Tuesday, March 31, 2009

A Totally Marvin Gaye State of Mind


talk to me so you can see what’s goin’ on...
Marvin Gaye

...back in Philly in a totally Marvin Gaye state of mind...not tragic coked-up, shot-by-his-own-dad Marvin Gaye...mellow, spiritual, socially conscious What’s Going On Marvin Gaye...if at all possible, you should listen to that album while reading this post...as I am while writing it...flying high in the friendly skies, never leaving the ground...

...I’m a lot poorer...financially...than before leaving for the ol’ yoga retreat en Mexico thingy...couldn’t really afford it in the first place, and then the passport fiasco ultimately cost me...never mind...plus, my ipod pretty much got wiped by an inopportune wave as I wandered along through the sand listening to the Harder They Come soundtrack...trying yet again to see how close to Guatemala I could get...miles and miles of walking showing nothing ahead but long green coastline...but, in the end, that’s okay...I may not have turned into a Floating Glowing Being of Pure Love...but I’m alright...

...and aaaaaall he asks of us is that we give each other love...one thing not said enough among those doing sun salutations in tropical paradises like Tulum is that, rustic as thatch-roofed cabanas and pipes that can’t handle toilet paper might seem, these paradises tend to be located in the third world, where such adventures-in-living-simply represent levels of luxury most of the locals couldn’t imagine...except from the perspective of service labor....when pondering how much to tip, it might be a good idea to repeat to oneself the following mantra: this hardworking person probably makes less in a year than I’m paying for this week-long vacation...

...what’s happenin’ brother?...much as I love to complain...and I truly do...the truth is that I live an amazingly charmed life...and it’s important to remember that...namaste...right on, feel it...

11 comments:

Lana Gramlich said...

Life truly IS good. My hubby & I are happy because we don't fight happiness, y'know? So many more people could also be happy if they'd just do the same.
Your talk of paradise & the 3rd world reminds me of something I told my ex years ago; "In this country, you have to be a millionaire to live like a caveman." (I might have said apeman, but the gist is the same.)
Welcome back. This time for real.

Anonymous said...

Yep, we really are all too well off and forget to count our blessings. A trip worthwhile if we can go away and understand the worth of what we have been given.

Anonymous said...

Interesting that I recently mentioned Marv in a post myself. Snap!

But really, not in quite the same way you have.

That's an absolute bugger about the iPod. I'm sure mine is one of the main arteries pumping blood around my body.

Agreed, some of the most beautiful places I've ever been are third world paradises, where I always spend more than I mean to, because that extra $5-10 for me means the world to the person I gave it to. And repeat.

So... does this mean the cynic, while not quite the floaty glowy love being, has returned with a brand new perspective?

Do we need to re-brand this blog Yoga for Reformed Cynics? Let me know if that's the case, as I'll have to schedule in some design time for ya...

Erik Donald France said...

"You're the Man (pts. 1-2)" is a regular part of my workout plan -- yet the 1972 You're the Man album wasn't released.

"Inner City Blues" is another all-time fave. Here's to Jimmy Cliff, too . . .

Sidhe said...

Welcome back and Stay Charmed!!!

Delighted Scribbler said...

Yeah, pretty much all of us in the first world live a life of privilege whether we know it or not.

Melinda said...

This is where my 'gratefuls' come in handy, Jay. Because no matter what horrors the day might bring, as long as I end each night, remembering each thing that I have to be grateful for, nothing ever seems that bad. To me, it is incredibly grounding to do this--and it also keeps me somewhat humble (at least I hope).

It sounds as though the retreat was pretty wonderful, with a few exceptions thrown in just to keep you on your toes. Sorry to hear your loss of an iPod (that would kill me) as well as the passport fiasco.

I also love Marvin Gaye--I saw him in NYC in the 1980's before he died. I still remember what he wore--it was an incredibly sexy, red silk, lounding robe (ala Hugh Heffner). What a tragedy his life became but at least he left us some good music to remember him by.

Glad to see you back, Jay!

Melinda

Michelle's Spell said...

Hi there,

Beautiful post! I agree about happiness and not fighting it. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the picture of Marvin you posted -- I keep that very album cover by my writing desk. He's the very best -- gorgeous, troubled, and dramatic and at peace all at the same time.

earthtoholly said...

I think you're a Floating Glowing Being of Pure Love in wolf's clothing, drjay. And I love Marvin Gaye and this song. Good choice.

And welcome back...geesh, it's about time!

jehannie said...

Yes! Right on indeed.

bereweber said...

hola Dr. JaySW
just thought you'd like to celebrate even more today the late mister Marvin Gaye, he was born on this date (April 2nd) in
1939. He would have been 70 years old today! you do have impeccable musical taste, it's great to read the quotes from songs you interlace with your personal stories

I think Marvin Gaye would be happy to read you, and now... that's a compliment :D heh heh