You're In A Cult?!

I am happy to report that my day today was considerably better than yesterday. The main reason for this was because the cafe manager, we'll call him Shorty because he's short and always gets made fun of for it, was there today, and I will tell you, this guy always makes work fun. He has a great sense of humor.

One of the best parts of today was when we were cleaning up during a lull between customers. He was wiping down the salad station and stepped on a crouton. He proceeded to say, "Awe, I crunched a crouton!" But because all the equipment we have makes it absolutely impossible to hear anything that's not two inches in front of your face, and I wasn't looking at him, I heard him say, "Awe, I punched a crouton!" Which obviously made me stop what I was doing and ask, "You punched a crouton? Why?" We had a laughing fit and he told me what he really said but then turned around and handed me a crouton and asked me if I wanted to punch it. Naturally, I accepted the offer and proceeded to punch the crouton. It broke into a million little crumby/ garlic-y pieces. Shorty asked me if it broke and I said, "It sure did!" And as he was walking away he said, "Oh man, you're so strong!" To which I replied, "I know! I'm like the Hulk!" And because of the equipment, yet again, he heard me say, "I know! I'm in a cult!" And then the whole thing started all over again. We had a great little laugh, and we now have a nice little inside joke. "Why are you so strong?!" "Because I'm in a cult!"

Can I Just Say...

I absolutely love Mumford and Sons. I look at this picture, and I am seriously in love with it. I just love how mysterious it is. But at the same time there's something friendly about it too. I'm going to see them in June and I absolutely cannot wait. I've waited to see these wonderful, amazing human beings for such a long time now. 

One thing I absolutely love about them is how unique they are. It almost makes me sad that they are so popular. But that's mostly because I'm selfish and want them all to myself- but who doesn't, so alas, they are popular. But despite their popularity, I still feel like their next album will be as wonderful and unique as the first one. I feel like these are men who can avoid being sucked into the mainstream thinking/living style. 

Another thing I love about them is the imagery that goes along with their music. It's truly captivating. Being a film student, I've had this idea for a music video for "Dustbowl Dance" for sometime now and it would be a dream come true to actually take that idea and make it real... I think I'll add that to my "Life Goals" list. 

And I don't know if it's just me, but the mere thought of these guys and their music makes me want to go live in a countryside somewhere in the UK. I'm planning on having a second home when I make enough money and I think a home that reminds me of Mumford and Sons would be just peachy!

Learn to "Let It Be"

Yoga: a derivative from the Sanskrit word yogic literally meaning "to unite."

I thought about this after my daily practice today, and I'm finding that this practice is not only one that grounds you, but one that sets you free. Yoga is meant to unite body and mind while simultaneously quieting it, and I think every single human being on this planet could use a little yoga.

One of the main things I've always liked about yoga is that even in the difficult postures, we are required to reach within and find the strength to hold on through the pose; We must find strength and comfort in each pose to reap the full benefits. The more I think about this, the more I see it applies to life in general. In yoga, you push yourself through a pose and also try to relax in it so that you can increase your mental and physical strength, but shouldn't we apply this philosophy to other areas of our life as well? The first real-life  example that comes to mind is that less-than-pleasant job we all have or have had. My current job is only temporary, and I know that, however, I can't help but sometimes feel that this job will be the rest of my life, even though I know this isn't true. However, I've realized something tonight: I have to push through and find it in myself to relax and let things be for the time being in order to get to a better place.

In adopting this philosophy I believe that I will be able to be at peace with my life as it is currently. I have to accept that although this phase is tough, I have to reach within and find strength and comfort so that I am prepared for the future. In this phase of my life I am going to learn patience, perseverance, and strength.

This also reminds me of a quote I read about yoga not that long ago, and it has come to mean a lot to me. I'm even thinking of getting a tattoo of it. Hopefully, if any of this made sense to anyone, this quote will mean something to you too.

Here there is nothing to fight 

Except willfulness. 

Some lean too far 

Into the past. 

Others stretch way out 

Into the future. 

The true warrior 

Stays in the moment, 

Burning deeper 

Into whatever comes. 

Or sometimes with 

Even more difficulty, 

What doesn't.

~Leza Lowitz