In My Mind’s Zen Garden

Onigiriman has tagged me, so now I must write a blog with 8 facts/things/habits about myself. And, away we go….

. . . .

1. I don’t shop much because… a) I tend to be very frugal. b) and yes, I don’t have much money anyways. c) part of the yogic philosophy I follow does not emphasize accumulating material wealth.

2. But, I do buy things on occasion when I “really” need them. And I do try to focus on quality over quantity. So, you’ll seldom see me at a 99 cent store… not to say that I haven’t been to a 99 cent store, though.

3. I’m a neat freak. And although I don’t think I’m obsessive/compulsive, I do enjoy a clean and orderly home. So, I tend to get upset when things are in disarray. I always end up being the one to vacuum and dust… but I consider that part of my “training”… wax on, wax off, if you know what I mean.

4. I seldom listen to “new” music. So, I’m terribly out-of-touch with the latest top-40 hits. Most of the music I listen to are much older classical and jazz recordings. But I look at it this way… I’m like a musical astronomer, but instead of studying old stars I study the songs, as if they are twinkling stars from the past that still have light.

5. I’m a member of PETA, but I’m not a hardcore activist. I still believe in the “live and let live” philosophy. I simply love animals enough that I don’t want to eat them anymore. It’s not just the diet. It’s become an awareness and sensitivity to the plight and suffering of living beings who are mistreated and used for food, while in deplorable living conditions that many of us either fail to acknowledge or are unaware of. A couple of celebrities have inspired me to become a very strict vegetarian (vegan)… They are: Natalie Portman (who’s been a vegan since eight years old), and Sir Paul McCartney.

6. I always sleep on my side, preferably in a fetal-type position.

7. I believe in the spiritual side of life… in God. Though religiously, I’m torn between Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Zen and Taosim. I’ve been writing lots of special notes though… and I guess I’m sort of formulating my own personal religion.

8. I’m currently listening to “Appalachian Spring” by Aaron Copland, one of my all-time favorite classical compositions. Every time I listen to it, I imagine the sunshine peaking through the trees and meadows full of flowers. I guess each time I listen to it I am reminded of the beauty that can be found in nature.

And now I’m supposed to tag others, although a few of you may have done this already. Anyway, I tag: Annie, Alaysia, Pat, Sophia and Cyn.

[tag]peta, spirituality, vegan, training[/tag]