“This teacher showed me a solid and obvious brick wall that blocked my path, one through which I had been trying to pass as if it wasn’t there. Seeing it so large and clear, I could hardly believe it had been hidden from my attention for so long. Of course, it needed to be bypassed, though the path became much longer and harder. But at least there was a path ahead.”

For me, such a teacher, as mentioned in the quote, was the book I started rereading today. I`ll talk about it later.

Today marked the first real test of my new commitments, and I can confidently say that most of my goals were met, though not perfectly. While I adhered to most of my plans, I fell short in one particular area: food. But before my main speech, I would like to show you that the beginning of the day was rather cold :)

Reflections on Food Choices

Despite knowing how to eat correctly for weight loss — a skill I learned during my years as an athlete — I exceeded my planned intake today. This happened during a conversation over a meal with a friend. The social setting made it easy to lose track of portions, and I ate more than I intended. This was a moment of reflection for me, reminding me of the challenges of staying mindful in social situations. Still, this is a learning opportunity, and tomorrow is a new day.

Discovering New Perspectives

Later in the day, I started reading a book gifted to me by a close friend. The book Becoming Supernatural by Dr. Joe Dispenza explores the idea of transcending the limitations of the mind. As a rational, science-oriented person, I don’t usually gravitate toward such concepts. Still, I decided to give it a chance out of respect for my friend and intellectual curiosity.

I must admit, I still have questions about Dr. Dispenza’s credentials, particularly how he identifies as a doctor. In his book, he frequently references “scientific approaches” (a term he highlights repeatedly) as if to lend credibility to his ideas. Interestingly, he notes that his so-called “scientific approaches” are not recognized by the scientific community in the United States.

As I read, it became clear that many of the author’s ideas draw heavily from Buddhism, albeit cloaked in scientific jargon like “DNA,” “genetics,” and “biochemistry.” While this approach feels somewhat disingenuous, it reminded me of Buddhism’s profound influence on my life. Revisiting these teachings today felt like reconnecting with an old friend.

That book is The Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path by Sangharakshita. This work deeply resonated with me and made me reflect on how Buddhism helped me navigate challenging times. Years ago, when I first learned about my illness, Buddhism provided a foundation for self-improvement and inner peace.

Interestingly, as I revisited this path, I was reminded of how much Erich Fromm’s philosophy in his book To Have or to Be? aligns with Buddhist principles. It’s a thought-provoking read, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in exploring these connections.

Celebrating Progress and Commitment

One of the day’s high points came from my commitment to sobriety. During a gathering with friends, I joyfully refrained from alcohol, even amidst the festive and alluring atmosphere of Christmas. Sticking to my decision to abstain for a month filled me with pride and reinforced my dedication to my journey.

Looking Ahead with Optimism

Today wasn’t perfect, but it was a meaningful start. From navigating social challenges to rediscovering old lessons, I feel more grounded and committed to this journey. I hope to build on these small victories tomorrow and continue moving forward.

I’ve decided to write these reflections at the end of each day, documenting how it went, what I learned, and how well I adhered to or deviated from my goals. It’s my way of staying accountable and finding clarity as I navigate this path. I can’t promise myself or any readers (if I even have any :D ) that I’ll write every day, but I’ll do my best to share updates every few days about what’s happened and how my journey is progressing.