Here's a picture of me the day after for you to enjoy. BTW, whats up with my chest hair? If it was a Rorschach test, what would you think it is? Perhaps time for a waxing...
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
laser beams
Here's a picture of me the day after for you to enjoy. BTW, whats up with my chest hair? If it was a Rorschach test, what would you think it is? Perhaps time for a waxing...
meditation update
You may have read in an earlier post that I was attempting to meditate every day for the month of April. While that did not happen, I did practice enough meditation to affirm that it can truly be a beneficial addition to daily life. Its tough to separate the effects of meditation from the natural ebb and flow of anxiety, but I believe that even after this short period of practice I now feel more calm and present. Beginning meditation may have been a life-changing action for me.
I found three free meditation podcasts on iTunes. They were mostly guided breathing and attempts to shepherd the listener into a relaxed mental state. Let me say this: its really hard at first, but gets much easier. I tend to be a naturally anxious person, and sitting still and focusing on breath seemed nearly impossible to me. I was able to do five days straight while staying in the islands (blogged the previous posts,) which was a spectacular start and nice beginning association for my practice. One podcast was particularly helpful in reiterating that meditation is a period in which one can be non-judgemental, even in one's own inability to meditate. (Deep Rest Guided Meditation by Meditation Island.) Its silly how easy it is, and how resistant I can be to practicing. Meditation should be one of the most inviting and immediately gratifying uses of time, but frequently I don't want to stop the mental tangents and swirls in my head and sit in quiet. I've found the more frequently I've been practicing, the easier it is to purposefully enter a relaxed state without actually doing the work. But if I haven't really focused on meditation in a few days or more, finding that zone proves more elusive.
Anyway, its difficult to express these ideas because: a. I don't really know what I'm trying to say, and b. its so intangible. Here is the most concrete example I can think of. I love riding my bike. I lived by Prospect Park in Brooklyn for many years, and rode the spectacular loop at least once a week after work during fair weather seasons. I always thought this would have a relaxing effect, and would try and sometimes leave the park disappointed that I did not feel noticeably different. This is because I was seeking tangible benefit, not simply experiencing the ride. A slight shift in perspective creates an entire new reality, and I look forward to continuing my practice.
I found three free meditation podcasts on iTunes. They were mostly guided breathing and attempts to shepherd the listener into a relaxed mental state. Let me say this: its really hard at first, but gets much easier. I tend to be a naturally anxious person, and sitting still and focusing on breath seemed nearly impossible to me. I was able to do five days straight while staying in the islands (blogged the previous posts,) which was a spectacular start and nice beginning association for my practice. One podcast was particularly helpful in reiterating that meditation is a period in which one can be non-judgemental, even in one's own inability to meditate. (Deep Rest Guided Meditation by Meditation Island.) Its silly how easy it is, and how resistant I can be to practicing. Meditation should be one of the most inviting and immediately gratifying uses of time, but frequently I don't want to stop the mental tangents and swirls in my head and sit in quiet. I've found the more frequently I've been practicing, the easier it is to purposefully enter a relaxed state without actually doing the work. But if I haven't really focused on meditation in a few days or more, finding that zone proves more elusive.
Anyway, its difficult to express these ideas because: a. I don't really know what I'm trying to say, and b. its so intangible. Here is the most concrete example I can think of. I love riding my bike. I lived by Prospect Park in Brooklyn for many years, and rode the spectacular loop at least once a week after work during fair weather seasons. I always thought this would have a relaxing effect, and would try and sometimes leave the park disappointed that I did not feel noticeably different. This is because I was seeking tangible benefit, not simply experiencing the ride. A slight shift in perspective creates an entire new reality, and I look forward to continuing my practice.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
oh, sweet Ko Lipe
Shortly after brother Tim arrived, we traipsed off to the deep south of Thailand. A plane, a van and a boat got us to Ko Lipe, one of the most beautiful and relaxing places I have ever been. Behold, one of many sunset pictures you will see in the next few posts.
This is off the appropriately named Sunset Beach. The high season recently ended, and just a few stragglers enjoying sundowner cocktails set a very chill vibe. It reminded me a little of the shore after Labor Day.
While Tim took a scuba class, Maki and I took a day trip on a long tail boat to the surrounding islands and snorkel spots. Ko Lipe is the only developed tourist island in the middle of a huge marine national park. So lots of beautiful, wild islands as you can see in the background below. Here was an interesting black rock beach that we stopped at.
