The intimate events of the past week have been pretty profound for my mind, and has left me with an intellectual erection lasting much more than four hours, and I am in no hurry to seek medical attention. Though I do feel that I've been blessed with a keen level of insight, I've never proclaimed to possess all of life's answers, but more of an ability to observe and ask the right questions, rather than any unnecessary accreditation. Our society is constructed of an entangled structure of ladders that each of us are trying to climb to the top of; either over, around, or pulling down those in our way. I on the other hand see more benefit in unifying these unstable steps to build a sturdy stairway that we can all share. The Re-Beats isn't a fashion style, but a lifestyle, and the aim is to connect all those who share this life, while respecting its various styles. That being said, I love to hear what others are doing to reshape the ideas of purpose, and hope to plug you into something specific, or help you inspire your own ideas under the same principals.
• Check out the http://belovebus.com/. Several young ladies have taken a neat approach to spreading the message for breast cancer awareness, simply by doing what they desire to do anyways. Comprised of a couple of pro surfers, a musician, and a camera they set out to travel in a creatively painted bus up and down the Australian coast documenting their experiences. Very cool. Watch their videos on the website or youtube, and show some love to save the boobies.
• One of my dear friends Jon Fritzler, helped found AMP- the Aloha Music Project which makes efforts to connect musicians and artists alike as well as coordinating events to expose their collective talents. With big plans currently located around the university scene in Hawaii, I have no doubt that Jon's and the Aloha spirit will spread far beyond the islands to take the collective connected arts to a new level, while showcasing more than individual talents. Check out their facebook group! http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=122811525613&ref=ts
• I also wanted to send another warm shout out to Josh Riebock, and his book my Generation. He has been a constant source of encouragement in my own field of writing, and that which I write about (life), even amidst my own struggles. Great guy, great writer, great friend. This cat is all encompassing with websites, blogs, podcasts, social networking sites, and everything in between. Check him out. http://www.joshriebock.com
Please continue to send me your stories, input, thoughts, or just a friendly hello. All is welcome for the advancement of the Re-Beats project, and any other purposeful projects out there, or we can stick to the latter theory of viciously trying to climb individual ladders alone. Thanks.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Break on Through to...
The other side of me is one that hasn't been seen by the majority of my peers. Although raised in the church, and a home built on steadfast grace and love by my pastoral parents, I eventually lived up to the stigmas of a typical preacher's kid, and have spent the better part of a decade running from God. In all fairness, it would be better articulated as: being on my own agenda. Even so, I still held the greatest gratitude for the consistency of my parents integrity. Regardless of how you want to categorize it, there was an inherent need for a change that could not come from anywhere except within.
The beauty of a hangover, after a serious several week binder waterboarding sorrows into hopeful submission, is that the body undeniably tells you, "No more, try something else. These torture tactics aren't working for us." Having endured enough, I packed some clothes, a Bible and a book handed down to me at the urgency of a friend, my surfboard, turned off my phone, and drove until the road dead ended into the ocean. Some serious storms blew in upon arrival forcing me to seek shelter from the winds, and I found God again that night in a Wal-Mart parking lot while trying to sleep in my car, then began reading the book I'd been given.
It's titled mY Generation, with creative emphasis on the members of the "Y" generation, and written by a phenomenal man, Josh Riebock. Mostly a compilation of stories of broken people desperately needing a catalyst to break through to something better like me, I enjoyed his accepting approach to any and all who had never known spiritual love the way he was willing to give it. His actions endorse his written word, which all emulate a Christ like existence, and affirm the ultimate message of the book; which is to show the continuing relevance of Jesus, in that he humbled himself to sit with those who thought they were too far from salvation. Great stuff. I am happy to call him a friend, to say that it helped change me, and to say that you should definitely check it out! http://www.joshriebock.com/
My intentions are not to preach, or attempt to convert those who are unwilling, but to offer personal examples in a continuing effort to show a true version of myself, and the decisions I have made to get to this place. Your journey is subject to individual choice free of judgment from the hypocrisies of Christianity that unfortunately exist at times, but with an ever extended hand from me to you in the event that you care for it.
