Sauna Slow Jam 2

So I call Apple and ask about the playback speed on my new iPod Nano. After some discussion and repetition due to the lack of English familiarity on the part of the rep in India, I'm instructed to set the volume control on iTunes to 100% and sync the iPod.

Of course, how silly of me not to think of the volume control when troubleshooting the playback speed. Duh! Wait, what did I just type?

And it worked. Technology is great when it works, just don't try to figure out how or why. There is wisdom with far reaching implications here.

What do you make of all this?

Sauna SlowJam

I thought I must have been mistaken.

I'm soakin' up the heat and sampling from selections on my highly prized new iPod Nano. And I'm thinking,"These tunes are draggin' along!" They literally sound as tho they are playing at about 85% of normal speed. So I'm wondering, how can this be? It's proven technology. Its all digital. There's no setting to adjust for play back speed (and who would want to change that anyway?). And of course, the battery is charged. What's going on here!

So I listen to the same songs on iTunes on my computer at home and also cross referenced the play times advertised vs. actual. Sure enough, this little marvel of modern inginuity is screwed up. Amazing.

I'll update this less than satisfactory situation in the near future.

Question for me: Is this yet another indication that the music is waning in importance? Is the music becoming a distraction, rather than an aid?

Sultry Sauna Sounds

--This first section is from a draft begun in August, 2008. I decided to go ahead and post it, even tho it is not complete, and then add further comments afterward--

As I've mentioned, music and heat mix to help create the meditative state which often works so well for me to process, receive, or just be. Probably not an uncommon combination for some of those who can find the time to devote a little attention to self occasionally. The types of songs and singers I have chosen over the years however, may be quite unique. Some of the more prominent artists I have enjoyed in the sauna may sound like anything but relaxing or tantric. There's somethin' about 'em tho. Something about the sounds they blend, the layers they weave together, the rhythms they employ, the energy they express and exude. Two of probably the most interesting examples are David Lee Roth of Van Halen fame, and Billy Idol.

David Lee Roth was an early on favorite for my sweating excursions. I was a Van Halen fan from the beginning, and Diamond Dave rocks. He put out an album years back called "The Best". Its a best of collection from his solo work, all blues tunes, and I've probably heard all 20 songs at least as many times. One that got played even more is called "Sensible Shoes". Of course, I know it by heart and I love to sing along, but only when no one else is in the sauna. Voice lessons first, then public singing....maybe. To this day, I still can't put my finger on what it is about that song that held my attention for so long. The words tell of a man who has just about everything; money, cars, popularity, friends, etc. Yet he's still blue because, as he sings it, "Lost my soul when I walked out on you, I need some sensible shoes."

To hear all the words, you immediately think of the literal or obvious messages they provide. There is so much more beneath tho, that sometimes registers partially, but never quite gets full awareness. The song often conjures up feelings of seeking or searching. For what, I don't yet know. I'll keep listening.

Billy Idol. Now there's an easy meditation connection right? No? Well, I just grab what grabs as I'm leaving for the club, so what can I say. His album, "Vital Idol" has some extended play versions of songs which pulled me in. "Forgot To Be A Lover" is a good example. The radio version isn't one I ever really enjoyed that much. But I found myself listening to the long song, and particularly one middle section where the tracks are broken down to the basics. Strong rhythm, some chord changes, minimal content. Then, slowly, each track is reintroduced until you pop back into the main theme full tilt. It was mesmerizing. I had to listen a few times to get into the right state, but then it was like I would drift into a whole other world. The beat became a pulse and the chord changes guided me deeper and deeper, while I consciously observed and wondered about what I was experiencing. Images would appear and then morph, dreamlike, into new ones. Then I might start to notice a common thread in the images, or maybe a thought would just pop in.

Pretty soon, the music would crescendo back up to the main compilation and bring me back with it. At that point, I often had a new clarity or a new perspective that I hadn't considered before.

