realexplodingcat: (Default)
explodingcat ([personal profile] realexplodingcat) wrote2004-10-08 07:12 pm

(no subject)

Seems like forever since I last posted here. This class I'm taking is keeping me busy. Not so busy that I don't have time to do anything, but busy enough that when I have down time I don't really want to do activities that yield some kind of output, like writing or composing music. I've been doing more restorative activities like reading, taking walks, meditation, and exercise.

I am going less crazy over the class, but that experience is pushing me to find an inner peace to hold on to when all else is going nuts. I have always been intrigued by Buddhism and I'm considering seeking some formal experience with it. I think part of me misses a little bit of the ritual of being Catholic (which is the way I was raised) and the spiritual glue that binds one's disparate activities together. But the Catholic establishment no longer appeals to me. So, I'll check out the Buddha. Maybe I can find out why this guy who eschews materialism and lives without earthly desires is always portrayed as being fat.

Sort of related to the inner-peace thing: the other day I went to bed early, and woke up an hour earlier than usual. I usually just roll out of bed at 9am and right into the office. But I decided to try getting up early, to start the day with some personal time. It was a very nice way to set the tone for the day. I'd love to continue doing that, if I can manage to get to bed consistently earlier.

Yesterday, I thought it might be a good idea to take back the power in my relationship with my boss. I fixed a bug in our software in a way that only I could do. That's power! I control the bug fixing! So, I thought, next time my boss prompts me for a fix, I'll say, "I don't think you want it bad enough! I'm not going to check-in this bug fix unless you beg for it!"

And I blasted a squirrel off our bird feeder with the hose. Yes, indeed. I still can't bring myself to shoot them out of the trees, but I think I'm within my rights to defend my bird feeder.

Re: Heh, sorry to keep commenting...

[identity profile] explodingcat.livejournal.com 2004-10-09 08:11 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm familiar with the concept of the middle way. Taoism, which I know a bit more about, is very concerned with finding balance...the middle. Although I'm not certain, I think Taoist thought grew out of Buddhism. I know there are Taoist sects of Buddhists. And I think I saw part of a movie once that depicted that very same moment in Siddhartha's life, not that you mention it. "Little Buddha." I think Keanu Reeves, of all people, portrays Siddhartha.

But that doesn't explain why he's fat. Middle way implies a state in between emaciated and fat. Of course, I am looking at these works of art through the eyes of a 21st century American. Standards of beauty and balance are quite different now, I'm sure.

Did you find out if anyone else wanted dumplings on Monday?