7 Random and Weird Things about Me
One of the interesting trends in the emails I have received: people want to know more, not about personal development, but about me as a person. (It’s very humbling, thank you 
)
I must admit that I don’t want to talk about myself much, aside from using myself as an example for something I’m discussing, but there is a meme going around that challenges one to reveal seven random things about themselves. I also found that it is very enjoyable to read about the lives of other bloggers, so allow me to be self-indulgent here.
I was tagged for this theme by Chris Marshall of Martial Development, Patricia Singleton of Spiritual Journey of a Lightworker, and also by Paula Kawal of Journey Inward Coaching.
Describing me
It’s hard to really label me or put me in a box. I can’t even describe myself sometimes. Some say I’m the most mature guy they’ve ever met. Others say I’m a giant baby. I can be extremely driven – once I set a goal I really want, it’s on my mind 24 hours a day and I put every spare moment I have into achieving it. On the other hand, I’m a laid back person; most people say I look like I don’t have a care in the world. Some say I look 29. Others say I look 21. Some people say I’m very polite and soft-spoken, some people say I talk the most rubbish they’ve ever heard.
Movie Fanatic
I love movies. Favourite genre is horror. In particular, anything with zombies! A close second would be the action genre: slow motion action scenes, thousands of bullets, and lots of explosions. Lastly would be the martial arts genre. None of that flying around and fireballs stuff, I like them realistic. You know the names, probably – Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Bruce Lee, and some of the recent Donnie Yen vehicles were fantastic. (As you can probably guess by now, plot and character development don’t really mean anything to me.)
Marriage Proposals
I read that Maddox, author of one of my favourite websites, gets marriage proposals from his readers. I’m still waiting…
(warning: his website can be very offensive!)
A Happy Drunk
When I get drunk, there are two possibilities. One, I get very happy and hyper-active. Two, I get very mellow and start serenading the person next to me with some old-school R&B, whether I know them or not. I usually go through both stages, come to think of it. I get hyper, then I get mellow, and then I fall asleep.
Meditation or Sleeping?
Many readers have asked me about my meditation habits. I do a mix of tonglen and emotional work. The strange thing is, I meditate lying down, and usually with a DVD on in the background.
If someone was to walk in on me, they would think I’ve fallen asleep while watching a movie. It’s very unorthodox, and I’m not sure if it works for everyone, so this is not a recommendation, it is just a personal quirk.
I can spend many hours in a row doing it, and my mind tends to wander and start daydreaming. This can sound strange, and traditionalists would probably kill me for meditating in this way, but having a movie actually helps keep me focused. If I actually open my eyes and watch it every few minutes, it stops me from getting bored during extremely long sessions.
My Wildest Dreams
Neil Sattin also tagged me a long time ago to reveal my wildest dreams. Problem is, my dreams are also my goals, and it’s already in my about page. It is basically to finish my psychology studies, and either start a counselling practice, or go into research and writing. There is a slow merging of western psychology and eastern thinking (Buddhism, in particular), and I really want to be a part of it. Many Buddhist texts, if you take away the flowery language, read like psychology manuals.
But that’s not very interesting, so let’s reveal my dreams from the past. A few years ago, I dedicated myself – hours a day – to the sport of boxing. Despite good natured teasing from my friends, I continued to talk daily about turning professional, or going into the Olympics. I never got that far, because somehow I achieved my goals in boxing before that (more on this in a later post). And a new passion – this inner journey – took over completely.
A Boring Final Point
This is not really an interesting or fun thing about me, but I was struggling to come up with seven, and this is something that has had me thinking for some time.
This blog was created to share the lessons I have learnt along the way. I am not a guru; I am not perfect; I am not teaching anyone anything.
I create content based on my own journey. For example: a few months ago, I was gripped by guilt for a memory that surfaced during meditation. So I analysed it, explored it. And once I have got a solid grasp on it, I share what I have learnt. This means that whatever I write works for me, but they might not be perfect or the best solution for everyone. That was fine with me, for it was just a journey. Mistakes are inevitable.
