Sunday, June 29, 2014

The power of setting intentions.


 One morning during my hitchhiking journey through Malaysia, as I wake up in Cherating beach on the east coast, I felt a strong desire to set intentions for the day. They were simple. I wanted to connect and meet kind hearted people, maybe some movement minded people as well. I also wanted to end up spending the night in another beautiful place. 

So as I started my morning and got on the road, first car I stick my thumb out to, stops. From that moment it was kindness all the way. Later on, as I walk along the road another car stopped and offered me a lift without me even asking for it. Not only did he drive me but also took me further out of the way of his own destination. Then a tow truck, who invited me for lunch before I continued on.

I had been going on for several hours, It was a very hot afternoon as I walked and continue to try and stop people on the road. The walk was heavy and slow under the sun, for a while no one would stop. After a long while, a guy, who apprehensive and even asking me to show him my passport, finally gives in and invites me to ride with him. He was quiet at first, sort of feeling the waters. Not long after we were chatting it up. He was a police officer in a near by town, and he was on his way home. We soon arrived to his town, I still had about 45km to get to my destination. We talked for a while and drove by his home town, and he pointed me on the way to continue on. After a short moment of silence, he then said, he would just take me instead

He drove me all the way, 45k or so out of his way to a small town called Kuala Rompin. He let me use his phone to look at a map. While I used his phone to determine my resting place for the night he drove around Kuala Romping towards a beach near by. He said he just wanted to show it to me while I figure what to do next. We arrived at the place, a beautiful beach park. Not many people around and suitable for a camping spot. It seemed safe and quiet. It was a nice beach park that reminded me of Kailua beach park in Oahu.

When I told him I would stay there he said he wanted a drink and that he'd buy me one. He ended up buying me a tasty local kind snack which had pineapple, cucumber and this strange yet tasty peanut sauce. He then drove me to a market to buy food for the night. He said our good byes and he went back to his home town.

On the walk back to the beach I saw two trees full or bread fruit. In this case I didn't follow my intuition to take one, it was loaded with it, but I would need a fire to prepare it. So I just admired it and continued on. The walk from the market seemed long at that point, it was only about 30 mins or so but after after the long day I was tired and ready to put my bag pack down. Once I got to the beach I wanted nothing more than to dip in the ocean and enjoy solitude. At this point I had forgotten about my intentions. 

When I get to the beach, first thing I do is put bag down and jump in the sea I almost didn't take my clothes off. While cooling in the calm waters, from the corner of my eye I barely catch this very familiar movement in the distance. What seemed like a body flipping in the air a bit over 100mts away or so. My head turned quickly, then another kid flips in the air in an attempt to a backflip. Then another one does a front flip. There were about 5 boys stepping and flipping of this log on the sand. I slowly and quietly approached them. And with a smile I directly asked if they "freerun". They nodded shy. I said I knew a thing or two. We spoke, hung out and even did some capoeira with them. There was this guy, my age (so young) who seemed to be the mentor, he told me he encourages the kids to go to the beach every day to train, move and play. He moved well as well. I participated in their play and did some flips myself, gainers, side flips and front flips what a delightful moment. I was a kid, as usual.

 We spent a couple hours moving. After a little while they were all calling me master Ozzi. I thought it was adorable as I just felt like another kid at play. The older guy called me aside before he left and hands me a stone. A type of quarts. He said it was for me and that he wanted it to be a memory of the moment. I wished I could have shared more with him but then he left. The kids took pictures with me and left shortly after.

It was then when I remembered my intentions. It was all so perfect, exactly what I had asked for. 

But it was not over yet.

After another dip in the ocean. I set my hammock.... Sssssquitoes were out. Next to my spot was a 5ft high pile of cleaned out branches. I thought earlier when I saw them I could have a fire. Here is where the bread fruit came to mind. I smiled, told myself to trust next time and I enjoyed my orange and tomato instead. After a little over 20 minutes, hammock up, and my piled up branches into a tippi I had a nice mosquito-free fire all to myself. 

And in that moment all was sacred, I was surrounded by the four element. The ocean next to me, the wind blowing gently, the earth beneath my body and the fire which brought aliveness to the dark night. And spirit was present as I called it with my flute and it responded. It was a perfect moment. I played my flute on and off starring at the fire for about 2 hours. Mosquitoes were feeding on something else cuz I was left alone.... Thank you fire I said. 

