Interstellar - WOW

Tonight I went to see the movie Interstellar with my Dad.  Of course now I remember the trailer, but before the movie, I had no idea what I was about to get into....  My heart...My soul...My thoughts...My fears...My dreams...My emotions...all busted wide open.

This. Movie. Was............  Indescribable.  It hit me on SO many levels that I left the theater in tears. 

For those who have not seen the movie, I'll try not to spoil anything for you.  But do yourself a favor by NOT googling the trailer before watching it.  Just watch it.  Just press play. 

First off, mad props to the writers and producers.  This movie blew me away, almost literally.  Yes, this is a movie about "space."  But it's not your typical space/universe movie.  I don't want to give too much away, but there is somewhat of a love story, and that could mean partner love, family love, life love, human love, etc.  It's also based in the future which makes it very interesting.  A future that we could potentially face?  It bridges the relationships between friends, family, trust, purpose, and time.  It really made me think, about all those things.  So combine that with the universe, other galaxies, OMG.  Mind blown.

One of my all time favorite quotes is, "You can tell a man is clever by his answers, you can tell a man is wise by his questions."  For me, that sums up my life fairly accurately.  I've always asked questions.  I've always wanted to ask questions.  I like to understand how and why things work, that's just how I learn by understanding.  The problem is however, still to this day I have more questions than answers.  The more answers I find, the more questions I start to think of.  Sometimes it drives me crazy.  Sometimes it makes me feel like a misfit.  Do others ever wonder about some of the random things that I do?  How could no one care to discuss the universe, or other dimensions, planes, cloud formations, or why things are certain colors?  Deep down I want to know and understand these type of things.  My soul is like sponge, and I truly feel like my purpose is through this quest.  The quest I still fight at times, but sometimes marvel in wonder. 

So as a human that is not an astronaut, I already have many questions about life, purpose, space, time, etc.  But imagine an astronaut, someone who is not only educated but experienced in floating around in our atmosphere not only looking down on earth, but looking out into the endless bounds of our universe.  WHAT IN THE FUCK DO THEY THINK ABOUT!  I mean seriously!  Jesus Christ what do they believe about God, death, life, time?  Based on the research I've seen this movie was fairly accurate from a scietific standpoint.  The theory of relativity for crying out loud!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I mean.......!!!!!!!!!??

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"Gravitational time dilation is a real phenomenon that has been observed on Earth. It occurs because time is relative, meaning time runs at different rates for different reference frames. When you're in a strong gravitational environment time runs slower for you relative to people in a weak gravitational environment.

If you are near a black hole, like the one in the film, your gravitational reference frame, and therefore your perception of time, is different than someone standing on Earth. This is because the gravitational pull from the black hole is stronger the closer you are to it.

For you, a minute near a black hole will still last 60 seconds, but if you could look at a clock on Earth, a minute will appear to last less than 60 seconds. This means you will age more slowly than the people on Earth. And the stronger the gravitational field you're in, the more extreme the time dilation.
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/crazy-physics-to-understand-interstellar-2014-11#ixzz3KQkGdFTc
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This movie not only moved me, but inspired me.  It allowed mountains to move within me that I had been detouring for a while now.  Please go watch it.  I hope it has as great of an impact on you as it did me.

Hip Hop Lyrics Give Me A Boost

There's just something about certain hip hop artists and lyrics that just exude power, passion, strength and confidence.  Those traits are pretty amazing, and when you not only recognize but FEEL all of those at the same time, it's a pretty moving experience, literally.

I know not everyone likes hip hop or cares for it, but that's not my problem!  I love it!  There are times when I need that boost, I just turn my playlist on shuffle and start dancing around my house!  That's what happened this morning and I thought it would be nice of me to share some of the songs that had me moving...

