Creation

Photo gallery link: http://bit.ly/Wzx8er

The brilliance to be alive in this world
Catapulted by our vast ability to rise senseless to our growing needs
We find savior in the simplicities of our forgotten desires
Once dreamt together in lost translucent lands
These desires shaped our mind
These wishes transcribed our dreams
So why must our inabilities to reclaim these vast wishes
Be the sorrow that stems our growing needs
When the poison of our belongings
Give rise to the brilliance of our being
We may fall kindly upon our knees
And give thanks to the simple lessons of finding,
Beauty in the most delicate of our transpiring disease
A disease that spreads joy upon the land
A virus that leaks tragedy upon our things
And an outbreak that pours love upon the soft gentle focus of our most
Intimate of our lessoning needs
For these needs turn to stone
And this greed tends to grow
As the gifts of our heart
Stir gently over the beauty of our disease…

A cult of love...

As I mentioned, I left my last entry with one’s experience of a love cult, and the impetus that set me on a journey through morocco...

I arrived in Almeria, Spain to a boat full of excellent guys.

The owner, an experienced sailor, full or wisdom and the desire to experience all the beauty of the world through his Dutch seaworthy craft.  I had responded to his posting on couch-sailing, and it seemed like a great way to do a bit of Mediterranean sailing and meet some new friends.  Three other guys and one American friend, from all walks of life, simply with an open mind, varying views of the world, coming together for what I believed would be an incredibly sailing experience.  I was curious about that intuitive voice that had been pressing on me in the back of my mind to not go, but again, I thought, I am here, I will see how things develop.  

Upon arriving, I realized that the date of May 1 departure was far from actuality, as the boat was far from a condition of being ready to set sail.  I think; not a problem, this will only give me a few days to explore the area and get to know the people I will be spending the next few weeks with.

So a few days go by and that voice of question is once again at the table:  

For me, as I travel about in the world, I have zero troubles with fitting in with a culture, trying new things, being as chameleon like as possible in new situations.  However, I also know a side of me, a bit more of a sailor side one could name it.  A side that was once very absorbed with alcohol, mostly from trying to hide my actual emotions, and the other debaucheries that go more with a lifestyle of partying.  I am ok with this side sometimes, but I also realize my tolerance for smoking, drinking, etc, has greatly diminished as I have gotten older.  Now, don’t get me incorrectly, I still love a good glass of wine or sharing some spirits with friends, but the day to day activities of this, I do not handle very well anymore, especially after feeling very cleansed from hundreds of kilometer’s of cycling.  

However, I kept an open mind, knowing that if it really was not a fit, I would simply debark on our first port in morocco and give a hug and handshake of appreciation. 

The day of departing almeria came and off we went out to the high seas of the Mediterranean.  I had not sailed his vessel, so I was simply taking the time to learn how he operated and soon realized that he and I were the only ones with a bit of sailing experience under our belt. I am far from a very experienced sailor, but I have spent enough time on the water to feel comfortable in any craft on the ocean.  As for the other four, they were all beginners, which is both exciting, but can also be quite tiresome. So in attempting to depart almeria, we ended up quite far off shore, hitting gale force winds, unable to keep a steady course, due to the strong winds and current in the area.  Essentially we were on a direct course for Algeria, a country that would not accept any of us without proper visas. All the sails was reefed, people were getting sick, including myself :), so the skipper decided to bring her back into almeria.  We arrived early in the morning, took some time to digest our first journey together and besides not getting to our destination, we had all learned quite a bit.

And then the days continued.  Upon arriving back into almeria, I inquisitively asked when our day of departure would be, and this was casually pushed aside to a day somewhere in the future, 3-4 days...

I thought, ok, I understand, its his craft he can decide.

However, as the days went on, wind was checked, I felt people beginning to get a little antsy.  A few of the guys were discussing they would like to leave, etc. The feeling was people were getting a bit sick of port life in almeria.  This was brought up to the skipper and never a straight answer was really portrayed. 

As I tend to be a bit of an outspoken individual, these concerns were brought up under my fingertips, as though I was complaining, when in actuality, I was simply being the voice of many, who were a bit timid to speak.

