First Memory... Day 1

First day is containing your first memory. 
The first memory is have is coming to Cleveland with my mother from Sacramento California on the Amtrak i was about 9-10 on this pic. Above are my siblings. My father was in the Navy and he had been discharged and we were running out of income and what not. So my mom packs us up and gets on the train to bring us here. We were not raised here My brother was 8 months when my mom married my dad. He was stationed in Illinois where my mom had me. We moved to Philly when he was stationed there (sis was born) and then he got lucky and we were in California. All i recall is us being subjected to weather we were not used to, people we were never around and life without our father. My uncle a Vietnam Vet and  grandmother tried to make us comfortable and i recall our first meal with her when we got to Cleveland was grits and scrambled eggs mixed in a big bowl with cheese. First we looked at it as strange then she said and i quote "It's all going the same damn place anyway now get something on that fork (in a southern drawl)" I've been hooked every since. Those are my first significant memories as a child...being moved around a lot. Day one.

Zen = Peace in mind body and spirit

Urban dictionary defines Zen as follows: One way to think of zen is this: a total state of focus that incorporates a total togetherness of body and mind. Zen is a way of being. It also is a state of mind. Zen involves dropping illusion and seeing things without distortion created by your own thoughts. 
I started to write what were things i did to find my place of Zen but i ran across these helpful tips that i plan on adding to my day to day to help me live a calmer life. I hope it helps you too. ~Budda

Zen is a way of being. It also is a state of mind.

Zen involves dropping illusion and seeing things without the distortion created by your own thoughts. I submit that we (Westerners) are often so distracted in our multi-task-driven lives that we barely have time to breathe, let alone find anything near the aim of the Mahayana Buddhists.

We can all use a little piece of Zen in our lives, if only for a moment. And while these suggestions may only be baby steps, they are hopefully steps in the right direction.

1. Zen through your eyes: Simply close your eyes. It’s amazing how much we can take in and how much we can wear out our poor pupils, especially sitting in front of computer screens all day. Give your lids a rest and close them – if only for a minute of solitude.

2. A zenful breath: Ujjayi is a yoga breathing technique used to try and center one’s focus away from all the many distractions in our daily life. The simplest way to describe the Ujjayi technique is to pretend you are holding a mirror in front of you and exhale and inhale deeply towards that imaginary mirror as though you were trying to fog it up. Now close your mouth, breathe through your nose as you remain aware of that same quality of breath (a Darth Vader-like breath, similar to the sound of the ocean). This sound is continued through a slight closing off of the back of the throat during both your inhales and exhales. Try breathing as deeply as you can using this technique for 20 full breaths to see what its effects are for your body.

3. The sound of Zen: Play a mix of your favorite calming tunes. Try sacred or classical music if you prefer something purely instrumental, or new age artists like TJ Rehmi and Enya for slightly more upbeat – yet meditative in their own way.

4. A sip of Zen: The benefits of green tea are many including lowering of “bad” cholesterol (LDL), helping to prevent cancer, reducing high blood pressure, lowering blood sugar and destroying the bacteria that forms plaque. Try a cup of Tazo’s Zen green tea when you need a meditative moment, with a side of health-minded benefits.

5. The scent of Zen: Use aromatherapy lotions or oil sprays (diluted oils in a spray bottle) at your desk, home or even in your car to surround yourself with the instant soothing scent of lavender or bergamot, the comforting aroma of vanilla, chamomile’s relaxing benefits or meditative effect of sandalwood.

6. The beauty of Zen: Take a moment to create something expressive…write a poem, song lyrics, a quick sketch or collage…something fun, creative and artistic. It’s during these moments of creativity that we can find peace and rejuvenation.

7. The path to Zen: It’s simple, it’s comfy, it’s a toasty pair of clean socks. That’s right, something as easy as changing into a new pair of socks during the middle or end of your day can give you a new found rejuvenation.

8. Understand Zen: If stress is piling up around you at work or home, take a few minutes to bring your awareness to the greater meaning of it all. 

9. Sharing Zen: We send out mass emails, forwards and e-cards, and rarely see personalized mail anymore. Pass on a bit of Zen through the unexpected personalized email or letter to a friend or family member – just because.

10. Healing touch of Zen: Aches and pains distract us from fully focusing on the present moment or task at hand. Help relieve the distracting tension by throwing a warm heating pad on those sore shoulders, neck or lower back.

I really hope these are helpful.

Youth - 35 years young

Young budda above didn't know any pain, any strife...she didn't know her mother's heart was broken. She didn't know nothing but that she was lucky to be alive. See young Budda was a granny favorite when we moved back home after the separation of her mother and father. All she knew is she loved her granny house and her cooking and her ability to keep mommy from whooping on her and her siblings...

Seventeen year old Budda graduating from high school. She was just at the beginning of discovering herself. She over the years has witnessed poverty, domestic violence, and watching her mother bust her ass to keep a roof over her head. Attempted molestation and an intervention by God leading her away from the normal trouble most teens get into. Having a job kept her out of trouble and away from pregnancy, drugs and other things most youth fall into. Graduated with honors and with dignity.

Today i turned 35 years old i bring with me lots of experience in love...that real love the one i can only find in my children's eyes. Today November 24th is also Thanksgiving Day...i have so much to be thankful for. I said i wouldn't shout them out cause i already spoke to my god about them. He provides me with all that i have and doesn't give me more than i can handle. I feel young because i know there is alot of life ahead of me and I'm going to appreciate everything i have been through...the journey has lots of twist and turns and I'm ready for it.

Revelations ~ The Truth

I was going to the Bible on this one but changed my mind. Time will reveal everything that's done in the dark. These people with hidden agendas and motives will all have their day. The truth shall set you free and a lie will hold you hostage cause you have to keep lying to cover up the initial lie. That's bout all the knowledge I'll drop on this.