The beauty of a hangover, after a serious several week binder waterboarding sorrows into hopeful submission, is that the body undeniably tells you, "No more, try something else. These torture tactics aren't working for us." Having endured enough, I packed some clothes, a Bible and a book handed down to me at the urgency of a friend, my surfboard, turned off my phone, and drove until the road dead ended into the ocean. Some serious storms blew in upon arrival forcing me to seek shelter from the winds, and I found God again that night in a Wal-Mart parking lot while trying to sleep in my car, then began reading the book I'd been given.
It's titled mY Generation, with creative emphasis on the members of the "Y" generation, and written by a phenomenal man, Josh Riebock. Mostly a compilation of stories of broken people desperately needing a catalyst to break through to something better like me, I enjoyed his accepting approach to any and all who had never known spiritual love the way he was willing to give it. His actions endorse his written word, which all emulate a Christ like existence, and affirm the ultimate message of the book; which is to show the continuing relevance of Jesus, in that he humbled himself to sit with those who thought they were too far from salvation. Great stuff. I am happy to call him a friend, to say that it helped change me, and to say that you should definitely check it out! http://www.joshriebock.com/
My intentions are not to preach, or attempt to convert those who are unwilling, but to offer personal examples in a continuing effort to show a true version of myself, and the decisions I have made to get to this place. Your journey is subject to individual choice free of judgment from the hypocrisies of Christianity that unfortunately exist at times, but with an ever extended hand from me to you in the event that you care for it.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Challenging Inadequacy
It is hard to believe that it has almost been a year since graduating. I entered into the "real world" considering myself to be an applied idealist, in the sense that I knew my plans and values were idealistic, but that I intended to stop at nothing to apply them realistically. Furthermore, I recognized that I was taking an unorthodox approach from typical salaried pursuits, but was sure that if I stayed true to the purity of my desires to write, and change lives living on nothing now, I would reap the rewards of everything later.
How was I to know all of the challenges to come though? Referring to the last post, I came home stripped of my confidence in past accomplishments. To lose a parent is to lose an immeasurable amount of love, encouragement, and strength; much less assurance in everything I used to think I knew. However, amidst these painful struggles, all of the free time I meant to adequately spend on my books and projects gave too much leeway to doubt and thoughts of personal inadequacy.
Additionally, blame it on the economy, soaring unemployment, or your own opinions, but an abundance of my friends were battling intimidating uncertainty with their futures also. Having gone through the worst of these times physically and emotionally though (hopefully), I have been made brutally cognizant that it is on us to take responsibility for our own lives rather than blame anybody else. Then, and only then, was I able to take back control of my circumstances. Similarly I am proud of my friends, family, and fellow Re-Beats who have done the same by: getting into med-school, teaching in other parts of the world, leaving dead end jobs for graduate school, engineering work, music and the arts, and my own aunt who has chosen to go after her life long dream of being a nurse.
They, along with myself now excited to write the tale of my beautiful mother's impact through her amazing journey, are rejuvenated by a renewed sense of purpose for a greater life that would never be freely handed to us otherwise. This is the truest essence of the Re-Beats philosophy.
How was I to know all of the challenges to come though? Referring to the last post, I came home stripped of my confidence in past accomplishments. To lose a parent is to lose an immeasurable amount of love, encouragement, and strength; much less assurance in everything I used to think I knew. However, amidst these painful struggles, all of the free time I meant to adequately spend on my books and projects gave too much leeway to doubt and thoughts of personal inadequacy.
Additionally, blame it on the economy, soaring unemployment, or your own opinions, but an abundance of my friends were battling intimidating uncertainty with their futures also. Having gone through the worst of these times physically and emotionally though (hopefully), I have been made brutally cognizant that it is on us to take responsibility for our own lives rather than blame anybody else. Then, and only then, was I able to take back control of my circumstances. Similarly I am proud of my friends, family, and fellow Re-Beats who have done the same by: getting into med-school, teaching in other parts of the world, leaving dead end jobs for graduate school, engineering work, music and the arts, and my own aunt who has chosen to go after her life long dream of being a nurse.