One aspect of sailing, shipping, working on a ship, etc, that constantly stimulates me is the action of human behaviour on board a vessel.  Most of the crew members attitude is directly stemmed from the mentality of the captain.  Ship’s I have worked on with a totalitarian captain, often have timid, afraid to speak officers and crew members, for they do not feel there is an open forum for discussion with the captain.  Those vessels with a stern, yet open minded captain, who knows his vessel, yet creates a forum and an energy of learning, growth and outspoken thoughts, have an entirely different energy.

As I know I am comparing a ship to a boat here, I feel there are similarities with the way in which a captain/skipper handles his crew.  Essentially, for me, it was fascinating to see all of these new sailors, on a vessel, with many thoughts and worries, but without an energy or a forum to share.  I was away from a space of judgement on it, just observation into who I would be sailing with for the next few weeks.

Again, that little voice of spirit was speaking in my ear again...

So, at last the good part of this long explanation.  The night before, what I believed was the day we would be departing, we all get into a discussion about God, love, spirit, creation, etc.  This was a conversation initiated by just a gentle discussion over a beer or two in the galley. Now, the energy of this conversation at first seemed quite inviting: I thought:  brilliant, a space to discuss the things I dream about, study, explore in the world:  Human consciousness and the evolution of spirit.  With a few of the guys coming   from more of an agnostic point of view, I was intrigued by the differences in viewpoints.

For me, in any of these discussions, I have zero attachments to shifting people’s views, or the way they see things. In many ways, it actually stimulates me.  I genuinely enjoy discussing about these bigger questions in life, and how and where a person thinks, is absolutely perfect for them, for that is truly what makes this world/culture so magnificent. If we all had similar viewpoints, life would become static, and weak upon the senses.

Now, as they began to ask about where I received my studies, I happily shared from the University of Santa Monica and I also shared about my studies with John Castagnini and John DeMartini, along with the Agape International Spiritual Center.  All of these I feel have been influential in allowing me to see, feel and taste a variety of study in Human Consciousness. Its a never ending study, but one that is often marked by teachers and wise elders along the way. I feel the scientific based evidence into truly understanding human nature from both John’s, along with the authentic self model to becoming fully alive and present into spirit, presented by USM, has truly allowed me to step into my own divine wisdom and journey through my travels and life.

Now, here is where it became interesting and I felt a shift in the conversation.  I noticed the questions beginning to shift from general inquisition, to more of a badgering and belittlement.  For me, as a room (or boat in this situation) begin to turn in focus, to more of the human state of judgement and wrongdoing, away from an authentic space of love, I kept my ground.  I also in this case, began to introduce ideas of extreme conditions of humans finding gratitude through challenge, as with my work with the ThankGodI project. However, this conversation was only turning more and more sour.

In my studies with USM, I recall an older USM graduate friend of mine, bringing awareness of what I believe was some sexual scandals from the chancellor of USM: John Roger.  When I first became aware of this years ago, it really did not interest me for research, for what I have learned on this journey:  

Anything and everything that is brought forward in this world: Some people will love it

Some people will hate it.

People will talk about their love for something

Others will detest the grounds of its existences.

Essentially, its that equilibrated existence that we all live in, its just a matter of becoming aware of the synchronicity of perceived opposites that are always at play within our consciousness.

So as these friends from the boat researched the university, and read about such scandals from its chancellor, they naturally enquired for additional information: much of which I was unable to give, for it never brought interest for me.

I knew my USM education was for me from the moment I sat in an information evening, my knees vibrating, my heart beating a pulse faster.  The lessons, the learnings, the evolution of my soul that I experienced within those doors, I take with me everyday.  As essentially, it taught me to live with a greater sense of love and appreciation for the world, dismantling my judgements and literally feeling lighter in my travels.

Therefore in this moment of what I perceived to be badgering and questioning, it simply evoked in me a greater space of love for every soul that was within that room.

Seeing them

Feeling them

Accepting that where they resided was perfect in every way shape or form

and that God/spirit/love, however you would like to say it surrounded every morsel of their body

I sat their with this awareness and allowed the light to simply shade over the room.

Naturally, after such a conversation, we went out for some Tapas, and a cerveza, to top of the night and off to sailing journeys the following day.  I was inspired by the conversation, I was without a care or attachment to any outcome, just felt blessed to share just a part of me with some new friends ...or so I thought....