After a little while of enjoying the stars and seeing the fire slowly fade away, I got in my hammock feeling very blessed. Grateful to the synchronicity of the day. To each ride and their devine timing and to that man, who oblivious of it was part of making my intention come true. Without him I don't know where I would have stayed. But definitely that beach and flipping time would have not existed for me.

Set your intentions for the day, clearly in your heart and your head. Feel them with love and release them into the universe, then go on with your day with an open heart. Allow yourself to receive. 

Blessings
Namaste 

Monday, June 2, 2014

Warrior Way


It all started with - I AM.
And suddenly with that statement we created a separation.
When it all was meant to be a sacred congregation.
A congregation of spirits of light, gathering together for the purpose of staying present and bright.

Bright and courageous, righteous in our intention. 
Brave on the battlefield against the self and the ego.
Spreading our wings staying focus and sharp like the eagle. 

With the strength of a bear and the gracefulness of the deer.
We are oblivious of our potential as we fill ourself with fear. 

We came forward claiming individuality.
Acting like fools instead we created a duality. 
And now we split in two worlds of heart and mind illusion.
Without realizing our biggest mission is our ego dissolution. 

You're the mountains and waterfalls.
You're the birds flying singing their songs. 
You're the rain falling on the trees. You're also their leaves welcoming the breeze. 

Almost in despair warrior people roam alone.
Staying strong by a reminder, there is a mission to which we all belong. 
And it comes from the beyond.
A force so Devine, we're never really alone. 

You're the ocean and the dolphins frolicking in it.
You're the panther and the strength that resides within it. 

And our mother we have neglected.
When what we need is to protect it, love it and respect it. 

We need to step up and deflect.
All this nasty practices we need to reject. 
Pollution, deforestation, abuse and discrimination. 
Over consumption and peoples manipulation. 

Feel your heart, it's beating. 
Feel the air, keep on breathing. Open your mind, love is healing. 

You're the ravens and the fox.
You're the lizard, you're the hawks.
You're the snake and the otter, and like you there is no other.  

Sharpen your blade, slash your attachments.
Tone your muscles up and fight against political harassment. Corporations love for greed, love for self sustainability is really what we need. 

There is magic, there is spirt on everything that you touch.
The light is present and its living, please remind fully lush. 
Flush your vanity, flush your greed.
Come back your roots, connect with the green. 

Feel the music of your songs.
Feel the poetry as you write along. Infatuation just a beautiful excuse to give birth to creation. 
Move your body and stay agile, there is no time to become senile. 

You're magical, beautiful and Devine. 
Full of wonder and creativity, you're truly sublime.

Open your heart to feel compassion.
Go out there, do the work and do it with passion. 

You're a warrior, you're not less. Step into the unknown, feel its bless.
Pull out your sword and do you best. 
It's your mission and were here together, this is my vision, I'm not here forever. 

So now I come to you and ask.
Observe your thoughts and in your purpose please don't relax. 

Be mindful of your actions.
Be proactive in your steps. 
The work ahead is tough, but please don't distress. 

I'm here to hold your hand.
And to lift you when you need. 
But please lets work together. Because I'm sick of all
this greed. 

I want to see the birds fly.
In a sky that bright and blue.
I want to see the forest thrive.
I want my kids to see it too. 

The earth will continue it's cycle, whether we're here or were gone. 
But wouldn't it be beautiful, if we we're here together, in peace, enjoying it all along?

The warrior way. 





Saturday, April 26, 2014

Purpose



As I move about, transient through towns, villages and even the madness of huge cities.
Purpose
As I meet the old strong farmer in love with his crops and land, the restaurant owner happy and sometimes not, to serve his/her customers. The young adult trying to make it in city life. 
Purpose
As I move about feeding myself in new places with foods which sources are unknown to me.
Purpose
As I witness the distraction in the faces on the people oblivious of the opportunity to connect with one another.
Purpose 
As I walk, sometimes slowly, sometimes fast. At times with direction other times just following my feet. 
Purpose
This earth is my home, each part of it known or unknown. Why then, why sometimes does it feel so alien? If all of this is our land, my land. Why do we act as strangers not only to each other, but even to ourselves?
Purpose.  
Are we lost in a world of distraction? Are we busy in a world of compliance? Are we blinded in a world of beauty?
Purpose
No matter what we see, no matter what we believe and no matter what we think.... We are one, in this together. And separation will only bring us further from our....
Purpose.
Give a hand, give a smile, lift your gaze to connect, use your words to acknowledge and manifest. Touch lightly and move forward mindfully.
With purpose.

