mother nature is a man and other observations..

Buddhist practice instills doing quiet acts of the “awakened one.” My preference is doing, not necessarily talking about, but recently had an experience I would like to share. A twitter follower asked “what’s your normal day like.” I tweeted yoga, a little chanting, and try to make a difference. Riding to Penn. Station in New York City, the charming driver from Ecuador, started the conversation. Somehow, age got in the mix. 78, with a very normal ego, not enlarged at all, it’s quite lovely to be taken for younger. Edwin was very complimentary and we started to chat. He asked me what I do in regard to food and exercise. I mentioned yoga, walking, and then for the ride to the station, proceeded to act as his new-found nutritionist. He said he sits all day, and often has diet soda, chips, and fast food. By the way, instead of loud music, a classical radio station was on. I complimented him on his choice, and smiling told him Tchaikovsky Winter Daydream was playing and it was over 100 degrees outside. He told me he plays the station for his favorite customers. Since I was a first timer, I was flattered. So, on to a quick nutrition lesson with the time allowed. I told him I eat close to a cup of mixed nuts daily. Walnuts, almonds, filberts, and pecans…never putting weight on, and of course fruits and veggies. He was repeating everything I said and planned on writing it all down. I steered him away from fast foods and suggested he keep a little bag of nuts and cut up colorful veggies for snacks. He interjected “what about raisins, and before I was able to say “just a few,” he quickly interjected, “maybe not, because of the sugar.” He was a quick learner, having earlier told him about the perils of soda, diet soda, sugar, bad fat, and too much salt, and white flour. We quickly became food friends. A difference was made Thursday morning. A quote from a past blog….”when the student is ready, the teacher appears.” We arrived at the station, and as I left he said, “salads are good right?” and then added “but guess not too much dressing.” A+ I told him and we said goodbye to each other. A lovely beginning to my day.