Reality is a strange consort. We dance and we play. We struggle and we fight. It’s our conscious self vs. the unknown….ad nauseam.
There comes moments in one’s life where certain aspects of it become overwhelming. For me, it has been a combination of health (aging isn’t all dandelions and fairy cupcakes), work (love my job but the physical toll is wearing thin), and, let’s call it, nostalgia. Especially those moments that made you feel, not just ‘alive’ but a sense of ones self.
We all, in our daily walk of life, recall those times that brought us joy in our younger selves. For me, there were a few. One of the most prominent was, and still is, finding new music. Discovering an artist or a band that clicks with your state of mind makes anyone feel better. With that, another joy was putting together a print publication (yes I’m that old) and interviewing bands. I did that for a better part of my late teens through my early 30s, doing it as a hobby and never caring to make any money from it.
During this time, basically from late teens through my 20s I was also on a quest of self discovery. I started with a strong negativity towards Christianity that grew briefly into an Agnosticism of sorts. I delved into reading up on Native American and Shamanic beliefs around the world, then finding my way on Wicca, Buddhism, Hinduism, and other belief systems. For a brief time, I even had a small retail shop where I sold books and herbs, candles and oils. Meet a number of interesting characters that further helped me along my journey in life.
I remember the couple that were half Hindu and half Wiccan that gave me a xeroxed copy of their own Book of Shadows, I remember the elderly man that came in every other week and talked about the Bahai Faith. I remember the angry Native American who would curse about the government and always ended our conversations with a warm request on needing to get together and break bread, which we did a few times. I remember a book club run by a sweet elderly lady where we studied the Chakra and energy healing. I remember the Sikhs who I befriended that ran a gas station. I remember the ones that came around with weed and LSD, then making smoking mixtures of medicinal herbs.
During the later part of 20s into 30s I also found another passion, screen printing. I worked for various local companies, learning and perfecting those skills. I soon partnered with a friend where we created some designs for shirts that we sold at various festivals around the region. During the end of that run I started working for a resale store that funded a home for woman, provided showers to the homeless, and gave away items to the needy.
Now, me not being a Christian, ended up working for a Christian ministry, also known as my sisters business. Lol. We may not meet eye to eye on tenets of faith, but we know where both our hearts lay, in loving and helping others. For seven years I’ve helped go through donations ready to be resold. Driven a box truck to pickup no longer wanted home decor, clothing, and furniture. I’ve helped in giving away those things to people in need. All rewarding to say the least. I’ve helped start and run their eBay listings along with my personal eBay store.
Now, as of this post, I am at another crossroads that’s itching for change, or better yet, furthering that life that I walk. Where it will take my life is unknown, but I DO know I need to work at things to make that change possible. My wife, I know, will be there; at times, right beside me and at other times taking my hand and guiding me (aka kicking me when needed). I know it involves, in part, some or all that was mentioned above. Music, interviews, screen printing, consciousness and spirituality, etc.
If my words find a way to you, leave a comment. Appreciated.
Mark G
alongyourpath : sphota-meraki 