They, along with myself now excited to write the tale of my beautiful mother's impact through her amazing journey, are rejuvenated by a renewed sense of purpose for a greater life that would never be freely handed to us otherwise. This is the truest essence of the Re-Beats philosophy.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Honestly Me
A lot has changed since my last post, but I feel it is necessary to give you all a very sincere, and unfiltered honest explanation. Why? Because those who are willing to expose themselves are often met by a multitude of critics who hide behind attacks of questions, but those answering them are also having a greater impact on the rest of the world who recognize achievement.
As many who knew me heard, I lost my mother to a two year battle with cancer last August. Initially I was numb, and the road trip I took shortly after helped me run. Having gone to school in Hawaii, I was used to being away from home for the months that make up a typical semester, but returning just before Christmas made me realize how noticeable the absence of her presence was. That, along with the poor timing of a then necessary breakup to a woman I loved dearly, accounted for the deepest depression of my life that I am only a little more than a month removed from, but still dealing with every day.
I say this because the accumulating accolades of traveling extensively through Greece, South America, our own country, completing a charity bicycle ride from Texas to Alaska, running a Wine Club, holding positions in other organizations, and graduating with a degree from Hawaii was formerly the basis for the confidence that I rode high over all of the tough times in between. As I found from irreplaceable loss though, confidence can be stripped to nothing. Therefore, upon learning to embrace the brokenness, I was able to use that to build a much stronger foundation, rather than let it destroy me.
I say this because many can't associate with cycling over 4,000 miles in one summer, or a recklessly free spirited life style, but everyone can associate with the sometimes overwhelming trials and troubles of life's grind. However, when we examine ourselves honestly, and realize what is truly important, we take the greatest step towards a better life, and that is getting our minds positively geared first. I say this because as Re-Beats, I hope we can do that together.
As many who knew me heard, I lost my mother to a two year battle with cancer last August. Initially I was numb, and the road trip I took shortly after helped me run. Having gone to school in Hawaii, I was used to being away from home for the months that make up a typical semester, but returning just before Christmas made me realize how noticeable the absence of her presence was. That, along with the poor timing of a then necessary breakup to a woman I loved dearly, accounted for the deepest depression of my life that I am only a little more than a month removed from, but still dealing with every day.
I say this because the accumulating accolades of traveling extensively through Greece, South America, our own country, completing a charity bicycle ride from Texas to Alaska, running a Wine Club, holding positions in other organizations, and graduating with a degree from Hawaii was formerly the basis for the confidence that I rode high over all of the tough times in between. As I found from irreplaceable loss though, confidence can be stripped to nothing. Therefore, upon learning to embrace the brokenness, I was able to use that to build a much stronger foundation, rather than let it destroy me.
I say this because many can't associate with cycling over 4,000 miles in one summer, or a recklessly free spirited life style, but everyone can associate with the sometimes overwhelming trials and troubles of life's grind. However, when we examine ourselves honestly, and realize what is truly important, we take the greatest step towards a better life, and that is getting our minds positively geared first. I say this because as Re-Beats, I hope we can do that together.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Protesting Protest
My path to redemption is carved by a few sturdy steps surrounded, and vigilantly engulfed by the fragility of whispers and feathers, egg shells and erratic emotions, misplaced passion and misinterpretation. I can not possibly leap fearlessly into truth while cautiously worrying about those who will be too quick to take their own premature critiques and run in the opposite direction so as not to be associated, labeled, or stigmatized for actually finishing what they were seeing unfold before it is falsely retold.
