Bhi Bhiman

My buddy Sean Burke is currently helping this dude on tour right now. I saw Bhi Bhiman at Jammin Java last week. Definitely check his stuff out. Serious social commentary with a somewhat nonchalant humorous honest delivery. Great singer-songwriter style.

Check the videos out on the right:

http://www.bhibhiman.com/

To top it all off, he is a nice dude in person. Support.

St. Patrick's Day

Weaving the Land by Folk Radio Uk on Mixcloud

Dubbing the Dragon

Charles le Brigand - Dubbing the Dragon by Laid Back on Mixcloud

The Gateless Gate

Everyday Life is the Path

Joshu asked Nansen: `What is the path?' Nansen said: `Everyday life is the path.'
Joshu asked: `Can it be studied?'
Nansen said: `If you try to study, you will be far away from it.'
Joshu asked: `If I do not study, how can I know it is the path?'
Nansen said: `The path does not belong to the perception world, neither does it belong to the nonperception world. Cognition is a delusion and noncognition is senseless. If you want to reach the true path beyond doubt, place yourself in the same freedom as sky. You name it neither good nor not-good.'
At these words Joshu was enlightened.

Mumon's Comment: Nansen could have met Joshu's frozen doubts at once when Joshu asked his questions. I doubt that if Joshu reached the point that Nansen did. He needed thirty more years of study.

In spring, hundreds of flowers; in autumn, a harvest moon;
In the summer, a refreshing breeze; in winter snow will accompany you.
If useless things do not hang in your mind,
Any season is a good season for you.

Essence

Show me the face you had before you were born...

One's true essence is right and whole.

Sweet Reggae Music

Rebekah and I had the pleasure of attending the 19th annual 9 Mile Music Festival this year.  11 hours of live reggae in the sun next to the beach.

One thing that really struck me was the apparent health of these reggae stars.  Especially Burning Spear and Cocoa Tea.  Those Lions are old.  Yet they looked to be in better shape than my lazy ass, and were beaming with happiness and vitality.  That has inspired me to examine my diet and habits once again.  Every time I eat, or drink, or choose between exercise or laziness, I picture those guys and ask what they would do.  Silly perhaps, but it was a true inspiration for me.

The pictures below from left to right, top to bottom are: Cocoa Tea, Collie Buddz, Capleton,Damian Marley's "Flag Man"

BLESS UP

9 Mile Music Festival 2012

A Reflection on Humanity and Suffering in the Public Eye

After receiving such an immense response to a post I wrote on Facebook yesterday, I'll share it here as well. It is so humbling for me to have people who read that post to not only continue to share it with others, but to admit that I had expressed the same thoughts they had been having but that they just didn't know how to share them. That, to me, is possibly more important than what I said in the first place; to give a voice to those who have strong emotions and convictions inside of them but they don't know how to express them.  We really shouldn't hold back those kinds of feelings. Of course, we never want to be insulting or offensive to others, but when we have a bold and courageous point to make (especially when it comes to spreading peace and equality), we should not hold back!

So here was my post, in response to the negative media that has occurred as the result of the sudden and tragic death of Whitney Houston. But keep in mind, this is not just about Whitney. This is about everyone who's life was lost way too soon, for reasons beyond our common understanding. RIP to all of them.

I have to admit, I find it sad that it takes the tragic occurrence of a celebrity's death to invoke such a strong response of honor in the death of those of non-celebrity status. Not to say some of us don't honor "others" every day of our lives, and not to say they shouldn't honor those. But seriously, what is the point of this negativity?! Celebrity or not, addict or not, psychopath or not, we are all human. In some form or another, we all suffer. Who are we to assume that any one death, or loss of life, is more honorable than another? I, for one, will make no such assumption, because celebrity status or not, military status or not, high social status or not, we are all in some way heroes, or at least we strive to be. Let us not lose our sense of humanity because someone completely distant from us has lost themselves to their own personal struggles. Let us fulfill our own strength from our own struggles, and learn genuinely from those around us who lacked the strength to overcome such struggles. Seriously...think about who it is that you are hating on when you share such general thoughts in such a dispersed, and public manner. You are merely "sharing" the thoughts of others, and likely ones that are not entirely your own. I'm willing to bet some of those are people who would stand up for you in a second. So all I'm saying is think twice before you "share" the hate.

