Oh I love the Death Cab...
This performance on the Henry Rollins show was superb.
Feb 28, 2007
Feb 27, 2007
Blogisattva: Announcement: 2007 Blogisattva Award Winners
Woo hoo.. The 2007 Blogisattva Award winners were announced a few days ago. Be sure to check out the exceptional Blogs which we both winners and nominees (yours truly included in the latter category).
Blogisattva: Announcement: 2007 Blogisattva Award Winners
Blogisattva: Announcement: 2007 Blogisattva Award Winners
Breaking hearts and habitual patterns
Sitting meditation is the only thing that is getting me through the circus that my life has become.
Things are happening so fast. I'm on autopilot. My heart is completely open and raw like a belt sander having ripped through a package of chicken livers in the deli showcase.
I keep the mantra of 'things will get back on track soon' but clinging and grasping to that ideal seems so futile given the insecurity of those words.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not on a pity party for myself or feeling depressed. I'm just starting to see that those words are empty and that's OK. No one will save me and as powerless as that may sound, it is the truth... That in itself is liberating beyond any track that I could get on in the hopes of some semblance of correcting the course of events put into motion.
Time to sit on my cushion and go along for the ride.
Things are happening so fast. I'm on autopilot. My heart is completely open and raw like a belt sander having ripped through a package of chicken livers in the deli showcase.
I keep the mantra of 'things will get back on track soon' but clinging and grasping to that ideal seems so futile given the insecurity of those words.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not on a pity party for myself or feeling depressed. I'm just starting to see that those words are empty and that's OK. No one will save me and as powerless as that may sound, it is the truth... That in itself is liberating beyond any track that I could get on in the hopes of some semblance of correcting the course of events put into motion.
Time to sit on my cushion and go along for the ride.
Feb 24, 2007
THE ETIOLOGY & TREATMENT OF CHILDHOOD
Don't worry people, it's just a joke... but I'm sure there are already medications to treat this condition.
THE ETIOLOGY & TREATMENT OF CHILDHOOD
THE ETIOLOGY & TREATMENT OF CHILDHOOD
This Time (I'm Gonna Try It My Way)
Such a cool video and the song that sums up my state of mind right now.
Feb 21, 2007
The vision of an enlightened society- My buddy Marc reminds me this is possible
The vision of an enlightened society is one which is completely uplifting to me. It generates a feeling of absolute levity... groundlessness... a connection to people that transcends that connection which has little chance to shine through in the routine 9-5 and then couch potato sunset world that I meander around in.
Ever so often I meet someone that completely reaffirms my faith in this enlightened society. This has happened when I crossed paths with Marc Stamos.
Someone brave enough to jump and leap into that uncomfortable place of not-knowing. Someone who is looking to include others. Seeking wisdom in everything rather than refuting for the sake of an argument.
I am fortunate to have met you, peaceful warrior. I want to thank you for being such a force in not only my cubicle space, but in the world which you so passionately care about.
Ever so often I meet someone that completely reaffirms my faith in this enlightened society. This has happened when I crossed paths with Marc Stamos.
Someone brave enough to jump and leap into that uncomfortable place of not-knowing. Someone who is looking to include others. Seeking wisdom in everything rather than refuting for the sake of an argument.
I am fortunate to have met you, peaceful warrior. I want to thank you for being such a force in not only my cubicle space, but in the world which you so passionately care about.
Feb 18, 2007
Happy Losar/ Shambhala Day / Chinese New Year
I spent my morning reconnecting with the sangha and boy oh boy it was good to see some old, familiar and friendly faces.
Lately I've been feeling out of whack with the absence of my participating in a sangha group or chilling with some 'Dharma Friends'. Needless to say, today was an emotional day where I felt such unconditional love and support from those who are also walking the path. It was exhausting and yet, invigorating to have spent both Saturday and Sunday, meditating and practicing. What a great start to 2007!
Happy New Year to all!
Feb 16, 2007
My first time....
So I asked on this blog if people remembered the first time they sat to meditate and I guess it's only fitting to share my story.
I was in university at the time and came to know the dharma from a professor of political economy who has since passed on. Don't ask me the link between political economy and buddhism, but somehow something in one of our conversations tipped him off that I should read Hesse's 'Siddhartha'. Did that and then started to seek out more. Picked up a copy of the Shambhala Sun with Buddha B-boy Ad Yauch on the cover and read about how meditation helped him out. Then I tried it... Felt weird at first. Sitting quiet isn't something I'd been known for, but it felt soothing- THEN F@#$-IN SCARY. Where am I? Who am I? What kind of idiot sits still for 5-10-15 minutes BREATHING. I don't think I'd ever given so much though to the lyrics of the 'Meow Mix' commercial.. and there it was- playing over and over in my mind.
That lasted approximately 86 seconds.
Meditating in public felt even wonkier. I wondered if I looked all blissed out- drooly and doe-eyed like those hippies in the ads for Samadhi Cushions. We first-timers were huddled together post-sitting to talk about our experiences. I wanted to share my loop of the Meow Mix song with the others- but smiled and ate my cookie and then went home feeling all proud of myself.
