Happy Monday! I've been thinking recently about my goals for the year 2012. Have you heard of anyone's goals that are unusual or insightful? I'm still working on mine... but one of my missions in 2012 is to become like Buddha. It may sound silly, but the themes I studied in my Buddhism class truly enlightened and influenced how I interpret my surroundings.I found these three photos in the SheWanders' collection they took while traveling the globe. I don't think they are all taken in places where Buddhism is the main religion, but they certainly invoked a religious presence. The patterns in the middle photo are especially enticing. SheWanders' photographs of non-traditional religious weddings have always been a favorite of mine- especially ornate, Indian weddings.

I found a few quotes that embody the Buddha- all spoken by one of the most influential people in the world- the Dalia Lama.

"Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend - or a meaningful day."

"If you have fear of some pain or suffering, you should examine whether there is anything you can do about it. If you can, there is no need to worry about it; if you cannot do anything, then there is also no need to worry."

“Because we all share an identical need for love, it is possible to feel that anybody we meet, in whatever circumstances, is a brother or sister.”

“Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.”

“Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.”

"Always be kind". OK, those are my words of wisdom. Have a nice week! xoxo... Jessica of the Wanderers