These days, however, I’m starting to get a lot of emails from readers saying I’ve changed their lives, and some are even basing some huge decisions based on my writings. This is the ultimate compliment; I feel extremely honoured. At the same time, it does create intense pressure on me, especially since I intend to fully market my blog in the future and reach a wider audience. No longer am I musing, putting my thoughts out there. Now I have to make sure my writings are as perfect as I can make them; and nobody is perfect.
I am taking nearly twice as long to write an article these days because I check and recheck to cover all possible angles and possible misinterpretations. Every detail of my life and character is being analysed, judged, interpreted and misinterpreted.
Because of this, I would like to reiterate: these are just the lessons I’ve learnt, and I am not perfect. Please take my writings from the angle I am writing from – just someone travelling alongside you, and not an authority.
Tags and Link Love
If you want to participate in this, please go right ahead, consider yourself tagged for this meme!
Ben Lumley writes The New Horizons Project. His recent motivation series was very fantastic reading material.
Kris and Christina run Beyond Zen, which explores spirituality from a Buddhism and Chinese Medicine perspective. Their writing style is unique and very practical. A recent entry: What is the ego, you say?
CG Walters runs Into The Mist. It is a very unique and different approach to spirituality, one that I’ve been reading with a lot of interest. A recent entry: A Spiritual teacher IS…
UrbanMonk.Net provides comprehensive articles for your personal development - modern life, entwined with ancient spirituality.
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34 Comments, Comment or Ping
Patricia - Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker
Albert, thanks for sharing these things about yourself. Don’t be so hard on yourself. I don’t think any of us expect you to be perfect. That is a lot of pressure to put on yourself. Have you seen the new Transformer movie yet? I went to the movies with my 31-year-old son to see it when it came out. I bought it for him for Christmas and we have probably seen it about 3 more times since then. It is awesome for action. I watched the cartoon Transformers with my son and daughter when they were little. We all liked it.
Feb 1st, 2008
Albert
Hey there Patricia, you’re fast! Thank you for the support and vote of confidence, it really makes me feel better. I just had to get that part off my chest, I guess
Yea I loved it, and it was one of my favourites as a kid too. It got a bit confusing during the fight scenes, though, as I couldn’t tell who was the good guy and who was the bad guy, it was just a giant mess of cogs and wheels flying around the screen!
Feb 1st, 2008
Chris Marshall | Martial Development
Thanks for the link and your post. If you hate unrealistic martial arts films, then I think you’ll love to hate my last post on Bollywood kung fu!
There is an interesting book out by a champion boxer and meditation expert, but I can’t remember the name. “Chronicles of Tao”, maybe?
Feb 1st, 2008
Barbara
Oh Albert!
I cannot wait to read the rest of the comments now! Ladies making marriage proposals ought to be rampant! Too bad you live half a world away or I’d certainly be among them!
Feb 1st, 2008
Albert
@ Chris: Hah! those videos were hilarious! Have you seen the Bollywood Superman and the Bollywood Michael Jackson? I was pissing in my pants! Search for them on Youtube.
I’ll check out that book too, thanks.
@ Barbara: Hehehe, I’m shy. Hmm… let’s see if I get any female readers in Melbourne! Thanks for the vote
Feb 1st, 2008
Amir Ahmad | PassionBasedLearning.com
Hehehe, that was amusing to read Albert. Been a reader for a while, first time commenter. The above definitely fuses more personality into the content.
Feb 1st, 2008
Nur
Albert,Albert.
It’s when you’re writing is straight from the heart that it touches others, so don’t worry. Write as you like to.
Also to share, I do breathing exercises lying down as well( but i need silence).and i do drift off and day dream, but come back.So you’re not alone on that one.
Its just easier to do breathing and some meditations lying down. it’s easier on the spine and one can completely let go.
I do hope u do really well on the blog, the content is worth it
GOD BLESS
Feb 1st, 2008
Ben
Hi Albert,
I love this idea. Its really nice to find out about the person behind the blog. I might try something similar.
You’ll be pleased to know that I won’t be asking you to marry me!
Thanks for Tagging The New Horizons Project.
Peace.
Feb 1st, 2008
CG Walters
I am much honored by your tag and support, Albert! The joy of synchronicity blesses me this morning. Though I have never communicated it…being new in the blogosphere, I have sort of defined you as my mentor. I read your work and study your blog with equal fascination and pleasure.
