZjaeWGFL-o4DjWhEGO4aqRZM/s320/BakedEgg.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><strong>BAKED (SHIRRED) EGGS</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Prep Time: 20-30 minutes</div><div style="text-align: left;">Oven Preheat: 375</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">2-6 eggs</div><div style="text-align: left;">muffin tin or custard cups</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">coat the inside of the muffin tin or custard cups with olive oil. Deseed and chop up a Roma tomato until fine and place in the bottom of the cup.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Gently place eggs into the cup. I break the egg into a measuring cup and then gently slide the egg into the custard cup.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sprinkle with your favorite herbs. I prefer paprika myself.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the eggs are just set. Since the heat trapped inside the cup will allow the eggs to continue cooking, go ahead and take them out of the oven and let them 'set' for a minute or two. Remove from their cups and serve.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADzDtkUQIk9PAcYvOP2nqPhHa52RiU2tLrFZlwNyEhFQJr36-VgE8DnTf4wJPQ-KgCL1SY-2wZkCeb8MqjxhyphenhyphenBbtWOW8ysgJkphjI4kcxLwiJbLe8SzGtj5NSIZMcQSd33QffyL0ez54/s1600/how+to+cook+everything.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADzDtkUQIk9PAcYvOP2nqPhHa52RiU2tLrFZlwNyEhFQJr36-VgE8DnTf4wJPQ-KgCL1SY-2wZkCeb8MqjxhyphenhyphenBbtWOW8ysgJkphjI4kcxLwiJbLe8SzGtj5NSIZMcQSd33QffyL0ez54/s320/how+to+cook+everything.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recipe excerpted from the above text, pg 737</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
At some point in the near future, when my finances stabilize somewhat and I am able to experiment more, I am dying to create a paleo friendly beignet. I'll let you know how it works out.<br />
<br />
</div>Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16586141449898727114noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338531466519618776.post-74891570407098767032010-09-10T13:51:00.001-05:002010-09-10T13:55:15.072-05:009-11 Memorial Japanese Lantern Ceremony<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlWIaPoCupS5nBqmveJ61qoMBKy3odTbifE0sF1oEDipWt-N3_pZC4gZgx0RSlPr3T0Ajq_3ZNwNWbJjArwcsQWQjL_8fjAt_IxuLPWB92bkBFbPYRSaQ_WTP24yks3vB2p5sIrN1DUA/s1600/9-11-2010_flyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlWIaPoCupS5nBqmveJ61qoMBKy3odTbifE0sF1oEDipWt-N3_pZC4gZgx0RSlPr3T0Ajq_3ZNwNWbJjArwcsQWQjL_8fjAt_IxuLPWB92bkBFbPYRSaQ_WTP24yks3vB2p5sIrN1DUA/s320/9-11-2010_flyer.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
If you're as sick of Fundamentalist demagogues, fear ridden Islamaphobes and the media who pimps for them as much as I am, and if are looking for a much more compassionate activity for your 9-11 Day Memorial I humbly suggest the 9-11 Japanese Lantern Ceremony. I don't know the Buddhist church who is putting on the event, nor have they asked me to plug it.. I chose to do this on my own.<br />
<br />
If you can go, let me know. I'd love to interview some attendants for my upcoming blog post. If You're a member of NYBC give me a <a href="mailto:bluedelirium12@yahoo.com">shout </a>and let me know how it went.<br />
I pray for more media coverage for this event and others like it.<br />
om mani padme hum<br />
*********************************************************************************************************<br />
<br />
Greetings from the NYBC Sangha<br />
Special Events<br />
<br />
September 11th, Saturday, 9-11 Memorial Floating Lanterns Ceremony at Pier 40, from 6 to 9pm. Click here for additional <a href="http://information./">information.</a><a href="http://www.newyorkbuddhistchurch.org/">http://www.newyorkbuddhistchurch.org/</a>Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16586141449898727114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338531466519618776.post-62456424794902792962010-09-10T13:12:00.000-05:002010-09-10T13:12:44.481-05:00Fortunate Eon Translation ServicesI recall some years ago, that my Cherokee elder and language teacher told me that our language wasn't in our food, or dances, or the clothes we wear. Our culture is in our language.<br />
<br />
Being acutely aware of this, and being aware that the Tibetans are getting the same treatment my Cherokee and Kiowa ancestors got a century ago, I am very supportive of anything that keeps the Tibetan culture alive. True, there's that whole impermanence thing, but I don't see much point in sitting on the ground and letting it bulldoze over me.<br />
