Friday, September 20, 2019
TRIBAL
TRIBAL
"Blood is thicker than water."
Referring to family bonds being stronger than those of friendship and love. However, some argue that this English proverb is misguided and has been understood to actually mean the opposite.
And so the saying is more completely read as: "The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb."
Referring to the bonds created between those who have shed blood in battle are stronger than the bonds of genetics.
And I believe blood shed isn't limited to its physical suggestion. In our age of mental health crises, spiritual emptiness, widespread emotional isolation and insecurity, battles are fought where bloodshed is a metaphor.
The wars fought on the grounds of the kingdom within appear to be incessant. "To live is to suffer, and to survive is to find meaning in the suffering."
We all must walk our own path and each journey is independent, but it is those who stand with us, walk along side us, and support us in our suffering, offering a lack of judgement [also known as love] who become our tribesmen and women. Sharing genetics isn't the qualification.
All life strives to heal, prosper, and growth. Members of a tribe love each other in favor of each others growth - so they too can heal, prosper, and grow. This is inter-dependency. This is how a teepee remains erect. [Erect... lol]
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Presence and Presents - Doha, Qatar
The gift of now, often referred to as the present, isn't just wrapped with anticipation, it is the blissful moment of excitement.
Often so, fleeting bliss seems to come and go, yet the present doesn't flee, its constant. Are you here with me?
The call to prayer commonly filling the streets as do 4x4 Toyotas and delicious Turkish shawarma! Someone pass me a tissue.
The opportunity to pick up where we left off after a 14 hour non-stop flight, landing in Doha, Qatar, leaves a man feeling seamless, or better felt - in flow. The water feels cool.
The regularity of tea time and afternoon naps support an adjusting circadian rhythm. So refreshed and so grateful for His wrench.
Yearning for a sense of belonging for decades, it felt met after 1 week under a scorching sun and along side caramel colored people (and animals).
"Habibi!" Said no one, yet "Habibi!" was felt at Mamoo's house and in the desert sands of a place I've never consciously known.
SEALINE SAND DUNES, QATAR
The sun smiled while it burned yet the Toyotas begged for a challenge.
Kings who serve us sweets. Ceilings dedicated to the sky. And structures that make you wonder - how the fuck?
The birth of our history is born bold. Yet unafraid to be speak softly it uncovers its balance. Love is our leader.
The present of this fresh new breath. Feeling inspired and connected as a gift wrapped box when presented.
WELCOME TO DOHA, QATAR
I'm engulfed w gratitude, traveling to a new land that perhaps carries the spirit of my DNA. I think certainly does.
My first trip to the Middle East, endorsed by an employer, partnered with mom, welcomed and hosted by family, and blessed by right now.
BLUE SKIES AND DUSTY NEIGHBORHOOD ROADS
My first trip to the Middle East, endorsed by an employer, partnered with mom, welcomed and hosted by family, and blessed by right now.
SOUQ WAQIF
SAND CRUISER AND A LAND CRUISER
The opportunity to pick up where we left off after a 14 hour non-stop flight, landing in Doha, Qatar, leaves a man feeling seamless, or better felt - in flow. The water feels cool.
DOHA PORT
The regularity of tea time and afternoon naps support an adjusting circadian rhythm. So refreshed and so grateful for His wrench.
MAMOO, MAMI, CUZ, AND MOM
Yearning for a sense of belonging for decades, it felt met after 1 week under a scorching sun and along side caramel colored people (and animals).
"Habibi!" Said no one, yet "Habibi!" was felt at Mamoo's house and in the desert sands of a place I've never consciously known.
SEALINE SAND DUNES, QATAR
Absorbing a vibration through my toes, we raced through kilometers of sand dunes, revving and ripping through treacherous and enduring carvaned ancient pathways. Under tents, on top of carpets, and offered fresh tea is where we rested. It was the rush of thrill that detoxed our suffering. Oh so present!
SEALINE SAND DUNES, QATAR
DOWNTOWN DOHA
The birth of our history is born bold. Yet unafraid to be speak softly it uncovers its balance. Love is our leader.
MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF QATAR
The present of this fresh new breath. Feeling inspired and connected as a gift wrapped box when presented.
With gratitude - thank you.
DOHA, QATAR 2019
Thursday, April 4, 2019
A Monkey and Barking Dogs
"When Ram asked Hanuman, 'what are you monkey?' Hanuman said 'when I dont know who I am, I serve you. When I know who I am, I am you."