White sand, longtail boats and the sea.
Jack's Jungle Resort, with its outdoor Gilligan's Island style bathroom. The shower water came out of a coconut! Add outdoor bathroom to my fantasy house features.
Tim and I eating dinner on the main beach.
While Tim took a scuba class, Maki and I took a day trip on a long tail boat to the surrounding islands and snorkel spots. Ko Lipe is the only developed tourist island in the middle of a huge marine national park. So lots of beautiful, wild islands as you can see in the background below. Here was an interesting black rock beach that we stopped at.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
day trips from Bangkok: beaches
Being within driving distance of the beach is a tremendous asset for a city. I've pretty much always lived within two hours of a beach (Ocean City, Coney Island...) and felt deeply sad for people who live in states like Nebraska. There are two main options close to Bangkok.
First up is Ko Samet. Very beautiful, even for Thai standards. About a 2-3 hour drive, followed by a short ferry ride. Maki's co-workers planned the trip, and I was lucky enough to tag along. Relaxing small hotels and restaurants right on the beach. Here is a dog relaxing under my chair, with the beach stretching out beyond it.
And then there is option two, notorious Pattaya. Pattaya is an unruly beast that sprang up during the Vietnam War era. (Or as they call it in Vietnam, the Second War for Independence.) Bangkok has a couple red light districts, and most visitors are pretty shocked to see these one block-long stands of go-go bars and hostess bars. Well, take that one block and mushroom that into miles on endless red light sprawl. Pattaya is truly the sex tourism capital of the world. The sheer number of places like the two pictured below was unbelievable.
Much like Atlantic City, however, segments of the community are trying to clean up their act and diversify. So walking down the street you would pass: sex tourist, Russian family, sex tourist, bus full of Chinese tourists, sex tourist, young Thai couple, etc.
Here is pretty much the prototype of the traditional Pattaya visitor (also get a look at the beach, which is far less stellar than Ko Samet):
But suffice to say, Pattaya does have a lot of interesting things besides the nightlife. Beach, good restaurants, people-watching, and Miss Tiffany's lady-boy revue. Here is a picture of me and one of the Tiffany's girls.
First up is Ko Samet. Very beautiful, even for Thai standards. About a 2-3 hour drive, followed by a short ferry ride. Maki's co-workers planned the trip, and I was lucky enough to tag along. Relaxing small hotels and restaurants right on the beach. Here is a dog relaxing under my chair, with the beach stretching out beyond it.
Here is pretty much the prototype of the traditional Pattaya visitor (also get a look at the beach, which is far less stellar than Ko Samet):
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
kareoke bday
My brother Tim was in town for some time (more on that later) that included both of our birthdays. So a fun and debauched night of kareoke was the agenda. Here we are at dinner.
And then the singing began. We wanted a small room, but could only find a full bar setting. So in between our Backstreet Boys and Lisa Loeb, really good Thai patrons sang ballads and uptempo pop songs.
Most of the kareoke was accompanied by random unofficial music videos. By far the best was this one accompanying "My Heart Will Go On" from Titanic. Instead of majestic shots of the Titanic, the whole video was random b-roll footage from the back of some guy's speedboat! I could not contain my laughter as the wake trailed on.
Anyway, the celebration continued long into the night, and it was a great birthday.
And almost topping that was another song (not sure which one) in which the video followed a wistful women in a crazy eighties jacket. Even better, the segments of her wandering with alternated with shots of...pelicans on the beach! What?? Was she sadly remembering her brood of pelicans?
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Suan Rot Fai (Railroad Park)
Shamefully close to our apartment is a beautiful park known as Suan Rot Fai. We had heard about it, but finally made it out there a couple weeks ago. It is built on the grounds of a former golf course and an adjacent railroad yard. Countless Thais were enjoying the park and exercising.
A couple posing on one of the defunct trains. There were many glamour shots being taken all of the park.
Bike riding!
Just biking by a monitor lizard.
A couple posing on one of the defunct trains. There were many glamour shots being taken all of the park.
Bike riding!