Many blessings and continued inspiration to you,
CG
Feb 1st, 2008
Evan
Hi Albert,
No proposals from readers of my blog yet (oh well).
I think it is writing from the heart that communicates best as NUR said (though ensuring there is good content can make it complicated).
I too am interested in the intersection of east (esp Buddhism) and west in psychology. I think the point of meeting is the place of awareness in our experience.. This has its best western exponents in the third force psychologies that mostly came out of America in the 60’s I think. And in my (not so) humble opinion the best theory for this psychology is still Perls, Hefferline and Goodman’s Gestalt Therapy excitement and growth in the human personality. Not an easy read but any time spent genuinely working with it pays huge dividends. For me this book could be the starting point of a genuine integration of the eastern and western (rather than the intellectual laziness of eclecticism that is so prevalent - you can tell that I have my moments of drivenness too can’t you).
Feb 1st, 2008
Albert
Hey there everyone, I’m glad that this post is so well received! Thank you all for your kind words
Evan, that book sounds very interesting - have heard a lot about Gestalt psychology but have never actually seen any books on the topic. I’ll have to go check it out.
Feb 1st, 2008
Neil Sattin
Hey Albert,
Thanks for the “reveal” - and I can’t wait to hear more about your life (and lessons) as a boxer.
Since you brought up the subject of movies as well, I happened to see a great documentary about a boxer recently - it’s called “Orthodox Stance” and it’s about a young Jewish boxer here in the states. It’s all about the mixture of faith (in this case, Orthodox Judaism) and one’s professional life (and the interesting questions about whether something like ‘boxing’ can be spiritual). Of course that’s a more Western question - obviously in the Eastern traditions EVERYTHING is more easily blended and accepted. I can’t recommend this movie enough(!).
Interestingly, the hasidic orthodox traditions in judaism have a mystical bent that is very connected to Eastern Tradition. There’s a great book on that called “The Jew and the Lotus” about a group of Jews representing all (or many) branches of the Jewish faith going to meet the Dalai Lama. Worth a read, if you’re interested in that sort of thing.
And I echo what other commenters have already suggested: ditch that need to be perfect! It’s your honesty and candor that affects people - and that is what leads to the “perfect” advice. The need to be perfect leads, I think, to something a little less “alive”. What resonates with people (I think) is the timeless wisdom that comes through your personal musings. Now, of course, you can write a little more about overcoming your perfectionism!
Take care - Neil
Feb 2nd, 2008
Albert
Hey Neil! Orthodox Stance sounds fantastic… (nice play on boxing and religious terminology too). I’ll have to look for it next time I’m in the video store then.
What is interesting is that many religions can be interpreted in a mystical way. Even the Bible. Of course, given the flowery language that most such material is written in, they can be interpreted in almost any way the reader wants to see it.
Thanks again for the vote of confidence on the perfectionist thing.
I’m not so much trying to be perfect, but more looking out for the possible misinterpretations. I’ve experimented with some more poetic type posts and people don’t really get what I was trying to say. But I feel better with all your support, so thanks.
Take it easy bro!
Feb 2nd, 2008
Jerome
Well, they aren’t really boring those facts, are they?
Feb 2nd, 2008
kirsten
So, let’s see, a perfect movie for you would be a Jerry Bruckheimer remake of the Night of the Living Dead. Exploding zombies! : )
Feb 2nd, 2008
Yuppie Sherpa
A zombie fan? I would not have guessed… I feel so much closer to you now haha!
I’m a big fan of Fulci and Romero, love the Dead Next Door, and if you haven’t seen Black Sheep (yes, zombie sheep), I highly recommend it for a good laugh
Feb 2nd, 2008
Albert
Thank you everyone! heh! Yeah movies wise I think I was the only guy who enjoyed Resident Evil… oh I saw Black Sheep out for rent, thought it was dumb, so I didn’t get it. Looks like I’ll have to get it now, then.
Feb 2nd, 2008
Luciano Passuello
Always interesting getting to know better “the man behind the blog”…
Thanks for sharing!
Feb 3rd, 2008
Deb Estep
Dear Albert,
What you are doing in your writings is sharing parts of yourself.
