Allowing Greatness - Part 2 - Day 1 - Recording in Sderot

The first day was all about drums drums drums. The setup itself is 4 hours. So after an 11 am arrival and a 4 hour setup, it is now 3 pm before the first note is struck. The student engineers of Sapir college are completely amazing the whole entire time we are down there. Treating us like royalty and catering to our every need. This is there dress rehearsal before they are thrown out into the vile world of internship, bad sessions and disrespectful musicians. I am grateful and cordial, honest and to the point as our time is short. I am seeing myself much more of a man this time around, able to call in what is needed and follow the guidance as it calls me in many directions. I am able to stand strong in a decision and to finally TRUST it. I am finally, after 34 years, becoming a MAN! Thank God!

So, Elad Nedav, 21 year old drummer extraordinaire, whom I have been playing music with on both trips to the Holyland, showed up with confidence and grace for the session. He whipped through both songs in lightning speed, giving us the rest of the time to listen back, do guitars and start the vocals. We had some minor trouble with the guitar going out of tune, but were able to fix it by re-positioning my fingering on the fretboard. By the time I was finished with guitars, I was famished. Just imagine what it takes to play the same song over and over and over with the same enthusiasm and authenticity on each and every take. Yes, Tiring, so, we called it early the first night and went to sleep in order to prepare for the session the next day with Joseph E-Shine!

Honestly...

I am scared! Scared of what? Scared of not being scared anymore. I have been brought up in a world of fear and as that fear turns to love, I find occasional comfort in FEAR. How could I not when I was raised that Fear is the way to live your life. Fear your grades, fear your friends, fear relationships, fear success, fear excess, fear loneliness, fear not being accepted, and I could go on and on for days. I still wake up many mornings with that fear mind masking my greatest gifts in the illusion of FEAR, and, many times, I will be ignorant enough to feed it, stirring in frustration of things NOT WORKING OUT, or not being LOVED, or loving. So, what to do in these moments, I will do what I have to do, breath it out, find that space inside where there is NOTHING to DO, Nothing to Fear, just a space so small, yet Infinitely connected to deep inner bliss...I must go there now...maybe, if you are feeling the same...you could go there too...here is how...

Stand tall and straight and as still as possible...take long deep breaths for 2 to 5 minutes, as long as you can and hold the inhales at the top as long as you can...as you breath out, release any tension by yelling, laughing or crying it out...then, after this process, shake it out for another 5 minutes. After that you should be ready to go, if not, you can go further, do an hour of yoga and 30 minutes more of breathing...but, that is just me...I LOVE YOU!

A response to a Michael Ellner Quote

I received this quote the other day and could not help but respond...

"Doctors destroy health, lawyers destroy justice, universities destroy knowledge, governments destroy freedom, the major media destroy information and religions destroy spirituality!” ---Michael Ellner

MY RESPONSE

....and when working from the highest consciousness, all professions can uplift and expand in all areas, assisting US in making our lives free...how we see the world is our reality!

...so, how about this...when doctors pay attention to individual needs, they transform, when lawyers seek truth, they open our eyes...when a university is our TOOL, they expand knowledge, when governments work with the people, they assist freedom...and about religion...it is not necessary when we have FAITH...so, seek out Professionals that Listen to the BIG MIND, and work from there as a vessel, then, the ONLY thing that can be destroyed.... is FEAR

Just thought it was worth Blogging...LOVE

What I Love About India - #350

Well, do not tell anyone, but I have been driving my motorcycle around illegally for the last two years out here in India, and, now that I am in Mumbai, people are telling me that I must be VERY CAREFUL so that I do not get in trouble with the law while doing so. India is all about Freedom really, It is the most amazing thing to know that with a smile and an open heart India will allow you the freedom to continue on with that smile, as long as you are sharing that will others. So, back to the story....The other day I was in town and I had parked my bike in a tow away place and actually got towed to the yard. So, my initial thought was that my bike is not gone, for sure. No License, No Registration, No Insurance. In America, well, In America, you will pay your life away and loose your license for this kind of action. What to do! So, when I showed up at the Towing Yard I just had to smile, knowing that there was nothing that I can do in this situation. I literally came up to the man shaking my head gently in the INdian Nod, asking, WHAT TO DO! He met my smile with an equal and compassionate embrace, half laughing as he is getting to the bottom of my lack of Credentials and essentials for the Bearaucracy. Our conversation went on with him mentioning to me that I would have to pay a big fine and he did not want to charge me all that money. He knew that I did not have the proper papers but he was on my side, and this is not the only time this has happened in this country. He worked with me to find a way to release my bike for the lowest possible amount and although I paid more then most, probably, an equivalent of about $18 for all of my illegal ways, I was still send off with a huge heart and a smile....and...to top it off, he even chased me down on my way out and gave me another 100 RS back!! Amazing!!! We hugged each other in a smile and I went on happily down the road, free, knowing that In this country, You can live without all the the government nonsense, you just may have to pay a little bit from time to time to keep the dogs off your back. Like a true Sicilian!! Love it!!

