Story of Bunniness: Nestor

Nestor the bunny, Photo courtesy of Kim C.

Today’s moment of bunniness comes from Kim C. and her angel bun, Nestor, who truly embodied the spirit of Bunny Buddhism by overcoming incredible adversity with a heart full of love.

Nestor the bunny, Photo courtesy of Kim C.
Nestor the bunny, Photo courtesy of Kim C.
Nestor suffered several serious infections over his lifetime and even lost an eye to one of them. He was abandoned in a shelter and ten years old before he was adopted by Kim C.

When she first brought him home, Nestor was depressed, but his new environment gave him a chance to explore his inner bunniness. Soon, he was giving kisses and enjoying the company of humans and animals alike.

Sadly, he later developed leukemia, which he fought for a year before his body could no longer take the side effects from steroids at such an advanced age. His immune system deteriorated and he developed an inner ear infection before passing away.

In life, we encounter a seemingly endless parade of difficult experiences. It is easy to get frustrated and give up. If anyone knows this, I do.

But I also think we can learn from Nestor’s experience. Nestor had to face difficulties for many years. If he had given up, he never would have found the loving home that helped him become the bunny he always had the potential to be.

Rather than focusing on the difficult life Nestor had, I will remember how he found his way into a loving home. I will remember that Kim C. adopted a ten year old bunny with one eye when no one else would. I will remember that every obstacle creates opportunity and that we are more likely to find that opportunity when we open our hearts to love and kindness.

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In Memoriam: Comet

I’m afraid today’s moment of bunniness is another sad one because Comet has recently hopped across the bridge. However difficult losing a bunny may be, it is precisely these difficult moments that challenge us to find our inner strength so we may in time learn to appreciate and accept the transitory nature of life.

Comet’s human once told me she could always be in the moment whenever Comet was around, so I thought a quote about staying present would be apropros. Thank you to Comet and Dr. Dale of the Secret Handbook 4 Teens for this beautiful photo. May it serve as a reminder that each moment of life is precious and teaches us whatever it is we most need to learn.

Comet the bunny, Photo courtesy of @handbook4teens
Comet the bunny, Photo courtesy of @handbook4teens

Moment of Bunniness: BUN

Today’s moment of bunniness comes from a very relaxed BUN, who has learned to find bunniness despite the difficulties of bunny life before being adopted by a loving family. Be sure to visit BUN on Facebook and Twitter for more photos and fun from this fluffy little guy and his big bunny personality!

Bun the bunny, Photo used with permission from Facebook.com/fuzzywabbit
BUN the bunny, Photo used with permission from Facebook.com/fuzzywabbit

In Memoriam: Rory

Once a bunny touches our heart, even if only for a short period of time, we come to rely on the comfort and companionship they offer. We are human, after all, and it’s human nature to become attached to whatever it is we find meaningful in our lives.

Eventually, though, we are confronted by the fact that change is inevitable. No relationship remains the same forever. At some point, we will change, or they will change, or circumstances will change and force us to face our deepest fears.

And so it is with a heavy heart that I share Rory’s moment of bunniness, shortly after his journey over the bridge.

Rory the bunny, Photo courtesy of @RamenEmpire
Rory the bunny, Photo courtesy of @RamenEmpire

Rory’s message is one that may challenge us more than it will comfort us. Change is hard. Loss is harder. But it is part of life and we must learn to accept it if we are to continue living in a conscious and meaningful way.

Rory was a happy bunny who had an enormous impact on the humans who knew him. His life was short and beautiful, much like the latest installment in Ramen Empire, the comic he helped inspire.

To Rory’s humans, I can only say my thoughts are with you. May you continue to be inspired by Rory’s memory for a long time to come.

© 2014 Ramen-Empire.com
© 2014 Ramen-Empire.com

Moment of Bunniness: Pipi

Today’s moment of bunniness is an extra-fluffy one from Pipi and her human, Kristen R. Thank you, Kristen and Pipi for this magnificent photo!

Pipi’s message reminds us that we don’t have to worry if we accidentally left the house wearing different colored socks today. It’s OK if we’re having a bad hair day or if everything we touch seems to be going wrong. It doesn’t matter that I just spent an hour fighting with the sewing machine before accepting that it is simply not going to work for me today.

