You May Be Right. I May Be Crazy.

Mar 31, 2022

When I was in high school, I idolized the kind of NY, Italian, street gang-guy I saw in celebs like Billy Joel and Stallone. I really wanted to be in a street gang, which, if you know me, you know how completely asinine even the thought of that is. But I didn’t want to be in a real street gang, I wanted to be in more of a movie street gang. I didn’t want to actually hurt people, I wanted to strut around the streets like Travolta in a leather jacket, maybe smoking cigarettes. I wanted to know some guys named Mikey and Vinnie. Maybe learn to use the f-word occasionally and not feel guilty about it. That’s all I knew. I really wanted to be a Baptist preacher and I carried around a copy of “The Cross and the Switchblade” with me all of the time. It was a book about a preacher who went to New York to save the street gangs. I figured I could do that. Maybe have the best of both worlds. Although I would have to nix the f-word probably.

One year, I asked for a leather jacket for Christmas. My parents couldn’t afford a real leather jacket so they got me a vinyl one. It looked a lot like the real thing and I wore it all the time in high school and college. I’m wearing it in this photo. It looks a lot like Billy Joel’s but, I’m guessing, his was real leather. I always imagined I’d one day get to go to a “rumble” in my jacket, but I never did. Once, the neighborhood bullies tried to challenge my brothers to a fight and I thought it was the perfect opportunity, so I grabbed my jacket and a long chain I’d been saving for the occasion, but my dad went out and ran the bullies off so nothing really happened. Eventually, I changed over to Billy Joel’s “suit jacket and loose tie” style, which seemed to work much better for me.

When I was in middle school, my dad started getting into a new hobby of selling things at flea markets. He was a school teacher but would do the flea market stuff on the weekends and he ended up making more money doing that than he did teaching. So I grew up around flea market culture. I’m still fascinated by the southern flea market characters I encountered every weekend. Flea Markets, antique stores, secondhand shops, thrift stores are all still a huge part of my life. It gets in your blood and won’t come out. Like a stiletto. Sorry. I go to antique stores just to relax. I could spend an entire weekend doing nothing but visiting thrift stores and antique shops. Last week I stopped by a thrift store to look for some junk pieces I could recycle as art. While I was there I saw a really cool leather jacket. It still had all of the tags on it. And, holy crap, it was exactly my size! I can never buy clothes off the rack because I have freakishly long arms but this jacket fit perfectly. And it was only $25!

I used to never buy or wear anything leather. I’m vegetarian because I’m an animal lover and I never thought it was right to not eat animals but still wear them. Then, I decided to wear a kilt for a year in 2012 and I had to buy leather stuff. Boots, straps, vests, all that stuff that makes you look more cool in a kilt. I also started eating fish last year, so screw the animals! Dang, I should have used the f-word there. No wonder I never got in a street gang.

I bought the jacket. I took it home and cleaned it the way the leather stores I Googled said I should clean leather jackets. Last night I put it on for the first time in it’s full, freshly laundered, glory. I dug out the switchblade knife I have been keeping in my nightstand (in case The Bishops want to start some shit) and I came out to the kitchen to see what my wife thought. She laughed. Laughed? It wasn’t really the response I was looking for. I mean, this is a real fucking leather jacket! (Yeah!) But while she was laughing, she also took off her bra. It was like she did it without even thinking. I don’t even know if she knows why she was taking it off. It just happened. Dang, the first time I put on a real leather jacket and the first girl I see immediately whips off her bra. I knew it!

Meditation Myths

Mar 24, 2022

meditation myths

Meditation is a powerful practice for cultivating mindfulness and awareness, but many myths surrounding it can discourage people from trying it. Let’s debunk some of the most common misconceptions.

Myth #1: Meditation Is Spiritual

Meditation is often associated with spirituality because it can foster qualities like consciousness, awareness, peace, compassion, and creativity. While these traits are often valued in spiritual traditions, meditation is not inherently spiritual. Many non-religious individuals, including prominent atheists like author and scientist Sam Harris, practice and teach meditation. Its benefits extend to people of all beliefs, making it adaptable to any lifestyle. Whether you’re religious, spiritual, atheist, or agnostic, meditation can fit seamlessly into your life.

Myth #2: Meditation Puts You in a Trance

This myth likely stems from inaccurate portrayals in movies and TV shows, where meditation is depicted as inducing a trance-like state. In reality, meditation is not about losing control or entering a hypnotic state. If someone claims they go into a trance during meditation, it may indicate a misunderstanding of the practice. True meditation involves cultivating awareness and presence, not detachment from reality.