One more side note. IN India, the best way to make sure a policeman does not find you suspicious, SMILE AT HIM SO DEEPLY THAT HIS FEAR TURNS TO LOVE. SMILE BEFORE HE CAN EVEN CONJURE UP THE THOUGHT!! WORKS EVERY TIME!!

The Much Ashamed Organic Food Exchange - A MUST READ!

OK, THIS IS A REAL EMAIL I GOT FROM A DEAR FRIEND IN MUMBAI THAT IS HELPING ME TO FIND ORGANICE FRUITS AND VEGGIES.....ENJOY!!!!

Pt I - Go to:

- Vile Parle East Station
- find Champion Store
- outside the store sits a man named "Vasaiwala" only in the evenings - he is the fresh veggies/produce seller & identified by the "banana leaves lining his baskets"


Pt II :

- around the Champion Store, find Parleshwar Temple
- Opposite and just ahead of the temple (around an open construction area), under some trees, sit: "Ashok Vasaiwala" & "Chandrakant Vasaiwala" during the mornings
- Vasai is an area north of the city apparently where these guys are growing pesticide free.

Such fabulous instructions, directions - I'm imagining this BladeRunner scenario of you in the rain soaked melee of the train station scoring these organic veggies... more valuable than spice or drugs in bombay...

AND THIS IS MY RESPONSE!!!!

I see the whole thing going down right now!! I show up in a black hoodie, posed as a muslim woman, sneaking silently into the shadows behind the trees whispering "Vasaiwala, Vasaiwala....." Slowly an indian man perches up from dimly lit corner market hiding a bag under his Doti.....looking the other way he gently glides within arms reach and as I kneel down to expose the fresh organic goodies tucked up into his wastebasket, three spotlights blare into myeyes, exposing the much ashamed ORGANIC PRODUCE EXCHANGE...I am then sentence to a LIfe in indian prison for such a vile attempt at eating clean, natural, UNCOOKED food in the Pond we call MUMBAI!!

Envisioning of Rishikesh

About 30 KM before I actually arrived in this golden mecca of spiritual wisdom, I started to think the town was laid out in open space. My vision for the setting of this place went something like this. A huge and powerful gushing river twisting out of large mountains with the Himalayas as a back drop to the whole scenery. For the most part, my vision was right on. My first glimpse of the Ganga (The Holiest River in India) came just before Haridrar. Just the glimpse and feeling of the energetic power drew me in. The river had a different color then any of the rivers that I had seen up to this point. It was a crystal green and was actually flowing with vigor through the valley I was traveling thorugh. The mountains began to form in the backdrop of Haridrar thus preparing my senses for the realization of my vision for my new magical home.

First Train Experience - March 15th, 2008

I never imagined that I would sleep so sound on a moving vehicle. I slept like a man whom had been neglecting rest for days. My rest was deep, my love was wide and when I woke, I could do nothing but smile as the multi layered landscape painted the horizon full spectral colors of Grace. The genlemen in my bunk did not speak English at all and they gave me the window to sit next to during the day. I moved from eating Nutmello and bananas to indulging in Chia and Indian snacks, to sleeping, to watching the world turn, to listening to music, to meditating, to reading (Zen and the Art of Motorcycle maintenance), to playing guitar and all back around again. I must say that it was a joyous experience to be on this train. I was grateful and really am looking forward to an new journey in the North. I have no idea what that journey is going to be, but I do know that it is going to be new.

The train was full of Chai Wallahs, the literally come by every 2 or 3 minutes, it’s a blast and worth the experience alone I tell ya. A smile was stuck to my face as I reflected on the first 5 months of my journey and I watched the middle of India pass by at an extremely fast pace. The landscape was much like that of the middle of America. There was only a few differences. One being the amount of women out working in the fields, and two being the joy on peoples faces as they watched the passing train. These things you don’t much see back home, but I do believe in change.

In a blanket of grace, I went to sleep at around 10PM that night.

Scorpion Encounter

At around 10PM, my evening changed. A circumstance arose that shot me back to childhood fears and anxieties so deep that I found myself panting for air and watching my every movement in the fear of another encounter with…………..A Scorpion.

