monastic experience: day 8

day 8
I think I’m getting the hang of this whole diet thing. I really would have liked some chocolate eggs from the candy counter, but there’s plenty of time between next Monday and Easter for that.

I did my day of silence today, too. It went really well until around 7:00 p.m. I had to talk to the landlord, and I had to talk about American Idol, and everything else in between. for the most part, I was better at remembering than I was the first time. plus, I didn’t have to do much today—so it was a bit easier. one problem is seeing people you know, but you don’t know well enough that they already know you are on a monastic experience—taking a vow of silence. it’s hard to be silent and not be rude.

I’ve been thinking about what my fellow monk pretenders said about wanting to die rather than being a monk. I know I already said I think it’s silly. I feel really good about it. but is it just an experience? will I eat continue to eat healthier when I am no longer a monk? will I say less and be aware of what I do say? will I limit my phone and internet use? in 6 more days, will I meditate, stretch, and worship every day for an hour? or will I lose my grounded openness? most of me thinks I will rush to Krispy Kreme or the Pizza Factory on day 14. in fact, I plan on it. and it will be nice to have the extra hour from yoga back in my daily schedule. but what scares me is that I am a person who would undergo a “monastic experience” for 2 weeks and remain unchanged from it. yes, 2 weeks is a short time in my life. but am I prepared to be the person who only gains a few good journal entries and blog posts from this religious experience? I hope not. I hope something besides my word document changes.

today:
truth telling: well, a vow of silence prevents you from saying anything—whether it be true or false. but I did nod yes when someone asked me if I’ve voted for BYUSA yet. why can’t they just leave me alone?
spending: $0
phone: had a few phone interviews for the paper, plus had to talk to a few landlords (anyone know of 3 spots in a house in South Provo?), and a friend. texting pretty unrestricted.
tv: American Idol – 1 hour
internet: I left my computer home again. total maybe 30 minutes.