Tree playtime - Thailand

Tree play time Slacking Monkeys

Old recovery movement from Peru

Recovery movement in Peru

Charity thoughts


Dear charity workers who bring supplies to the villages around the world. Your job is kind and really appreciated. Valuable and in some cases, even healing.

Here is one thoughts which came to me as I witness the process of supplies delivery to a village in Malaysia, from some people who seemed to love helping. 

Rather than brining candy to the kids which will potentially be harmful for their teeth and health. Rather than bringing toys and other modern item, rather than packing everything you bring in plastic bags - Why not instead teach them ways of proper trash disposal? Why not instead supply them with biodegradable shoulder bags to replace plastic bags while shopping at market? Why not instead teach them crafts and self sustainable farming methods so that they don't become accustomed to waiting for you every month to bring them things?

They don't need things, they need skills, education and awareness. By bringing things you are creating wants and installing desire to posses and own. This things are also packaged, and in a way you're bringing trash to people who do not know how to dispose of it. 


And if you yourself bring your supplies inside plastic bags and the like, would it not make sense be sure to take it with you when you leave. To leave no trace behind.

Because after all I once hear "Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish, feed him for a life time"

This intentions come from love, but if love is to be shared, it needs to be share with truth. As this kids jump, push each other, ripping things of your hands, and fighting with each other for what you bring, does this not make you see that they need to learn how to be thankful, appreciate and share?


Here are just some suggested item and activities that come to mind.
Farming tools and to localize someone in the village who knows how to use them. Biodegradable shoulder bags. Books. Trash disposing containers. Seeds. Clothing. Create educational workshop, local style crafting, Eco awareness and education. Natural medicines. Local music and traditions.
Get in touch with the elders, or if no one is around do your own research, get involved and help recover the tradition.

Ask yourself this question.

Are you helping because it makes YOU feel good. Or are you helping because you see the need?

Please think about this.

P.s. and PLEASE, after smoking your cigaret, DO NOT throw it on the ground. This is not your home. This is their land. And you, are a guest. 

Keep doing what you do, just do it mindfully.

Thank you.

Fast forward!

Alright... its been way to long. Lets fast forward.

After Venezuela I welcomed myself to the United Kingdom. 



On August 8th, still with the hype from teaching in Colombia and having met the pk guys from Venezuela, I arrive in UK ready for what would be a journey of physical re discovery.

While my body was nor feeling at it strongest, my recovering knee was responding well, I was ready to face another goal of mine, to participate in the London Rendezvous of 2013.
My participating in the RDV international parkour event as a coach was a dream come true, working along side many inspiring athletes, like Chau Belle, Chris "Blane" Rowat and many more allow for some awesome experiences.


In UK I was to meet Leanne, a lovely woman who has been a great influence in my personal life. Long story short we have shared amazing experiences and learned many valuable lessons together. From there we decided to embark to Asia. (Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.) to share lessons from life. it's been a blessing and an incredibly joy to share this journeys with this active, playful and adventurous partner in crime.

This trip was full of surprise for body mind and spirit. I was to be tested in many ways to regrow in strength and conviction. 


Them there was the ADAPT level two class in Glassgow, Scotland. To say the least, it should be renamed to Body and Mind Rite of Passage. I was challenged and stood strong, I was beaten down and stood back up, I was humbled and my heart gained strength. This event lasted a week, and while the week after I could not longer feel my body my spirit was re energized. 


I realized that even after the injury, even after not having trained in so long, the essence of my practice and strength of my will and the resiliency of my body never left me. I would do it all over again... But I hope Dan Edwards does hear that :)


Lastly there was a short trip to France... Where leanne and I stayed with Annty Marais (PKG coach) who took us around for a Parkour tour to Lisses, the birth place of the discipline which has changed my life. A short pilgrimage to touch the essence and witnessed the marks of what was left behind from so many others, who like me, came to this place to connect with the roots of the discipline.

Grateful for all of this, I was ready to head to Asia. Thailand awaited, and I was prepared.