About 3 months ago, I moved to Las Vegas from Orange County.
In California, my salary would never commiserate with the rising cost of housing. To add more incentive to moving away, I had little job satisfaction with 3 different employers within the first year of my profession. I had to relegate myself into less then desirable organizations for the sake of experience.
My former preceptor from one of my internship sites recruited me to work at her hospital near Las Vegas. There I would be given privileges to write orders, something that would likely never be permitted in the litigious state of California. It was going to be a pay cut, but an excellent job opportunity and a priceless ticket to a different kind of life.
On another note, I made the painful decision to forfeit grad school a year ago to pursue something that turned out to be more spiritually profitable, learning about Buddhism. It felt like leaving a tumultuous romantic relationship. Breaking up is never easy, but always ends up to be the better path.
Las Vegas is a good compromise when moving away from Southern California. It's far enough to start a new life, but close enough to visit family and friends.
I was more than ready to let go of the beaches (that I barely frequented), the good food, and the temperate year-round weather. I came to the point of realization that worldly pleasures never got me anywhere than karmic debt.
I can't say I had a thriving social life. I had friends, but rarely saw them. I've learn that arranging time to meet with people was more complicated than scheduling an appointment with a specialist under an HMO plan. Strangely enough, the lack of a social life proved to be beneficial in my circumstance. Because I wasn't so attached to people, it was easier to move away.
People often ask me how well I've adjusted since living in Vegas. The truth is an adjustment was never needed. My life is practically the same as it was before I moved. I worked 8 hour shifts then back to home to my books and meditation practice. The main difference is less traffic, less smog and less distraction.
Moving to Las Vegas was one of the best decisions I made for many reasons. The cost of living is a lot more reasonable. Boundless outdoor activities are nearby. And of course I have my retail comforts here such as Trader Joe's and Ikea.
But what's most important about my move to Sin City is my personal journey to enlightenment. I don't think I'll achieve it in this life, but the karmic results along the path are rich and fulfilling!
When retreating, one has to retreat away from something. In my case, I was retreating away from the things that got me into trouble, such as delusions, anger and attachments. Many yogis have retreated in solitude to caves high up in the mountains. I chose Vegas instead. During the day I work with many people, but when my shift is over I'm a semi-recluse.
Living in solitude is not about running away from people and problems, it's about disciplining the mind in order to help others. We can't assist others with placing their aviation oxygen mask unless we put ours on first.
In California, my salary would never commiserate with the rising cost of housing. To add more incentive to moving away, I had little job satisfaction with 3 different employers within the first year of my profession. I had to relegate myself into less then desirable organizations for the sake of experience.
My former preceptor from one of my internship sites recruited me to work at her hospital near Las Vegas. There I would be given privileges to write orders, something that would likely never be permitted in the litigious state of California. It was going to be a pay cut, but an excellent job opportunity and a priceless ticket to a different kind of life.
On another note, I made the painful decision to forfeit grad school a year ago to pursue something that turned out to be more spiritually profitable, learning about Buddhism. It felt like leaving a tumultuous romantic relationship. Breaking up is never easy, but always ends up to be the better path.
Las Vegas is a good compromise when moving away from Southern California. It's far enough to start a new life, but close enough to visit family and friends.
I was more than ready to let go of the beaches (that I barely frequented), the good food, and the temperate year-round weather. I came to the point of realization that worldly pleasures never got me anywhere than karmic debt.
I can't say I had a thriving social life. I had friends, but rarely saw them. I've learn that arranging time to meet with people was more complicated than scheduling an appointment with a specialist under an HMO plan. Strangely enough, the lack of a social life proved to be beneficial in my circumstance. Because I wasn't so attached to people, it was easier to move away.
People often ask me how well I've adjusted since living in Vegas. The truth is an adjustment was never needed. My life is practically the same as it was before I moved. I worked 8 hour shifts then back to home to my books and meditation practice. The main difference is less traffic, less smog and less distraction.
Moving to Las Vegas was one of the best decisions I made for many reasons. The cost of living is a lot more reasonable. Boundless outdoor activities are nearby. And of course I have my retail comforts here such as Trader Joe's and Ikea.
But what's most important about my move to Sin City is my personal journey to enlightenment. I don't think I'll achieve it in this life, but the karmic results along the path are rich and fulfilling!
When retreating, one has to retreat away from something. In my case, I was retreating away from the things that got me into trouble, such as delusions, anger and attachments. Many yogis have retreated in solitude to caves high up in the mountains. I chose Vegas instead. During the day I work with many people, but when my shift is over I'm a semi-recluse.
Living in solitude is not about running away from people and problems, it's about disciplining the mind in order to help others. We can't assist others with placing their aviation oxygen mask unless we put ours on first.
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