Where have I been?!

Well, I have pretty much stayed put, but certainly not been writing here at BCB. It was an incredibly busy summer. But I am ready to get back to it!

In addition to finding a great part-time teaching job (grateful), there was a lot to keep me occupied. My husband had some significant health issues around the same time a close relative came to stay with us for a few weeks. Fortunately my husband is much better now (grateful, and knock on wood) and things have calmed down a little (grateful!). 

Another major development I also wanted to share was a serious uptick in my decluttering journey. Over the summer I participated in a 12-week online course called 'Uncluttered', developed by Joshua Becker of 'Becoming Minimalist' and others. Although I consider myself organized, our home is small at around 1100 square feet, with little storage. This, combined with a significant amount of clutter, was a constant source of stress and frustration.

I am not exaggerating when I say that being part of 'Uncluttered' was/is life changing. 

I am also not exaggerating that on top of teaching and being a mom, the course was a LOT of work, and really felt like a 3rd job/responsibility. But, if it could be considered another 'job,' it is one that comes with a big fat bonus of a more spacious and peaceful home. In all, over 20 boxes and 8 bags of 'stuff' have left our space through donation to local charities. Although I am still working on it (the course gives you lifetime membership), our space is now much more pleasant and easy to clean- and I am much calmer. Looking forward to sharing more about this journey with you!

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This post a continuation of the gratitude practice I have been working on since the beginning of 2018. Curious? You can read all about it at ByChanceBuddhism!

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May all beings be happy! 

About the 'gratitude' posts

Since the beginning of 2018 I have been working on developing a strong gratitude practice and expressing that gratitude through my posts here at BCB. As I was writing there were some things that occurred to me, and so I decided I would share those thoughts as well. 

First, I want to be clear that nothing I post is ever intended to gloat or brag. I hope that all my readers realize how important it is for me to focus on the gratitude aspect of each entity for which I am giving thanks. This does not mean that there are no flaws, misfortunes, or shortcomings in my life and character, but rather that I am choosing to express the gratitude I feel pure and simple- and pushing aside any negative, critical, or apologetic thoughts or emotions, simply because they do not belong here. This means that most posts will have an very upbeat, reverent tone, not because I fail to see that everything is not perfect, but because these positive attributes are the components that are essential for cultivating an authentic, more intuitive sense of gratitude, which is my ultimate goal.

Second, though I said this venture would be difficult, I meant that mostly in terms of my own attitude and procrastination getting in the way. I now realize that this project is both difficult and easy at the same time: easy because there is no lack in people/things to be grateful for, but difficult because . . . there are so many people/things to be grateful for (and I want to thank them all at once)! What I am trying to say is that I hope no one is disappointed if they do not see a post expressing well-deserved gratitude towards themselves. Believe me when I say that I have not forgotten, I am just very slow and this is a day-by-day, post-by-post type of thing, because I want to do it right. (By all means, if the year is drawing to a close and you feel I need a gentle reminder, then do send one! :) ) 

Third, I can anticipate that there may be some posts that may seem silly or superficial, for instance giving thanks for some helpful household implement rather than a person or meaningful experience. If this annoys anyone, just BEAR WITH ME, and remember that I have not committed to this project to pretentiously discuss being thankful only for 'the big stuff,' but to appreciate the little things as well. If expressing gratitude is my path towards living life to the fullest, then I must consider all aspects of life, however grand or minute!

Thanks for your attention- as always, I welcome your comments and feedback!

With Love,

Renata

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This post is part of my 2018 daily gratitude practice, which you can read all about here.

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May all beings be happy!

Happy Birthday, BCB!

I am very happy to announce that this month is the 3rd anniversary of ByChanceBuddhism! 

I still remember the day I sat with my love, discussing what kind of blog I would like to write- and what I should call it. I will never forget his encouragement, or the clarity and determination I felt as I decided the focus -and name- of ByChanceBuddhism. 

Three years later, here we are! I would also like to thank all of you, my readers, who have been so kind as to provide so many insightful comments and support, especially over the past year. Your participation and contributions mean more to me than you know. You are among the many blessings that I have encountered whilst traveling the Buddhist path.  

As a small token of my appreciation, I would like to share this picture with you:

May you be happy as you travel along your own path, cultivating wisdom, compassion, and peace.

Thank you all so much- Here's to many more years writing BCB!

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May all beings be happy!  

Back again (and hopefully 100%)

As you may recall, September was going to be my great Anniversary Celebration, to commemorate  five years on the Buddhist Path. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned. On the second of this month I tripped and had a bad fall, busting open my knee. As if that wasn't bad enough, the cut became infected, so I was put on a course of strong antibiotics. Although I was very happy and thankful to be quickly rid of the infection, the antibiotics wore me out! 

The good news is that as far as I can tell, I am recovered, and ready to get back to writing here at BCB! As always, I look forward to your comments and interacting with you. Thanks for bearing with me!

With Metta,

Renata

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May all beings be happy! 

A short hiatus

I just wanted to let you know that for the time being I am going to be taking a short hiatus as I gear up for my anniversary posts in September. I will periodically be checking the comments to this post, so if you have any suggestions for posts about basic Buddhist concepts, please share with me! In return I will do my best to write something that is helpful (and hopefully also interesting and informative :). Your comments and suggestions will help immensely because chances are if you have a question about something, it is likely that someone else out there (including me!) will have the same question. I look forward to your input!

Also just FYI, I will still post my Buddhism in the News segment for August 2012 at the end of the month. From what I can tell, there seem to be some interesting stories out there, so stay tuned :)

Until later, all the best, I hope you enjoy the rest of August! 

With Metta,

 Renata

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May all beings be happy!