Indulging in the Middle Way

The Middle Way
In Buddhism, it is important to not overindulge in anything, whether it be entertainment, money, sex, or even food. It is important to find a balance of things, a middle ground. For if you under-indulge, you may be unhappy or even unhealthy. But to overindulge, sets you up for big issues as well. This may lead to addiction or negative emotions - and as we know negative emotions not only affect the mind, but the body as well.

Buddhist tradition teaches that food should be thought of only as something to nourish the body. And with how food is produced nowadays, it may lead to worse problems by overindulging, including detrimental effects on the environment. We must preserve the earth, not only for ourselves, but for the future generations. Life is an important thing. The biggest mantra of Buddhism is: "Do no harm." This is why many Buddhists do not eat meat. Others go as far to not eat vegetables such as garlic and onion because to consume the plant, the whole living plant must be destroyed.

As I have discussed before, there is no mortal sin in the path of the Buddha. We do the best we can in any given circumstances not to harm another living being. Some people must eat meat for health reasons. Some must consume garlic for its optimal health advantages. The important thing is the balance of karma. Eating the flesh of a cow may be bad karma, but maybe you can do something of good karma to balance it out.

I have mentioned a couple weeks ago that I have an issue with not only my body image because I am overweight, but also I am consumed with the problem of overindulging, overeating. I have been focusing on this issue for the past few weeks, concentrating hard on how to straighten out this weakness. I have been cautious on what I put into my body, as not to harm it. I have stuck mainly to fresh fruits and vegetables, fruit juices, and nuts. I have been moderately successful at limiting my overindulging as well. I have screwed up a few times, however. I will admit.

But I do not let myself fall off the bandwagon, just because I have had a bad meal or a bad day! I encourage myself. I tell myself that I did good for breakfast and I can pick up with healthy choices for my evening meal. Or I tell myself that we all do have bad days, but it is not worth tearing myself down. I just need to bring my focus back to the big picture, the overall goal: a healthier, happier me who is a productive member of the global community.

Do not be hard on yourself, in whatever addictions or problems that you may have. Go easy on yourself, otherwise who else will? Be stern, but gentle. You will find your way.


Recipes
On a usual day, I begin with a cup of hot lemon water or green tea, sometimes both. For breakfast, I usually have a banana and a glass of orange juice. In between meals, I may enjoy a handful of almonds to hold me over. Lunch usually consists of a big salad(spinach or lettuce with carrots, celery, almonds or sunflower seeds, and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing) and fruit juice. Supper is when I am usually not quite as busy, so I have the time to prepare a nicer, slightly larger meal. That is where I can get creative. I really do enjoy cooking. Here are a few recipes for some vegan, or almost vegan, meals that I have enjoyed to prepare in the recent weeks. My time is still limited, so these recipes are extremely simple and quick! Enjoy and modify in any which way suits you!


Garden Burgers

This recipe is so simple. You take 6 oz tofu, drain it, and mash it up in a bowl. Mince whatever veggies you may want inside of your burger. I use mushrooms, celery, and carrot. Add the veggies and whatever spices you want to the tofu and mix it up well. (If you're not sure what to add for spices try just a pinch of salt, a couple dashes of black pepper, and a bit of garlic powder.) Once you've got everything mixed and mashed together, grab a handful, form a patty, and roll it in flour. (They will be a little crumbly.) This recipe should make two decent sized patties. Fry in vegetable oil for about 3-5 minutes each side and voila! You have a yummy vegan burger! Top however you want! I enjoy lettuce, tomato, ketchup and mayonnaise/Vegenaise on mine!


                                                                                                 "Chicken" Salad

My recipes are quick and easy, because I have a very busy schedule. I work two jobs and go to school. This next one is super quick. It actually took me the near six and half years that I've been a vegetarian to think of this quick modified meat recipe. Very simple. I nuke a Morningstar Farms Chick Patty in the microwave (about 45 seconds each side). While my "chicken" is heating up, I dice a stock of celery and mix it in with about 1 1/2 tablespoon of Vegenaise. When the chicken is ready, chop it up, and add it to the mix! I top my vegetarian chicken salad on a toasted piece of Ezekiel bread.


* NOTE: Morningstar Farms Chick Patties and Ezekiel breads are not VEGAN, but you may substitute with a vegan-friendly chicken substitute and grain, if you wish.

Vegan Pasta w/ White Sauce
 
While boiling a serving of rice or vegetable noodles, shred a carrot stick and dice up some spinach and mushrooms. When pasta is done boiling, drain and mix with vegetables, sunflower seeds, pepper, and crushed basil. Put in a single serving casserole dish. Take 1/4 cup of heated almond milk and whisk in 1 tsp. flour. Pour this mixture over pasta. Bake in oven at 450 degrees for approximately 10 minutes. Top with fresh parsley for garnish!








 Final Thought
 Allow yourself to have fun in kicking bad habits. You don't have to be so serious all the time. Also, when it comes to food: stay in the moment, enjoy each bite, savor the flavors. Always remember where your food comes from, the journey it has taken, and the lives it has encountered.

"When we can no longer change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."