Just biking by a monitor lizard.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Presence and meditation
I slept in this morning, and as I was headed out the door to 7-11 to pick up some milk, Maki reminded me that a farang (white/foreigner) monk was giving a talk at the wellness center across the street from our apartment. I quickly switched gears, and ended up listening to him speak for about an hour. He didn't illuminate anything revelatory about meditation or Buddhist practice, but it did remind me that I live in a country (and region) where the vast majority of people practice Buddhism.
Living in Thailand for seven months without learning too much about meditation does not strike me as unusual, because spirituality has never been a significant dimension of my life. The only time I've only felt any sort of mild spiritual presence was around "Mama Africa" when I was abroad in college. Within black South African communities the notion of "ubuntu" abounds. Ubuntu roughly means "people are people through people." I found this idea quite transcendent, while also having practical implications for daily life. When contemplating meditation, the contrast with ubuntu struck me in that meditation is seemingly inward-facing. From my admittedly ignorant understanding, meditation focuses on solitude and withdrawal from the world. Why not celebrate and enhance the lives of those around you? Nonetheless, the lecture catalyzed me to once again explore meditation more deeply.
The facet of meditation that most appeals to me is presence. Meditation is supposed to correct the way that most of us are constantly all over the place - everywhere and subsequently nowhere - within our minds. By centering our thoughts on being present, we can...be present. Hmm, must be a better way to explain that. I attended a meditation practice last month at Wat Mahatat, and the monk instructed us to focus on awareness of breathe, thoughts and movement. I actually felt successful for about ten-fifteen minutes before the usual deluge of "what should I have for my next meal" and "remember that episode of Full House where they locked themselves out of the car" came back. One recurring argument for meditation is that it brings a more sustainable and deep, but low-key satisfaction. This seems like a healthy route, especially as I acknowledge that my life (along with many others) in the modern world sometimes consists of a constant search for the next fix of stimulation, excitement, recognition or achievement. (This Onion article rang all too true.)
I have several friends who meditate regularly. They attest that with practice and duration, it does have noticeable effects on presence and being. I am also encouraged by this NYTimes article touting the measure benefits of meditation.
So, to get to the point, I am going to try and meditate a little bit every day for thirty days. I have no idea how this will work out, but I will certainly update the blog with the results, good or bad. Most will probably come from podcast led sessions. I have also heard that yoga and reading are forms of meditation too, so I will try to diversify the methods a little.
Look for updates soon, and please comment if you have any insight!
Living in Thailand for seven months without learning too much about meditation does not strike me as unusual, because spirituality has never been a significant dimension of my life. The only time I've only felt any sort of mild spiritual presence was around "Mama Africa" when I was abroad in college. Within black South African communities the notion of "ubuntu" abounds. Ubuntu roughly means "people are people through people." I found this idea quite transcendent, while also having practical implications for daily life. When contemplating meditation, the contrast with ubuntu struck me in that meditation is seemingly inward-facing. From my admittedly ignorant understanding, meditation focuses on solitude and withdrawal from the world. Why not celebrate and enhance the lives of those around you? Nonetheless, the lecture catalyzed me to once again explore meditation more deeply.
The facet of meditation that most appeals to me is presence. Meditation is supposed to correct the way that most of us are constantly all over the place - everywhere and subsequently nowhere - within our minds. By centering our thoughts on being present, we can...be present. Hmm, must be a better way to explain that. I attended a meditation practice last month at Wat Mahatat, and the monk instructed us to focus on awareness of breathe, thoughts and movement. I actually felt successful for about ten-fifteen minutes before the usual deluge of "what should I have for my next meal" and "remember that episode of Full House where they locked themselves out of the car" came back. One recurring argument for meditation is that it brings a more sustainable and deep, but low-key satisfaction. This seems like a healthy route, especially as I acknowledge that my life (along with many others) in the modern world sometimes consists of a constant search for the next fix of stimulation, excitement, recognition or achievement. (This Onion article rang all too true.)
I have several friends who meditate regularly. They attest that with practice and duration, it does have noticeable effects on presence and being. I am also encouraged by this NYTimes article touting the measure benefits of meditation.
So, to get to the point, I am going to try and meditate a little bit every day for thirty days. I have no idea how this will work out, but I will certainly update the blog with the results, good or bad. Most will probably come from podcast led sessions. I have also heard that yoga and reading are forms of meditation too, so I will try to diversify the methods a little.
Look for updates soon, and please comment if you have any insight!
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