I never brag

I'm real I keep it

Cuz it's the best secret

I rock a vest

Prestigious

Cuban link flood Jesus

In a Lex watching Kathy Lee and Regis

My actions are one with the seasons 

-Nas, Take It In Blood

I don't stunt, I regulate

-Nas, Take It In Blood 

If a hater snatch ya chain I bet it still wont' free you

Ha

Cuz I be right back grindin till I cop another

I sit and think bout all the shit I coulda got my mother

My partna said that's just the game my nigga

Swear I heard my jeweler say here go ya chain my nigga

-J. Cole, Chaining Day

You know the sayin

Fake it till you make it

Me I did the opposite

Made it then I faked it

And acting like I gave a fuck

Money I was saving up

To buy a crib that's gated to that hundred racks

I gave it up

For what

-J. Cole, Chaining Day

Poetry

I love being lazy but it makes me sad

I hate being busy but it makes me glad

Long days and long nights got me feeling all mad

But I look in the mirror and it's all I've ever had 

Right ones and wrong ones at the same damn time

I realize I got some strong sunshine 

Numbness and the clouds give me a great pause 

Progression is what I want but I'm all wrapped up in gauze 

My speed was controllable

I could handle what I ate

Now I'm consumed

Cruise control on and I can't find the brakes

Toxicity in my veins

Sometimes it's a little too much on my brain

Is this what it's supposed to feel like

I'm drowning in my own pool of pain

Enjoying the fruits

Is nothing like the work it takes to make it through

Powerful

Tenacious

Clouded

Is it worth giving up all I know

And love

For the freedom my soul wants to choose to grow

Rainbows on the horizon set sparkle in my eyes 

movement in my hips make me realize

It's quite easy to make it change

And Dollars come quick 

How much will I sacrifice

How many grams of my soul am I losing in the meantime to make it in this race

It's so quick

Happiness and Success

I recently had a "vision and goals" session at work and I was extremely moved by this exercise. However I will admit, I've never been the type to set goals before. I've always been excited to see what life throws at me, and luckily thus far I feel I've been "successful" at life's pitches. What I've also learned over the years however is that "success" means a lot of different things to different people....

Growing up in the South of the good ole USA, life's progression has a certain path of achievements that must be had in order to be "normal" or "successful." You must go to college, graduate, land a great job, continue that into a great career, get married by mid to late 20's, have kids, get a house with a white picked fence and get a golden retriever, or something of that sort. I was on a roll with most of that, graduating college with honors, landing a great job and having a successful career in banking. However the latter part of the equation has yet to really fall in place for me. The whole marriage and kids thing. At times this has created havoc within me, with all of this ingrained in my DNA I felt as if I was doing something wrong, or not doing something right. As I thought I was somewhat not on the right path, I threw everything I was doing away to RESET, if you will. I resigned from my kush job at the bank, traveled the world and started opening my life and mind to different things, different patterns, and different paces, to see if I could spark change to get back on the "path" to finalize the rest of life's ray I've yet to fulfill.

Today - still no change. I almost feel more confused than ever before. However through this transient time in my life I'm feeling more, seeing more, and getting more in-tune with myself. I've learned a lot. I've learned you can't attach "happiness" or "success" to anything. Not to any time, event, achievement, thing, or person. Yes certain things can bring you happiness, but you shouldn't allow certain things NOT happening to break you of being happy. Happiness and success has to be a state of mind, a state of being. Once you feel at home and happy with yourself regardless of your circumstances, you cannot be shaken! Now I know some circumstances will require change. I'm not saying everyone should quit their job and go live under a bridge so they can finally scream I'M HAPPY! I'm saying we all need to learn to live with and love what we have, our circumstances, and know where you are in life is exactly where you should be. You should also be strong and tenacious to make the desired changes you want in your life, whatever they are! I know that I should no longer attach "happiness" and "success" with being married and having children. That is absurd! That is not the only way to be happy in this life! What was I thinking! I know some of you may think I'm crazy but I also know there are some of you who feel the same as I do, thus the reason I am writing this open and honest piece.

This "vision and goals" exercise had such a positive impact on me I wanted to share it with you. Try this, I promise it will reinvigorate you about life!! Trust yourself and trust the possibilities!

1. Write down everything you DO NOT WANT in life on a piece of paper. It could be feelings, things, people, desires, thoughts...

2. Once you are done, tear the above sheet of paper in pieces and throw it in the trash!!!! 

3. Now on another sheet of paper write down everything you DO WANT in your life. Again this could be feelings, thoughts, accomplishments, etc.....

