Be Thanks

Life sometimes feels automatic. "Happy Thanksgiving" , I am happy for... , "Thanks" and other things that I feel are not said with any emotional backing, they are just words. It can be alchemized to meaningfullness with present moment awareness and depth of emotion but many times these phrases come up empty. Today I noticed this and strove to do other wise; to mean what I say and truly meditate on the things I am thankful for instead of just listing it and shoving it aside for the football game or turkey. 

I honestly think it is awesome we have a National Holiday focusing toward thankfulness. Sure the history behind it has a brutal ending but, the tradition and focus of today's Thanksgiving is a positive one. Only though, if we slow down, truly be thankful and carry this gratitude with us, not lose it when Thanksgiving is over. Let it be a day to learn a lesson and open the heart more in giving, receiving and being thankful. 

Find Truth

I began the search for truth about 2 years ago. This search has led me many places, taught me many things and completely changed my life. Questions arose and I looked to answer them. At first I turned to Science and Quantum Physics. I was fansinated by the fact that there was things we couldn't answer; Physics fell apart at the core level, life didn't follow the rules. This got me thinking that maybe my view of the World isn't as I think it is. Around that time I got Introduced to Law of Attraction by a great friend. This shook my whole foundation of reality; saying that the individual is responsible for everything that occurs in life and thoughts create reality. Immediately I was a little skeptic, so, I turned to google to find out more about this "Law" of Reality. Not only does Science fully support this law, there are countless testimonials giving proof and stating success from consciously using the Law of Attraction. Then my focus turned toward Zen Buddhism and meditation. By this time I had experienced an already vast change in my life, a spark, alive and prospering within me that was transforming my life and views. I began mediating and studying Buddhism intriged by this completely new way of life. Soon after I starting looking into the New Age Movement and the plethora of ideas within this vast label. At first it was over-whelming, a lot of ideas and information. But as I slowly began to shift through it I found things of great value along with practices that stirred confusion. Then Yoga came into the for-front. It amazed me; the yogis of ancient times as well as today, practicing this art for hours a day and the result being a clear mind and honed body. Also, with the wide-spread increase of interest in the West about Yoga information was easy to find. 

 All these things, from Quantum Physics to Yoga and much more, I continued an off and on study / practice of through-out the past 2 years. Looking back I could have never guessed my path would have led me where it has but it has been an absolutely incredible journey. 

Marijuana Mondayz

A day off. This is a new feeling to have. Recently I've been working non-stop so a day off is nice. Today I burned all day while meditating, eating, studying religions and exploring the power of consciousness. I recently read a article on Erwoid about Marijuana and using it to its fullest potential. (Below)

http://www.erowid.org/plants/cannabis/cannabis_spirit6.shtml

This is something I have been exploring and experimenting for awhile with amazing results. My idea was that since Cannibus vibrationally affected the body that the state of consciousness / vibration associated with smoking can be honed to a very high and pure point so every high reaches higher and higher levels. For example, when I smoked I always did it with full consciousness, mediating during and only focusing on spiritual growth. When this became a habit; a puff of Marijuana sent me immediately to this higher state since I trained myself to heighten this state and associate it with this herb. My consciousness and focus shifted instintaniously to a pure pointed awaness. This is very similar to what the Native Americans use(d) tocacco for; to give them visions, protect themselves and calm the mind.

 I found it fascinating how supple consciousness is and how incredibly powerful and flexible our minds are! 

To the East in a Dream

I feel drawn to Asia. The Eastern view and way of life fascinates me and I wish to live it. I have been brought up and lived in the US my whole life and only gotten that view point of my small sliver of life. I want to see the World and experience life all over Mother Earth. Today I looked into my next travels being to Asia; China, Tibet, Thailand, Nepal or lands surrounding these areas. I recently got a text from a wise man I met in Utah about my adventures and that once I explore outside the US, life changes and perspectives become different which leads to great lessons and experiences. I see it as wise advice and it coincides with my yearning to travels to the East.