What matters is that our bunny nature is calm and pristine and always waiting for us. We just need to take the time to stop and recognize it. Thank you, Pipi…I really needed the reminder today!

Pipi the bunny, Photo courtesy of Kristen R.
Pipi the bunny, Photo courtesy of Kristen R.

Moment of Bunniness: Penny

This is one bunny who has mastered the art of facing her fears. Thank you, Penny, for this reminder that sometimes we have to be strong, even if we feel like hopping away. For more photos, you can find Penny and her bunny daddy on Twitter and Instagram.

If you’d like to see your own bunny featured in a moment of bunniness, hop on over to the Submit page and share some bunny love!

Penny the bunny, Photo courtesy of @tensaiswag
Penny the bunny, Photo courtesy of @tensaiswag

Reviews of Bunny Buddhism: Hopping Along the Path to Enlightenment

Bunny Buddhism
Reviews are such an important part of the book-buying process that I wanted to be sure everyone had access to the latest word about Bunny Buddhism from reviewers on Amazon and Goodreads.

If you do decide to purchase Bunny Buddhism, I hope you will consider writing your own online review to assist other potential buyers like yourself.

Reviews are crucial to the success of any book, and I am deeply grateful to each and every person who takes the time to offer their thoughts.

Thank you, and happy reading!
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Moment of Bunniness: Tony

It seems there is no shortage of little bunnies with big personalities. This is Tony, who is sadly OTRB, but his oversized personality definitely made a significant impression on his human’s life. Thank you to Sabine K. for sharing this photo with us and for keeping Tony’s memory alive. I can just see the mischief in those little eyes!

Don’t forget that the Bunny Buddhism Caption Contest is still open. Enter now for your chance to win a sheet of 20 Bunny Buddhism stickers!

Tony the bunny, Photo courtesy of Sabine K.
Tony the bunny, Photo courtesy of Sabine K.

Bunny Art: Ben&Nevis BunArt

©2014 Ben&Nevis BunArt
©2014 Ben&Nevis BunArt

Today, I would like to introduce some bunny art from the very talented Hannah Fuller of Ben&Nevis BunArt. Please be sure to visit Ben&Nevis BunArt on Facebook for many more bunny-themed drawings and paintings—and also some pictures of Ben and Nevis, her gorgeous Mini Rex bunnies!

In this first painting of pathways leading into the mountains, Hannah has captured a familiar Bunny Buddhism quote:

“May all bunnies find their path, in their own time and in their own way.”

Often, we are faced with decisions about which path to choose next in life. Sometimes we choose well. Sometimes we do not. But we always learn something along the way.

Fantastic job capturing this sentiment in your work, Hannah – thank you!

©2014 Ben&Nevis BunArt
©2014 Ben&Nevis BunArt

I also really love this image of a bunny meditating. To me, the bunny quote that matches up best with this painting is:

“Breathing in, I embrace my bunny nature. Breathing out, I share my bunny nature with the world.”

As I’m sure many of you know, Bunny Buddhism quotes that begin with “Breathing in” are a direct reference to meditation.

Sometimes these meditation quotes are a suggestion for a way to practice. Sometimes they are a comment on a lesson I have learned in my own meditation practice.

Always, they are about taking the time to learn how our minds work so we can make more effective decisions that lead us to happier and healthier lives.

©2014 Ben&Nevis BunArt
©2014 Ben&Nevis BunArt

 
Finally, I must admit that my heart just melts when I see this picture of Nevis next to the drawing of a bunny with a heart. There are so many Bunny Buddhism quotes that could go with this one…which one comes to mind for you?

Thanks again to Ben&Nevis BunArt for the fantastic images on this page!

If you are an artist and would like to see your work featured on BunnyBuddhism.com, please be sure to visit the Submit page for details.

Love and bunniness for all!

Moment of Bunniness: Mo

Thank you to Erica P. and her lovely bunny, Mo, for today’s moment of bunniness. Erica tells me there is nothing in Mo’s bunny life, other than scenic hops through the park, that would make him happier than to be a moment of bunniness bun. So, here he is with one of my very favorite quotes…because he sure looks like a bunny with a mind of his own!

Mo the bunny, Photo courtesy of Erica P.
Mo the bunny, Photo courtesy of Erica P.