Buddha Belly

Lately I've been toying with the idea of "converting" to Buddhism.

I was raised by a Roman Catholic family from the Caribbean. Which means, although they strived to be devout Catholics, we inevitably inherited a more spiritual adaption to the Catholic religion from our African ancestors. I wouldn't call it voo-doo or full blown santeria, but I am not ashamed to admit that my family did rely on the "luck" or blessings of specific saints and performed many rituals. It's not as scary as I am making it seem. If you have ever walked into a botanica, you'll appreciate all of the art and be welcomed by a friendly, but definitely eccentric, individual and intoxicating aromas.

I was always more interested in the spiritual side of my heritage. I didn't care much for going to church and I was actually the first of all the cousins in my immediate family to attend public school. Even my older siblings attended catholic schools up until college. I will admit I never studied the bible or read more than a few passages here and there. I know this disappoints my mother somewhat, but I could never bring myself to do it. It never felt right to me. I didn't agree with many of the stories/rules presented to me by church and my family

I've always felt a special connection to the universe, without knowing what it was I felt connected to. It wasn't until I got older and researched on my own that I discovered other people thought like me. I intuitively gravitate towards positive energy and feel discomfort around the negative.

This may all sound like a bunch of hippie mumbo jumbo, until I put it into context for you. Although I am very spiritual, I am also extremely curious about science. Definitely one of my favorite subjects when I was younger. My curious nature and desire to know everything about everything has me fascinated. Scientists continue to break down our cells to find the smallest particles, and realize they are composed of the same elements as those found floating in the universe. This only affirms my belief that we are all connected. In a nutshell.

During some not-so-extensive research I confirmed that Buddhism embodies the belief that we are all connected to the universe and, through various rituals and meditation, the acceptance of the world to achieve inner peace and enlightenment. This may be a perfect combination of my beliefs on the universe and my spiritual, sensual tendencies.

I checked out this website: SGI-USA: Buddhist Association for Peace, Culture and Education, Nichiren Buddhism (referred to me by one of my cousins in Miami)

I've quite enjoyed what I read so far and appreciate the feeling of contentment with the wisdom presented to me. I just may give this a try. I have several family members in Miami that are now Buddhists, to my surprise.

The reason I put the action of converting in quotation marks in the opening line is because I have not accepted any religion into my life yet. Therefore I'm not converting from anything. I have a lot more research to do before I make this commitment. Being agnostic is not really religious at all. I have to be 100% sure I'm into this before I submerge myself in any religious experience.

In any case, this is new for me. And I'm excited to rub some Buddha Bellies.