Buddhism has interested me ever since I started my search of Truth and Religion and this will be the perfect way to live and observe the Buddhist way of life. Meditation has been the biggest change of consciousness I've had in my life and I owe it to my study of Buddism and it's teachings so I hold the Buddha's teachings and realizations in high regard and interest. 

While I do live by the moment, following my heart and writing nothing in stone; it is fun to dream. Imagination is magic. 

After thinking and dreaming today, I plan to stay on Maui for roughly another 6 months then fly to Asia! I am probably going to decide for sure soon since Airplane tickets are much cheaper when purchased ahead of time and planning / preparing is process (Passport, Visa..etc). 

My hope is to end up in a spiritual center and begin a fierce internal search. 

But, whatever occurs I just ask for the highest good and evolution to blossom out of it. 

T.V.

For the past year I have not watched Television really at all. Both a choice and product of life style; T.V. wasn't a part of my day. Now that moved in this new house and there is a TV and I watch it now occasionally. It is very interesteing to watch it again after so much time away from it and a new perspective from my last year of growth. At first most everything seems brainless with only a few channels that offer a positive and interesting show or movie. The more I watch, I am finding a few ways to make TV a good way to learn lessons and think. It's a great way to analyze mind sets and thoughts since most Acting is obvious and you can easily see the exchange of emotions and thoughts. It is a radical technique of self growth; noticing the flaws and benefits in the mindset / thought on TV and digging internally to find and improve those within myself. It is easy to fall into the trap of veging out on TV but it can also be used productivily.

Herb Packaging No Ka Oi

Today is my second day going to package herbs. I am doing seasonal work at a hydroponic farm in Kula and I love it. Yesterday, thyme, basil, rosemary and sage were packaged, an ounce of herbs per package. It was fun work that proved the opportunity to work with plants, be smothered by amazing smells and have time for thought. Kula is gorgeous; with the extinct volcano of Haleakala above, its slopes covered with pastures and forests, and ocean dotted with the islands of Molokai and Lanai below I can't help but be in constant awe of the beauty and diversity of Maui. 

Yesterday, I went less than 2 miles from my house with a friend from work and was plunged into a whole new world, instead of pastures, old giant trees surrounded me. I am ecstatic that the forest is so close! 

Maui No Ka Oi - Maui is the Best

Lumeria Maui

Just another Craigslist ad applied to in my shotgun job application approach. This one for a Prep Cook / Dishwasher, one of the many. That same morning I received a call back and same day interview. As I hung up the phone, I was confused. I had no clue which Resturant it was; all I got was an address. So, I quickly googled it and I couldn't help but to smile and laugh. I feel that Maui is now embracing me after my troublesome beginnings. It was absolutely perfect, this place, its spectacular. Lumeria Maui Maui is a Meditation and Yoga Retreat nestled in the scenic paradise of Upcountry over looking North Shore. I hitchhiked most the way and walked the the rest on the way to the property. I arrived early and was told to explore the property for the remaining 20 minutes. It was so peaceful, serene and filled with such happy people. The interview was short and I was told in start work the next day. Thrilled, I left Lumeria as if walking on air, so glad that this was attracted into my life. Literally the perfect hours for my other job as a Hyrdoponic Farm worker, in walking distance, magical atmosphere and great pay. 

Tonight was my first night, it was great. Awesome co-workers, delicious organic meals, being fed plus taking home boxes of food make for a pretty sweet job, I am thankful, that's fersure.

