Life is Adaptation and Passion

The credits are rolling on Adaptation. That is the second movie now that has moved me profoundly that came to me through Shannon through a course of synchronicity, of course. It's a screenplay about a man trying to adapt a book into a screenplay and ends up writing himself into it. But it's really about those who have passion, and those who search for it.

"Most people yearn for something exceptional... something so inspiring that they'd want to risk everything for that passion, but few would act on it. It was very powerful... and it was intoxicating to be around someone so alive."

The movie highlights the difference between the fulfilled and the un. The unfulfilled loves but does not express it, afraid to appear disappointed if the one he loves does not love him. The fulfilled, however, understands that if who he loves does not love him, a) it is appropriate to be disappointed (and appear so), and b) it is not important if that person loves him ("that's her deal"). What IS important is that he lives with passion, and is more alive for it. The fulfilled understands that "You are what you love, not what loves you."

I like this movie because I am both of these men. And of course I LOVE the strange loop of a man writing about himself writing about himself...

While I was writing this, the credits ended with this quote:

"We're all one thing, Lieutenant. That's what I've come to realize. Like cells in a body. 'Cept we can't see the body. The way fish can't see the ocean. And so we envy each other. Hurt each other. Hate each other. How silly is that? A heart cell hating a lung cell?" - Cassie from THE THREE

The people behind this movie ARE genius. And I emplore myself and everyone on Earth to "find that one thing that you care passionately about."

Glorious Day

In 1 hour and 15 minutes, 16 of the world's greatest basketball teams will begin a quest for 16 victories. Ahhh the intensity of playoff Basketball. Every possession is critical, and it shows in the emotions of the players, coaches, and fans alike. The value of teamwork and defense, the (dirty work) are amplified, as is the consumption of hybrid animal parts (Buffalo Wings and Chicken Fingers) and beer.

God bless the playoffs and the hometown team, who happen to play a rare and exciting style of team basketball characterized by running, passing, and shooting. Some say its more of a European style, which makes sense considering both the success of the Suns this year and the failure of the modern American archetype of Basketball (reliant on individual athleticism instead of teamwork) in last summer's Olympics. Nomads will appreciate that our point guard is a football (soccer) player.

Critics say that the run and gun style of the Suns will break down in the defense heavy playoff environment. Have they seen the pick and roll prowess of Nash and Stoudemire? The rebounding and defense of Marion and Stoudemire? I hope the critics like the taste of their words as much as they do the sound, because they will be eating them shortly.

U2 Glendale Arena, Friday 4/15

See U2 if you can
And you too will understand
Revelations that come to you
When you dance over The Edge

Resolutions that you make
For granted, no longer take
The ones that you love
Those that are leaving soon

They've been here for a while
Don't be afraid to take the time
Ask them how they feel
What they've learned
How it was back then

And I am missing moments
Slipping away
To the place we all will go

Appreciate our Imperfections, Cherish our Transgressions

"The more interesting point for me is the one about the red thread - that everyone has some sainthood possible, and that the unfolding of their goodness might sometimes be through their transgressions, through what is wild and imperfect in them. Issan seems never for an instant to have thought of his life or his death as a tragedy. The point of this koan might be found in truly living your life rather than living it perfectly or even respectably."

By John Tarrant, from "Bring Me the Rhinoceros: And other Zen Koans to Bring You Joy"

Beautifully Ordinary

Finding beauty in the ordinary and the ordinary beautiful can be an exercise for spiritual fitness.

Can you look at the tree outside your patio, with its asymmetric leanings, half dead branches, and time scarred skin, and see beauty? What about the preparation of a simple meal, the turning of a light switch, and the tying of your shoe in comfortable silence?

Do you see it? The beauty in the ordinary? When I am in a good mood it comes natural, and when in a bad mood, it is the antidote.

Bring Me the Rhinoceros Quotes

I asked my Mom to give me a good starter book for Zen. She gave me a copy of "Bring Me the Rhinoceros: And Other Zen Koans to Bring You Joy." It is written by her friend and teacher John Tarrant, and is very good. Next time John is in town, our paths will cross I am sure. Not very far into it yet, but it is fast earning its way to the top of the stack of books on my nightstand (put that on your dust jacket). A few gems gleamed so far:

Tarrant Quoting Rainer Maria Rilke's Advice to a Young Poet (a cosmic reminder that I still need to read this book?)

I would like to beg you, dear Sir, to have patience with eveything unresolved in your heart and to try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language. Don't search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, some day far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer.

cotu:
It's funny how this is comforting now. Not long ago, the proverbial "I'll tell you when you are older" was about as much of an insult as it was a challenge. Now, embracing the fact that I do not have all of the answers is a relief. I am never supposed to have it all figured out; this is the point of living. I like the imagery of living the questions and living my way into the answer. How many times have we tried to wrap our brains around a problem, but always come up short when the spotlight of conciousness is on. Then, when you least expect it, taking a shower, driving to work, or getting a little exercise, Eureka! The solution, be it the name of the person that slipped your mind, the word on the tip of the tongue, or the meaning of life, bam! You live your way into the answer, like the bam! of your forehead as it smacks inot a spotless sliding door window.

Tarrant:
"It can be hard to express what you have discovered, and hard to explain a joy that comes from merely being alive."

cotu:
These are the topics that draw me to writing lately (and reading, and music, and science, and art...)

Tarrant:
"Couldn't the home everyone is always looking for be right here, now?"

cotu:
I read these words for a reason.

Tarrant:
"(she) discovered, on the contrary, that the search for meaning led to unbearable sorrow. She had to live for the sake of life, without justification or achievements."

cotu:
I am re-discovering this all the time. I doubt that on my death bed, I will wish I would have taken things more seriously, and I suspect I will cherish the times in which I behaved quite the opposite, though not all of them. Or maybe I would just be regretting that I was dying in a bed?