my journal: http://samericatravels.livejournal.com I currently have four concentrations in my life. One, studying economics in grad school, two, developing my spiritual life, three, connecting with like minded people, and four, pondering how this world should look in a golden age (enlightened society). I am a member of the Shambhala Buddhist society, love the dharma very much, and am open to the practices of other lineages and spiritual groups as well. I took refuge in Buddhism with ease in 2004 because the detailed exploration of the mind felt right at home for me. To that degree, the path of recognizing our inherent goodness, sanity, and power is of dear importance to me. Understanding the patterns of the mind allows these qualities to shine. I'm studying economics in order to develop my understanding of how a planned social economy could function in a world that places human development and environmental concern as the highest priorities. I yearn for the age when bottom up, participative democracy is powered by member-owned businesses (cooperatives), and empowered by politicians who seek to meet the needs of every cooperative while minimizing competition and regulating prices. Thinking of such community cooperation, of the importance of individuality without individualism, of appreciating cultural norms, of making people excited for their daily activities leaves my eyes wet. Overall, I strive to love. I don't mean a mere wishy washy emotion that leaves me oblivious to the realities of our world. Indeed, quite the opposite. I mean the spiritual feeling of tender openness that allows us to understand how we are connected to all life and things in this universe. When I am best able to maintain the feeling of awareness of interconnectedness, I am able to most effectively act supportively of all connections that I can foresee. I see myself as a classic indigo adult. I always look to connect to others who see themselves as the same. http://www.amagicalworld.com/indigo_whatis.php