Meditate and Destroy

'Meditate and Destroy' - 'a documentary about punk rock, spirituality and inner rebellion' focuses on the story of Noah Levine- founder of Dharma Punx and his journey from addiction to social action and advocacy.

After reading Noah's book and having the good fortune to practice with him last year at a retreat in Montreal, I'm eagerly anticipating the release of this film.

Grass

Well I'm thinking about picking up some green stuff.... Wheatgrass!

After speaking with my dietician, she suggested that I try adding wheatgrass to my diet to add a bit of protein in my system. I don't know much about this 'green miracle food' so I was looking for any info from those who have tried it or who use it regularily.

I swear, I'm turning into a bigger hippy each and every day!

Dog Whisperers and Samurai Kittens

I just tuned into an interesting show called "The Dog Whisperer" a few days ago and it's made me realize how fortunate we are to be blessed with a relatively well-adjusted dog. After seeing some of the little demon-possessed Chihuahua's that appeared in the epidode I watched, I thanked my lucky stars that our little pug is a cheerful little chap without anger issues.

The star of the show is Cesar Millan, a self-defined dog psychologist who runs The Dog Psychology Center and helps to demonstrate the best way to cohabitate with your canine roommates.

The pet psychology field seems to be booming. One of my good friends is about to take her cat to a therapist to address anger issues. Anger issues in cats! What do cats have to get angry about? Avian flu? Skinny squirrels. Dolphins in canned tuna? I can only imagine the tests that are going to be done on little Phoebe to assess her anger threshold. Is she one of the Samurai Kittens?

Take 2 hits of catnip and call me in the morning.

Must be the weather

Today I felt like I had little pollen spores resting on my contacts. One of my friends mentioned that she had to take her contacts out and my co-worker, Keitha noted that her husband had red eyes this morning. I've been sneezing all day and feeling pretty allergy-infested - even though it's been raining for two days straight.

I've heard reports that this year is supposed to be a big one for allergies. Oh swell. Well while all the rest of you are out playing in the pollen, I'll be indoors reading Tim Flannery's The Weather Makers. I've heard the buzz about this book for a little while now, but after seeing the trailer, (yes a trailer for a book- how cool is that!) I'm certain that this is a must read. I'll keep you posted

Turning the Mind Into an Ally

"Many of us are slaves to our minds.... We try to focus and our mind wanders off. We try to be good to people we love, but then we forget and put ourselves first. And when we want to change our life, we dive into spiritual practice and expect to see quick results, only to lose focus after the honeymoon has worn off. We‚re left feeling helpless and discouraged. We can create an alliance that allows us to actually use our mind, rather than be used by it. This is a practice that anyone can do." - Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

The Montreal Shambhala Center will be offering a book study of 'Turning the Mind Into an Ally' which is open to all who wish to learn more about how to develop mindfulness and awareness in one's life. This book is a gem and is well worth reading - and re-reading!

Dates for the book class are:
May 4, 11, 25 from 7.00 pm to 9.30 pm and Saturday June 1st from 9h00am to 4h00 pm

For more information, contact the Montreal Shambhala Center (Book study will also be offered in French).

Sometimes boys make me cry

About a month ago, I had a crying session in the bathroom at work. No, it wasn't due to some Ally McBeal-like, dancing baby crisis or any other melodrama. It was Sufjan Stephen's song 'Chicago' which struck a nerve with me. Then about a week later, same thing happened while listening to Hayden's 'Home by Saturday'. And since things usually work in 3's, The Joel Plaskett rounded it all out and made me cry a bit more.

I think I need to make a iPod mix of all of these broken-hearted, woeful little songsters for those days when I need a good cathartic cry. .

Completly off topic, the next door neighbors are having a birthday party and the guest of honor must have just walked in. Everyone yelled and Bob, my dearest pug has just had a mini-freakout. I know this because he is pacing, whining and his usually tightly curled tail is now sticking now as if to protect his butt hole from being harmed by more festive yelling. I think it's time I give him a cookie to help him take his mind off of the party next door.

Think we will be going to the Montreal Pug Meetup as was mentioned in today's Montreal Gazette. It's been so long since we've been out for a gathering so I guess its time for Bob to get social for Spring.

Panchen Lama’s birthday: April 25th

April 25 is the Panchen Lama's birthday and this year the Montreal Chapter of the Canada Tibet Committee will be showing the film "Tibet’s Stolen Child" to commemorate his birthday and to shed light on what is known of his disappearance.

It has been ten years since he was last seen and an international campaign is underway asking the UN to urge the Chinese government to allow international access to the Panchen Lama.

As soon as I have details as to where the film will be shown, I will be sure to post this online.

For more information on this story, please visit the Official Panchen Lama website.

Buddha Pugs?

I often think that Bob displays many Buddhist characteristics (he has unwavering patience while waiting for kibble and belly rubs)...

Check out these links for Buddha/ Pug inspiration:

Big Lucky Pug Dog Buddha Statue

"My Pug is Wise- Like a small furry Buddha"

Podcasts make me smart(er)

I just stumbled upon an interesting looking initiative for podcast-based learning. The Education Podcast Network, it describes itself as an "an effort to bring together into one place, the wide range of podcast programming that may be helpful to teachers looking for content to teach with and about, and to explore issues of teaching and learning in the 21st century."

Last week, while waiting for a blood test, I tuned in to the podcast from Allergic Living magazine and leared 2 new things about my allergies:

1- I must carry 2 epi-pens with me at all times.
2- Sometimes anaphylatic episodes can be 'biphasic' meaning that after one reaction, another may follow within hours after medical treatment.

Both of these I wouldn't have known had I not tuned in to the podcast. Scary to think that a podcast can be more informative than my allergist!!!