I met a man. Err, not like that...I should start over. I met a fascinating, complex, intelligent, spiritual, inspiring human being 3 days ago. Never mind the fact that he can speak English, French, Spanish, Czech, Mandarin, Balinese and Sanskrit, (all self-taught with the help of his "Long Haired Dictionaries" ) OR that he's lived all over the world with the exception of Central America and anything south of Morocco in Africa. But when Richard isn't teaching yoga retreats, moonlighting as a professional thai masseur, or picking up freelance journalism work (his primary vocation) you'll find him chasing 20 foot surf waves all across the globe. Armed with his two boards, a small backpack, a wallet full of foreign currencies, a few books, a passport and his hands and feet...at 44 Richard is truly experiencing life. Now you can understand why everyone in Asia calls him the "pussy billionaire," relax, that's a common greeting in over there...ummmmmmmm.
Born in Corpus Christie, TX, Richard embarked on this adventure a long time ago. When I met him 3 days ago, he was just passing by my little hut here in Puerto Rico. We shared a wave and I instinctively decided to get up from my chair to shake his hand and introduce myself. My life may never be the same because of it. Richard is tempered, even keeled, and when he speaks to you, he is extremely present. His words are well paced and purposeful, and within minutes I knew he was special. After a brief hello and an offering to help teach me to surf anytime, he was off for the day. I thought to myself, what a nice guy and continued on with my own agenda (hammocking.) How could I have known that 2 days later he'd be guiding me through an intensive 1 on 1 yoga class for a few hours, we'd be exchanging gifts, sharing beers and life philosophies, all under the Puerto Rican stars. Sounds a bit like how you may like to romantically meet someone, but I assure you, this is platonic. Funnily enough, when not discussing life goals, languages, near death experiences and the best places to travel across the world...we'd did what we do best...talk about chicks. With a penchant for Asian women, and not in that creepy lonely business guy way, Richard described some of the most interesting cultural differences between the west and east. Aside from their "3rd muscle" (that's a vagina based urban legend,) did you know that if you ask an Asian woman to meet her parents, that's the same as proposing to her? He learned that the hard way apparently. He also dated a woman for 4 years and never met the family?! Oh another interesting thing...there's a formal way to end a relationship as well...and no, it's not through Facebook or by text. Actually Facebook is banned in China anyhow (who knew...well they know, I didn't) So yea, if you want to break up in a relationship and save face, you must do it the right way. Apparently they don't subscribe to the good ole, "see ya...take care, brush your hair" philosophy. Anyhow, on to last night...
So Richard offered me a yoga session and I graciously accepted. I had no idea what to expect. As a sign of gratitude I brought him a small gift. One of my favorite bad ass locking Caribeaners, with 12 ft of 500 lb para-chord intertwined in it. In return, he said he also had a gift for me...the book, War by Sebastian Unger. Apparently it's a front lines account from this bad ass journalist who lived with a battalion in Afghanistan. When was the last time I actually exchanged gifts with a stranger? I'm going to do that more often...
Ok, on to the yoga. We started off lightly by stretching, breathing, centering ourselves. And within minutes I had sweat through my clothes. **Ahhh...time out, there's a rainbow colored centipede crawling up my leg. Ok, I knocked it off me. Actually I think it just made it's way into the house.** Ok, I'm back. So this yoga session that I figured would be maybe 40 minutes long or so, went on for almost 2 HOURS. His instruction was not only incredible, but he was patient. We didn't joke, (although I held back a few times), but rather just focused on the entire process. I felt my body and mind transforming like never before. At one point I opened my eyes and there was a single candle on the floor, the smell of incense burning, and I was completely at peace. What an incredibly physical/mental art form that you can take anywhere. I didn't even pay attention to the fact that we were in his rental hut that looks nearly as bad as mine. Literally I could see them branding these homes as "Los Meth Dungeon Bungalows." Anyhow, so the while doing yoga, Richard also incorporated some Thai massage, cracked a bunch of my joints, stretched me out and brought me to an incredible internal place. At the end of it, I was completely exhausted and yet energized. We shared some tea afterwards, then a beer, then some hilarious stories...and I was on my way.
When I got home I thought about what had just happened. An experience that I could have NEVER before experienced staying the course in my old routine. We spent the next few days hanging out, going surfing, cooking dinner and enjoying each others company. At the end of the week it was time for him to take off, so I brought him to the bus stop, attempted to play him a farewell song on the cuatro, and we hugged goodbye. Before leaving though he left me with two things. A handmade bag he had picked up in Thailand years before (which he took off his shoulder after I made a passing compliment) and chant if I should ever find myself in trouble.
The Chant:
(Mantra to Ganesha) "om gam ganapataye namaha" So anyhow, if you find yourself in a place where you could use a little extra help...give this a try.
The Moral:
The only way to make life an adventure is to adventure your way through life. It's been one week so far on my creative sabbatical and I as promised I am living out every moment to the fullest. The universe truly is opening itself to me and I am embracing it with complete gratitude and humility. I have so much to learn. About myself, about other people, about other cultures...and I am ready.
