ariel's blog

What is it about me and quotes these days? I'm having an allergy towards quotes. I feel a criticism creeping up; a judgment forming. Using quotes are unoriginal. They lack spontaneity and creativity. They are over used and my use of them is sophomoric and intellectually adolescent. Well, that's more of my envy speaking out. Envy and jealousy of all those before me, who were so eloquent at capturing their emotions and thoughts.

Sometimes I wonder. Sometimes? Most of the time. I'm learning so much these days. Reading more than I've ever read in any point in my life. These days I'm learning about the way of the Buddha and his teachings. Right now it's all concepts. I'm a 'spiritual midget.' Still growing, still learning. I've gone through some growth spurts lately. Sometimes the catalyst has been pain. Other times it's been increased awareness -- mindfulness -- as it's called in Buddhism.

I am a “spiritual midget” as Julia Cameron has called herself. I'm just starting my journey of learning about Buddhism and all its teachings. However, asceticism is something that stuck out in my mind. I started to think about a part from the Life of The Buddha, describing Siddhartha's experience with fasting. His attempt to attain enlightenment through extreme asceticism, giving up food and drink completely. The story of him eating only a grain of rice a day until he nearly died of starvation.

Sometimes I don't feel welcomed in my own neighborhood. Sometimes when I walk my dogs through my neighborhood I hear car doors and front doors being locked. I don't think my dogs are that scary, but some people must have a phobia of dogs.

Who would have thought that I would say a movie with Sarah Michelle Gellar was really good. No I'm not a Buffy fan. But, I can't say I haven't watched a show or two. And, come on, Brendan Fraser? The Mummy? Yeah, I liked that movie too, but a movie like this? Actually made me think.