GrowingOlderHopeWiser

Aunt Mary raised me in the Roman Catholic Church, a formal and devoted faith with a long history. My family Baptized me. At age 7, I received my first Holy Communion, and in 8th grade, I received the blessed sacrament of Confirmation.

Confirmation Day

Three naughty freshmen sneaking up the Senior Class steps.

From 5th to 8th grade, I attended Mass every Sunday and on all Holy days. Weekly catechism classes were also the norm. You could describe me as devoted and faithful, confessing even when I had no sins to admit to. You had to confess.  So, I made up stuff to confess to. Looking in retrospect, as a Catholic, I felt guilty about everything, even if I had nothing to feel guilty about. My Catholic belief was to expect help from a higher power, God.

I discovered Buddhist thought after reading Siddhartha by Herman Hesse in grade school. I Fell in love with Buddhism and wanted to learn more, but I put it on the back burner until I was old enough to decide on my religious faith and philosophy.

However, there was a better way for me, so I became a layperson six years later. I did not need to be a nun to find my inner peace because I lived in the real world and dealt with real people and my imperfections. I needed practice, meditation, and contemplation to achieve it.

I do not advocate for anyone to become a Buddhist; you must find what works for you, find your own middle way, and stick with it. As always, I welcome your feedback.