I know there are people who have worse days...but yesterday was definitely up there as far as 'bad days' go. The amazing thing, is it was the best 'bad day' I've ever had. So, I'm definitely grateful for that.

I honestly believe I got through the day yesterday because I was listening to the Krishna Das song, God Is Real. It's amazing. As I've mentioned, I've been chanting to Krishna Das for the past few years, however, there are times when I'm less connected to his music. It always seems his music reemerges just when I need it. And so it was with this song which David Romanelli played on Friday night.

So, I woke up yesterday morning having had a somewhat emotional dream. I lived in Spain for several months 10 years ago...in reality...when I was in college. In my dream, I dreamed I was back in Spain and was seeking to find the lady who I had hosted me at her house while I was there. In the dream she was alive, but when I woke up, I felt sad thinking that, in reality, she may no longer be living. When I lived with her, she was about 60. It's totally possible she is still alive, but nonetheless, I felt sad about the idea that one day, she will no longer be here.

And, you know, death is really not depressing...although, it's still hard to lose the physical person/s we love... When I was meditating today, it occurred to me in a completely new way, the reality of our energetic experience. I was chanting the Invocation to Patanjali before I went into meditation. Once I was in meditation, I realized the powerful potential of chanting. Essentially, everything is energy...it can neither be created nor destroyed. Therefore, the energetic wisdom and consciousness of every great Master who ever walked the planet, is still present in the ether and air which surrounds us. The energy they were, is ever-present everywhere, just as it was when they were alive and always will be. We are all breathing the same energy, the same breath. I suppose this is where the idea of 'we are all one' comes from. We are all the same energy. Well, then what about those individuals who's energy is destructive to the essence of life? What about those individuals who seek to harm creation in any way? I believe everything is an evolution. Is anyone tossed out? I don't think so. But, one of the priviledges we realize with earnestness of practice, no matter what our practice is that we are practicing (faithfully with positive intention of course), be it Yoga, Tai Chi, Gardening, Painting, Chanting, Breathing, is the ability to grow to more and more advanced stages of awareness, Consciousness. This is probably why meditation is considered the most important path, because it is one that is accessible to everyone. It doesn't require a special ability. We can all access Universal Consciousness through stillness.

Anyways, back to my super 'bad' day. When I walked out to my car, I noticed my back tire was extremely low, to the point where I was nervous to drive on it. But, I knew I had to make it to Yoga class, so I made the decision to go ahead and risk it. Fortunately, I didn't have to drive on any highways to get there. But, once I decided to give it a go and get there, I realized I wouldn't have time to put air in it between that Yoga class and my next, plus I had to drive on the highway to get to the next place I was going. I managed to get to my next class...miraculously...but after that class, I knew I must go to the nearest gas station. I pulled out onto the service road driving about 25 mph and made it about 1/2 mile before I felt the tire blow. I still hoped the air was just extremely low when I pulled into the gas station, but the other part of me knew it was flat. I texted my girlfriend to share the news...feeling pretty bad for myself. I pulled up to the air pump and as soon as I got out of the car, an African American gentleman approached me asking if I needed help. One important thing to know, is I had just decided it was all going to be ok. I know it was just a flat, but nonetheless, I knew I would need help, and at the moment it happened, I didn't know how that help would appear. And, sure enough, help showed up. So, this gentleman, who happened to be homeless, changed my tire for me. (Not only was he homeless, but he shared with me that he had spent a great deal of time in the hospital over the past year, recovering from being robbed with $2 on him and attacked in the robbery by being stabbed and shot.) The amazing thing was the Spirit he did it in. He didn't ask me for money. He wasn't doing it to try to get something...I felt that. We all know what it feels like when someone approaches us just wanting money... Either way, he would have been happy to help. After he changed it, (which it turned out it happened to be quite a difficult ordeal...he had to kick the shit out of it to get it to dislodge) I handed him some money for his help. He graciously accepted it. Before he walked off I said, you came along exactly at the right moment...thank you. And, he said, well, He helped me out...so I help you out. I tapped my fist against his and we went on our way.

That was the first time a flat tire ever turned my day around for the better. Later that afternoon I went on to teach the last two Yoga classes of the day. When I got home later that evening, I was feeling lighter about everything. I was standing in my kitchen, and bent down to pick up a few pieces of mail which had fallen on the ground. When I went to stand back up, I nailed my forehead against the corner of the counter. I screamed my head off...I'm sure my downstairs neighbor must wonder what's going on, as just last week I yelled at the top of my lungs when I slammed my shin into the corner of a table. I didn't think I had cut it, (but I guess I wouldn't know as I've never cut or gashed my face before so I don't really know what it feels like) but I went into the bathroom to check out the damage. I had this welt which had immediately swelled and a cut on my forehead...which immediately started bleeding as blood dripped down my forehead. I called my girlfriend to share the news of my accident. It was really helpful to be able to talk to her about my pain. But, for the first time, I was able to get through both of these events, without someone having to be there to rescue me or bail me out. Instead, even in my moments of distress, I felt incredibly supported, Energetically, Universally. And, I chose to feel the Presence of that support with me throughout it all. And, so it was and is...that, It, is always there.

So, there it is. That was my day...the best 'bad day' I've ever had...may all our 'bad days' be the best they can be.

Thank you, God. That was the funny thing... when I got out of my car at the gas station and the homeless gentleman walked up to ask if I needed help... I walked around and looked at the tire with him and said, "God, this sucks." And, then, I immediately corrected myself and said, "God, this is awesome." ;)

Love...All ways...as Shiva would say.Read more