Those who have seen my handwriting know how horrendous it can be. It is not merely chicken scratch or scribble, it is penmanship catastrophe. Even I can't read what I just. Not many can decipher the esoteric nature of my penmanship.

I write small angular letters with sporadic, mutantly large ones in between. I also write with incredible speed; sometimes to points where I am just dragging the pencil across the paper without writing an actual letter. My handwriting hasn't changed since the third grade.

"Ok Alexander, just write a little larger and slower"

Doing that turns my penmanship from a 3rd grader craft to a kindergarten craft. To get a visual of what that may look like, write your name using large letters with your non-prominent hand.

My handwriting is certainly embarrassing!
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Dr. Thynn Thynn came into the Anthropology 2 class with her associate. She had short stature and ribbons of wirey gray hair. Every so often she adjusted her enormously thick spectacles (which were obscenely large for her face). She spoke softly, but to the point.

She spoke of Buddhism in Myanmar, the culture of Burma and the integral part of the folk traditions and spirituality. She presented videos of Burmese dancers, Buddha shrines, and local ruins and temples.

She then began to speak of Theravadan Buddhist philosophy and religion. The three gems, the noble eightfold path, and the reaching of nibbana; the ultimate state of mind, without troubles, cravings, difficulties. Only peace to be had.

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Dukkha (or suffering): The affliction of the human mind caused by desire, aversion, apathy, as well as a lack of emotional control.

Kamma (or Karma): Literally means action. Actions and the effects of those actions are the responsibility of the doer. They result in either good kamma or bad kamma (differentiated by motivation. If the action was good in intention but ended negatively does not necessarily mean bad kamma). Good kamma is the essential ingredient to achieving Nibbana.

Nibbana (Or Nirvana): Literally means "Extinguish". The state of ultimate peace of mind; eternal wisdom and no suffering. When one reaches nibbana, they transcend pain, consciousness, time and space, hence they are extinguished from the material plane. However, their physical body may be gone, their anatta will remain and bring fruit to the earth.

Anatta: The idea of "non-self". An ever changing entity of experience and wisdom beyond body and mind. Buddhist belief holds that everything is impermanent and is in a constant change of state. Not to be confused with soul, the essence of who we personally are. Anatta is the energy of the universe, teachings, and experiences accumulated through the kamma we produce. Soul can be seen as the micro (self), as Anatta can be seen as the Macro (Universe).

Rebirth: The passing of anatta from one form to the other. Good kamma and bad kamma will result in a good rebirth or bad rebirth. Anatta may go through hundreds of rebirths until it has achieved enough good kamma to reach nibbana. Rebirth has a notion of growth and development. Rebirth should not be confused with Hindu Reincarnation, which implies a fixed soul being brought into the world again.

Buddha: Literally means "enlightened one". Not a diety or god, but an idea and state of being. Anyone can become a buddha through practice and training of controlling one's emotions, actions, and desires.

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"How can we transcend our desires and control our emotions?"

Dr. Thynn Thynn answered, "I wish I brought some raisins...

It is important to be in the moment. The world around you is constantly moving and shifting. If you dwell on your past or constantly think about what lies ahead your path, you will not be in the present. Being present and aware of where you are is the first step to looking inside yourself. Looking inside yourself is the next step in controlling your emotions. Controlling your emotions is the next step towards peace. It is important to take one step at a time....

Very well, this can be an excersise"

She told us to take our water bottles and concentrate on drinking. Feel the water enter your mouth, slide across your tongue. Feel the muscles in your throat as you swallow. Don't think of anything else except for drinking the water.

"Now, I notice that not all of you have a water bottle. For you, I recommend writing and concentrating what your wrist does as you write. Focus all your attention to what your hand writes."


Since I did not have a water bottle to quench my focus, I began to write. At that moment, I decided to write in cursive; something I hadn't done in 8 years. After just under a minute of intense focus, the Doctor said to stop.

"Now take a moment to reflect your experience"

Many shared their water experience with the class. I payed little attention to them; my eyes were bedazzled on the most beautiful handwriting to ever drip out of thoee fingers.

It was legible, balanced, and harmonious cursive. I never bothered with it when I was young: It was much too difficult. In addition, I always assumed my cursive would be worse than my print. But there, before me, were the words "beautiful ugly coca-cola" delivered in elegant, readable script from the gods!

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The room was serene, tranquil and empty. Before me sat an alter of the Golden Buddha. There were offerings, incense, flowers, ribbons, water, and food. The air was stale and warm, but the atmosphere was inviting. I sat down in front of it and began to pray. I prayed to Buddha, not as a god, but as an example of inner truth. I also took the time to reflect and pray to my personal God(dess).

I vowed to spend more time in the present. If my mind constantly wanders to future worries or past regrets, then I won't notice the ephemeral world in the moment. I need to learn to slow down and listen, breathe, focus. If the small amount of concentration can create angelic handwriting, imagine the possibilities of other daily aspects. Behold still, the possibilities of controlling my violent emotional swings, my worries, my mania.



I traveled the middleroad home to practice my penmanship.