Victor Frankl

Much love and peace,

Charlie

It's Picture/Video Day: Happy Cells & Understanding

Coexist

We see bumper stickers, t-shirts, and posters everywhere that say "Coexist" with symbols of all the major world religions. I wonder if we can do this. Coexist that is. I see so much negativity towards anyone who doesn't share the same beliefs as whatever the "norm" is.  In the area I live in, the norm is Christianity. When I lived in Southern Illinois, the norm was EXTREME conservative Christianity. There is a lot of guff towards anyone that doesn't fit into the cookie cutter version of everyone else in the area. Do you see this in wherever you live? I believe that people are changing, though. Or maybe it is just me being naive. Since coming out Buddhist, I have not received any negative feedback. I wonder if it is because people are accepting, if they are afraid of this unknown religion, or if everyone I know realizes how strong I am in whatever it is that I believe. It is a beautiful thing, surrounding yourself by people of diversity. It challenges you to be stronger in your beliefs. My family is Christian, my spouse is Wicca, I follow the ideas of Buddhism. It is wonderful to just talk and see where everyone comes from. It is beautiful to see the warmth and love that religion can bring to each individual. We all have our own path. No one has the exact same one. There is nothing wrong with that. There is nothing wrong with anything that brings another person enlightenment and happiness.

Happy Cells
Many researches, in quantum physics as well as other fields are discovering just how powerful emotions can be. Check out this clip from the documentary, What the Bleep Do We Know? (2004), that very briefly (through a fictional character) touches on the real life work of Masaru Emoto.

What do you think of that? Isn't that fascinating? It is so amazing to think that emotions and words effect a simple cell or two of water. Think of what the man says in the video, about how the human body is composed of so much water. Think of how our body must react to emotions. More science is becoming available that does suggest the effects of our feelings on our body. When we are depressed: we may not sleep well, we may not eat well, we may feel sluggish. When we are happy: we may feel full of energy, we may sleep sound, and eat well and not gain a pound! Pay attention to what your body has to say. Observe how your body reacts to your anger, your joy, your sorrow. Our bodies, our energies are so complex and so beautiful. It is so hard to grasp just how amazing we all are, each and every one of us. We are so full of wonderment.

Final thought
Staying in the present moments may keep you in a healthier and happier lifestyle!

Much love and peace,

Charlie

Respect

Respect
Respect is a choice to accept the character of and the choices that people make. Respect is a form of understanding. Respect is understanding that people are doing the best that they can with what they have at a given time. Respect is not judgement. Respect is not trapping people. Respect is setting people free. Respect is trust. Respect is letting go of your own selfishness and truly attempting to understand another human being without negativity. Respect is not always agreeing, but always trying to.




Lack of respect.
I see so much lack of respect for humanity in this world. We disrespect each other out of jealousy, misunderstanding, hate, and bigotry.

We disrespect someone who chooses to have an abortion. Though in our little head, it is wrong, but we do not understand the whole picture. We should not disrespect this person. We should respect her choice. We should show compassion and try to understand.

We disrespect people who have too many piercings, without understanding the cultural or religious background of their jewelry.

We disrespect people who choose to live openly gay. We tell him that he should repress his feelings because that is wrong. That is un"god"ly. But we don't know what it's like to live a lie?...

...Or do we?

That is a basis of understanding. That may form a respectful relationship.

What would the world be like if we took the time to talk to people and learn their story?



Final thought

“The whole purpose of religion is to facilitate love and compassion, patience, tolerance, humility, and forgiveness.”   -Dalai Lama XIV

Much love and peace,

Charlie

Random acts of kindness

I'm back!
It has felt like forever since I could take the time to write, but alas, I have a few spare moments!


Untapped potential
Lately, I have been thinking about the untapped potential in each and every one of us. There is so much energy. So much knowledge. So much room for growth. So much beauty. Most of all, there is an over abundance of love within all of us. We have the gift to give with all of our hearts, but so often we are overcome by selfishness. We chose ONLY to give our heart to those who give us something in return. We give ONLY to those who show us love. We give ONLY to those who share our beliefs. We give ONLY to those whom we know.

Why are we so limited? Why are we so selective? Are we afraid? Are we afraid of being vulnerable? Are we afraid that if we show compassion to someone that they may turn around and hurt us? Are we afraid that someone from church or work may look at us funny? Are we afraid of being judged? Are we afraid that there is not warmth left in this bitter group of beings we call humanity?

All these questions stir up why we should limit ourselves, but we should not see limits within ourselves. We are capable of an unlimited amount of love and joy. We are capable of changing the world, each and every single one of us. It starts with one little act of kindness that can spread like wildfire. One act of kindness can change someone's day. One act of kindness can change someone's life. Most of all: one act of kindness can change someone's perspective. You can help someone see the world in a different light. A light that is compassion. You may spark something in another that will make them want to share their gift of giving with another and another and another. This chain may start off small, it may fizzle out, but it can grow. Isn't it worth a try?

One act of kindness can bring peace.


Your assignment
Yes, you read my blog and you get homework! But it's only as difficult as you make it!

Be nice to someone today. Hold the door for someone, let someone cut in front of you in the grocery line, pay for someone's ice cream, pick something up for someone, send flowers to someone in a nursing home. Just do something, no matter how big or small.

Think about the people that inspire you as a peace-leader. YOU are a PEACE-LEADER. You do have the potential! Find inspiration in individuals like Gandhi, Martin Luther King, the Dalai Llama, Mother Teresa, Rosa Parks, your mother, your aunt, your uncle or anyone else who shows you that words are powerful, but silence is even more powerful. Find inspiration in knowing that your actions really do speak louder than your words!

Remember: You are limitless. Let your light shine!


Final Thought
Check out this video made by local students, who show what a little bit of your time can do:

Much love and peace,

Charlie