if happiness is a choice (which i've always believed) then... isn't enlightenment a choice too? in other words, we all understand perfectly well that when we think things will make us happy, we are truly fooling ourselves. happiness does not come from 'things' nor do we want things. we 'want' to be happy in the end, and 'things' get in the way of our happiness. so, in that light, it would stand to reason that to say that we must 'eat right' and 'believe the right thing' or 'do this or that' to be enlightened is just another way of putting 'things' in the way to our 'enlightenment'. if we start by being enlightened, then won't the natural balance (which is different for each of us) come about naturally as a consequence and not the other way around? we are all perfect.. just the way we are, how we are, what we are.. to begin with. period. will we change and grow and move in astounding ways? absolutely, thats the true fun of being. not 'trying' to be this or that (which carries the message of it being distant from you, and needing something to be worthy) but being, just being. i love it when i can really capture that feeling of being perfect already, of loving myself and all my flaws irregardless and seeing them as a vast tapestry of greatness, creativity and endless opportunity. i am worthy, i am love and loved. we are all part of all that is, interconnected and a very beautiful tapestry. i can't truly explain what it is i see when i feel this way, other than to say everything is alright and going to be fine. to say that any one among us for any reason is unworthy or 'bad' for lack of a better term reflects on our feelings for ourselves. no one is required to be where you expect them, only required to be. the beauty of their own path should inspire you to see the beauty of our own and revel in the experience. we are one and perfect in every way. peace