Why I love Buddhism

I wrote this in my journal in 2021 and recently revisited it and found that it still rings true for me and wanted to share it here.

Buddhism gives me a compass in the overwhelming world, in the inundation of capitalism, violence, consumerism, dualistic politics, yelling opinions back and forth at each other, reality tv and beauty standards...Buddhism gives me tools for a deeper, more meaningful life.

It gives me reminders for how to ease suffering in myself and others in clear and gentle ways that feel so peaceful, loving, kind, rooted and compassionate.

I love the focus on generosity and service, on care and loving-kindness, on depth and heart, on clearing and watching the mind carefully through stillness and silence, on learning and growing and being humble.

Buddhism resonates so deeply with me in my life right now and is giving me a freedom outside of all the systems I was born into and all of the conditioning that has lead to so much struggle and suffering inside.

I love that Buddhism does not follow a god, it is about self-reflection, slowing down, practicing mindfulness, discovering our own insights about being human on this planet and learning how to know ourselves deeply so we can make more compassionate, loving, kind choices.

I love that Buddhism isn't about dogma or rules and that many people from various religious backgrounds and spiritual traditions practice aspects of Buddhist teachings.

It is about finding our own way with the support of "wise friends."