The Life of Zen

Recently, I have had the fortunate discovery of stumbling across the Dalai Lama's A to Zen of Life list.  Now for those of you who have never actually seen this list, it's a simple list that starts with A and ends with Z.  For each letter the Dalai Lama has created a different phrase or saying to follow, to create a more positive life for oneself.  The Dalai Lama is an inspiring person, who strives to make our life better and help to create a happy environment for all to enjoy.

One this list, there are many statements I could say relate to me, and even more I could say that I need to work towards.   Currently, I could use more help in the Zen area of my life and I would like to pursue more of his sayings.  However, there were two statements that especially stood out to me.  The first was letter B- Believe in yourself.  And, the second, I- If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.  Both of these were truely inspiring and something I would like to keep with me for the rest of my life. 

Believe in yourself- This is a simple principle, yet it is truely powerful.  If you don't believe in yourself, why should anyone else?  This statement means a lot to me, because life is going to throw me down.  Yet, the only thing I can do, is get back up and prepare myself for the next time it domes around.  The only way I can accomplish this is if i do believe in myself.  Otherwise I'd still be on that ground, trying to avoid life.  Everyday we face struggles, some more than others, we have to fight for what we want and stay strong.  The best way is to believe in yourself, so that way if your on your own, at least you know you have got yourself.  And thats what I tell myself everyday, that I'm the one who's going to be standing at the end of the day, not flat on my back, because I believe in myself, enough to stand up and take on life.

If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door- I have never heard this saying before, until I read this poster, yet I beleieve this is mandatory for life.  In life we all have to take chances and this is one way to do it.  Every opportunity you will get is not going to be held out to you on a silver platter.  Your going to have to fight, and put yourself out there to get what you what.  People are aggressive, and you can't be the one sitting on the sidelines, you have to put yourself out there, and build that door.  That door leads to your future, and it's not there on its own.  When I hear an opportunity I like, I go for, head first.  I try to take out my competition and prove that I'm the best option, and sometimes I get the door slammed in my face.  That's when I get my self a new door and find a better choice for my life.

My Hero

Recently, I was asked the question "If you could travel through time and talk with a prominent figure in art, politics, religion, or science, whom would you choose?" After a large amount of time spent contemplating this question I found my anwser, Elvis Presley.

Now, you may be wondering why Elvis?  Yet the answer is simple, this man is an international legend, one whose music is still successful today.  A man who never gave up on his dreams, no matter how ludicrous they seemed.  His sound and style combined diverse music influences from his youth years and changelled both social and racial barries from his time.  He was the beginning of a new era, one that held American music and pop culture.  He was a star, an actor, a solo artist, a symbol of rebellion, a record-breaks, grammy-winning, a noble armyman, and an American hero.  He stood up for what he thought was right, even as many criticized him, and helped to share his gift with the world.  In the end he sold over one billion records globally, the most from any artist yet.  Yet, why would I want to meet with him?  Well, for starters, I want to ask him several questions from "What made you do it?" to "How did your first performance feel?"  I would love to hear it from a personal view and how he overcame any fears and stood up for his style and music.  Plus, I'd love the chance to be able to sing with him, and maybe gets some tips in case I ever wanted to get into that job field.  Elvis Presley, the man that did it all, that's who I would meet.