<br />
That said, I recieved permission from the gracious Tenpa from the <a href="http://tibetanaltar.blogspot.com/2010/09/fortunate-eon-tibetan-translation.html">Digital Tibetan Buddhist Altar</a>, where I tend to spend a bit of time, to repost this missive in regards to the lovely and talented<a href="http://tibetantranslation.wordpress.com/">Erick Sherab Zangpo</a>. Use his services, take a look at his beautiful art, and support Tibetan Culture as best as you can. And most of all, spread the word.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Qg7XZMBpOuI0tLon0p0nXPLNlZz9rDQovw-7dWzeHFDJk5ADcYrj1YNS61z6lnVTvMpqF9_2f2mtyglvW_dBrRISNjCu4txx9PBDVnEowiWKVj7XBgYlfAnPVnDFxAnxqxvlw2SvK_Q/s1600/fortunate+eon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Qg7XZMBpOuI0tLon0p0nXPLNlZz9rDQovw-7dWzeHFDJk5ADcYrj1YNS61z6lnVTvMpqF9_2f2mtyglvW_dBrRISNjCu4txx9PBDVnEowiWKVj7XBgYlfAnPVnDFxAnxqxvlw2SvK_Q/s320/fortunate+eon.jpg" /></a></div>Erick Sherab Zangpo is a gifted young American lotsawa living in India, who is well known and well liked for the fresh, poetic quality of his work. <br />
<br />
<br />
To help sustain himself, Erick has launched the Fortunate Eon Tibetan Translation Services, where you can have things done for yourself or your center at very reasonable rates.<br />
I really want to encourage everyone who has need of such services to contact Erick. When you stop and think about it, just how many young people nowadays bother with the Tibetan language? Sad, and sorry, to say --- but, even among young Tibetans, language often takes a back seat to other interests. <br />
<br />
So, in this regard, Erick is something of a rarity. <br />
Let's encourage him, shall we?<br />
<br />
By the way: if you like the "lotsawa" image above, you can order a splendid, 11 x 14" matted print from Namse Bangdzo, by clicking <a href="http://here./">here.</a><a href="http://www.namsebangdzo.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=15726">http://www.namsebangdzo.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=15726</a>Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16586141449898727114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338531466519618776.post-33025984238375010852010-09-08T08:02:00.003-05:002010-09-08T08:17:34.269-05:00The unhealthy aspects of sugarYes, It's a well known fact that I have a huge sugar Jones. And I admit I haven't done my best at staying away from it. Especially now when our food reserves are so depleted we are having to buy non paleo foods. But after last week, when I got a four alarm migraine I suspected sugar might be the cause but dismissed it.<br />
<br />
The truth was, I didn't want to give up my last habit.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qu_mHdnmtvKHsL1J_yG7FRN3ocMjHjvBFJFh5vsrq5-U-Ue0i2R6aG6Ksh8g8ASf53Oj7skFsRKkQaxO6T62n0HhB3EG5sRkxDxySPM-so1j4Aqqyi7v9vCd50ee33Db-uSXCtfmgNI/s1600/migraine.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qu_mHdnmtvKHsL1J_yG7FRN3ocMjHjvBFJFh5vsrq5-U-Ue0i2R6aG6Ksh8g8ASf53Oj7skFsRKkQaxO6T62n0HhB3EG5sRkxDxySPM-so1j4Aqqyi7v9vCd50ee33Db-uSXCtfmgNI/s320/migraine.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">composed by Linda Cousey all her rights reserved</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I had effectively eradicated nearly all intoxicants from my diet alcohol-caffeine-certain spices, but the two things I had trouble giving up were <a href="http://www.healingdaily.com/detoxification-diet/sugar.htm">sugar and chocolate</a>.<br />
<br />
I spent three days in bed with the worst headache on earth and still could not reach the conclusion that my favorite intoxicant could be the culprit.<br />
<br />
Until this morning, when I bypassed a beautiful nectarine to grab a creme filled donut that weren't even bought for me, they were for my husband's breakfast.<br />
<br />
And now the pounding headache is back.<br />
<br />
It's odd how we can cling to things, especially to things that make us physically ill. Its akin to sticking your hand on a red hot griddle because you like the smell of your own flesh burning.<br />
<br />
Enough of this.<br />
<br />
The sugar Jones must end and it must end today--right this very minute.<br />
<br />
And detoxing is gonna be a killer.<br />
<br />
But that's okay. I have the tools at my disposal to do it. My <a href="http://www.lamajigme.com/">Lama's</a> teachings on love and letting go are very effective. All I have to do is use them.<br />
