Offering Hope Healing Minds

Photo by Christopher Bashirov-Newton (Chicago)

I know we have an endless amount of potential, I do and you do, whoever you maybe, in whatever conditions, or environment, with whatever minor setbacks, and values. We are mostly unaware that the majority of the time we are sleepwalking and while we appear to be awake, much of the world and real experience is closed off to us due to our amnesiac tendency to forget who we are. We are in charge, in control of our lives, and much of life experience and outcome is about how we react. How many times have we heard this being said? How many times are we stuck in our old ways, of doubt, dissatisfaction, etc

It is both our strength and weakness. I have been living in Chicago trying to jive with city folk but after a year in an ashram setting I feel like a fish out of water, attempting to repeat affirmations as I walk down the street looking at shops I cannot afford, meeting people I have no interest in (no offense) and all the while trying to repeat a mantra of gratitude and acceptance. There are a number of things I’d like to see change in myself and in the world, I’m sure you can agree. At the same time my philosophy aims to align with the goal of finding peace through the muddle, that the world is as it should be, and what one can do is change themselves. I am at best a poser in the city, I’d like to be on cloud 9, floating above all the garbage in the streets, all the negative forces that can easily reel you in if you let your guard down. However,  the density of the atmosphere pulls me down when all I see is blue ad white trucks, Chicago police at every turn, reminding you that the human existence is cruel, suffering, though it doesn’t have to be and it certainly doesn’t have to stay that way.

Although I am conscious of this boundless source of energy and potential, I do not feel fit for the city grind. It is harsh on my skin, on my mental faculties. I see many faces that are blank, mesmerized by the excessive BS that I feel especially around the holi-daze. Not to judge each person and their lifestyle choice, it jut feels more and more the choices people make are not theirs…I want more for everyone. I do feel strongly about mainstream culture, about life in America in 2012 and how it has played out throughout history. This city kid can’t overlook the obvious and has a no nonsense policy when it comes to living, at least I try. Living in the mountains the air was crisp, contrarily the cold wasn’t so biting, the energy felt of a harmonious nature. There are many places this can be achieved. In this new year I want to define and discover freedom beyond speech, and action. I am venturing into unknown territory. The city kids will embark on a journey, and adventure in this new year, seeking a place of and for harmonious living. Chicago like many cities is both beautiful and repulsive, like many things in life, beauty can be found in the grotesque. I commend city folk, they are part of the thread and allow people like me to disappear into unknown territory and land. So, our journey begins with venturing the Midwest, with two bus tickets, cameras, a notebook and eachother we will gladly accept this quest. Wish us luck, pray, or send your positive energy out for our journey.

2013- a year of conquering fear, listening to mother nature, doing our best to heal in all ways, and love like all ways.

Tags: adventure, ashram, chicago, city, inner peace, journey, lifestyle, mainstream