Joy, bliss, peace, abundance, love, and serenity. A finger more than a handful of emotions we all seem to seek. How these states are reached is our choice. Go for run. Drink a little Henney. Consume a piece of fruit or a bowl of ice cream. Volunteer. Pop a pill. Golf, rest, or even drop a satisfying deuce.
The goal is the same. The difference lies in the return on investment of the chosen activity.
Joy, bliss, peace, abundance, love, and serenity are kept from us because we think it is to be collected or achieved. If we work more hours and earn more money. If we are recognized by our peers and revered on social media. If we can just gain that social status. If we can collect more stuff. If... then I'll make it to the house of joy, bliss, peace, abundance, love, and serenity.
But wait, what if I cant make it there, I'll be doomed. I'll be sad, anxious, incomplete, unaccepted, uncool, an outcast. Life will be a failure. I will be a failure. I fear. So I'll work harder and collect more. That vicious cycle. I'll watch television to ease my stress at the end of the day and when my guards are down and my consciousness is catching its breath, I'll absorb the media message of more consumption and more fear. My insecurities will be highlighted and then I'll need more stuff that I certainly don't fucking need. More validation from my peers, and more money to find a temporary smile. That vicious cycle.
Those fears and insecurities are barking dogs are the gates of the joy, bliss, peace, abundance, love and serenity house. And those dogs look like Suge Knight, ruthless. But - they aren't real. They are only conditions and emotional traumas that are ready to be undone.
Do not run from the dogs. Do not avoid the dogs. Do not fear their teeth, for they cannot bite. They are a mirage that has appeared after years of walking through dry deserts that lack love, compassion, patience, and, forgiveness.
See the dogs. Approach the dogs. Let them bark and growl. Sit in front of them and look at them in the eye. And smile. Like magic, watch the dogs turn into puppies and become your loyal escorts into the house of joy, bliss, peace, abundance, love, and serenity.
I chose to meditate everyday. I chose to be present everyday. To sit with uncomfortable feelings, breathing, and watching them dissipate. I learn to feel the energy that flows through me. I notice the thoughts and actions that bring emotional joy. I notice the thoughts and actions that bring pain and suffering. I do not judge. I just am. I do this everyday. I surrender to the divine current assigned to me. And I smiled largest when I found that I had always been in this house.
Joy, bliss, peace, abundance, love, and serenity. A finger more than a handful of emotions we all seem to seek. How these states are reached is our choice. Go for run. Drink a little Henney. Consume a piece of fruit or a bowl of ice cream. Volunteer. Pop a pill. Golf, rest, or even drop a satisfying deuce.
The goal is the same. The difference lies in the return on investment of the chosen activity.
Joy, bliss, peace, abundance, love, and serenity are kept from us because we think it is to be collected or achieved. If we work more hours and earn more money. If we are recognized by our peers and revered on social media. If we can just gain that social status. If we can collect more stuff. If... then I'll make it to the house of joy, bliss, peace, abundance, love, and serenity.
But wait, what if I cant make it there, I'll be doomed. I'll be sad, anxious, incomplete, unaccepted, uncool, an outcast. Life will be a failure. I will be a failure. I fear. So I'll work harder and collect more. That vicious cycle. I'll watch television to ease my stress at the end of the day and when my guards are down and my consciousness is catching its breath, I'll absorb the media message of more consumption and more fear. My insecurities will be highlighted and then I'll need more stuff that I certainly don't fucking need. More validation from my peers, and more money to find a temporary smile. That vicious cycle.
Those fears and insecurities are barking dogs are the gates of the joy, bliss, peace, abundance, love and serenity house. And those dogs look like Suge Knight, ruthless. But - they aren't real. They are only conditions and emotional traumas that are ready to be undone.
Do not run from the dogs. Do not avoid the dogs. Do not fear their teeth, for they cannot bite. They are a mirage that has appeared after years of walking through dry deserts that lack love, compassion, patience, and, forgiveness.
See the dogs. Approach the dogs. Let them bark and growl. Sit in front of them and look at them in the eye. And smile. Like magic, watch the dogs turn into puppies and become your loyal escorts into the house of joy, bliss, peace, abundance, love, and serenity.
I chose to meditate everyday. I chose to be present everyday. To sit with uncomfortable feelings, breathing, and watching them dissipate. I learn to feel the energy that flows through me. I notice the thoughts and actions that bring emotional joy. I notice the thoughts and actions that bring pain and suffering. I do not judge. I just am. I do this everyday. I surrender to the divine current assigned to me. And I smiled largest when I found that I had always been in this house.
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