words of a monk

the secret lies in
enjoying each small pleasure
and living simply.

i can now cross #24 off my life list- to meet and have a conversation with a monk. sadly, i forget my new friend's name, but for now i think it's his story that's more important. he's been living as a monk for the past 4 years, but is studying in edinburgh at the moment. he made this decision at the age of 17. i'm 20 and had trouble deciding what i wanted for breakfast this morning. porridge or grapefruit, i still don't know if i made the right choice. i admire people who know what they want and just go for it. there was such a peace and calmness about my new friend.
anyways, this is the cool part of the story. he just got a birthmark/growth that could've turned into a tumor, removed from his head. he really enjoys showing off the scar. the only reason he noticed the growth was because to become a monk he had to shave his head. if he hadn't become a monk he might be walking around with a tumor and not even know it. pretty amazing stuff huh? coincidence, i think not.

other things learned:

• women can become monks too, but also have to shave their heads
• hair is unecessary, just there for beauty (i think i'd be a case to prove otherwise)
• to become a monk you take a vow with their master
• they really do just wear sheets (like one big orange toga party)
• my next question for him is what do they wear under those sheets?!

if anyone has anything to add, i want to know!