Problem: Article: Begin your path to becoming a monk by understanding the basics about Buddhism. Check out books from the library, do research on line, and if possible, take classes from an instructor who has been ordained as a monk. The Buddha doesn't force anyone to believe, but asks disciples to prove the tenants true based on their own investigation of the religion. Here are the fundamentals you should know: Study the Eightfold Path, which is the way to the end of all suffering. The path consists of the right understanding, right speech, right intention, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration, right action and right livelihood. Learn the four noble truths, which contain the essence of Buddhism. A simple version of the four noble truths is that suffering exists, it arises from attachment to wants, the condition stops when the attachment to desire stops and freedom from suffering is possible through the Eightfold Path. The Buddhist religion is worldwide and temples exist in almost every country. Practicing Buddhism as a layperson will give you valuable insight into what it's like to be part of a Buddhist community, which is central to becoming a monk. You'll want to become a regular part of the community for months, or even years, before you take the next step to become a monk. Check your phone book or look online for a Buddhist center near you. Be an active participant of the temple. Some sanghas offer introductory courses where you can learn more about Buddhism. Others schedule retreats to help you grow in your faith. Not all Buddhist communities are alike. Like other types of religious institutions, some are more traditional, while others have changed with modern times. Find a community that fits with your views and is appealing to you. It may also be helpful to visit Buddhist temples in other cities or even other countries to get a well-rounded view of the Buddhist community. Learning from a mentor is a very important first step in becoming a monk. One-on-one instruction allows you to delve deeper into Buddhist teachings and gain a more complete understanding of what will be expected of you as a monk. Begin working with someone who can teach you everything you need to know. To find a mentor, ask people in your Buddhist community for recommendations. Often, a temple will invite Buddhist leaders to come and speak to the group, and this gives you a chance to make contact with potential mentors.
Summary: Familiarize yourself with Buddhist teachings. Join a temple, or sangha, that practices Buddhism. Find a spiritual guide or mentor.

Problem: Article: If you have a shirt that you love and it has a lot of holes, consider using a creative fix to make it usable and unique. For example, you could embellish the hole by embroidering around it. Stitches all around the hole will stabilize the fabric and add a creative touch. You can also put an applique over the hole. Putting a decorative patch over the hole, instead of trying to match the existing fabric, can add a bit of fun to an otherwise subdued shirt. If you do not know how to sew or you just don't want to, there are still options for fixing your shirt. There are a variety of glue products that are made to glue fabric together and these can be used on your shirt. In fact, if the hole in your shirt is on a seam or in a spot that is not visible, using glue may be the quickest and easiest fix. Go to your local craft or sewing store and look for products made to glue fabric to fabric. Depending on the product that you use, it may discolor the area you are gluing. It may also make the area less soft and flexible. Follow the directions that come on the glue you buy when fixing your shirt. Different glues have different drying times and techniques for application, so it's important to follow your product's specific instructions. There may be a point when a shirt has too many holes to make it look presentable or to have it be functional. If your shirt is in tatters or has numerous holes, consider letting it go and turning it into a fun project. If you really love a shirt because of its fabric or because of sentimental reasons, consider using the shirt's fabric to make a quilt or other keepsake item. That way the fabric can continue to be used, just in a different form. If your shirt has a large hole or you're worried about ruining it by attempting to fix it yourself, take it to a tailor to have it fixed. A professional tailor will likely be able to fix holes so that they are practically invisible to the eye. When you take your shirt in to be repaired, talk to the person about your expectations and ask them what they think they can do for you. Giving the person sewing your shirt clear instructions and getting a clear understanding of what kind of fixes are possible will help you to manage your expectations for the repair. A business that does tailoring or alteration should be able to help you. If you don't know of one in your area, do an internet search to find businesses near you.
Summary: Do a creative fix with embroidery or decorative patches. Use glue to fix a hole that's not very visible. Turn a shirt that is too far gone into a creative project. Have your shirt fixed by a professional if you can't fix it yourself.

Problem: Article: Although Emma is sometimes seen without earrings, she's also been seen wearing multiple earrings for effect. Her jewelry is classic and understated, as with her makeup. Go for small black circles in the ears. If going out, perhaps teardrop amber pendants are a good idea. Pearls or small silver hoops are good earring choices if you want to look like Emma. Sometimes, she's been seen wearing only one dramatic earring with the other ear free of jewelry. You won't see her wearing necklaces much. She has also said she doesn't like wearing nail polish. Emma is often seen in black, especially when she's dressing up. She is almost never seen in patterns or anything that's too revealing or too clingy. Think classic and elegant with monochrome colors. If you don't choose black, go for gray, white or red, as those are also colors she favors. She is often seen on the red carpet in all white outfits. Frilly, lacy frocks or overly short won't capture her look. Think simple. A long caramel skirt with silk black blouse. A white pants suit. A black blazer. Emma loves to wear tailored suits. You will see her in both black and white pantsuits. She's a fan of jackets and blazers, which she might pair with a buttoned-down shirt. It's sort of a business look but in an elegant, feminine way. She doesn't wear menswear in a way that it looks like menswear though. Think Katharine Hepburn if you want a sense of Emma's style. One magazine described this look of Emma's as being a wardrobe of "own-it-forever" pieces. That's how one magazine described Emma's look at times. It's never too fuzzy, and it's sometimes very relaxed. For example, Emma has been seen wearing a headband across her forehead or flowers in her brown hair. Above all, have the courage to be yourself, and always show confidence about who you are. Emma has pointed out her imperfections (which seem small to everyone else) in interviews. She has said she's not stick thin and doesn't regard her teeth as perfect. However, she also has said she doesn't want to look like everyone else and has criticized Hollywood plastic surgery trends.
Summary:
Pierce your ears. Wear black a lot. Go for the tailored look. Get a boho vibe.