One thing that I forgot to mention last night when I posted my last blog, was my recent explorations of different liberal and traditional religions, western and eastern philosophies, and many other lesser known spiritual practices and beliefs. I did a lot of research online over the course of last semester in order to see what resources are around me here in Boston. I have been occasionally attending the Arlington Street Church of the Unitarian Universalist Association. The first thing that I noticed on my first day was the welcoming nature and open-mindedness that made up the congregation. Seeing that I was not brought up following any specific religion, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I was allowed to believe anything I wanted to and still be welcomed with open arms.

In attending the service today, I was given a rare gift. A former Buddhist monk from Tibet, Nawang Khechog, came to speak on "Universal Love” and “Awakening Kindness." One of the greatest things he said today was the questioning as to why our culture is so strongly centered around our appearances and material worth. With the great numbers of dollars we spend on beautifying ourselves and trying to rid our faces of wrinkles, we are betraying an important part of each of us which makes up our soul's story. When we have unconditional love and kindness in our hearts, many a times it comes in the form of a smile. Years later, we may look in the mirror to see lines around our eyes and lips that were probably caused by years of happiness and giving. Perhaps we should look at these lines more as a mark of beauty and outward kindness to others. Perhaps we need to work on smiling more during our lives and not spend that time frowning with furrowed brows (I need to take my own advice, mind you). I must admit, I am only 21 years old, and I have already begun taking steps to prevent wrinkles when I'm older -- eye cream....daily SPF...etc.... I should be spending more time on turning my facial expressions from worried frowns to calming smiles. If I am to have any wrinkles, I'd much rather have wrinkles from smiling rather than frowning. I’d prefer to have inner beauty come out much like a piece of art. One day, the lines around my eyes and mouth will show more than just my age -- they will represent my years of service and kindness to others, the universal love that I provided to all living things, and my wisdom and stories that developed along my journey. Beauty does not just remain inside of us, but it has the ability to manifest itself as the lines on our faces. Be beautiful. Smile and mean it from the very depth of your souls.

Lastly, Nawang Khechog ended with a beautiful song on a Tibetan flute. I cannot explain it, but there is something so moving and transcending about the Tibetan and Native American flutes. It was so wonderful. I proceeded to meet a few people around the congregation, attend their coffee hour, and buy two more books to add to my infinitely growing collection. When I stepped outside, the sun was shining and the air was crisp, cool, and refreshing. I walked into a flower shop on Bolyston Street and took some deep breaths of energetic air from the gorgeous flowers and plants that suddenly surrounded me. One of the things I miss most from California is the greenery. I took that for granted, and I can realize that now. The flowers and plants give off an amazing energy that really revives your spirit. On my walk back to my apartment, I had a wonderful and inspiring conversation with one of my Berklee friends on my cell phone. It was a very rewarding morning. I encourage everyone to keep learning and opening your minds up to the world. It will change you for the better -- and it will change you forever. It's the little things that can make your day refreshing and memorable. And yes, I know this is cliché, but stop to smell the roses or whatever kind of natural beauty is available.... Universally, we need to slow down and stop taking so many things for granted.