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Com•mence•ment. n. a beginning; a start
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Didn’t start out as a tiger but glad to finish as one :)
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Family :)
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“There is a good reason they call these ceremonies “commencement exercises.” Graduation is not the end; it’s the beginning.”
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#graduationpresent #bassclef my parents know me too well #slappadabass #doyouknowwhatitmeans… New York, here I come! (Taken with instagram)
Through mindfulness we can tame our most ferocious of desires.
The last 4-5 years I’ve been plagued with stomach issues. At first, it took nearly 6 months to identify the problem. I have developed an intolerance to a certain chemical found in plants of the allium family. This means that when I eat foods with onions, leek, or garlic I become ill. The symptoms include a rise in temperature, flushed face, discontent stomach, acid reflux, and in extreme circumstances even regurgitation. Obviously this is tough because the best foods have garlic and onion, in my opinion. Through meditation and yoga, I have been able to control the symptoms to an extent, but sometimes my mind is not strong enough to overcome a natural response from my body. This presents me with a unique circumstance though. I now have an opportunity to accept what I cannot control. This is a key lesson in life because there are many times when we cannot completely control something. This is ok. We are not supposed to control everything. Acceptance is a great practice and can help anybody move on from any obstacle. At least, I have some control through meditation and can now eat a little bit of seasoned food. For this I am thankful.
I’m going to the temple today for meditation with my Vietnamese brothers and sisters. Join our sangha in meditation. We meditate at 7:30 central time for about 30 minutes. Add to our positive energy and lets send it around the world. After meditation, we will chant in Vietnamese. I have no clue what we say, I just try to keep up. Finding myself lost in another language, I remember words are man created but the abstraction they try to signify is beyond the self. This experience is both humbling and awe inspiring. Get lost in the trees my fellow travelers.
Occupy yourself! “The only way to bring peace to the earth is to learn to make our own life peaceful.” ~Buddha
Music transcends the self. It brings joy to all beings and can be used as a great way to get in touch with the divine. If you play an instrument, pick it up and don’t think, just play. Let the emotion flow through your body and manifest itself in this physical world through the instrument. If you do not know how to play an instrument, pick one up and learn. It does not matter if you are not good at first. It is never a competition, just an opportunity for self-reflection and improvement. Any moment can be seen as meditative, but some of my personal favorites are musical moments. The best part about music is that it is meant to be shared with loved ones. Make it. Share it. Appreciate it. Love it.
May each and everyone of you find Peace and Happiness today,
zj
