The Women of TTB: Deb Avery

I met a little lady from the Philippines named Annie. I was 29 years old at the time and she, 40. I immediately felt comfortable and at peace with her. She was a lifelong Buddhist and though I did not know much about Buddhism at the time, I knew I wanted to radiate peace, love and happiness like Annie. And that was the beginning of the journey to who I am today.

The Women of TTB is a series where we focus on some of the women who helped get The Tattooed Buddha off and running and also continue to keep it growing! We sent out a few interview questions to some of these writers and artists so that we could find out more about them and highlight their many talents!

Tell me a little about yourself. Where do you live? What is your living arrangement like?

Being an empath and highly sensitive to the environment and energy around me, I spend a lot of time alone with my dogs. This has not always been the case. I used to push myself way beyond my natural energy borders by overdoing trying to help others. Now that I’m older, and hopefully wiser, I have learned to give myself time to be alone, heal and find peace in my life.

My days are usually filled with reading, music, walking and taking care of my 80 year old mom who lives with me. A challenge since we are so different, but I’m learning to cope pretty well.

How did you get into the arts/writing? 

I was always an avid reader, and began writing in 3rd grade. I would share my stories with my teachers who would always, much to my dismay, make me stand up in front of the class and read it to them. I was a shy child and did not enjoy that part. I stepped away from writing after getting married and living a busy life traveling here and there. But I always kept a journal and found myself missing writing until I began again about 10 years ago.

Do you meditate? What is your practice like? 

I’ve been meditating for almost 30 years now and I’ve learned to hone my practice to fit my health and lifestyle. My practice is very simple and very portable. I like to think that now, after so many years, I could sit in the median of a busy interstate and have no problem doing meditation. But for many reasons…lol…I haven’t put this to the test.

How did you get into meditation?

I met a little lady from the Philippines named Annie. I was 29 years old at the time and she, 40. I immediately felt comfortable and at peace with her. She was a lifelong Buddhist and though I did not know much about Buddhism at the time, I knew I wanted to radiate peace, love and happiness like Annie. And that was the beginning of the journey to who I am today.

Do you identify with any specific spirituality? If so, how did that happen for you? What spirituality I were you raised in?

I was raised in an Evangelical family from the South—the “buckle” of The Bible Belt. My upbringing left me a very confused and anxious young lady. As I look back at how that shaped my views in life, I can’t help but feel a little sad about all the years I tried so hard to be the good little Christian, but never measured up.  Eventually, in my 20’s I began reading and learning about other theologies and ways of being. And then the awesome little Buddhist lady came into my life and nothing has been the same since.

How did you get involved with TTB?

Back in 2015 I noticed this really awesome page on Facebook called, The Tattooed Buddha. I read the pieces, the bios and felt drawn to submit a piece. To my astonishment I was accepted and began as a featured writer. There was something different, special, about this group. And my little unlabeled, misfit self blended right in. It was almost like coming home.

How long have you been involved with TTB?

I’ve been writing for TTB since 2015. Although recent health issues have slowed me down the past few months, I hope to be back up and writing again soon.

What would you like to see TTB do in the future?

I wish I could say I hoped it never changed, but being the awesome community it is, it must flex and change like everyone else. For me the heart of TTB will always be it’s inclusion to all. You can go from reading a classical Buddhist piece to a very secular one. Then you can go over and get a glimpse into modern Christianity and everything else in between. I love the variety and hope that no matter how much changes in the future of TTB, this part will remain constant.

Anything else you would like to add about yourself?

I am very honored and grateful for the opportunity that TTB gave me to share my thoughts and perspectives. It’s been an awesome journey and I hope soon to be off the sidelines and back on the road with you.

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