Next session.. not so proud.. Deflated.
And that story has continued for 11+ years. It's like a love affair, unfolding, irritating, beautiful and a part of my life that I just can't shake.
I was in university at the time and came to know the dharma from a professor of political economy who has since passed on. Don't ask me the link between political economy and buddhism, but somehow something in one of our conversations tipped him off that I should read Hesse's 'Siddhartha'. Did that and then started to seek out more. Picked up a copy of the Shambhala Sun with Buddha B-boy Ad Yauch on the cover and read about how meditation helped him out. Then I tried it... Felt weird at first. Sitting quiet isn't something I'd been known for, but it felt soothing- THEN F@#$-IN SCARY. Where am I? Who am I? What kind of idiot sits still for 5-10-15 minutes BREATHING. I don't think I'd ever given so much though to the lyrics of the 'Meow Mix' commercial.. and there it was- playing over and over in my mind.
That lasted approximately 86 seconds.
Meditating in public felt even wonkier. I wondered if I looked all blissed out- drooly and doe-eyed like those hippies in the ads for Samadhi Cushions. We first-timers were huddled together post-sitting to talk about our experiences. I wanted to share my loop of the Meow Mix song with the others- but smiled and ate my cookie and then went home feeling all proud of myself.
Next session.. not so proud.. Deflated.
And that story has continued for 11+ years. It's like a love affair, unfolding, irritating, beautiful and a part of my life that I just can't shake.
Reality is the new fiction...
Reality is the new fiction, they say
Truth is truer in these days, truth is man-made
If you're here cause you want to be entertained
Please go away
Feb 14, 2007
Retractable Dog Leashes are Dangerous
Call it laziness.. but I'm link-mad tonite..
I have one of these leashes and now I'm concerned it may kill me while I'm walking my dog, drinking way too hot McD's coffee and getting a tumor in my head from my Razr. Time to find a lawyer to get some lawsuits happening...
DoggieNews: Retractable Dog Leashes are Dangerous
I have one of these leashes and now I'm concerned it may kill me while I'm walking my dog, drinking way too hot McD's coffee and getting a tumor in my head from my Razr. Time to find a lawyer to get some lawsuits happening...
DoggieNews: Retractable Dog Leashes are Dangerous
indexed: What are you getting for Valentine's Day?
Sometimes a simple scrawl on an index card says so much...
indexed: What are you getting for Valentine's Day?
indexed: What are you getting for Valentine's Day?
Stackable Plastic
A dear friend of mine has just launched his blog and each day I look forward to his posts...
Stackable Plastic is a deep journey though his life via both stories of his early memories as well as the use of YouTube videos from that same time frame.
In his words...
"I have decided to recap my life in story and music. Month by month and year by year and eventually, after hundreds of posts I will have caught up to the present and also caught up to myself. Besides, if you don't tell your own story, who will?"
Stackable Plastic is a deep journey though his life via both stories of his early memories as well as the use of YouTube videos from that same time frame.
In his words...
"I have decided to recap my life in story and music. Month by month and year by year and eventually, after hundreds of posts I will have caught up to the present and also caught up to myself. Besides, if you don't tell your own story, who will?"
Feb 13, 2007
20,000-Watt Mega Speakers: Made Of Snow
With several inches of snow headed on the way, I'm coveting these speakers...
20,000-Watt Mega Speakers: Made Of Snow - Gizmodo
20,000-Watt Mega Speakers: Made Of Snow - Gizmodo
Feb 11, 2007
If YOU were Prime Minister....
David Suzuki blitzed through these parts of Canada on his "If YOU were Prime Minister" tour, a campaign encouraging Canadians to vote for the environment and send a message to Ottawa.
Before you nay-sayers get your exhaust-pipes in a knot, this is a Carbon Neutral tour and a great deal of thought went into the planning of this campaign.
Suzuki, now 70 years old is SUPERHUMAN and is possibly one of Canada's most powerful sources of energy. Let's hope that the politicos will listen to the message that many Canadians have expressed- It's time to focus on the environment and think about the future of this planet.
Oh and darn it if Raffi isn't one of the coolest cats out there today...
Before you nay-sayers get your exhaust-pipes in a knot, this is a Carbon Neutral tour and a great deal of thought went into the planning of this campaign.
Suzuki, now 70 years old is SUPERHUMAN and is possibly one of Canada's most powerful sources of energy. Let's hope that the politicos will listen to the message that many Canadians have expressed- It's time to focus on the environment and think about the future of this planet.
Oh and darn it if Raffi isn't one of the coolest cats out there today...
The Return of The Police
So I'm on Cloud 9 given that tonight's Grammy Awards will feature a set by The Police. Reunited at last!
I've been waiting for this day for a while now and with plans for a reunion tour to be announced Monday - AAAAH it's just too much.
I've been waiting for this day for a while now and with plans for a reunion tour to be announced Monday - AAAAH it's just too much.