--fast forward to today, Nov. 20th, 2008--

There are many artists and songs which are uniquely intriguing to me that I have enjoyed over the years. Perhaps I will write of them at a different time. My guess is I will have other ideas that are more current to consider. For now, the new iPod is in my workout bag, the music is rapidly changing due to the new flexibility I have over the old CD player, and an odd development is occurring. I'm seemingly losing interest in listening to music during my sauna's. Sure. I finally get the new gadget, and I may not need it anymore. Another lesson in flexibility and eliminating attachments? Probably. A challenge in managing frustration and the desire to know why? Definitely. The less I think, the less frustrated I get, so, turn off the brain. At least the analytical and controlling part. It is getting easier the more I practice.

Perhaps the listening is just one aspect in a changing life that has been important and prominent at times, but is now ready to be released in favor of something else. The shear length of time I have been listening while baking is one of the aspects of it that make me a little resistant to let the transience be a possibility. It's been like an old friend; comforting and known. Am I thru with music in the sauna? That remains to be seen. I'll endeavor to listen to my heart before each session and see whether I'll then be listening to music as well.

I had a thought along those same lines just a few days ago. My friend Todd and I have begun the challenging sport of rock climbing at Lifetime Fitness where we are both members. It's fun, exciting and a great workout. I really like it and want to be doing it a lot more than I am able to allot time for it. I was thinking about climbing when I suddenly wondered, "How long will I be into this, and what will it feel like to not have the desire anymore?" There was some fear and a little gripping feeling like, "I want to hang on to this; don't let the desire slip away; what if I've invested a lot in it; should I spend the time if I don't continue doing it long term?" Right away I noticed the "should" in there and realized I was holding on a little tight (interesting parallel to climbing, yes?).

It then occurred to me that it really doesn't matter how long I do this sport, as long as I enjoy the climbing while I'm doing it. There's no mandatory duration based on how much I learn or how far I go with it. Expectations of this nature are not necessary, and they can sometimes lead to disappointment if they are not met when other activities get prioritized. Then I thought, hey, life is like that too. I can remember many times when I had been missing some of the fun because I was thinking about and anticipating the end of the activity or event. No doubt, it can be difficult when "good" things are over. Sadness, frustration, disappointment, even anger are real and valid emotional responses to change. But to plan on them ahead of time makes them more powerful and, arguably, more destructive than they need be. Maybe disruptive is a better word than destructive; you decide.

And anyway, who's to say that something better won't come along in the changes. Maybe the next thing will be thrilling and joyful and make you laugh out loud uncontrollably. Sweet! There are possibilities that we never consider or even imagine which, if allowed to manifest, can go light years beyond "pleasantly surprised". If I stay present and curious, there's a good chance I will be amazed and delighted at what comes next. Maybe the next thing after indoor climbing is real outdoor rock climbing, or repelling, or white water kayaking, or something totally different! I'm gonna wait and see what happens. (Todd will be really happy to read this, he's a bit of a sports nut and always looking for adventure. Someday I may even get him to go skydiving!)

Is there anything you're doing in life because you feel you're expected to (by others or yourself)? Do you still want to, and if not, is it necessary to continue? What would happen if you stopped? What might you do instead?

And is there anything you're not doing because of those same type of expectations? What if you started doing something with the idea that you'll only do it as long as its fun? Does this idea add to the excitement? Does it take some of the pressure off? Do you feel more likely to get started with it?

Have fun finding out!

Hot New Electronics

Well, I finally did it. I bought an iPod. And let me tell you (as if most of you didn't already know), it is nice! The old CD player had been dropped once too often and was eating batteries at an alarming rate. It was either pony up for a technological upgrade or spend almost as much on a new disc machine and then the continue replacing the batteries every so often. I chose to pony up.

I first used the new contraption (do I sound like my Dad here or what?) a day or two after the election and was quite excited about it. The iPod worked well and offers so much flexibility in what I can listen to, all at the touch of a wheel. Instead of just the one disc available at a time, I was skippin' back and forth and all around amongst 6 or 8 albums and several of my own collections. Cool man.

