Fun with Buddhism

Just so everyone knows, I will be going away on vacation starting tomorrow with no ability to blog, but will resume my usual practice once I return. With my impending vacation, I have been thinking about how it all fits into my Buddhist walk. As Americans, we LOVE entertainment! We use it to distract ourselves without even knowing it. At that moment where Lorelei is asleep and I have been going all day playing with her and cleaning or doing my mommy duties my first impulse is to turn on the television or pick up a book. Lately I have been fighting against this natural impulse. Pema talks about those moments of quiet being so key to mental health. Let those moments permeate you. When you feel bored, be in that moment. Feel the joy of simply being where you are. Experiencing the sounds and colors and smells of where I am brings so much joy to me. It helps me to refocus and snap back into a mindful state when I have been thinking about this or that. My mind will wander into some uncharted territory about "what happens if?!" (and I am getting better at realizing when these moments occur) and suddenly I snap out of it and realize where I am and that I don't have to worry. I can sit and just be where I am. So on my vacation this week which has the potential of being so hectic and draining, I will practice mindfulness and simply be where I am. I will not seek an outlet to keep my mind busy the whole time in order to avoid myself. I am coming to realize that I am a much better person when I stop trying to be who I think I should be! It is so wierd. Finally I am the person I always wanted to be: I have energy and zeal for life, I want to be with the ones I love without worrying if it will drain me mentally. I have so much to give now! Truly, I feel that a net has caught me from falling. So, let's go and have fun experiencing all the ups and downs of life!