Stay Human, Stay Creative

It seems like society and social norms are constantly working to make us uniform robots that follow the lines laid out before us.  Routine can ruin creativity.  As you go about your day, break out of the mundane same ol' same ol' thought process and take a moment to light a fire within.  You are a unique creative one-of-a-kind individual.  Your soul, while ultimately connected to all others, is unique in its own right.  Spread your wings, do your dance, show the world what you're made of.  Fall down, get back up, repeat.

Standing on the job

I've always wanted to try it, so I finally set up my desk so I could stand all day rather than sit.  It's tiring, I won't say it isn't, but that's partly the point.  I'd much rather go home tired at night knowing I stood all day than go home tired at night knowing I sat all day.  It's been 5 days so far, we'll see if I can keep it up.

As always, making one change in your life can have a ripple effect beyond your expectations.  With standing all day I find I can think more creatively and my focus is stronger.  I also notice I take the stairs instead of the elevator.  I park farther away from my destination.  I fuel up in the morning with these crazy whole food shakes I've been making.  It has all come together to hopefully make me a better person, living a healthier life.  I've already noticed a massive drop in any stress, panic, anxiety etc.  I just plain feel better over all.  Here's a snapshot of a typical smoothie in the morning.

Welcome to the BEAN as well!  I look forward to sharing this crazy ride and journey of life with you and anyone who cares to observe or grab the wheel themselves. Be good to yourself today.

Thank you.

My deepest thanks to my dear friend, Drew, for giving me the opportunity to be a co-contributor to this inspiring blog. I am Colina, a.k.a. Nikki, a.k.a, the Bean, a.k.a. whoever I am to you, and I am thrilled and honored to share my thoughts here. I am a big fan of creative outlets and am always searching for new means to express myself. And the opportunity to plug in to this one could not have come at a better time. 

It's a new year. I'm in a relatively new place - both geographically and personally. I'm experiencing new things at rapid speed, and with that comes an overwhelming onslaught of emotions, ambitions, inspirations, challenges, and oh so many other things. I feel myself changing every day, and at times it's hard to keep up. I am well aware that this is a positive change, and a very worthwhile journey, regardless of the sharp turns that I find myself relentlessly gripping to. I welcome you to roll down the windows, bump the stereo, hold on tight, and take this ride with me. I hope that during this creative process, I will learn even more about myself, and continue to grow - and maybe in some way, the sharing of my thoughts and experiences might ease the road for the travel of others. 

Cheers, and thank you! 

Value

I haven't known what to write since I lost my friend on Christmas Eve.  Value life.  Live yours fully while you're able.  Tell the ones you love how much you value having them in your life, as often as you can.  You never know when they might depart this world.

Food and Supplements

Over the past 4 years I've undergone some weird and shitty health problems/scares.  From serious acid reflux, to advanced psoriasis, to irritable bowels, to anxiety and panic, to clinical depression.  While prescriptions had some positive benefit they also created a slew of horrible side effects.  I've tried a number of natural cures to help get my health back in line.

I felt inclined to write this post because I'm feeling better than ever these days.  Instead of Aciphex for acid reflux I take a probiotic with every meal, refrain from drinking while eating and watch out for trigger foods.  For me they are red bell peppers, fresh garlic, and tomatoes.

Instead of a topical prescription ointment for Psoriasis, I use only 100% natural soaps and lotions.  More expensive but well worth the comfort.

Instead of Zoloft for depression and anxiety, I have adjusted my thought process and my diet.  I've been taking cod liver oil and vitamin D drops along with Brazilian nuts.  I drink 4-5 cups of green tea a day.  I have also been eating Hemp protein with fiber as a shake with some fruit.  I'm looking to add Hempseed oil now as well. 

My recent happiness and comfort proves what most of us believe inherently but seldom truly commit to.  You can heal your body by adjusting what you consume.  It doesn't take prescription drugs, at least in the long run in most cases.  The majority of the food and drink options in this country are filled with chemicals and processed "food" that is slowly breaking us down from the inside out.  Even if you remain overweight at first or continue to eat like crap most of the time, at least you know you're filling your body with healthy nutrients and vitamins as well. 

I've increased my exercise lately and have been focusing on kettle ball swings and yoga/body weight exercises.  There is no doubt in my mind that any bit of regular exercise can have a huge impact on your overall well being.

Start small and it will become habit.  Best wishes for good health in 2012 and beyond.

-Drew

Grateful

Start your day by writing down 10 things you're thankful for.  Do some stretching.  Eat a healthy breakfast.  Do all you can to begin life anew every day.  As a wise man once said, "you can choose to say Good Morning God or Good God Morning