Pheeling the Love

This past weekend I saw 3 comeback shows by the band Phish in Hampton, Va. I enjoyed them a lot more than I was expecting to. I’ve always liked the band, but had only seen them 3 times before and never had an experience like this. So in addition to having a blast I was also surprised by how much of a blast I had. Isn’t it great when life hands you surprises like that? I don’t think I consciously live my life with this in mind, but it must be a karmic thing or something because lately I’ve been having many pleasant surprises. Life is much more fun that way.

I really felt the love in Hampton this weekend. Those four guys are gifted with the ability to project powerful energy to thousands at a time. Thank God they rediscovered that and decided to bring it back to the world. We all really need it right now (despite all the negativity that comes out of that scene). When I’m in the midst of an experience like that my head overflows with commanding thoughts and insights on love and life. I know I have a lot of good ones that people could really benefit from. The challenge is putting them in a context that people can understand. Hence this blog.

One thought that sprang to mind is summed up by a quote from a Tom Petty song—“People come, people go. Some grow young, some grow cold.” I was thinking about all the great friends I’ve made over the last few years, and all the great friends that were with me for the weekend. These are people who truly love life and have embraced positivity. Their lives are either good or great, and getting better. Then there are people whose switch is in the off position. Their lives are either good or ok, and probably getting worse. They are ruled by fear and can’t find their way out. It’s sad but not hopeless. I found my way out, and I’m hoping to help others do the same. But in that moment, probably while Free was playing (definitely a highlight), I was feeling pure love and thankfulness that I’ve surrounded myself with the right people and that I have my head and heart in the right place.

Another thought that came to me was that this is it, this is what life is all about. Not just Phish per se, but this feeling of pure joy and love, of, to get cosmic for a second, transcendence. I think a lot of Phish fans equate that feeling with the band and stop there. I’ve had that feeling at other concerts, STS9 in particular, but also other places and while completely sober. Sometimes it just sneaks up on me which is another one of those surprises I talked about. And so it occurred to me that I really need to focus on bringing those moments about, for me and for others. Because as I like to say, when you give to the world, you get back more than what you gave. So if you give 100% you get back 150%, so you’re always winning, and you’ll always be a winner.

Which brings me to my main reason for starting this blog. On Saturday I begin a yoga teacher training program of which I will keep a record here. I’ll have class every Tuesday night from 7-10, every Saturday from 11-4, and one Sunday each month from 11-4. There will be homework and probably reading too. Why yoga? Well I’ve asked myself that, and I’m still not sure of the answer. I’m hoping to find it during the program. Sometimes it’s not the answer that matters anyway, but rather the question.

Frankly, I’ve been inspired more by Crossfit lately, the strength and conditioning program I’ve been doing since November 2007. Crossfit has brought physical and mental strength to my life, and has gotten me in the best shape I’ve ever been in. But back in September or October when I signed up for this, yoga seemed more my thing. And as I write this, it occurs to me that even though Crossfit inspires me more, yoga may be the better medium for me to inspire other people.

I’ve been told that I’d make a good teacher, and I do love to teach and inspire people. I find that I can sympathize with others and see other people’s points of view better than most. For a long time though I couldn’t think of anything worth devoting myself to to the extent that I could be able to teach it. Then my friend Carrie told me about her upcoming yoga training and everything sort of clicked. Add to that the fact that I have never felt fulfilled in an office job and probably never will. Short of me winning the lottery or inheriting a bunch of money from a billionaire uncle I’ve never met, I have to find a way out of the corporate world.

I don’t view this as my way out, but more as a spring board to a new career and hopefully, eventually, a way out. I don’t plan to quit my job once training is over and try to work as a yoga teacher. There’s a chance I’ll finish the training and not even want to teach. Mostly what I’m hoping for is something to throw my energy and ingenuity toward. I have a lot of it, and my current job isn’t cutting it. They say that working will keep you alive longer, and you’ll be happier if you have a fulfilling career. I believe it, and this is my chance to start to get there.