). I would say that the Dhamma, my dear children, and Nature bring me the most joy in life, the rest is either good, average or...well, you know, dukkha! I'm a piano teacher by trade, which really complicates trying to observe the Uposatha if a teaching day happens to fall on the new or full moon (I just take seven precepts instead of eight, and try not to 'enjoy' the music too much lol - almost sounds like catholicism). So all in all, despite having had quite a difficult life socially (I'm quite isolated, and somewhat eccentric and hermit-like), currently I'm making the effort to take a good look at the vast blessing of having been born a human, who contacted the Dhamma, and somehow, by effort and the kindness of some good teachers, has managed to grasp enough of it to keep going. So when I get into depression (happens a bit...painful stuff), my latest 'first step' is to ask whether it is justified. I mean, to have this INCREDIBLE opportunity for cultivating awakening, and yet to sit around moping because of the bad things that happened in the past (and a few that are happening now...), is actually quite silly. It is possible that I worked very hard over many lives for this opportunity. So, time to roll up the sleeves and get on with it. That's 'me' in a nutshell, well it's what I have to work with. Any help to further awakening is always welcome, and I hope I can be of assistance to others here too, as my realization improves. May we all help one another and take this opportunity that, so I hear, is sought after even by devas in heavenly worlds!