Meditative Mornings

Finally back to my routine. This morning I rose before sunrise, took a shower, made tea and plopped onto my mediation rug surrounded by small water fountain, orgonite, crystals, incense, candles and my packed pipe. Perfectly at peace. It has been too long since I have started the day like this. I am currently studying a variety of belief systems and religions and my study today is focused on Ganesha, a deity in Hinduism. I read and meditated on what Ganesha represents symbolically; Wisdom, Effortlessness, Acceptance, Generosity, and Awakening. Studying Hinduism (As well as other religions) with an open mind really reveals the magic and purity of the religion and how it has so much to provide with such a rich focus on spirituality as well as the soul. I am noticing throughout the World's religions the base beliefs are extremely similar, only the symbols, rituals and stories differ. After my study of Ganesha, I made Quinoa Oatmeal and turned on videos about Quantum Physics, Ancient Civilizations and Natural Geometry and let my thoughts drift into concepts, connections and theories. The morning is now ending with yoga and pranayama. Blissful starts for blissful days. 

Begin Again

So I was back to the beginning, sitting by the same restaurant I was a week ago waiting to meet Laurie with no house, no food, no job and limited funds. I considered I might even be going back to a hostel and again started the search for housing and employment. As I sat there on the steps it was a familiar feeling, having to once again analyze my options, and decide what the next steps were for my future. I had been emailing this lady for a room to rent and I was scheduled to go check it out that day and it was in walking distance so I decided to head on over. With all my belongings hanging from me and my bike I waddled into this property, hoping for the best. It is perfect. I have now been here 2 days and I'm loving it, it's exactly what I was looking for; God, Universe, Divine (whatever you want to call it) provides.  The two other people living on the property are amazing beings, there is 4 cats and a dog, most the yard is plants, trees and flowers and there is even a good size chunk of land that I can grow my own garden. Stoked I am! Things manifest quick here on these magical islands, it's a place like I've never been before; Hawaii is fascinating place. 

Pow

In Hawaiian, Pow means finished or no longer. My hellish living / working situation with Laurie, my previous "landlady" is pow. After a loss of $450 my brief stay in that unfortunately place is over. I am going to try to get the money back but for now I'm letting it be (Thanks Beatles). It was a learning experience with some really valuable lessons but, I definitely learned the hard way. Nothing I can do but keep moving forward; live and learn. 

It's Tough

I have never had to deal with someone like this and well, is hard; it's wearing me thin and driving me a little crazy. Since I have moved in with this lady and started working / Care-taking for her I have really had no free time and am with her nearly all hours of the day. She isn't all bad by any means, she means well and has a very kind heart but our outlooks on life couldn't be any different and to get along with people that are so different is really tough. I am trying my best but I'm getting worn down to the max. I need to consider other options, this isn't going to work out long term. It is a great learning experience and a chance for growth but I have to face facts. I had a talk with my Mom today which allowed me to vent things that I've had bottled up about this situation for the past couple days and also get some great advice from her (I am really lucky to have such a amazing women as a Mother). I started this looking at it as a way to help this lady and I had grand plans and a complete change of her thought process and life-view through the roles of "Psychologist and "Life Coach", but I think I might have been a little over zealous. I still believe I can help her in a positive way but after thinking about it, all I can do is be the change I wish to see in her. Gandhi was right. 

Back To Business

It feels good to be back in business. With this new situation on Maui I am now working for Maui Mahalo Dollars. Laurie, the lady I am staying with owns a business that runs ads from companies around the island in a booklet that is distributed through-out the island and I am now her salesman, her only salesman. Which I like, it gives me complete freedom, an opportunity to work my own schedule, handle my own clients, set up my own meetings and pretty much run the business. Ever since I shut down Beach Buds, the Medical Marijuana Delivery Service in Santa Barbara I ran, I have missed having a business and the things that came with it. This is a great chance to get back into the business mindset and see how successful I can be with this. While it is tough working for someone like Laurie because of the negativity and non-productiveness of how she views life and does business I am looking to it as a challenge and also a way to make good money through commission. I have never worked commission before so it is definitely new for me but it gives me the incentive to work very hard to get this business successful and get a few bucks in the bank account. I have only just started and am still in the training process of her introducing me to the business  and clients but I have high hopes and am exited to see what I can make happen.