<a href="http://www.womenfitness.net/combatmigraine.htm">And I will.</a>Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16586141449898727114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8338531466519618776.post-20926647747976905122010-09-04T10:27:00.001-05:002010-09-04T10:36:13.967-05:00Play Time!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZkpjCBnLMn4d70DKQ8yM_TuxhzSXh8XEG-IkBhc06trRd7t7Hk4IDar2KIYwjyoGDSe1GACRdnR4YE0frgg60miuwOsCb3mW80lBV8kTDfSL3hGDoacpK-ZC_mrsHtSMphwiKLeL_dI/s1600/girl+on+swing.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZkpjCBnLMn4d70DKQ8yM_TuxhzSXh8XEG-IkBhc06trRd7t7Hk4IDar2KIYwjyoGDSe1GACRdnR4YE0frgg60miuwOsCb3mW80lBV8kTDfSL3hGDoacpK-ZC_mrsHtSMphwiKLeL_dI/s320/girl+on+swing.bmp" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image borrowed from a fellow Deviant Artist. All the artist's rights are theirs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I’ve fallen back into an old habit. It’s the same habit that got me into trouble back in the mid eighties when I fell asleep at the wheel of my dad’s El Camino and sank it in a flooded ten foot deep embankment. What is this old habit? It's probably similar to the one you yourself is into right this minute: adding so much stuff to the day that it’s impossible to complete all the tasks we've set ourselves. For me, the toll comes in the form of stress and sleep deprivation. When I go to sleep I cannot stay that way. I’m up before the rooster crows, scrubbing floors and emptying cat boxes.<br />
<br />
<br />
This particular type of sleep deprivation was sneaky, so sneaky I hadn't noticed it until it until a few days ago, so I cannot tell you exactly when this got started. At some point, I started making due with six hours of sleep a night, which was fine, I reasoned, because studies show that the older you get the less sleep you need. Then I started waking up after five hours sleep, giddy and eager to get the ‘day over with,’ so I could have the afternoon with my husband and have some time to play guitar, paint or read, or watch a movie.<br />
<br />
But as the day stretched on, other things took priority, and before I knew it, I was going to bed at midnight and rising at five am. And still, I hadn’t given it much thought. By midweek the hours dwindled again. I was going to bed around midnight, and waking at four am.<br />
<br />
By the time I was ready for my weekly Dharma class with <a href="http://www.lamajigme.com/">Lama Jigme,</a> I was waking at three am.<br />
<br />
"When was the last time you played?" Lama Jigme asked me during our meeting.<br />
<br />
I had to stop and think about it. It had been quite some time. In fact, I couldn’t give him a proper answer.<br />
<br />
Last month when I was feeling overwhelmed, he told me to take at least fifteen minutes out of every hour and rest, read, dance, play with the dog, in short: have fun. <br />
<br />
I tried following that advice. I really did. But there was so much to do. The dog needed her ears cleaned, the floors needed sweeping, dishes were piled in the sink. I had a book review overdue. The next thing I knew, I had taken out the needed fifteen minutes for fun time and filled them with extra housework. Then before I knew it, I was up all hours, sleeping less than three hours a night, feeling cranky, exhausted and strangely revved up, as if I was on a caffeine high.<br />
<br />
This is what happens I realized, when you don’t’ follow your teacher’s instructions. Didn’t he tell me that even the monks in the monastery he once resided hosted fun activities?<br />
<br />
You can’t become enlightened if you’re staggering down the path like the sleep deprived zombie that you are, I told myself. It’s time to follow your teacher’s instructions. It’s time to rest. It's time to break out, and have some fun.<br />
<br />
It wasn’t so long ago I was a child, and that I, like all children, looked forward to the break in routine to go out and play. And today and tomorrow is exactly what I will to do. I will unplug, work on my guitar practice, my sculpting, my reading, (Odd Thomas awaits) and maybe indulge my inner DaVinci by painting. And during the week, I will take those much needed fifteen minutes out of each hour to give myself a play time treat. I will also resume going to bed at a reasonable hour.<br />
<br />
This weekend is, after all, mine to do with as I wish. The possibilities are endless.<br />
<br />
But first: a much needed nap.<br />
<br />
may you be happy and healthy<br />
om mani padme humPatriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16586141449898727114noreply@blogger.com0