some of you may or may not be wondering what the quote in my signature means. it is a saying by (not sure if it originated from) thich nhat hahn. you can find his wikipedia here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thich_Nhat_Hahn . i originally read the saying in this book [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Fragrant-Palm-Leaves-Journals-1962-1966/dp/157322796X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262070256&sr=1-1"]Amazon.com: Fragrant Palm Leaves: Journals, 1962-1966 (9781573227964): Thich Nhat Hanh: Books[/ame] or this book [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Death-Fear-Thich-Nhat-Hanh/dp/1573223336/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262070751&sr=1-1"]Amazon.com: No Death, No Fear (9781573223331): Thich Nhat Hanh: Books[/ame] i can't remember which. he is considered to be an influential figure in bringing buddhism to modern day western society. here is a quote published in an article.. http://www.explorefaith.org/body/tnh_intro.html what you can't see in the signature is that each line has an added bit to it. the lines are there to shorten it up that way memorizing the other parts to it is a lot easier. at any rate i wanted to open this up for discussion. people think you have to be sitting down in a half lotus or full lotus position to meditate.. they think you have to be surrounded by peace and quiet.. and these are simply not true. you can meditate while walking. you can meditate in the midst of chaos. meditating is simply cultivating positive habits and living mindfully in the here and now. meditation and this particular saying are non-denominational. of course he mentions buddha as he is a buddhist, but largely the teachings he brings forth can be put into most if not any denomination to aid in practice.
Were I to take up any organized religion, it would be Buddhism. Although, that may just be because of my love for Kung Fu movies.
Thanks for the post. I have always had trouble with personal, contemplative spirituality. It is difficult for an extreme extrvert, high type A personality. Yet I have recently starting visiting a prayer labyrinth and found it helpful. Best wishes!