Feb 10, 2007
THE MISSING PEACE - ARTISTS AND THE DALAI LAMA at hello nekko blog
My dear little buddy posted this link to The Missing Peace.
Check it out and have a look at her blog while you're at it.
THE MISSING PEACE - ARTISTS AND THE DALAI LAMA at hello nekko blog
Check it out and have a look at her blog while you're at it.
THE MISSING PEACE - ARTISTS AND THE DALAI LAMA at hello nekko blog
Feb 6, 2007
SKATE WITCHES
I think I'm gonna run away, get a rat, a cool leather jacket with liquid paper on the back and become a SKATE WITCH!
wimp boys....
Meditation sandwich with a side order of impermanence
Well in my quest to diversify my routine and connect with the sangha I'm meeting my new meditation instructor for lunch this week. I guess they don't call it meditation practice for nothing and there is a reason why it's also referred to as practice.
I've been doing some of the contemplation practices associated with the 'One Year to Live' program and facing quite a bit of resistance. I'm examining my attachment to attachments. Leaving behind relationships and step into the unknown is pretty fuckin' scary. Some of my friends/family think it's messed up that I'm reading all these 'new-agey' books and preparing my will at such an early age but it reinforces in me the realization that we live in a culture that wants us to hide from the truth- no matter how bitter or shocking it may be for us. We seek to shelter those we care about from that which we think may harm them. We think we have their best interests in mind but little do we know the eventual pain it may cause over time.
At first I thought that this program would depress me and I'd become an emo-goth, but it is actually helping me to be aware of each moment and bring mindfulness into my daily activities. Not a spacey kind of floaty, incense and peppermints kind of mindfulness/awareness- but rather a deeper connection to each moment. Bringing me into each situation with a sense of directness and helping me to face many of my fears. Things I wouldn't normally think of doing seem less scary and I am really starting to live.
I've been doing some of the contemplation practices associated with the 'One Year to Live' program and facing quite a bit of resistance. I'm examining my attachment to attachments. Leaving behind relationships and step into the unknown is pretty fuckin' scary. Some of my friends/family think it's messed up that I'm reading all these 'new-agey' books and preparing my will at such an early age but it reinforces in me the realization that we live in a culture that wants us to hide from the truth- no matter how bitter or shocking it may be for us. We seek to shelter those we care about from that which we think may harm them. We think we have their best interests in mind but little do we know the eventual pain it may cause over time.
At first I thought that this program would depress me and I'd become an emo-goth, but it is actually helping me to be aware of each moment and bring mindfulness into my daily activities. Not a spacey kind of floaty, incense and peppermints kind of mindfulness/awareness- but rather a deeper connection to each moment. Bringing me into each situation with a sense of directness and helping me to face many of my fears. Things I wouldn't normally think of doing seem less scary and I am really starting to live.
Feb 4, 2007
Lighter Footstep - Kick off
A new website to take notice of is Lighter Footstep.
This site helps to inspire people to "learn to thrive in business and personal lives by making wiser choices. It all starts with conversation."
"...a forum for the exchange of information and the growing of new goals and strategies."
Just by rooting around on the site, I'm certain that this has the makings of something big and is one social network that I will be following and participating in...
Lighter Footstep - Home
This site helps to inspire people to "learn to thrive in business and personal lives by making wiser choices. It all starts with conversation."
"...a forum for the exchange of information and the growing of new goals and strategies."
Just by rooting around on the site, I'm certain that this has the makings of something big and is one social network that I will be following and participating in...
Lighter Footstep - Home
Feb 2, 2007
Buddhism in the West - Prof. Richard H. Seager
I recently attended a lecture hosted by McGill University's Asian Religions Area of the Faculty of Religious Studies featuring Prof. Richard H. Seager.
Seager, the author of "Buddhism in America" hosted a public forum on the topic of "Buddhism in the West - Tradition and Transformation" and sparked much conversation on the next-gen of Buddhist practitioners. With the greying of the boomers who served to launch wave 1 of Western Buddhism, the question emerged of what the new face of Buddhism would look like. The forum audience was comprised equally of young students as well as boomerbuddhas so one can only hope that the Buddhist tradition will continue to thrive.
This leads me to explore the Dharma Punx "pack" and question whether it is just because I live in a smaller populace that this kind of youth-oriented group hasn't emerged. Are there others like me in Montreal?
Seager, the author of "Buddhism in America" hosted a public forum on the topic of "Buddhism in the West - Tradition and Transformation" and sparked much conversation on the next-gen of Buddhist practitioners. With the greying of the boomers who served to launch wave 1 of Western Buddhism, the question emerged of what the new face of Buddhism would look like. The forum audience was comprised equally of young students as well as boomerbuddhas so one can only hope that the Buddhist tradition will continue to thrive.
This leads me to explore the Dharma Punx "pack" and question whether it is just because I live in a smaller populace that this kind of youth-oriented group hasn't emerged. Are there others like me in Montreal?
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