The following day, I went out for some errands and realized the thickness of the entire situation was more heavily weighing upon my shoulders.  I inform my American friend, that I am heading out for a bit to clear my head and see if this sailing trip is really something I want to embark upon with these individuals.  I love, respect and see the beauty of where and how their minds and spirits reside, but spending many weeks in this energy, I am not sure if this is for me...

Upon returning to the vessel, the skipper gathers everyone in the cockpit of the boat. I can already feel a shifted energy from him, but I keep an open mind to the situation. I, assuming it was a conversation upon our departure from almeria, am greatly mistaken.  He turns to my American friend and asks her viewpoint on God.

I think, well not exactly about our departure, but lets see where this goes.  

As the conversation continues, he once again begins asking and inquiring upon my USM education.  I once again answer with the same honestly and sincerity as the night before, now beginning to really wonder where he is going with this.

Essentially, he holds this meeting to show to his crew that there will be no mind control on this vessel.  He informs me he would like me to leave the boat, for he is afraid I am conducting some kind of mind control trick upon him.  He believes USM is a cult, for this is the research he has found over numerous hours staying awake the night before.  I inform him it is a cult, and yes I have a firm desire to control his mind, to share a more loving accepting energy in the world !!

Joking...

Well essentially, if USM was considered a cult, it would a cult of individuals teaching every soul they encounter how to live a life in a greater state of love, joy, compassion and simple pure bliss.  So, if this is the kind of mind control he was suggesting, its quite possible that my light, or space of love, was a bit overwhelming.  Possibly the conviction of my thoughts and ideas were a bit much, but regardless of how, or why he perceived me this way, it was magnificent.  As once again, that little voice of spirit that was suggesting that there was another journey apart from the sailing trip, was absolutely correct.

I am grateful for my days I spent in almeria with the guys.

I am grateful for my discussions with these men, and I will admit my ego was a bit rejoiced to hear from one of the other crew members that he agreed with everything I had said, and had read extensively into similar textbooks about these ideas.

However, he never felt a safe space for sharing or discussing such topics, and I suppose all for the better, as I believe he is still sailing on board.  

For the skipper, its his vessel, as just the same as my vessel, we make decisions for what we believe will be the better way for all on board.  For his honestly and sincerity I am grateful, for the look I received from him once he shared with me his beliefs over mind control, was similar to the look I used to give to those hardcore born again christians, or firm believes of islam, before I simply saw them in their beauty and true expression of god.

So thank you for this experience, for the lessons were great and it started me on a earlier and more expansive cycling journey through morocco.... to be shared....

exploring limits...

So I write to you all from inside the old city of fes, in the northern center of morocco.

my legs are tired, my body a bit weak from a long day of cyling in the moroccan +40 heat, but I have things to write, so I will share :)

For me travel is exploration

Travel is meeting humanity at its point of beauty

Its experiencing new cultures

Tasting new and different cuisine

Its feeling the grace and the beauty of children’s universal smiles and curiousity regardless of what country I walk

Its deciphering between those who are sincere, 

and those who have hidden agendas

Normally, my intuition for seeing the truth in others in spot on

This tremendously helps when I must be stern and difficult with an abrasive vendor or haggler, but also open my heart tremendously when trust can be formed within a matter of minutes of meeting someone.

Travel also puts me in situations, forcing me to grow

Forcing me to find points of vulnerability, where my ego has dissipated and all I am left with his simple heart expression.

I find as I mature in this human body form, I desire additional experiences that force me to find this vulnerability, see what abstract judgements I have formed, and move through  the experience with a notion of thankfulness and simple appreciation.

The other challenge I occasionaly enjoy is pushing the limits of my body temple.  These are often stories I tend to hold back, for the look of utter worry that surrounded my mother when I told her my story of being carried out of the Himalayas on a Yak: I choose not to ever have that look across her face again.  For my periodic facebook updates, are more for her, than anyone else, for I know every morning, while I travel, she checks my facebook just to make sure I am well and have updated at least in the past week or so...

