sacred life *[mr. dalai lama]

"with realization of one's own potential and
self-confidence in one's ability, one can build
a better world." ~dalai lama

i gave myself a little birthday gift. thursday

i hopped in the car and drove to bloomington
to spend a few days with miz c. we went out
for mexican thursday night with her two roomates
and one of their mom's. then friday early morn,
miz c and i went to listen to the dalai lama speak.

as we entered the auditorium, i had goosebumps

on every inch of my body. on the stage sat tibetan
monks and nuns, sitting in yoga form and chanting
their mantras. peace simply overcame my body.
this was a teaching session. the dalai lama spoke

in his native tongue and the the translator spoke

to the audience explaining the readings. at first,
i was a bit taken back by this presentation, but i just
went with it - watching every move he made and held
on to every syllabel that flowed from his mouth.
this went on for over two hours and as time passed
he became more animated, he began to giggle. what
a gift this soul is.

then what i had been waiting for, he spoke directly to

us. his personal ideals and thoughts. i sat high in the

balcony and let the tears flow, i knew i was witnessing
something grand. a kind spirit, a peaceful man, a man
who giggles and makes you feel like you are the only one

in the room.

i wasn't going to go, i worried that the tickets were too

expensive, but for once i just said screw it - and i seized
the moment.

on the way home, i stopped at a funky new age shop. they
have something for every faith, belief or non believer. i picked
up a book that a dear chick had told me about....the four agreements.
i am soaking that up too.

his message is so simple, it is profound. why is something this
simple so hard for us to grasp on to? here was his message....

"whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn't anyone who doesn't appreciate kindness and compassion."

oh....and a warm heart.

and with that - peace be with each of you.