Change of Direction for UrbanMonk.Net and My Life

Apr 1, 2008

I’m sick of personal development. What is the point? Life is a bright mess of joys and sadness, and then we die.

When I was a little boy, the teacher asked the class what we wanted to be when we grow up. Doctor! Fireman! Astronaut! came the answers. I was shy, so I followed the crowd when it was my turn to speak up. Lawyer, I mumbled. But deep down inside my heart, another fire was burning. I knew what I wanted to be, and no one can stop me.

In my recent meditations, this childhood memory has been coming up – again, and again, and again. Was I living my true purpose? Why was my adult life so different from what I imagined it to be? Was I a sell-out, walking the safer path, the path society has decided for me? The recent Passion and Purpose in Life series made me feel worse. I faced my fears, overcame my need for approval, and found my childhood calling resurfacing.

The final nail in the coffin came a week or two ago. This blog was making me money, and I was happy. But the income came partially from gambling advertisements – which I had accepted without thinking. I didn’t realise that it might be seen as an endorsement for gambling; which might hurt some readers who are struggling with an addiction in that area. After days of deliberation, I decided to take the ethical route and remove the ads.

Still, it meant I lost a decent amount of monthly income. It makes me sad, so very sad, so very very sad. So after another few days of deliberation, I’ve decided a change of direction is in order. I’m closing UrbanMonk.Net and returning to my childhood dream: to expose myself to women around the world for money. Goodbye, it was nice to know you all.

I think my stage name will be Cherry Blossom.

Thunder from Down Under

Me and my new friends.

(Edit: Thank you for your emails everyone, but this is an April Fools joke, I’m not really going to close the blog! Please stay with me! )

A Personal Update

But on to something more serious – there really is a slight change in direction.

If you have noticed, I am slowing down on my own postings, and slowly increasing the amount of guest posts. The reason for this is simple: In addition to an increased workload and study requirements, I’m going through some deep inner work. I have already completed a significant portion of it, documented the work I done, and it will be an understatement to say I am overwhelmed with excitement. I just need some time to really push through the remaining barriers of fear and resistance. This is a potentially trying time – inner work can sometimes be very stressful. Yet the material I will write from having completed this work will likely blow my existing material away, so I guarantee you it will be worth it.

All I ask for is your understanding if I maintain this slower posting rate, and if I present more guest bloggers. I will still be writing – but I am presenting a ratio of roughly 4 of my posts to 1 guest. Some people seem to think guest bloggers are an escape, perhaps a detriment to a blog – I don’t agree. I think they fill in the holes in my knowledge and skills, and provide a fresh voice and perspective. For instance, the recent guest post on addiction was amazing – it was something I had little to no experience with, and Patrick’s voice was something I felt was tremendously beneficial.

As such, I am opening up my blog to more guest posts, if anyone wants to write one. I’m writing up some guidelines and requirements right now, it will be available in a few days.

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30 Comments , Comment or Ping

suicidalsam

HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA

Cherry Blossom HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH

Apr 1st, 2008
Tom Stine

Hey Cherry…. Man, you had me going for a few minutes. When I read “expose myself to women” for about a millisecond I thought, “Albert has cracked from the stress of school.” Then my tired brain kicked in and I started laughing. And realized it’s April 1 in Australia. Duh! You got me, no doubt.

As for guest posts, why not? I think you’ve had some good ones. Just weed out the crapola and it will be good. And keep up the personal journey. You’ll be glad you did.

Apr 1st, 2008
Nur

No problem. Do what you have you. Smile, keep walking. Awaiting the new gush of torrential writing that will come when you start posting the stuff you’re working on.

take care

Apr 1st, 2008
Nur

oh and u need to stop worrying soo much about getting sued..I seriously doubt that anyone will sue you.

Apr 1st, 2008
suicidalsam

I might cos that is the picture of me he placed his face in. lol

Apr 1st, 2008
Paula Kawal | Journey Inward Coaching

Hey Albert!

I kid you not…you had me laughing so hard my sides hurt with the Cherry Blossom bit!

That photo is great I once had one taken of myself with a group of guys like that…he, he.

Much love to you!

PK

Apr 1st, 2008
Chris

Do what you have to do. This website is already amazing as it is. Even if there were never any more postings or new articles the wealth of information already on the site is invaluable. All the best

Apr 1st, 2008
Evan

Looking forward to what you have to say.

Guest posts are fine by me. Or if you wish just to slow down a bit that is fine too. It is quality that matters for me.

Apr 1st, 2008
Albert

Muahhahaah! Thanks you guys for all the support and the hilarious responses!

Apr 1st, 2008
chocolateeurydice

Hahahahaha you really had me going. My heart sank for a moment then.

Apr 1st, 2008
char

u got me..i need a life

i was disappointed that you were endorsing objectification-especially to escape others approval.

i’d luv to guest post sometime-just let me get over the “housemates from hell” syndrome

Apr 1st, 2008
Albert

Thanks Chocolate and Char! Heh, it’s just a joke, don’t take it too seriously. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with making money from your body if you look good, as long as it’s from consent on both sides. Hehehe!

