Peter,

There definitely is a social norm that we must follow which keep us from asking questions. However, I have found that on forums, there is no direct embarrassment cause the person can ignore the question. Which is what I expected, to be ignored. But, having got an answer, I am grateful to Anita for answering. And feel closer to her cause she took the time to answer.

Anita,

Yes, thank you for your answer. It seems to be like many things. When the proper conditions arise, it happens. I always thought if I got drunk enough and in with a bunch of friends that I might get a tattoo. But, that never happened for me. And I really don’t know what I would get. I mean it is going to be there always. Well, thank you for answering. Hope it went well and keep it clean while it heals.

My own path or practise has hit a wall of sorts. When I get close to the silence, my brain goes off on a song. It could be any song. Populars songs where I know most of the lyrics. They stick in my head and won’t let go. So, I will be reading a post and then this song comes in and I got to write some of the lyrics to get it out. I am sorry if that upset anyone.

The one thing that sets humans apart from the animals is language. Without it, everyone is alone and struggling to survive. It may be like a prison but the benefits of language far outweigh the negatives. In fact, you language in your posts have presented beautiful thoughts. However, the Buddha tried so hard to keep one from drowning in thoughts, to keep one from identifying with thoughts. From meditation practice to being mindful all day long, this is what helps one experience the truth of one’s nature. Often sitting there pondering the subject of what am I.

Life, So they say
Is but a game and they’d let it slip away
Love, Like the autumn sun,
Should be dying but it’s only just begun
Like the twilight in the road up ahead
They don’t see just where we’re going
And all the secrets in the universe
Whisper in our ears all the years will come and go
Take us up, always up
We may never pass this way again
We may never pass this way again

Dreams, So they say
Are for the fools and they let ’em drift away
Peace like the silent dove
Should be flying but it’s only just begun
Like Columbus in the olden days
We must gather all our courage
Sail our ships out on the open seas
Cast away our fears and all the years will come and go
Take us up, Always up
We may never pass this way again
We may never pass this way again

So, I wanna laugh while the laughing is easy
I wanna cry if it makes it worthwhile
I may never pass this way again
That’s why I want it for you

Those who observe Ramadan must abstain from eating from the early hours of dawn til dusk. It is meant to bring one closer to God. Personally, I do not think I could do that. Find myself camped out at the fridge all day. One might think being diabetic might make it easier to control the diet. It doesn’t. Too high or too low levels of blood sugar can be very detrimental. Guess I may never be as close to God as some. Bless you all.

LeenBee,

Okay, a decision has been made. Hope the navigation goes well and the friendship is good. Wishing you well.

I hope I didn’t scare her off with my warning. But, many times women don’t see it from the man’s point of view. Well hope she is alright and will come back to talk.

Thank you. Peace be with you.

When I was younger, I was taught about self observation. Watching myself and how anger or hatred develops in myself. First the feeling of being wronged. Then the thoughts to support those emotions. How those things became ever so present and up front of my existence. How they became the only thing that mattered. It took an ever present mind set or mindfulness. When .I was able to see it for myself, it lost power over me. I was able to learn to let it go. Then learning to meditate and the practice would set up space between thoughts. But, the mind was always one step ahead. Creeping vines into my head space. The perpetual mind sets up the I who is doing the watching or being alert and aware. So, even while trying to drop the I, I develop an I to hold onto that. One trap into another trap. Eventually, I hope to drop this thinking mind and see the truth.

Lately it is just memories of the past that haunt me so. And so, the music of those times comes up. Some good memories and some sad ones. I certainly do hope that Anita is able to forgive her mother and that would then allow her to feel free of those memories. I don’t know if music will help. Its not far down to paradise. At least its not for me. And if the wind is right you can sail away. Find tranquility. Oh, the canvas can do miracles. Just you wait and see. Believe me. Its not far to never never land. Soon I will be free. Sailing by Christopher Cross.