I have fifteen minutes to write this.
I know Buddhsim works for me, and I want to practice every day. I’ve tried apps, books, meditation retreats and everything to make me a better practitioner and person. I’m not. I’ve been reading, learning, studying, longing to be enlightened since I was a teenager, but I’m just not that disciplined. I like shortcuts too much, I like the worldly push and pull. I like to fail, then rise up. I apparently like to struggle too. I don’t do much ‘nice and easy,’ or disciplined either. Oh well!
But this week, I said to myself: “you can still go to Dharma class, even if you fail at daily practice. Just do it when you remember. Intention and paying attention will go a long way if you believe it will.” Context: I really needed Dharma class, things have been crazy around here.
And, I have a family in needs of lots of things, and I work A LOT. I see tons of music media in my work. And, so I saw lots of Tina Turner this past week. And I admire the heck out of her. If you know anything about her, you don’t need me to say why. She’s just remarkable. But what you may not know is that she’s a practicing Buddhist and wrote a book about happiness.
So, this week, every time I saw a photo of Tina, I caught myself noticing her smile – she has the face of FREEDOM. The face of my kind of practitioner. And heck, the woman worked – friggin’ ‘hard and rough.’
So, in honoring Tina, and listening to her music, paying attention to her smile, I practiced too. She carries the good stuff, even in her likeness… Buddha is everywhere. And in a way, and enlightenment “this close” in every moment, right here if you want it.
Thank you Tina, I’ll take some cues from you. God bless you on your journey.