Cold Coming On

I'm getting sick, just a cold but it is surprising to me. I haven't gotten a cold in a very long time but with these many changes going on it does make sense. First, a change of diet from a simple, healthy and organic way of eating on Molokai to a lower quality of food and diet here on Maui both in my time at the hostel and here at the house. Also, I have gotten away from from my spiritual practices of meditation, grounding myself in nature, practice of dissolution of the ego and mental focus toward the soul. My energy is scattered also; I have been under stress with this new living situation with this lady and being bombarded by her negativity / worrisome mindset has angered me and gotten me caught up in my mind. My "cold" is not her fault by any means, I should be strong enough to not be dragged down and still project my positive energy regardless of my surroundings but, I faltered these past couple days and with the culmination of everything happening, my health has diminished; physically, mentally and energetically. I am actually exited to see how fast I can recover / improve with a change in diet, spiritual focus and positive energy. It is good to know that my body and mind is now used to to running at a high caliber and will give me signs if I fall behind. 

Caregiver, Landscaper, Business Parter, Psychologist and Life Coach

This is a test, and one of hardest I've ever had. Within the past 24 hours I have taken on a whole new lifestyle with many roles. A Care-Taker for this 70yr. Lady, Landscaper/Gardener for her property, Business Partner which includes Sales, Marketing, Advertising, Distribution, and Secretary, as well as Psychologist, and Life Coach. At first it seemed over-whelming with the time and effort commitment but, the more I look, the more I see it as a way to evolve myself and help another human being. As a Care-Taker, I help cook meals, drive her around, assist with shopping and groceries and other miscilanious things she needs. This is new to be, being a helper and really a servant. Not in the servant and master way, but as one who serves and gives through the heart as love to other soul. Recently I read "Buddhist Acts of Compassion" and it really touched me. The whole book was a compilation of stories about the depth of love and self-less acts of compassion and service to others. After reading it I examined my own life to see how much I truly give and how I can turn from self focused to a focus of giving toward others. I am in the perfect situation to do this to the fullest. It is a challenge and I have to work constantly to stay in a patient, loving and giving mindset. 

Life is Magical when Let Be Brah

I really couldn't help it, I just start laughing and smiling. This is perfect. Sure, maybe not something you see in movies or dream up in your head, but, for what I asked for and for the next steps in my soul growth; it is ideal. I am now living in the quaint Makawao, Maui; surrounded by magical jungles, cows and the North Shore within biking distance. Sleeping in a spacious 6 person tent in the backyard of a super sweet older lady. Paying $300/mo rent and my meals are covered by doing yard work and helping around the house. Exactly what I was looking for; living cheaply with the ability to work and save up money. I am so thankful this is now my new home.

Island Teaching

So it worked out, well so far so good. I was getting nervous and even some depressed thoughts such as; well, maybe I thought life was too easy and this is wake up call. Never again. Negative thoughts are poisonous. The only way to live is in the now, following your heart and intuition while being in the highest vibration possible. Accurately analyze life experience and constantly learn / evolve with the lessons life teaches. 

The last few nights have been drastically different than my usual lifestyle. Having this IPad, being in the city, living with others in the hostel, constant people interactions, drinking beer, smoking cigarets and not burning marijuana. It seemed hectic, distracting and very external with very little focus on the spiritual and internal aspect of life. It was a taste of what life would be like living in a city like I was planning and my path is not that at this time. 

I must stay steadfast on the path of spirit and getting back to the Divine Source. It is one of tearing down false perceptions, expanding the mind, and turning the focus inward to the real me; the soul. 

Next Steps on Maui

Two days ago I left Molokai on the Ferry and after a beautiful two-hour boat ride on the Molokai Princess I landed on Maui; my new home. I thought I had it all planned; work-trade for housing, job at the bakery, electric bike kit for transportation and for the rest I let myself dream of surfing the North Shore, exploring the magical jungles and delving deeper into my spiritual path. My plans didn't happen, the housing was filled and now I am sitting in the hostel searching for something else.