Sometimes, The Most Beautiful Things Aren’t So Hidden From Plain View

You know when everything around you seems so serene, that it’s almost like a dream? Well I had one of those experience just this past weekend. It was one of the most unorthodox experiences ever since I’ve been here in LA and I must say, being at Deer Valley Monastery is an eye opener.

Deer Park Monastery

The weekend prior, I realized that every since Los Angeles became my new home, I’ve been drinking at least once every weekend and up to five times a week! The thought of it just blew my mind and I made a commitment for the following weekend. No drinking, no partying.

Deer Valley Monastery resides in the hills where there isn’t much outside contact, except Sundays when people are actually allowed to come to visit. I came to visit my friend. He is a monk and is definitely enlighten in a sense. His personality has changed dramatically since I’ve last seen him which was 4 years ago and he is now much calmer and in such a peaceful state. The interesting part is, we went to UCSB together and if anyone knows what happens in Santa Barbara, they’d be astonished of his commitment as well. Anyways, it is an awesome place. We walked transverse the stairs, played some ping pong, got some in and out (yep, burgers) and sat around drinking tea, hanging out with hummingbirds and watching the sun set behind the hills.

Their lives are so simple, yet so happy. Almost satisfying. Not too much technology and the music from the plentiful animals that crowd around the monastery is enough feel good.

I’m not saying I will abandon my strive for success or stop my experiences, but I wouldn’t mind leaving my cellphone off for a day a week and reconnecting with myself in the present.

You know what they say. Don’t stress it. The future isn’t here yet and the past is long gone. Now lets live in the present, because its a gift of now.