wish lists

i know that there was a movie out recently- ‘the bucket list’ or something to that effect- but i didn’t see it. i don’t make wish lists anymore. when i was packing to move, i ran across an old list i had made when i needed something to look forward to and i realized that i had everything on that list. and of course, i started thinking about all that i had and the so very many people who don’t have even a fraction of what i have- and it made me grateful that i do have what i have. i used the vacation as a time to start through the summer reading list- lord knows i didn’t take any real political books (naomi klein stayed home ) i didn’t want to really be put on a list somewhere- i mean i have to be on somebody’s list somewhere- but not on the no fly list (for my husband’s sake). anyhoo, i took some of the buddhist themed books and it really seemed to click in my mind. the idea that we are all inherently bound together on this planet- like it or not- and that we need to reconnect with each other in a loving and compassionate way- because violence only begets violence. and we need to reconnect with the planet on a basic level and restore a harmony and a balance. and we don’t.

the biggest theme i have been taking from a cross section of books- we have to start the process from within first or it won’t work. working towards peace won’t work if we are anti-war. my big hurdle is overcoming my distaste and disgust for the right wing neo cons- let’s face it, the sean hannitys and the michael savages of the world are not easy to like- let alone feel any sort of basic respect for. but i have to work on that- on a basic human level. we can’t pick and choose who we feel love and compassion for and expect there to be peace on the planet. as long as there’s the ‘us versus them’ mentality or the ‘our way is best’ mindset- there will always be war and greed and power struggles. not easy. i can see why folks turn to one of the three big religions- hey, just abdicate all power to an unseen entity and then pray for forgiveness. no responsibility or accountability- in the name of god. far easier than actually changing the way you approach the world.

engaged buddhism is actually practicing what you learn- connecting with the planet and the people in order that all may share happiness and peace. not through proselytizing- but by just projecting the peace and happiness from within us to the world. sharing it with others and realizing that they are all searching for the same goals we are. and as i said- i struggle. i am a real newbie when it comes to walking on the eightfold path. yep. i have a feeling it is going to be an uphill struggle for me not to isolate myself away from the stupidity and greed and selfishness that our culture promotes. i want to set up a meditation place for myself in my new home because i have a feeling i am going to need it. the backyard bunnies feel like better companions for me than human beings at this point- but i am going to walk. i am not going to try- i am just going to step out onto a new path on life’s journey.

mindful politics: a buddhist guide to making the world a better place

the tao of eating: feeding your soul through everyday experiences

creating true peace: ending violence in yourself, your family, your community, and the world