The Practical Poet

I have an experience of living overseas for five years, I did everything possible to submerge myself in my new culture, only to be told I was starting to act too much like a local girl, he didn't like. (Side:  It was a very strange situation, I would not recommend, or indorse.  And I question how I got to that point in the first place. The whole thing was very, not me)

I have never felt particularly attached to culture.  Being a Canadian, we are filled with different cultures, and that is what makes us so great, our differences. I was taught at a young age, Canadians are embassators, and peace makers.  I was raised in a very athletic family, sports was everything.  We watched lots of sports movies every Sunday night, and the themes were always the same, "Overcoming the odds".  I wanted to make inspirational films, I wanted to make a positive change, that was my intention.  

Life happened.  I would have liked to listened to the first 10 minutes of the this book upon my return to Canada.  "A Monk's Guide to Happiness" by Gelong Thusten.

 If you are returning somewhere you left, I hope you find this book. I'm not saying, switch your religion, and I have never met Gelong Thusten, I just like the first 10 minutes of his book.

The author went into a retreat before the iPhone was invented, and came out of his retreat five years later, only receiving small amounts of information about the changing outside world during his retreats.  His perspective really resonated with me.  To leave, only to returned, changed yourself, and the world changed.

Check out the books, if you find yourself a gypsy from your home.  Because life isn't always fair, and sometimes you are "stuck with the fuzzy side of the lolly pop." (Marilyn Monroe). But you are not alone, don't let your trauma define you.

In the game of chess, someone always loses.  It's not being defined by your loses.  It's being defined by your integrity and your grace.  Keeping in mind there is only so much one person can take. Not as an excuse or an invitation, only as a reminder to be kind to yourself.

With much love and acceptance, 

Ms. BRose