I’ve been serving in the military for over 20 years, love a good beer, bratwursts are tasty, I have no remorse killing flies, so why would I ever go towards Buddhism? I’d love to give you an inspiring story that leads to a grand epiphany, but I don’t have one. What I do have is a partial answer, I’ve been drawn towards it since my high school days when I picked up my first book on Buddhism. I bought it just to learn about meditation but my drink a beer and chase girls brain couldn’t connect the dots. I never finished reading that book and it accompanied me for my first 15 years in. I also attempted to read about Zen and while I was no longer chasing women, I found an amazing one that has helped me in ways I can’t even describe, it was still above my head…if one has no label of head then does the head still exist. Those books are still on my kindle and still are a tough read. The only thing that I can say I’ve done was meditate, although mostly on an on again and off again basis. It wasn’t until the last few years that I’ve taken more than a nonchalant approach.
Getting serious wasn’t coincidental though, it directly correlates to when I stepped into an office on base and said that I’m not ok. It was through my journey that I discovered my mental wellbeing was greatly enhanced with writing, exercising and meditation. That’s when the pull became more than just a background attraction and that’s where my explanation of why stops…I think.
I equate Buddhism with golf, not whole heartly but in the ease of the basic understanding. Swing the club get the ball in the hole. Breath in, breath out, be mindful and you’ll be happy. Those who have ever played even one hole of the game know that the difference between concept and execution is huge. I think the same can be said for Buddhism but luckily there’s no consequence for pulling your head early. It can be overwhelming, it has been overwhelming, but I think I’ve had those moments of bliss on the meditation cushion, and it was joyful.
So here I am, in the profession of arms, love a good beer, still eat some meat, can get angry on the golf course, and overwhelmed where to start, that’s me, that the starting point.