The idea of this is, most of the time we our led by our fears rather than our dreams. Fear kills more ideas than attempts ever will. Allow yourself to be led by the possibilities of life. YOU are allowed to create anything you want in this life! Do not let anyone tell you otherwise! F the system and F the norm! 

Here are a few other questions that will help you identify what you're really passionate about, what really makes you happy and what you really value in this life. These questions are from Brian Tracy's Psychology of Achievement. These will help you get you in the mindset of the possibility of your life!

1. What would you do if you won a million dollars!?

2. What would you do if you only had six months left to live!?

3. In 30 seconds or less write down the three most important goals in your life right now.

4. What have you always wanted to do but have been afraid to attempt!?

5. In looking back at all the things you've done, what gives you your greatest feeling of importance!?

6. What one great thing would you dare to dream if you knew you could not fail!?

7. What are the eight things you value most in life!?


Once you've answered the above questions read over them carefully. Is what you are doing now in your life aligning you with your above answers? The above questions really help you realize what YOU really WANT, what YOU really LOVE, and what YOU really want out of this life. If the path you are currently on is not aligning you with anything you have mentioned above, there's a good chance you are not following your dreams!

Do not let society tell you what you should be doing with your life. Trust me, I know this is easier said than done. But mindfulness training, perseverance, and courage will lead you to your path of ultimate bliss. It will be tough, but I promise you it will be worth it!

Best Clothes For Backpacking?

What in the world do you pack if you're going on a backpacking adventure? Of course you have to think about toiletries, electronics, books, journals, money, identification, etc. But I'm here to talk about the basics - CLOTHING! So your mind starts analyzing...Is it going to be hot, cold, rainy, windy!? And how am I going to pack EVERYTHING in a backpack! How many pairs of shoes should I bring? Do I need a jacket, sweater, scarf, gloves?! AHHHH!

I actually have backpacking tips here based on my backpacking trip in Europe, and will be adding more tips soon from my backpacking experience in Asia. However, before you even start to think about travel tips, train, plane and bus tips, if you are just thinking of going backpacking and are curious to what type of clothes to bring, I have a great idea for you...lululemon!

Let me give you a little background. When I first knew I was going backpacking my first thought was OMG I HAVE TO GO TO REI!!! That place does rock and has all kinds of cool stuff! From canteens, to tents, to shoes, to water sterilizers, and batteries, they have a lot! And honestly I thought that was the best and ONLY place I should get things for "backpacking." I spent a lot of money at REI. I got lightweight/water resistant pants, shorts and a couple comfortable tops. I assumed REI was the best and only place to get stuff like this. Each item was between $50 and $100, and I paid it willingly because REI is the best travel store ever, right!

WELL, since I've returned from my travels I've started working at lululemon. You know, they sell yoga pants, right?! Well let me tell you that they have MANY other cool types of clothing, too. Most, if not all of their clothing is sweat wicking and breathable. That means when you are hot, and sweating, their clothes help you breathe and wick the sweat off of your body and clothes.  Hello Southeast Asia backpackers!!!!

They also have this "anti stink" technology in a line of their "swiftly" shirts that kill the bacteria on your skin that causes you to smell when you sweat! This particular line is AMAZING for traveling! It's very lightweight, and you can wear them multiple times before you should throw it in a wash. But because this line is lightweight, breathable and has four way stretch, these are great for travel and ease of care. You could easily dunk this in water or in a quick wash and it would dry overnight, if not before!

Since working here I no longer consider this a store just for yoga clothes. They have expanded their line to include menswear, and "and go" pieces that you can wear to and from the gym, AND out casually! If you know anyone who wears this brand, you know they wear their lululemon ALL THE TIME, not just to workout in.

  

   

If you've decided to go on a backpacking trip and are looking for an alternative place to buy some gear you should definitely check out lululemon!  A lot of their tanks, tops, jackets and pants are lightweight, great for layering and can easily fold up into a backpack!  The function of their clothes is perfect for a backpacker: thumb holes to keep you warm, removable hoods, hidden pockets, just to name a few!  You want your clothes to last, not smell and be durable, functional, and lightweight - lululemon has all that!  Check them out!