And sometimes these challenges, are spirit driven, just to feel the spark of life and joy at my fingertips. Such as, just a few weeks ago, I had a scheduled day of arrival into Almeria, Spain to meet a friends sailboat for some sailing adventures down to morocco.  This day of May 1 was not firmly established, but I always try to be a man of my word and did my best for this arrival date.  The first hiccup in this plan was realizing that the specifically scheduled ferry leaving from Cagliari, Sardinia to valencia, spain, was simply a figment of a websites imagination.  However, this was the same website, where I booked other ferries in Europe, so my disapointment was decent, but such is travel.

So, I picked up my biycle, cycled through the mountains of Sardinia and arrived in time for the ferry to Barcelona. This was certainly a blessing, as I had my most enjoyable ride  in Sardinia.  The terrain, the people, the wild camping, all of it left a firm impression of joy throughout my body.

Barcelona:  Well brilliance, hectic, vibrant, all descriptions that will never quite put words to such a magical city.  Again, thank you journey for taking me to this city of Catalan love!

Monday morning: I arrive at the Barcelona train station, bicycle in hand, for the 800 km or so to almeria, seemed a bit much for one day...

Next hiccup:  I am informed by the train employees that bicyles are not allowed on the train (at least the one going directly to Almeria).  This was also strange for me, as I researched clearly on their website and it indicated bicylettes were allowed.  Well, ok, it is becoming incresingly difficult to make this May 1 arrival date, and that little voice of intuition had already in the previous days been speaking thoughts that maybe this sailing trip was not going to be a fit for me. But, the sometimes stubborn side of me, just continued to press on:  So one full day of local trains through the countryside of eastern spain was delivered to me on a platter!

Fastforward to 2300 hours on 30APRIL after a day of being on the train. I got to the closest city to almeria via local train: Aguilas, which is still 150 km away from almeria.  So in my head, I know I can easily wait to the next day and arrive in the evening after a long day of cycling.  I know May 1st was a rough guideline, so its not a matter of time.  I leave the train station and just decide to start riding. I have never done any long distances at night.  I figure I will ride until I am tired, find a camping spot near the coastline, and finish the rest the next day.  So I begin: 20 km, 40 km, and I begin to have a thought:  wouldn’t it be brilliant to ride through the night and arrive in the morning.  The moon was shining, the traffic was low, essentially the roads were my own, apart from a truck driver or two...

So, while navigating my way through the dark streets, I get a bit turned around and decide my best immediate track to almeria, is on the main highway.  In a bit of a haze, and a self assuring way, I see the sign at the highway that clearly has a picture of a horse, a biycle, and a few other things.  I think wow, a road just for me...

Well, of course I was wrong, but who would know, it was the middle of the night and I could probably act like a confused tourist if polizia were even awake to stop me...

So I rode,

and I rode

and about 150 km later I arrive in almeria and its 6 am, and its polizia free.

Whatever I have accomplished, I am not sure, but again I realized the power of the mind and intention in this process.  For me it was a spirit led decision that pushed my body and my mind, and my senses, and the accomplishment is the knowing that I am capable of such feats.  In terms of security, safety and my mom’s mind and well being, this is not a feat I will repeat, but the joy I experienced when arriving in almeria after an all night ride: simply priceless for my soul’s journey and growth.

And next blog to come, one’s experience of being overwhelmed by the cult of love....

Lessons in my first 1000 km of riding...

• Always important to close all of your pockets when cycling (Jehovah’s angels may not be on every corner to find your wallet)
• If you are on a road and you think it might be a highway, and locals keep stopping their car to yell something to you in Italian, chances are you are probably on a highway...but remember, a confused look with an endearing smile goes a long way for law enforcement.
• Mountains and hills: as challenging as the terrain may look, it makes the feeling of achievement that much more intense when reaching a summit, especially cycling close to 50km/hr on the way down
• While taking a water & breather at a roadside gas station that offers beer, be sure not to let the local Italians give you too much beer, as their intentions may not be of the purest form, they may be strangely attracted to the smell of sweat and dirty laundry you are carrying..
• An extensive musical playlist is essential, or a word for word memorization of every song on your playlist will eventually happen.
• Any extra gear that you think you may not need: do not bring, as every kilo counts when climbing.
• A tent makes for off the road camping that much more of the adventure...
• A GPS is great, especially when two separate signs going in opposite directions indicate going to the same city.
• A “clean” dry pair of socks feels like heaven after days of riding in the rain...
• A Gellato and a pizza are exactly what the doctor ordered when cycling 120+ km a day in Italy
• Eating delicious Italian cuisine excessively the night before a long ride, only means additional carbs for additional miles the next day...
• It is not necessary to cycle every day; take days off, take the train, enjoy the flow of having the option of cycling.  I realized that after just a day or two of rest, I was ready to get back on my saddle and continue the adventure.
• Cycling with a companion (man, woman, dog, rabbit) can be outstanding, as days of talking to yourself and meditating in the mountains can eventually even get an independent solo traveler lonely.