Apr 1st, 2008
Evelyn

Wow….Albert, you had me! For a while, I thought you meant it.

I’d be looking forward to reading more about your inner work. I feel that it is important to take time off, if one needs to, to get more clarity and further insights. Just like a monk steeped in the forest tradition of meditative practice.

Evelyn

Apr 2nd, 2008
Diane

Oh Albert!!!

You got me, hook and line! I grabbed the sinker just in time!!!

I can understand that you may need time off. Inner work can be exhausting!
Thank goodness that you have kept up with your boxing and not let your physique go!
Who knew what was under that monk robe?

Seriously, I saved your message to read last today. (save the best for last) I will look forward to any future posts, and any guest posts you find that meet your quality.

Meanwhile, I will get to work on my entry for guest blog. “Ode to the mighty Cherry Blossom”. Then I may even start up a blog myself!

All the best to you!

~Diane

Apr 2nd, 2008
ReddyK - The Atma Jyoti Blog

Dear Cherry,

What have you done with Albert!? And when will we learn what his new direction is? Will we see you in a Bhikkhu’s robe, a psychiatrist’s badge, or a pyramid hat?

The anticipation is killing me!

Apr 2nd, 2008
CarolynB

Hey man, you been working out?

Call me *kiss kiss*

Apr 2nd, 2008
Andrea Hess | Empowe

Well, Cherry Blossom, as the psychic that I am, I knew this was your true calling all along! I predict great things for the buff, naked monk!

Seriously, though … there’s nothing wrong with posting less. It will just heighten our anticipation of reading what you cook up next.

Blessings,
Andrea

Apr 2nd, 2008
Albert

I gotta say you guys are some of the funniest commenters I’ve ever read on any blog I’ve ever been on - I’m lucky you guys are on mine! Thanks for the laughs!

Apr 2nd, 2008
Tim Brownson

Was it something I said?

I only found this site a week ago because I heard there were some great gambling links and now you’re changing it!

I bet you $100 you don’t, and if you do, let’s go double or quits on whether The Dems manage to screw up another election after Hilary and Obama start rolling around on the podium at the Dem conference pulling each others hair out.

Apr 2nd, 2008
Corinne Edwards

Happy April Fools Day to you TOO!

You really got me on this one - of course it was 7 AM when I read it and I am not too sharp at that time.

Gamble away! Who cares?

I am too cheap to gamble!

Apr 2nd, 2008
Patricia - Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker

Albert, whatever you decide to do with your blog, you have some great followers. I do love your sense of humor. Humor is what makes life interesting. Processing my own stuff seems to have me writing less on my blog lately. Writing, like life, seems to go in cycles. Have a glorious time with your processing. The writing will happen when it does and it will be great.
Patricia

Apr 2nd, 2008
Suzie Cheel

Well you had me hook line and sinker, found you lurking around entrecard and realised i hadn’t been to visit for a while.

Enjoy the inner work, I am sure we will all benefit and this is a blog i would love to be a guest blogger on

Enjoy
namaste
Suzie

Apr 2nd, 2008
Albert

Thank you everyone, I got another good chuckle from reading all your comments. Problem is, I think I made the joke a bit too realistic Some people really believed me. Or maybe they thought I really was stripper material? Heheheh!

Apr 2nd, 2008
Akemi - Yes to Me

I’ve been waiting and looking around for a god April Fool’s Day joke. Thank you, Albert!

Apr 2nd, 2008
Jennifer Mannion

Hi Cherry Blossom… oh so sad it was a joke — you looked perfect to book for my friend’s bachelorette party! I know we all will benefit from your inner work and your posts about it. Happy learning, be patient with yourself and I look forward to hearing about your wonderful results. I too am working past those last blocks and know what you mean about it taking time and posting less…. You have a great sense of humor Albert. Thanks for making me laugh today! Gratefully, Jenny

Apr 3rd, 2008
Albert

Hehe! Thanks Akemi and Jenny! I’m still available for your parties if you want

Apr 3rd, 2008
Nancy Leilah

Hey CB
You’ve been exposing yourself to women (and men) all along… now you’re just bringing it out into the physical! Oh… you mean you were just kidding?
But you look so happy all oiled up with the boyz…
I look forward to reading what comes from the inner work you’re doing and totally understand your need to dance and flex for the ladies now that you don’t have the gambling income!
Love, light and truth
Leilah

Apr 4th, 2008
Albert

Hey Leilah! Heh, oil makes everyone happy. Thank you for your support.

Apr 4th, 2008
Michelle Vandepas

I’m a bit late to have bought into the April Fools.. Still if you were to choose a new name Cherry Blossom suits……And your newest friends could surely use a bit of Monk-ying.

Apr 5th, 2008
Albert

Hey Michelle, thanks for stopping by and for the comment I’m really enjoying your and CK’s blog!

Apr 5th, 2008