There must be embedded watch words. There must be an advanced warning system ready to sound the alarms, and quickly evacuate everyone before they have an opportunity to open up to a different point of view. I have to use extreme care calling this a movement because they'll think I'm a revolutionary trying to topple the government. I can not say that I am simply trying to learn the lessons of the past because I must be a hippy. I can not say that I care for others because then I'm a socialist. I can not say that our economic foundation is built on superficialities and in-efficiency because there is still a lot of crap that we don't need to be bought in order to get us out of this, and that level of materialism has to be maintained otherwise we will slide back into another recession, and be a tree hugger to boot. I can not say that our nation's value system is in disarray because I would then obviously be un-American. I am neither.
We are going to have to break these grand generalizations down, and meet in the middle for realistic solutions to all of our greatest problems that have been in political litigation for too long. We are going to have to move away from politics and do this on our own (together). Have you ever seen a protest today? Did you notice the relative few, who most likely represented the concerns of millions, be cast as complete extremist nuts? Did you ever see any president come out, and say, "Alright... ALRIGHT... you're right, we messed up, but I made a few calls, signed a couple of papers, and got this mess all straightened out. Thank you for your time and consideration. You can all go home now"?
I never have, but I do see certain videos generate millions of views, and comments virtually over night. I have seen millions follow blogs, people on twitter, and stay connected on other social networking sites. If this is the reality of our "times", then why don't we use the same momentum of each to harness all of those voices, and project them clearly? Protesting, in the traditional sense, still maintains its purpose, but to more accurately represent the voices of the masses, let us choose a new venue to come together in real numbers that can not lie, or be denied.
There must be embedded watch words. There must be an advanced warning system ready to sound the alarms, and quickly evacuate everyone before they have an opportunity to open up to a different point of view. I have to use extreme care calling this a movement because they'll think I'm a revolutionary trying to topple the government. I can not say that I am simply trying to learn the lessons of the past because I must be a hippy. I can not say that I care for others because then I'm a socialist. I can not say that our economic foundation is built on superficialities and in-efficiency because there is still a lot of crap that we don't need to be bought in order to get us out of this, and that level of materialism has to be maintained otherwise we will slide back into another recession, and be a tree hugger to boot. I can not say that our nation's value system is in disarray because I would then obviously be un-American. I am neither.
We are going to have to break these grand generalizations down, and meet in the middle for realistic solutions to all of our greatest problems that have been in political litigation for too long. We are going to have to move away from politics and do this on our own (together). Have you ever seen a protest today? Did you notice the relative few, who most likely represented the concerns of millions, be cast as complete extremist nuts? Did you ever see any president come out, and say, "Alright... ALRIGHT... you're right, we messed up, but I made a few calls, signed a couple of papers, and got this mess all straightened out. Thank you for your time and consideration. You can all go home now"?
I never have, but I do see certain videos generate millions of views, and comments virtually over night. I have seen millions follow blogs, people on twitter, and stay connected on other social networking sites. If this is the reality of our "times", then why don't we use the same momentum of each to harness all of those voices, and project them clearly? Protesting, in the traditional sense, still maintains its purpose, but to more accurately represent the voices of the masses, let us choose a new venue to come together in real numbers that can not lie, or be denied.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Establishing the New Times
Just to give some clarity towards my style of thought first: I am very critical. Why? Because more people aren't. I don't mean critical in the sense that I am going to speak poorly about someone's outfit if they don't share my style, or embrace negativity in every superficiality. I am critical of that which hinders us from living more meaningful lives. I warn you now. I will not sugar coat my message. I do not believe in being strictly politically correct. I studied politics, and found that there was not much correct about them. There is no room for racism, or closed minded bigotry, but as desensitized as our society is, it amazes me how quick everyone is to take offense to that which should be easily shrugged off as insignificant. We have successfully dumbed the overwhelming majority of our culture's mindset down to that of a junior high lunch room. At some point, soon, the American people are going to have to grow up.
