Buddhism Light

In these trying times, I am quickly realizing that a positive attitude is essential to survival. Both personal events, the downward shift of the world economy, continued warfare under the guise of race, religion, ethnicity, "property rights," geographic borders, natural resources, etc., has convinced me of the power of positive thinking and the necessity of hope (as newly elected US President Barack Obama often posits).

So par for the course, when I have a new epiphany (well, lets be honest, my above-referenced epiphany is not all that new), I promptly jump to action. I ask myself, WHO is the expert on positivity and training the mind, and WHERE do I go to find him or her? **BUDDHA**


Again, I know, this is not earth-shattering news. Nevertheless, I decide to learn more about Buddhism as a means to navigate a new path and to become a more positive person. My path looks a little bit like this:

Step 1 - buy lots of books on Buddhism
Step 2 - promptly build a shrine, complete with incense, a Buddha statue, a lotus flower candle and an over-priced meditation pillow
Step 3 - go to Thailand (home to LOTS of Buddhists)

So I completed steps 1 and 2 with the sincere intention of learning more about Buddhism and specifically, how to calm my mind. But confession - my trip to Thailand pursuant to step 3 was happenstance. My father had invited me to take a brief reprieve from the blustering cold of New York City with a 2 week scuba trip to Thailand. Sure, sun, boats, tropical waters, cheap Thai massages, fabu Thai food – why not? It was not until I arrived at the Bangkok International Airport that I realized that I landed in, shall we say, "Buddhism Central."

There were Buddhists and Buddhist temples everywhere.
[Read] - THIS IS A SIGN - I am supposed to learn more about Buddhism!!! Beyond my chanting in an occasional yoga class, my impromptu attempts at mediation, my affinity for Chai tea, and my love for travel throughout Asia - I think I am supposed to learn more about Buddha (including my inner-Buddha).

While I remain in awe of all world religions, its time that I give Buddhism a little love. If there is a chance that I may become more calm, positive and forward thinking - sign me up. While I am culturally Christian and I am loyal to my roots, there is something to be said for expanding my mind and experience. “Buddhism light” shall we say?

Namaste!

Why I have fallen in love with Mexico...

I have fallen in love with Mexico without really realizing it. Actually, its more of a love/hate relationship. Some days I am amazed at the depth of the culture, the way I feel here, the song that the language makes, the aroma of the food, etc. Other days, I am struck with overwhelming feelings of frustration. A certain sort of isolation that not only comes with just barely understanding the language, but also the nuances that give it life and reveal the truth of its people. I also feel angered by some of the immense injustice that occurs in Mexico and by the realization that no one has control over the borders with which they are born. Its the hand that you are dealt.
So as I ponder my time in Mexico City, I feel a host of contradictions. I am so very happy that I came here. I feel like I have finally met a neighbor that I never knew, despite our close proximity throughout my life. I feel like I have a somewhat deeper understanding of this country and the people that it holds. I feel like I have a whole heck of a lot more to learn. And I feel grateful to reaffirm my belief that there are wonderful people all over this world that we live in.
As I prepare for my fast approaching departure, I hope that I will return here. I hope that I will continue to learn about Mexico and its people, and about the relationship between our two countries. We are all cut from the same fabric, we just have slightly different perspectives and lived experiences. I want advocate for and promote this truth, because Lord, God, Goddess, Allah, Vishnu, Buddha or whatever one chooses to ascribe to, knows, it may do a lot for world peace. I feel fortunate to live the life that I have and to take advantage of the opportunities before me. Its the people around me who have made this possible, as well as my own desire to know and understand all cultures. I am amazed by the human spirit and the manifestations with which it takes. I am blessed.

WE DID IT!!!

Amy and I dared to leave the "safe" confines of el Distrito Federal (la Ciudad de Mexico) to scale los piramides de Teotihuacan (or, well, at least one of the pyramids:-)! Teotihuacan is the most visited of Mexico’s archaeological sites, and la Piramide del Sol is the third largest pyramid in the world.
The ancient city peaked in the first half of the first millenium, and was named by Nahuatl-speaking Aztecs centuries after the city's fall. The Aztecs considered Teotihuacan a holy place where the sun, moon and universe were created, and as such, the name means, "the place where men become gods".

While Teotihuacan is now a UNESCO Heritage cite, Amy and I were happy to learn that, unlike monuments in America, we were free to climb/traverse/damage all parts of this ancient citadel. Kidding, of course. In the blazing heat, with no water, biscuits or sustenance of any kind, we walked the 4 km "Avenida de los Muertos" (Avenue of the Dead) and climbed the tallest of the pyramids, la Piramide del Sol (Pyramid of the Sun).
After taking in the amazing scenery, we decided it best to save la Piramide de la Luna (Pyramid of the Moon) for another day. I truly believe the altitude must have had something to do with our relative level of exhaustion. Also, it takes a lot of energy to fend off the Mexicano/Mexicana vendadores constantly seeking to strike a deal. Seriously folks, you can purchase anything from hand woven rugs, to lethal bows and arrows, to fine jewelry, to random whistles that make super annoying sounds, in Teotihuacan.

The experience was nothing less than awesome. The condition of the site was incredible. And the micheladas and taquitos following the long arduous journey were well worth it. We recommend the trip to anyone who happens to find themselves el la Ciudad de Mexico! Vamanos y Vaya con dios!

Bienvenidos a Xochimilco

Bienvenidos a Xochimilco (soo-chee-mill-ko). This indigenous word translates to "place of flowers," or more accurately, little Venice of la Ciudad de Mexico. At one point, Mexico City was comprised a series of lake beds and canals such as in Xochimilco. The indigenous people lived on the banks and navigated the canals with various barcas (boats). Today, Xochimilco is a place for rest, relaxation, fun with good friends and LOTS of fabulous food.

I joined a group of friends (gringas y Mexicano/as) for a birthday celebration at this fabulous location, true Xochimilco style. To celebrate the occasion, we hired a boat and some extremely experienced fourteen-year old boat captains. We also partook in the local cuisine (tacos, chincaron (fried pig skin), avocados, limes, chips, cerveza and some birthday postre).

Each boat is named after an adored woman and her name is posted on a beautiful placard. Traditionally these placards were covered with fresh flowers. Today...its more of a 1980s flourescent theme. As you float down the canals, you are visited by neighboring boats carrying mariachis playing Mexicano cancions, women making corn, quesadillas and the like, and other vendadors selling anything from handmade dolls to giant sombreros.

It was a day to remember in la Ciudad de Mexico. One indicative of the locals' relaxed and friendly demeanor, and true appreciation of time with friends and family.

Hi...I am a blogger now!

Thanks to my long-time friend Dov-bird, I am now officially a blogger. BIENVENIDOS a mi blog!