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Sri Lankans are a beautiful people. They assist each other without expectation. I saw it in Ratnapura, when the different gem traders all crowded themselves into one office. It didn't matter who sold me the jewel, just that someone did. I saw it on the bus rides when strangers would take the child of parents on a very crowded bus and let them squeeze next to them on a seat or on their laps. I saw it when strangers would help the old carry bags and boxes on and off buses or into cars. It was infectious.
They also smile from deep within, way down in the soul, radiating out. I saw it in their sparkling eyes and wide lipped grins every time they spied a shirtless, tattooed, sarong wrapped Korean American walking down the busy streets of any town. I saw it every time I smiled and said hello to anyone and everyone while walking the streets. I saw it when the men spotted two beautiful French girls walking. I saw it when I greeted everyone as I rode in a tuk tuk, waving as I drove by. I saw it when partying in numerous places throughout my trip- the
kind, genteel nature of the women, gregarious, over friendly nature of the men. The best part of any trip for me are the people that I meet and everything I learn, especially of myself. I used to think that built in to the definition of the word "dream," was the fact that meant it was too big to come true. That was my own flawed explanation. Nothing is ever too big to accomplish if one really wants it and does not doubt. To Marion- keep smiling from deep inside and always dream BIG, with no doubts. What is the point of dreaming if it is small? Keep dancing to that music in your head. It is refreshing to see such a vibrant, lovely woman. To Audrey- healing is inevitable. Everything will be okay, I promise. It is not a probability but an absolute. And of course, keep showing those cute dimples early and often. They are pronounced when you smile- keep pronouncing. To my traveling buddy, my friend, my brother for life, David- it's all about Love, Happiness, and Jiu Jitsu, isn't it? Always make promises and keep them, as you do. You have taught me to always be as
good as my word. A journalist and author named Neil Strauss said something to the effect of this- we don't choose THE woman in our life. We can only present the opportunity for her to choose us. Make sure I have a front seat at your wedding when you eventually meet the one. We will see each other again sooner rather than later, in Australia or America. What have I learned? That we all make mistakes in our lives. The trick is to understand what they are, and to rectify them so as not to repeat. After all, good intentions arent worth shit if not followed by actions. I learned that a life of happiness is one based on helping others. If we can affect even a moment of happiness in someone else, we have behaved justly. If we can provide a lifetime of happiness, we are on the path to Nirvana. I can say to myself, be less selfish, materialistic, impatient, etc. However, I would rather phrase it like this this- be more compassionate, patient, righteous, kind, loving, forgiving, passionate, honest. Buddhism offers wonderful codes of morals for it's adherents. The four Sublime States are loving kindness, compassion, appreciative
joy and equanimity. The ten transcendental virtues are generosity, morality, renunciation, wisdom, energy, patience, truthfulness, resolution, loving kindness, and equanimity. The Noble Eightfold Path? Right understanding, right thoughts, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration. These are all things that I am initiating right away. Again, it takes more then good intentions. My journey will start with action and end with action. I know to apply all these principles in my Muay Thai practices as well. Master Danny says, in not so many words, "be prepared for an ass whooping, because it is coming!" I am also dedicating time to Big Brothers/Big Sisters when I get home. An orientation is already set two days after my return. I can't wait to meet my new little brother.
I also learned what I really want in a woman. I needed to stop trying to save them, to fix their problems. That isn't my job and frankly says a lot about who I am and my own messed up past. The girls reaffirmed my belief that there were wonderful women all over the world. There are other great female friends of mine that are proof positive. When ready,
I am going in search of the one for me. The requirements? She must smile, I mean really smile, from way down deep. And she must especially love to live and of course, live to love. Sounds corny I know. But that's just the romantic in me. I have always been that way. I believe in BIG LOVE. I don't think a relationship has to die once vows are exchanged. If anything, its strength should increase, burning hotter an hotter like a young star. Nevermind that it eventually explodes in a massive supernova. Can you imagine that kind of power? It looks like I have a lot of dating to do. Maybe not. Maybe Ill meet her right away?Stay tuned. I may have another story to tell down the line...
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