Adventures of a Cancer Stud (continued) Illusion or Delusion

The last time we met up with Oscar he had just seen the movie Superman at the Dalai's screening room along with the other monks. Oscar was easily influenced at the time and climbed one of the smaller mountains in the area and was just about to jump off because he was sure he could fly. Luckily, one of the monks had followed him and was able to stop Oscar. Monk David called for help on his IPhone and the other monks came to his aid and brought Oscar down the mountain and made him comfortable in one of their smaller shacks.  They told him he needed to rest and read and they would care for him as he recovered. Was Oscar under the illusion he could fly or was he delusional?  I think he had an illusion. Don't forget Oscar had been through a lot after he became a star. Besides, Hollywood is known for making people crazy and suicidal. Look at Marilynn. 

But the monks did not want Oscar to be idle so they assigned him to the laundry room where he helped wash and iron the robes.  It was busy work but sometimes it can be quite therapeutic.  Oscar learned that there were different sizes and stains.  and was surprised that some monks wore knee-highs. But it does it get cold at night and yet it was as shocking as learning the Scots don't wear anything under their kilts.

Oscar began to recover but there were a few nights he had nightmares where he thought the Headless Monk-man was going to get him. The Tibetan monks tried to assure him that the Headless Monk-man didn't exist. They brought him tea and watched him at night in case he decided to do something irrational again. 

In order to cheer Oscar up, they decided to throw a party, especially since Oscar's birthday was coming up and everyone knows birthdays can be depressing. They invited the neighboring monks and they all wore bright colored robes of all types. When it came to a party, the monks could get down.  You know when it came to dancing, Oscar could not sit still. After that he began to see the glass as half full again. 

As time moved on,Oscar began to feel happy about his life again but he had to watch not to get too happy because he had learned that too much happiness can be depressing.There's always someone who wants to tell you how much happier they are. Oscar knew he was getting better though because he thought those people were insecure and all that mattered was how he felt. There would always be fools in life. With that realization, the monks declared Oscar well and left him alone to do his own meditating. Oscar began to think about leaving the monks and taking a trip. It was time for an adventure. 

Dog Days of Summer

Here's Nathan doing the only thing possible when the heat gets to be too much. Smart dog......

Sisyphus Succeeds ....

I don't know about you but I have a tendency to procrastinate. I think I've talked about this before. I usually have great intentions but after a week or so my interest wanes and I become bored.

Last week, I completed a strenuous three month training program followed by a grueling test. I am glad to report that I received my accreditation. I'd rather not go into what it is but doing anything that requires immense concentration and focus at my age is difficult. I couldn't help but think of Sisyphus I am trying to avoid any hubris belief of my accomplishment since I believe anyone can do the same thing. 

So why am I telling you this? I think it has a place in our battle to stay healthy. There were many times I wanted to stop and just say, "forget it." But there was also part of me that saw it as a challenge and as time moved on, I felt I had an investment in myself.

I think the same applies to those of us who fight to stay alive, be it a week, a month, a year. What is the alternative?  To just give up. I know it's difficult to compare emotional pain to physical pain but I do think that either  can be exhausting.

My thought is this: What is life but one challenge after another?  Each time we complete one, we are ready to take on another. The reward is the willingness to do it. The outcome is not guaranteed but the fact that we tried is immeasurable.  

On Being Drunk......

Being drunk is a state many people have been in at some time or other. As recently as yesterday you say. Others can remember one or two times while others don't remember anything at all.

Whatever your relationship with alcohol, everyone is afraid of being pulled over by the police.

That is why I felt this is something I just had to  share

Hugs and Kisses.....

As ancient as time, hugs have been given as an expression of love and affection. They are an expression that is so simple and natural. As children we don't even think about it. We just do it. 

Here's my point. 

I don't think people are hugging enough. Afraid of expressing an emotion? I certainly hope not. 

I enjoy giving and receiving hugs.  I mean a real hug.  Not the namby-pamby hug that looks like you're afraid of catching something from the other person. I mean a hug where you put your arms around the person and hug, allowing your personal parts to touch. If you're not comfortable with that, OK. But practice it. It makes for better hugs and should not be forced.  I come from a family of huggers. We hug every time we see each other. I do believe it's European. Americans are afraid to hug. Get over it.

Go hug someone after reading this post. It's good for you and them.  It produces endorphins and will make you feel better. And stop worrying about dropping your phone. 

Signed,

Hug Believer