Myth #3: Meditation Requires Blanking Out Your Mind

The idea that meditation demands a completely silent mind is a common misconception—and a frustrating one for beginners. In truth, no one can entirely stop their thoughts. Meditation helps reduce mental noise and improve focus, but even seasoned practitioners experience an active mind. The key is not to control your thoughts but to observe them without judgment. Inner stillness can coexist with mental activity. Let go of the impulse to control your mind, and simply be present. That is the essence of meditation.

Myth #4: Posture and Hand Positions Are Crucial

This myth often discourages people who struggle with traditional meditation postures. While some find sitting cross-legged helpful, it’s not mandatory. The most important factor is comfort. You can meditate sitting in a chair, lying down, standing, walking, or even dancing. Experiment to find what works best for you.

Similarly, hand gestures, or mudras, often depicted in media, are symbolic gestures from certain Buddhist and Hindu traditions. While they may enhance meditation for some, they are not essential. Place your hands in a position that feels natural and comfortable for you.

Myth #5: Meditation Is Difficult

The most challenging part of meditation is overcoming the myths and preconceived notions about it. Once you let go of these misconceptions, you’ll find meditation to be a natural and intuitive practice. It’s less about doing something new and more about becoming aware of the present moment. Many people unknowingly slip into meditative states during daily activities or even sleep.

For those seeking deeper experiences, intentional meditation can be transformative. Take time to consciously explore meditation, and you may notice profound changes in your life.

Conclusion

Meditation is a simple yet profound practice that anyone can incorporate into their lives. By debunking these myths, you can approach meditation with an open mind and experience its benefits without unnecessary barriers. Give it a try and see how it enhances your awareness, peace, and overall well-being.

You Are Not Your Mind

Mar 8, 2022

It is important to remember that you are not your mind. This recognition is a central “task” in the spiritual journey. Human life, by its nature, constantly draws us into identifying with our minds. This identification often leads to feelings of separation, loneliness, and unhappiness, which many of us experience regularly.

When you feel the urge to emphasize differences between yourself and others, recognize that this impulse originates from your mind. These impulses often arise when the ego seeks validation. To strengthen our sense of individuality, the mind highlights distinctions—political, religious, cultural, or national. Some may focus on differences in race, sexual orientation, or physical traits. In extreme cases, we may create adversaries to feel superior. Yet, in every instance, these differences are constructs of the mind, serving to bolster the ego’s sense of self.

When your mind tries to convince you that you are separate from others—often portraying them as ignorant or inferior—it is projecting the same flaws it criticizes. While we appear to be distinct individuals, this perception is an illusion. Human existence is deeply rooted in this illusion of separation. However, it is possible to live with this awareness while keeping the truth of unity in our consciousness. In interactions with those who remain unaware of this truth, we may sometimes need to act within the illusion. Yet, the challenge of the spiritual path is to see beyond appearances and perceive the deeper reality.

When you feel the impulse to magnify differences in others, use it as an opportunity to uncover deeper truths. Differences are created and amplified by the mind. Tomorrow, your beliefs may shift, and the distinctions you saw yesterday will fade away. Boundaries change, flags evolve, and physical appearances are fleeting. Your mind and its activity are not permanent. By recognizing what is eternal, you will see others as they truly are. Like a mirror, this understanding will reflect your true self.

The Journey Is An Illusion

Feb 10, 2022

The biggest misconception in spirituality is the idea of “the journey.” Almost everyone buys into it in one way or another. I’ve spent plenty of time in my life talking about my spiritual journey—how I went from where I was to where I am now. But honestly, it’s all an illusion. A big lie.

There’s a story in the Christian scriptures where a rich guy asks Jesus what he needs to do to follow him. Jesus tells him to give all his possessions to the poor, and the guy walks away. He just couldn’t give up what mattered most to him. For a lot of us, it’s not material possessions we can’t let go of—it’s the so-called spiritual journey itself. I could sit here and say the whole “journey” thing is a waste of time, and many people would just ignore me. They’re too attached to the idea to let it go.

Think about it: the concept of a “spiritual journey” is what keeps the whole religious and spiritual industry alive. If people realized there’s no need for a journey, billions of dollars would vanish overnight. Teachers, preachers, authors, and gurus would be out of work. Bookstores would lose entire sections. Religious TV shows, self-help seminars, and revival events would have no audiences. If people truly accepted this, all the “seeking” would stop in an instant.

Now, don’t worry—I’m not trying to dismantle an entire industry or put people out of work. Besides, most people wouldn’t believe me anyway. I didn’t get it for most of my own spiritual life, and even if I had, I doubt it would’ve mattered much. I loved my spiritual journey. It felt like such a big part of who I was.

