Yesterday I taught the students a really important lesson about the late great Tupac Shakur. It was fun and they probably liked it better than normal grammar or discussions most students cannot understand or participate in. I tried to play a song and have them tell me what it was about. No Way! He raps to fast. Then I just told them to listen for any words they knew, that was better. Next week, I am going to try again but write the lyrics out first. So school is coming along. One of my classes drives me crazy most days. Other than them, it's cool. I just have to remember to be patient and not expect too much.
So last night our house was stupid hot inside. I went outside, laid out on a mat, and went to sleep. Of course, my parents called and woke me up. Although we had a good conversation and I was wide awake. I played on my phone a bit until I noticed something to marvel at: the bright stars, the cool breeze, and the peacefulness of Mabalane. I laid there, my sheet as a protective layer from the bugs, and truly appreciated a simple life. If you are not jealous or some form of enviousness, you should be. If you can, get away from all cars and lights, and find a place to lay down at night. Then, while you wait to fall asleep, think about life, the Milky Way (which looks milky to me), or, even better, the universe.
This morning, I got up early and went to the beach. I had a ride from my student who drives for the mayor. What a privilege!relatively comfortable, fast, and free. From Chokwe, I met up with two friends, and we hitched to the beach. I have not shaved or cut my hair recently, so they made me hide off on the side of the road like they do in the movies to let the girls catch the ride. Kind of a dirty move, but whatever. I don't know why people don't want to pick up hairy men who look like a mix between a bum, stoner, and caveman????
We even hitched a boat ride to this island, while I was off swimming of course. White chicks! Haha. I laugh, but there plenty of disadvantages that accompany this ability to get easy transportation places. Most obvious being sexual harassment, which I never get.
Other highlights included pizza, music, and internet. Bob emailed me this excellent parable.
A big, burly samurai comes to a Zen master and says, “Tell me the nature of heaven and hell.”
The Zen master looks him in the face and says, “Why should I tell a scruffy, disgusting, miserable slob like you? A worm like you, do think I should tell you anything?”
Consumed by rage, the samurai draws his sword and raised it to cut off the master’s head.
The Zen master looks him in the face and says, “Why should I tell a scruffy, disgusting, miserable slob like you? A worm like you, do think I should tell you anything?”
Consumed by rage, the samurai draws his sword and raised it to cut off the master’s head.
The Zen master says, “That’s hell.”
Instantly, the samurai understands that he has just created his own hell: black and hot, filled with hatred, self-protection, anger, and resentment. He sees that he was so deep in hell that he was ready to kill someone. Tears fill his eyes as he puts his palms together to bow in gratitude for this insight.
The Zen master says, “That’s heaven.”
How short, sweet, and powerful. I want more gratitude in my life. Maybe I should be grateful that I might be reaching a few students instead of frustrated that I am not reaching most of my students.
Do good things, be grateful, and create your own heaven
Love Jimmy
