Buddhism/ Shea Antunes

Buddhism is not your typical religion, but it draws from a variety of thoughts and ideas.  There are multiple schools of thought, and not all Buddhists think alike. Everything we experience has multiple parts and a variety of powers that drive the outcome.  Many Buddhists are accused of being pessimists, but they are not pessimists.  They are not necessarily optimists either.  They look at the world from a realistic point of view. 
The human condition is constantly changing.  No one season in life is permanent.  We move from condition to condition throughout the experience of life.  There is no nature specific to life since everything is constantly changing around us.  Suffering is a common and reoccurring theme in Buddhism.  We all suffer from pain, anxiety, stress, and anguish.  To get through all of this suffering, we seek to find enlightenment through nirvana.  Nirvana refers to a state of calm and cessation.  The term Bodhi is a word that literally means "awakening," but in the English language is translated as "enlightenment."  The Buddhist's ultimate goal is a state of enlightenment.  Buddhists seek this enlightenment through a deep devotion.  This devotion is practiced through chants, pilgrimages, bowing, and a variety of other practices.  The Buddhist seeks to find this enlightenment, also, through studying texts and teachings of the Buddhas (Theravada, Mahayana, etc.).  Meditation is a key practice for Buddhists.  Through meditation, they seek to find peace and enlightenment.

The practices of Buddhism can be applied to all people, not just Buddhists.  We all suffer from pain, suffering, and agony.  A simple practice of yoga and meditation can be extremely helpful to all of us.  I have started to meditate daily, and it has done wonders in my life.  I find myself more relaxed and free from stress.  More importantly, I have been able to wrap my mind around the sources of my anxiety.  This has led me to be able to be more functional in my day to day life.  I am able to address situations in a more calm fashion, and I am much slower to anger and frustration.