Day four

2/6/10
I can’t believe it’s already Saturday!
We leave for our home stay families tomorrow, I’m super nervous. I hope my family is close to the center. I hope they have kids too considering I brought gifts for children. At least I know I’m not going to be living alone. I wonder who my roommate will be. Considering I like everyone on the program I’m not too worried.
I decided on my independent study project today. I’m curious of how people illustrate enlightenment through art so I’m going to study Buddhist art schools and how they traditionally depict enlightenment and then meditate myself and paint what I see while I meditate. I don’t have too many details yet but at least I have a start.
I signed up for the painting practica today. I figure it goes hand in hand with my independent study project. Plus, I’m sure the woman in charge of the practica will be a great resource as to where to go to see actual Buddhist paintings and where to get cheap art supplies.
During the practica demonstrations there was a tabla and citar player which was utterly mind blowing. The citar player was so passionate and talented that I could feel his music vibrate through me. Both the musicians played off each other beautifully; it was as if the instruments were talking to each other.
I couldn’t even imagine being in Eugene right now. As much as I miss it every day here is so new and exciting. Everyday I’m here is truly a blessing.