A great friend and I used to shatter at the sight of these viscious creatures when we were children. We would spend nights in fearful bliss as we teased and provoked each other pointing out false sightings until it was just not funny anymore. The truth of the matter is it sparked the deepest of all fears in my being. After all the people in the guesthouse turned in for the evening, I sat in bed for hours on end, half screaming and half surrendering to the thought of a scorpion filled sleep. I recognized the power of the mind one more time right before I went to sleep. I briefly work up and saw a giant size Scorpion slowly climbing on the mosquito toward me. I screamed like a small child and grabbed my light to find that the large insect was only a figment of my imagination, but I wasn’t yet convinced of that. Then I felt something touch my back, the scream increased. I reverted back to an infant and felt myself give up on life………GOODBYE, been a nice Ride. Grateful for everything. heheeheheheh!!

Feb. 11th, 2008 The Forest Ceremony, Lunch in the Rice Fields and Songs for the Children

Finally, after some painstaking weed wacking and tinges of frustration coming to the surface, I took Ramesh back to the front and was on my way. For one, I needed time to let all of this sink in and piece together the project description, but, along with that, I had a meeting with Prakada???, the man from the Sani Danam evening. He wished to take me to his village and I, without hesitation, agreed. Prakad??? Has those gentle loving eyes and light spirit that find you sinking deep in trust for his nature. He is one of those guys that just loves to do things for those that are different or, in need. Not that I am either one of those characteristics, but you get the point. He, much like myself, loves to take the traveler under his wing and show them something special about his natural surroundings. And that he did. He drove to the Theertha Hotel and, after a moment of comtemplation on my part, took me into the village on his cycle. So much of my being always wants to be in control of my time, when I should go, and have the freedom to leave at anytime. But, on this occasion, as I sat and stared at LOVE, she said, go ahead, surrender to the moment. I am so grateful I did. What we would experience over the next 3 hours was priceless, timeless and profound on so many levels. I cannot thank the Divine enough for walking me on this path of cultural diversity. What a gift.

On the journey to his village we, in the faint distance, heard the sound of some drums aggressively being played. After a moment, Prakada???? Stopped the bike and asked if I wanted to see a little ceremony. Again, without hesitation, I agreed. On the journey back toward the sound, he told me that today was a special Hindu Holiday and there would be a massive celebration in the area this evening. After a few moments the drumming abruptly stopped. I was…..we nothing really…just going with the flow.

We arrived to a rather simple Temple located in the middle of what one could call a thin layer bamboo forest. The scene was quite enchanting. There were a few swamys preparing for something and a few others preparing for other things. I met a few of the people working on the activities and was told that the drumming would start again in another few moments. So, I patiently waited under the 3000 year old tree. A little bit of an exxageration but really, this tree had all the makings of a grandfather. Huge in spirit, wilted in form and masterful in wisdom. This tree seemed to tell the whole story of the temple just by looking at it. I sat under the massive structure of natural beauty in complete awe. Thank you God for your creations. 10 minutes later, that familiar sound of distant pounding came into the field of my perception. Quickly I started rolling video. For the next 5 minutes the large group of devotees would inch their way over to the temple entarance performing various rituals and dances along the way. Mystified, I sat and honored the devotion. When they finally reached the Temple, a few of the me began to drum along and met them in the celebration. It was more then a sight to see, it was an experience to remember for lifetimes. The young children in the line gazed upon my presence like I was the 50 limbed mutant leper from Ziadre, a planet 6 solar systems away. I have gotten used to this familiar site. I really do think that some of these children are seeing a so called “white man” for the first time in their life. With that said, I can understand their confusion. The greatest part is they always top their endless stares off with a gentle, loving smile. This immediately sends my heart into a deeply still space of gratitude. How much of a blessing would it be to receive that same love from our children back home? I do realize that some of them behave like this, but in India, all children approach you with the eyes and smile of innocence and unconditional love. One of the many gifts I wish to share with everyone back home.

After some time, we decided to head to the village for some food and connection. Now this village was not like any village I had seen in India, it was an plantation of sorts. The road leading in took us to a point in which we were surrounded on either side by vast amounts of open space which were naturally filled by rice fields. The land in which Prakasan Owned was rich with green rice patties and backed up by a small hill of coconut trees which kept the home cool year round. We parked the bike a couple 1000 meters before the house and had a walk down the dirt road. On one side, we were blessed with the site and vibration of countless lotus flowers and on the other side, our senses were filled with the hearts of hard-working field laborers, knee deep in the mud. I exchanged smiles with a few and walked gracefully down the road, admiring the natural beauty of the surreal setting. When we reached the house, we were greeted by extremely small young children scampering about. One in which was his daughter and the other, his brothers children. I reflected on the fact that every single member of his family is living in the same vicinity. He pointed his father’s house, his brothers house and his many cousins. OH the joy and bonding that must give an family. I admired the flow.