The workout was good and the sauna was hot as usual. Many thoughts were jumping in and out of my head while sweating and listening. They were seemingly random, kinda like the song selections I was making. I considered the marvel that is the always changing technology available to us now. I assessed whether the iPod clip for the waist band or the arm band would suit me best. I wondered in what direction the president elect would lead the country once inaugurated in January. I pictured how well my daughter would do on her very first ever spelling test the next Friday (she aced it by the way). Lots of thoughts; not any real cohesion or pattern to them that I discerned. The session lasted about 25 minutes and then I needed to cool off.

Later that night, I opened an e-mail from a friend informing me that a new blog post was available for my reading pleasure. I was pleased to see the e-mail because I wondered what was up with this person. She's a staunch Obama supporter, and I figured I'd get multiple ecstatic e-mails and one or more phone calls after he won the election. I hadn't, and when I read her blog I knew why. I wasn't ready for the reaction I had.

Seems she is experiencing a profound balancing and centering which coincided with the election result. Her blog was beautifully written and moving in its content and message. I was and am genuinely glad for her new found inner peace.....and then I thought, great, when do I get my major breakthru!? Hello ego. When do I get to move forward with some new found inner wisdom and be in a place of balance and clarity? I felt like I was going to be left behind in the transformation of the world. You should know, there are other people I trust and go to for guidance that are also heavily involved in helping move the energy of our people and the planet. They are so in touch anyway, but now are really revved up and making great contributions to the world. I was reviewing all of the events of the recent few days and came to the conclusion that for me to be excited about an iPod was pretty ridiculous. What the h**l difference did that make in the grand scheme of things?

Well, within minutes, I was feeling really low, bordering on full out depression. I couldn't see how I was going to make any noteworthy contribution to the world....ever. And I was jealous of my friend's personal success and my professional affiliates' efforts and successes as well. And Obama is going to lead this huge energetic shift.....what about me!?! What could I possibly have to offer? It felt really crappy. It is interesting to note that I was aware of what was happening in an objective, observer kind of way throughout the whole event. I new my ego was reacting to everything, and of course that realization made it feel even worse. No contribution or recognition, and disappointment in knowing I wasn't as evolved as I thought in removing my ego's not so beneficial attributes. Woe is me.

Then, just at the perfect moment, my sister called. She has been having some serious difficulties as of late, and we have been keeping in closer touch than usual. Through all of her hard times, she manages to keep in relatively good spirits and maintains a great sense of humor, all the while caring for a three year old little boy who is a challenge and a delight. It was the perfect moment because hearing her voice saved me from sinking too deeply into my own personal disillusioned state. If she could handle tough times in such a positive way, what was I complaining about. I had so much to be thankful for regardless of whether or not I ever got into a public role. And I knew I had contributed already. I'm a father, a husband, a healer, a friend, a brother, and much more. We all contribute to the world in a vaulable way by just being here and doing what we do everyday. My sister offered something I think is right on. She said if my iPod is what excites me, then that's what's important for me at that moment for my life. Why would that be less valid than cheering for a new president or anything else if it truly feels exciting? Even in her troubled times, she is able to offer insightful and useful perspectives, and for me, it really hit home.

So rather than depressed, I am grateful. Grateful for many things which include a wonderful sister, a loving wife, a smart and lovely child, a centered and balanced friend who can be a role model for me, and the excitement of having a new way to play my music in the sauna. I know sometime, hopefully soon, I will begin contributing to the world in a bigger, more expansive way. Even then, it will be important to contribute in the same ways I already do. I don't want to change it all, just add to the repertoire. And I will ask my ego to support me in the ways I need it to rather than in ways that make me compare and try to get ahead. I was going to say, be humble, but that too is a comparison and a judgement. Perhaps that is a discussion for another time, but suffice it to say that I don't think arrogance or humility apply when you're able to live in the moment; to Just Be.

What do you get excited about? What experiences, large or small, provide you with joy, a sense of fullfilment, or pure satisfaction? Do you take the time to just enjoy those feelings or do you allow the "bigger picture" to dictate their value? If you don't usually, take the time, if only a moment, to acknowledge those feelings when they arrive. You will be pleasantly surprised.