• Most importantly: Before this trip I had a belief that 100 miles was a long distance to travel by way of bicycle.  I recall a 65 mile trip I did with a few buddies in Hawaii.  I mentally prepared for a week or two and was fairly sore the next day. Truth is: I still do think 100 miles is a long way, however I realized that by simply setting my mind to conquer my initial goal (from Napoli to Sicily), my body followed my goal and I achieved it. Our bodies are capable of conquering just about anything, pushing ourselves to far beyond our mind’s limits, but the only way to really realize this, is just to take the first three foot toss to make it happen. (A three foot toss is that first step towards achieving your goal, which you are absolutely sure you know you are capable of doing: For me it was buying all of my cycling gear.)  For everyone, for every goal, for every dream, this three foot toss is different.  You are aware what your mind thinks you are capable of and what your spirit leads you toward.  Follow your spirit, it is not limited by judgements and misinterpretations.  When I was last in Europe, I had an idea of possibly doing a similar type of cycling trip, but just days before I left, I talked myself out of it, because I felt it was way beyond my comfort zone.  I couldn’t figure out the logistics of getting my bike around, visiting friends etc, and as a result I did not take the leap.  I had an excellent trip in Europe, but I knew this time would be different.  I also realized in just these few short weeks that logistically speaking: having my bicycle wherever makes travel and getting around a lot easier.  

Therefore, that spirit led decision of buying my bike, bike box and all my gear just a few days before flying to Naples, was one hundred percent accurate.  Every day I spend cycling has been an eye opening experience to more accurately and fully appreciating Italy, beyond just the cities and into the heart of the countryside. Riding through some of these small towns along the way, and receiving just a simple “chow” or “Bonjourno” with a smile from a local, has opened a greater space of love inside of my heart.

I am treasuring and looking forward to my continued journey through Spain, Marrocco and France and the future adventures that cycle touring will bring forward for me and my worldly and spiritual growth.  I’ll do my best to continue to share photos and blog entries along the way.  

Jehovah's angels in Italy

This cycling journey literally began by being graced by jehovah’s angels.

I was not even ten minutes into my first ride, my heart expansive

my mind open,

I was on a high

Exhilirated to finally begin my first cycle touring

Down the coast through one of the most beautiful countries and coastal rides in the world.

Who would not have a space of high energy, high spirit running through their veins.

I was staying up in the Marini area of Cava, just outside of Salerno.

I set my pedal down and off I began, down a large hill and into the town of Salerno, (just south of Naples)

Rain literally pulmed every inch of my me and my belongings..

I did not care

I was testing the waterproofness of my gear...

Along salerno’s oceanside coastal area I flew

pedals as quickly as they could go, with the 30+ kg of weight I was carrying

my body was slighly confused, yet adrenaline overwhelmed me

I set salerno to my back and I began my long ride towards the city of Agropoli, where I may be spending the evening, depending on my pace and my temperment...

About 3 hours after I had set foot on my pedals and began my journey, I realized my gear on the back of my bike needed a slight shift and readjustment.

Even though the rain continued to cover me, I was still smiling with joy...

I stopped my bike on the side of the road,

took a look at my rear belongings

and suddenly I slide my hand down the left side of my shorts and realized the pocket where I keep my wallet was wide open....

oh boy...

I immediately began to backtrack in my mind

and then seconds later, my phone rings...

on the other line is a man.

“AAArrroon” in a very strong Italian accent.

