California Car-ism...

A few weeks ago my car window was smashed out in front of my home. Odd, to say the least. I live in a nice and peaceful neighborhood, don't have any terrible enemies (that I know of), and nothing was taken from my car...

I left the car unfixed for over a week after the window was smashed out, I think I was in shock, and also decided in its own way it was kinda comical. People in Los Angles love their cars, an extension of their external self, I wasn't bothered that much, my car is not a place that I hold much personal value (to put it mildly). The window being smashed out, however, definitely took it to a whole nother level. I left the glass in the back seat, the side mirror had fallen off, just road around with the window busted out...sometimes I would dress up real nice if I were going out and valet at a hot joint just for fun...the looks of awe and confusion were amazing...

A stick to California Car-ism: let us never take ourselves or our situations to seriously...I think the lesson for me in this one was a whole new level of non-attachment to perception, my own or anyone else's...fixed the window this week, fine during the day, a little chilly at night... ; )

The not-so-public Library...

I'm a big fan of libraries...always have been...always will be. I happened to mention to a friend the other day that I was going to the library, and they were like "what!? no one goes to the library." And, the sad part is, that is not true at all. The library is filled with people; what she meant to say is that no one who is not homeless goes to the library...

I show up to the library a little before it opens to pick up a book I put on hold. I'm excited. In the doorway there are several homeless men sleeping with their shirts off, basking in the sun. The doors open, they get up and head towards the computers, or the bathroom, or the drinking fountain, either way I am happy that the library is open to them, and to me...

Here is the thing about the library...you can get any book, CD, DVD, and tape you want. Anything. If they do not have it at that branch, then they just order it to that branch for you.
Secondly, it's all free. FREE! Third, you can re-new most items to be able to use them for more time. Fourth, you are helping the environment by not printing out more books. Save the planet! And, last but not least, you are not cluttering your home up with more junk you that will just throw out in a few years anyway. So, my plea for those in Los Angeles and everywhere...go...get a book, connect with all types of people, and support your public library. It's an amazing facility.

A note on humility...

I once read in a book that "trees full of fruit bow low"...

I don't think much more needs to be said on this matter.

Blissful Depression...

Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross wrote a book on the sequential stages of grief which include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. They are commonly referred to as the "grief cycle. "

Although she was referring to stages of physical death, it seems the same feelings apply to emotional and/or spiritual deaths as well. My experience has been that if I fully go though a depression all of these feelings are processed. However, it is hard...very hard...the more common tendency is for people to get stuck in denial, anger, or bargaining...maybe hit depression, not want to feel it, and go back to denial and anger before they ever get to the glorious stage of "re-birth", and acceptance. Depression does have a purpose. It often occurs during stages of letting go, change, and growth. So here's my plea...don't run from depression, but also don't get stuck in it. Find its' purpose, knowledge and growth, and move through it. Get support if you need it, and I promise you will find deeper peace, more meaning, and blissful understanding on the other side.

"Right Sizing" our lives...to help others "Live Right"...

Let's talk about possessions. Those things that we own, we buy, and become a part of our identity. They define who we are in the world because we think they are a part of us. This car makes me look like this, this house says this about me, this coat, even these sunglasses make some sort of comment about what my value or status is in this world...especially in Hollywood!

I would like to ask the Urban Samurai in the world to shift their thinking about these "things" just a bit. You are not what you have or what you own. Done. Period. Bottom line. You are just you, and nothing will ever make you more or less then what you already are...a beautiful soul living an amazing life in this unbelievable world.

That said, I'm starting a movement called the Urban Samurai Movement...where we "Right Size" our lives to help others to "Live Right". Most people know I'm not a fan of having many possessions, abhor buying things, and basically try to stick with only what is needed. I have actually noticed it makes me happier, makes me feel closer to my authentic self, and keeps things simple and worry free in my life. I would like to make it "cool" to own as little as possiable...

Recently I have been helping friends of mine sell things that they don't need on Craig's List, and having the proceeds go to an organization which helps orphans around the world get off the streets, and live the life of their dreams. For example: you don't need that coffee table in your garage? Sell in on Craig's list for $100 to someone who does need it. Have them donate on-line to a non-profit (in my case www.constantinachildren'sfoundation.com) get a receipt that the money went through, and have them pick up the item. This is tax-deductible for them, clears physical and emotional space for you, and feeds 4 to 6 children in a third world country for a month.

Pretty cool, huh? And don't worry my friends...I will always love you even if you are without a thing...perhaps I can love you even more because you will have more space to love... ; )

God is Sexy...

An oxymoron only from a quick glance.

God IS sexy...the source of all creation...

What could be sexier then that?

The Ultimate Samurai

"We, the unwilling, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful. We have done so much, for so long, with so little, we are now qualified to do absolutely anything with nothing. " - Mother Teresa

Don't even get me started on Mother Teresa, it will never end, this woman rocks the world.