That being said, I am the founder of the Re-Beats Project. During the conception of the idea I saw, and continually heard, an abundance of problems surrounding our generation, and began trying to sort them out while taking practical approaches to issues that constantly plague us. In my imagination I am alone in a quiet gallery. As I came around the last corner there was a nook with three walls: two long panels to my left (color) and right (black and white) lined with clear snapshots of chronological events, and one big picture hanging at the end in the center of it all. Immediately captivated, and confused by the last image, I never stop for the others. There is a title, "Provincial Division", but no artist's name, or caption. There is no uniform style, not even to the oddly shaped canvas. There is nothing right about it except for the perfectly symmetrical parting of the portraits seas. However, no one is being led down the center to liberation. It is blank. The opposite ends are the convoluted combination of the pictures I had previously passed. They are now cumbersome superimposed layers split, broken, and too disorganized from their original state to even be recognizable. It seems that the original creator lost creative focus, and handed it over to everyone who had no idea of what they were doing, or at the very least no concept of collaboration.
As a nation, we are divided. There is a middle ground, but no one wants to cordially cohabit amongst balance. The change we are all looking will not come from the left or right, and I do not have the patience to wait for politics to correct itself. Therefore, the most efficient path will be to change ourselves first. Maybe then we will be less ready to take offense to those who challenge the pretenses of counterfeit lives built on shallow foundations.
I am growing very critical of the times. We are inundated with, "in these times", "during these hard times", etc. like it is an excuse to complain, and host an apathetic pity party. The main mission of my Re-Beats theory is to establish what moves you, and go do that. I word it this way because it won't happen through stagnation. You have to get up and move, and shake the obstacles off. The new year is coming, and as we reflect on the lessons of former generations, we will see their revelations. If you figuratively find the same gallery I was in; hopefully it will be packed with critics, and you will be forced to take your time in the last corridor leading up to the big disheveled picture. You will see the unmistakable struggles of all of those who refused to settle for the hardships of their current times, and forged the path to their own meaningful lives. In regards to, "the times", the time is now to establish the advancement of... the new times.
That being said, I am the founder of the Re-Beats Project. During the conception of the idea I saw, and continually heard, an abundance of problems surrounding our generation, and began trying to sort them out while taking practical approaches to issues that constantly plague us. In my imagination I am alone in a quiet gallery. As I came around the last corner there was a nook with three walls: two long panels to my left (color) and right (black and white) lined with clear snapshots of chronological events, and one big picture hanging at the end in the center of it all. Immediately captivated, and confused by the last image, I never stop for the others. There is a title, "Provincial Division", but no artist's name, or caption. There is no uniform style, not even to the oddly shaped canvas. There is nothing right about it except for the perfectly symmetrical parting of the portraits seas. However, no one is being led down the center to liberation. It is blank. The opposite ends are the convoluted combination of the pictures I had previously passed. They are now cumbersome superimposed layers split, broken, and too disorganized from their original state to even be recognizable. It seems that the original creator lost creative focus, and handed it over to everyone who had no idea of what they were doing, or at the very least no concept of collaboration.
As a nation, we are divided. There is a middle ground, but no one wants to cordially cohabit amongst balance. The change we are all looking will not come from the left or right, and I do not have the patience to wait for politics to correct itself. Therefore, the most efficient path will be to change ourselves first. Maybe then we will be less ready to take offense to those who challenge the pretenses of counterfeit lives built on shallow foundations.
I am growing very critical of the times. We are inundated with, "in these times", "during these hard times", etc. like it is an excuse to complain, and host an apathetic pity party. The main mission of my Re-Beats theory is to establish what moves you, and go do that. I word it this way because it won't happen through stagnation. You have to get up and move, and shake the obstacles off. The new year is coming, and as we reflect on the lessons of former generations, we will see their revelations. If you figuratively find the same gallery I was in; hopefully it will be packed with critics, and you will be forced to take your time in the last corridor leading up to the big disheveled picture. You will see the unmistakable struggles of all of those who refused to settle for the hardships of their current times, and forged the path to their own meaningful lives. In regards to, "the times", the time is now to establish the advancement of... the new times.
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