I answer yes, I look down at the number and I do not recognize it

He says “Duuutch?

“Francais?”

Allemagna?”

All of which I answer no and he indicates

“5 Minutees”

I say ok and he hangs up...

I have no idea who this is

I have no idea what he is calling about..

I am not sure it is from a fellow couch-surfer, as I left my number in a few group posts.

Immediately after this anomous call I receive a call from my potential hosts in agropoli, so I know it is not them...

After these calls, reality sets in and I begin to search through where I think I might have left my wallet, but in the back of my mind, I know I do not have it

It has fallen out somewhere on the road between here and 3 hours ago, up a huge hill near cava....

In a country where I do not speak the language

on a rainy cold day at the sea..

I have around a hundred dollars US on me, but I am suddenly aware that this cycling trip may be coming to a screaching halt in the road...

However, witinin my spirit’s knowing and my inner intuition, I think this man who called just moments after I realized the loss of my wallet, might be the solution to my problems,

but honestly, in what real world is that possible.

My wallet fell out of my pocket while cycling down a fairly major road in italy,

I just spent two weeks in napoli, where theft is a common occurence, in a country where employment is not exactly on the rise and people’s need, like anyone would greatly enjoy the 120 euro I had in my wallet, along with easy access to all of my credit cards for as long before I got to a phone to cancel my cards...

So in these moments, I turn to some moments of prayer, meditation and just gratitude for the best outcome for this situation, whatever it may be...

just moment later, the phone rings and it is the mother of the man who called earlier...

I ask her,

“do you have my wallet” as though she may possibly have a clue what I am refferring to..

She answers, calmly and kindly “yes, and we have all the money in it as well!”

“We are jehova’s witnesses, and my son noticed your wallet flying all around in the rain up near Cava and he picked it up.” (luckily and gracefully, I had put my sim card holder from vodaphone in my wallet, mainly because I did not know anywhere else to put it)

So naturally, they found what was in there and he called me!!!

i was overwhelmed with joy, gratitude and just simple god’s grace upon this journey!

I cycled back the 40 km to salerno, through rain and wind, that I was sure was stronger, heavier and more intense than before and met these two angels in the train station.

I realized after speaking with his mother, her son was just out of a job, and easily could have just taken this wallet for its belongings, but instead he chose to make the divinely guided choice and as a result I made two new friends in Cava!

I left some euro’s for his good deed, even though he was reluctant, and I set out on my cycle for the day, with an aura of appreciation, awe and just joy for how amazingly perfect this journey was beginning...

cycling tales of italy begins...

The beginnings of my journey started today, friday the 13th of April.

After completing the ends of my annual two week "ops" with the navy, I began my cycling tour down the Coast of Italy.

Well I got about 2 feet out the door of the hotel and was already soaked due to downpours! So my initial plan B took affect; with a train out of dirty Naples, heading to a small village Cava De'Tirreni to meet my first couchsurfing host for this trip. After a short one hour train ride out of the city (took train to eleviate getting run over and soaked with dirty puddle water, while potenially getting lost in Naples), I arrived in this suburd city of Napoli. It was getting late, and I still had a large hill climb to the even smaller village of Marini for my evening of sleep and conversations with a new friend.

Dianne is great, a canadian born, Italian living English teacher with a great humour, and an even more hiliarious blog. Check it out here, with some of her real conversations she shares through her "dating" fiascoes dealing with Italian men.

Hilarious real life humour, LOVE IT.

My first day of cycling awaits me, hopefully with some dry terrain down the coast!

Here's some Naples flowers, that sets the tone for the rustic, edgy and beautiful space Napoli leaves in my heart....

and of course the beautiful amalfi coast...

beginnings...

A tale once told many times before,

I walk quietly out the front door

the earth before me shines her pearly bright head

and I listen softly to the drums of her gentle simple tongue

for this game she plays with my heart

why must it stir so strongly amongst the young..

the young of her bussom, waiting for their time in the sun

but you see

mother nature knows nothing less than this simple fun

to lay herself simply upon the dreams of your awaiting tongue

sipping fairy dreams to the quests of this nimble and young

so this walk to which I have arisen many times before

it stirs me quietly as I walk gracefully out the front door...