But here’s the truth: the spiritual life isn’t about getting anything or becoming anything. It’s not about perfecting yourself, purifying yourself, or improving. Sure, a lot of spiritual teachings focus on those things, but none of it really matters—and spiritually speaking, it’s not even possible. You can’t “get” more spirituality or “become more spiritual.” Spirit is infinite. You can’t add to infinity.

The spiritual journey is just an illusion. It’s about realizing what you already are and what you already have. The feeling that something’s happening or that you’re gaining something? It’s like pulling back curtains to “let in” more sunlight. The sunlight was already there—it just wasn’t visible because the curtains were in the way. For us, Spirit (or God, if you prefer) is already fully present. When the “curtains” of ignorance or unawareness are removed, we can finally see it. Nothing’s actually happening—it just feels like it is.

I’m not saying you should ditch your spiritual practice entirely. Life has a way of pulling us back into autopilot, and sometimes we need something that feels like a practice or journey to keep us aware. But remember: no matter what you think is happening, you’re not going anywhere, and you’re not gaining anything. The fullness of Spirit is already with you, always. You can’t lose it. You can’t be without it. Keeping that in mind—that’s the real spiritual practice.

Our Strange, Habitual Mental Collections

Feb 7, 2022

Do you carry your opinions around like badges, bumper stickers, or patches on a jacket? Have you ever stopped to think about what purpose they actually serve? Are they there to show people what kind of person you are? What you think? What you believe? What you love or hate? What you’re sure is right or wrong? Or maybe they’re a way to avoid looking into something more deeply. Maybe it’s a stance you took years ago, and you haven’t thought much about it since—but of course, it’s still true, right?

There’s nothing wrong with having opinions, but let’s be honest: opinions are often lazy shortcuts for actual thinking. They’re based on old, incomplete, or even inaccurate information, along with mental positions we latched onto at some point. Over time, we start mistaking those mental positions for our identity. “I’m the person who loves this sports team.” “I’m from this region or country.” “I hate that type of music.”

Think of opinions like junk food for your mind. Just like real junk food, they can feel satisfying in the moment but have some not-so-great long-term effects. If you’ve ever tried to eat healthier, you know how strong those cravings for junk food can be. Sometimes, you barely notice what you’re doing until you’ve polished off a whole bag of chips. Opinions work the same way. We toss them out unconsciously, not even realizing it. They’re mental habits that thrive when we’re not paying attention.

So, how do we handle opinions? Shine a light on them. Start becoming more aware of them. Take a moment to ask yourself:

  • Where did this opinion come from?
  • Why am I holding onto it?
  • Is it actually helping me?
  • What alternatives are out there, and have I considered them?

Here’s the thing: your true self doesn’t have opinions. Like a newborn, your essence is pure awareness. In that state, there’s no need or desire for opinions. When opinions pop up, they’re just the mind doing its thing. Opinions are building blocks for the ego, which is why they feel so tied to your sense of self. But that version of “you” is just a mental construct. When you connect to the infinite awareness of your true self, the ego—and its opinions—start to fade away.

That Isn’t A God

Feb 6, 2022

wrath of god

To truly be recognized as a god, a being must uphold its own moral principles far better than its followers do. A god that lives by a “do as I say, not as I do” standard is nothing more than a manipulative figure, unworthy of worship or devotion.

For instance, a god that commands its followers to “forgive seventy times seven” must itself demonstrate an even greater capacity for forgiveness. If such a god were to preach forgiveness but then prepare a place of eternal punishment for those who falter or doubt, it would fall short of its own moral standard. Forgiveness and eternal torment cannot coexist; there is no space for punishment or torture in true forgiveness.

Similarly, a god that decrees “do not kill” cannot then justify taking lives without becoming more immoral than its followers who disobey. A god that prohibits killing, yet unleashes plagues, floods, and other calamities to harm innocents—babies and children included—contradicts its own laws. A being that orchestrates a brutal crucifixion as a blood sacrifice for its child should not be revered as divine but rather condemned as monstrous.

If a god claims to love and protect its faithful, that love and protection should surpass anything experienced in human relationships. Yet, if such a god wagers with Satan to test the loyalty of its most faithful follower through harassment and suffering, it reveals itself as cruel, not loving. A god that refuses to follow the same rules it imposes on its followers is not exempt from judgment. History has shown us that rulers who created laws only to break them were rightly condemned as treacherous.

Do not be deceived by stories of malevolent gods masquerading as divine. Reject the ignorance of those who follow them. Avoid churches or temples centered around such beings and question any text that labels them as “holy.” You already know the truth: you are better than any god that fails to meet the standards it demands of others.

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