As I sat on the porch, I realized that the house faced perfectly East and he nodded his head in agreement. Prakasan is a man whom knows the knowledge of the anchient scriptures and is living his life to the fullest along the lines of the great knowledge. He wakes everyday to a chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, he performs regular pujas, he is faithful to his wive, he rarely drinks and uses nothing but Ayruvedic Medicine. His health of mind and body glow in his gestures although he, like every other man in Kerala, eats way too fast. At one point during the meal, he actually asked me to speed up my eating. I smiled and we spoke on the matter. He tried to convince me that eating lunch fast was good for you, but, looking at his belly, I held firm in my conclusion. I guess it is just one thing that they have trouble controlling. Honestly, I have never seen people eat faster then the ones I see in India. It is a remarkable site.

The full flavored, taste bud exploding, South Indian Feast ended and we headed off. There was one strange thing I noticed when I was present at the space and that was that the wife never came to greet me, only the grandma. He said it was a cultural thing, I was weary but I let it go.

We got back on the bike and headed back into town, but first, one last stop, my favorite stop, his first school. When we pulled up to the toy like school, I first noticed the beautiful teacher glance outside at us and light up with a smile. I quickly hopped off the bike and when I peered around the corner, 75 little smiling faces lit up like a Christmas Tree. The lethargy that persisted was immediately erased as I personally asked each and every one of them there name, in their local language. When I turned on my video camera, they fought for on screen space like fans in the front row of a sold out rock show. There hearts were wide open and there excitement was palpable. I could not stop smiling. Then, an interesting turn took place when I went over to the 1st Standard children and found them all silent and organized, ready for my arrival. I guess that shows you the power of good teaching. On one side you have complete uncontrollable bliss, on the other, mature and subtle organization. The world needs both and I am sure they will teach each other down the road.

When I left the 1st Standard, after writing I LOVE YOU on the chalkboard, I came back to find the 3rd and 4th in an uproar. They wished for a rhyme and, with a slight but subtle hesitation, I delivered. As I was channeling through words of love, the students repeated every single line back to me. I must tell you, these were the most remarkable young children I have ever met in my life. I was astounded. Then, I went to the office to sign the book and say goodbye and they pocketed me in their as if to never let me go. Their enthusiasm was mind-blowing, their energy was beyond uplifting. In the office we sang at the top of our lungs Jia Guru and as I was leaving we all jumped up and down for a few minutes. I was told they had never seen an American person in their life. What an honor. I promised the children I would come back on the return and we somehow slid out the door. Even then, the children all came outside to say goodbye one last time. We got them all to line up and took the final video of the day. My GOD!!!! Never in my life have I experienced such pure unconditional LOVE. My EGO wanted to think of me as a Saint, but my heart quietly realized that I had just been the part of an incredible exchange of what it is like to experience the purity of love. Those children did not have one inkling to judge me in any particular way, they just wanted to be a part of this magical day. SO GRATEFUL!!!!!!!

The crazy thing is the day did not stop there. For some reason, today I was in that space of sharing with the public. So, the next journey I would partake in is a quick journey to the Internet Café which was full, so I quickly took the comp home and headed for the beach. On the way a rather large man stopped dead right in front of my bike stalling the motor. Next thing I know there are 30 people surrounding me. One, happened to be a small child who spoke a few words of English and hopped on the back of my bike and headed to the beach with me. When I got to the sand, I quickly threw off my clothes and got down to my shorts and jumped in the water. It had been a few months since the last time, so It was a must. Afterward, I wished to meditate for a while but was surrounded by eager young children. I actually took it upon myself to tell them to leave and they did. Within a few moments I playfully and subtlely called them all back feeling their intentions for the interaction were pure. We spent time laughing, throwing a ball, teaching each other our respective languages and smiling heavily. The young girls were very flirtacious and the young men were as well, in their own way. We spent over an hour sharing space and enjoying one anothers company until it was finally time to depart. With smiles and detachement, we parted ways with the probably possibility of never seeing one another again. Another beautiful trait of the Indian culture. The ability to let go, instantly.

I arrived back to the hotel, had two more rounds of my favorite ice cream and packed my things. What a gift of a day. I slept in a smile that echoed in my soul.