Your presentations are open and honest parts about you.
IF you over think them, then you risk mucking up the natural flow
of the way you have always written.
Not every single post is going to hit every reader just the same.
Because some are more than ready to take the message to heart,
and some are not in a place to do that.
AND……. I am venturing to guess that the number one student
and learner from The Urban Monk, has been Albert - The Urban Monk.
Patricia tagged me too…
http://deb_inside.typepad.com/.....om-an.html
I had fun with my 7 - they were more weird than random. lol
At least you did not let out that leprechauns lived in your piano.
xo xo
Deb
Feb 3rd, 2008
Albert
Luciano and Deb, thank you for your support and encouragement. I guess I can relax a little bit now. And you’re right, I’ve been the number one student! I’ll jump over and read your 7 now.
Feb 3rd, 2008
Mary Jaksch I Goodlifezen.com
I’m not surprised that readers report that your blog has changed their life, Albert. You put huge effort into each post, analyzing your theme carefully. And then you speak from the heart.
Great!
Feb 3rd, 2008
Albert
Hey Mary, thank you for this. It’s good to feel appreciated and have your effort noticed.
Feb 4th, 2008
Liara Covert
Thanks for sharing these sides of yourself. I admit your boxer persona is a surprise. When I next listen to Simon and Garfunkle’s song “The Boxer,” my imagination will create a new kind of vision, perhaps something along the lines of the artistic duels in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon! Its a graceful, fluid sort of forward movement that I sense in you.
Otherwise, you come across as a person who isn’t afraid to take risks and learn throughout your journey. Most people have forgotten they’re perfect. It takes a lot of life experience to teach yourself to remember what you have forgotten.
Feb 4th, 2008
Albert
Hey Liara! Yes most people are surprised to find out about my boxing background, I don’t give off that “feel”. Thank you for the artistic interpretation of my skills, although I assure you I am nowhere near as good hahah :D!
Thank you for the compliment too. I’m learning and getting stronger and braver every day.
Feb 4th, 2008
Alex Blackwell
Albert - thanks for sharing your list. It helps to understand that others have unique traits, too.
Feb 5th, 2008
Jennifer Mannion
Hi Albert, I loved this post! You are inspiring and the learning you have done and how you share it on your blog helps a lot of people — including me. I did this and another similar meme recently (26 things about myself) and really enjoyed it. Thanks Albert — it is wonderful to learn more about you. Gratefully, Jenny
Feb 5th, 2008
Albert
Hey there Alex and Jenny! I enjoyed this post as well, I read that it is good to provide readers with a break from the usual heavy stuff, and it seems they were right. Thank you for your interest in me
Feb 5th, 2008
Steve Mills
Hey love the blog, thanks for sharing some things about yourself.
Feb 6th, 2008
Albert
Hey Steve, thanks for that!
Feb 7th, 2008
Yollana
Hi Albert,
Just wanted to let you know this was a great blog and I particularly love your meditation style… sounds very suspiciously like you are watching a movie which for some reason just cracked me up. But, you really are meditating… right? I’m impressed. lol.
Reminds me of a very interesting fellow called Bryan DeFlores (www.bryandeflores.com - i think) who is an artistic genius and I guess you could say a spiritual guide… anyway, he said that he sometimes watches 10 movies in a row, just to get a mental break from his constant contact with his spiritual guides and whoever else he is communicating with…
And I don’t even have a tv.
Feb 13th, 2008
Albert
Hey Yollana - you caught me there…yea I spend a lot of time just watching the movie
I’ve heard of Bryan somewhere before, I’ll go check him out again. I’m sure there’s a reason he has remained in my head, which is notorious for atrocious short term memory.
Feb 13th, 2008
Mike
Albert,
Great info. Oddly enough, I boxed for a while, I meditate, and I am a HUGE fan of zombie movies. FYI … in case you didn’t know, Romero is putting out a new one tomorrow (Diary of the Dead). Keep up the good work.
Mike
Feb 21st, 2008
Albert
Thanks Mike - it’s cool how many similarities we have. I didn’t know about the new movie, now I’m hanging out for it!
Feb 21st, 2008
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