Spiritual Quests, Self Discovery, and Other Early Morning Ramblings

[Gemini Cricket]

I think about this a lot. I love reading and rereading The Tao of Pooh. I don't read it because of the Disney link, although that was the reason initially, it is just a great reminder of how I wish I could be. Or strive to be. But I'm a little too Eeyore mixed with Rabbit to be a Pooh.

I like to ground myself by watching some comedians. Jon Stewart reminds me to laugh at the seemingly important things out there, Bill Maher reminds me that often the world is run by people who must be laughed at, George Carlin reminds me that it's okay to get angry and still make people laugh, Margaret Cho reminds me that nothing is out of bounds and there's humor in everything, Lewis Black reminds me that getting so angry that you look like you're going to explode can be funny, David Sedaris reminds me that life (even a unfabulous one) can be wonderful, Ellen Degeneres reminds me that you can be yourself and find peace and make money...

The list is endless.

I can't say that I'm truly anything in the religious category, but I'm leaning towards Buddhism and sometimes Taoism. I have several Ho Tai Buddha statues here and there at our apartment and at work. Just a jolly fat man with the largest sh it-eating grin on his face. That reminds me that one can live a happy life.

Dave takes me to the depths of my anger and depression and back up to a happy place time and time again. What a smart, creative, beautiful man who is unafraid to speak his mind in a world wrought by fear.

Ultimately, my guru is me. If not, I'm truly lost or I'd be someone who would fall for anything.

I do feel everyone has that tiny voice inside that speaks to you, like Pinnochio did. (We're not talking hearing voices here, folks.) But when you quiet the noise, you can hear someone say to you when you're down that you're going to be okay. To me, he sometimes sounds like Kevin Spacey. Sometimes Ian McKellan. Often times David Sedaris. Maybe a little Amy Sedaris when I really need to pick myself up.

I do think about interesting things myself this morning.

Like just this morning I came up with an idea to fix our world. I'll write that one down and come back to it when I can get myself to think that it's actually worth fixing.

[Tref]

"We are all part of the One Spirit. When you experience the true meaning of religion, which is to know God, you will realize that He is your Self, and that He exists equally and impartially in all beings."
–Paramahansa Yogananda

"Chanting the names of the Lord and you'll be free. The Lord is awaiting for you all to awaken and see."
- George Harrison "Awaiting on You All"

Chanting is the best way I can relax and keep my head straight.

I like going to the Self Realisation Fellowship on Thursday nights. The sermons are interesting and the environment is calming. They have meditation classes, too.

The Krishna Temple in Venice is a lot of fun. The food at their restaurant is great (and blessed) and on Sundays the devotees dance and dance until they can no longer dance and then everybody eats. Its a great experience.

Hare Krishna!