Staying connected

It's been another horribly tough day at the coalface of work deadlines. I and a small band of hardy labourers have all become gruesomely stuck in some rather unending problems. Our sunless days are draining away with very little real sign of any productivity.

How completely symbolic of all human endeavour this seems. Well probably only to me now in my ant-like fashion as I seach for the way out. As ever, the bigger picture remains outside, as our amazing world continues to hurtle by. I did glimpse an inspiring dusk with vibrant pinks to purples behind a silhoetted tree line, and even a striking full moon gleaming against a starless sky.

I just need to stay connected, and I don't mean broadband. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy youtube and myspace as much as the next gal. But I want to remind myself of the things that take our breath away. Without getting out more, drinking vats of premium alcohol and dancing like no one is watching that is. Practising buddhism always seems a fast track back to a special place.

In the midst of my mind-numbing and soul-crushing schedule, it's good to read things like "all living beings have the potential to attain enlightenment or Buddhahood". It's so easy to lose the link. Slogging though a particulary grimy and damp rush hour earlier, I became as downtrodden as all the other commuters around me. Then I focussed on all those delicious fat, happy and smiling buddha statues I'd seen, and whispered some chants. It was enough to crack my steely face.

Maybe what is called "enlightenment" in Buddhist circles can indeed be found on my 176 bus back from town. I'm pretty sure the chanting is helping with my personal connection to what really matters. Even if the grotty slog of modern life has dulled my senses. A chant and a deep breath and I instantly feel back in touch.

The big Buddha boys in the US have probably put it well. A daily spiritual regime hooks us into " the true nature of life, including the profound realization of the interconnectedness of all things — the inseparable relationship between the individual and the environment and the ability of each human being to powerfully influence both." I want to hold this thought while travelling on public transport...