Individuality And Comparison

I owe my inspiration for this post to my blogging buddy and fellow-Pennsylvanian, Matty. Wednesday, he shared a brilliantly charming post on some wise advice he gave to his young son.

At the end of the post, he asked his readers….

“What advice would you give to yourself for those elementary school years?

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As a young child, I was very influenced by my comparison to other kids.

I compared myself to their intelligence, looks and talents.

I was extremely insecure; looking to fit in.

I spent years wishing I could be more like some of the kids I went to school with and longing to be someone other than myself.

Our elementary school years can be a very challenging time for a lot of us. Not only because we’re so young and impressionable, but also because we’re placed in a situation of blanketed learning. And if we don’t meet the criteria, we often feel less accomplished and left out.

I was never a school smart kid. I seem to learn more by investigating and doing. I follow my instincts.

I was also never good at sports because I had no interest in them, therefore I was in a league of my own.

I was more the creative type; writing poetry, making my own greeting cards, and pretending I had magical powers like Samantha Stephens on Bewitched. Back when I attended elementary school, creativity was something that was never nurtured or considered anything of real valuable.

I can’t say that I was an unattractive kid, but I was smaller in stature than most boys my age. I was also very shy and timid. I was one of those kids who gradually grew into my looks and personality.

Kind of like a flower seed under the ground; blooming later in life.

I don’t think it was until I got into my late teens, did I even begin to notice and appreciate myself. As soon as I was given the outlets to express my love for the arts through acting and writing, it unleashed my soul. And not only did it tap into my creative energy, but ironically it also made me a better student scholastically.

I remember when day when one of my family members who hadn’t seen me in many years was over for dinner. I must have been around 19 years old at the time and was talking up a storm; expressing myself with grand gestures and vocal freedom. She suddenly looked at me and said, “Oh dear heavens….where did this Ronnie come from? It’s like you’re a totally different person than how I remember when you were a shy little boy.”

It was then that I realized I was starting to bloom. Coming into my own. I could feel it.

I was beginning the journey to embracing my own self; celebrating my individuality.

Luckily, I was blessed with parents who supported my creative desires; allowing me to follow my heart and be myself.

Thank you, parents!

So, in going back to Matty’s great question on his blog post, I think the best advice I’d give myself for those elementary school years would be this….

To embrace my individuality and not compare myself to others.

Yet, even if I had given myself that advice back then, do you think I would have really understood what that meant?

No.

Because I had to discover it through blooming.

Wishing you an individuality weekend everyone!

X

Five Fingers For Ten Toes

Okay, so I’m standing at my counter while on the job last Saturday afternoon, when a customer walks up to me and inquires about a particular product my company offers.

About three seconds into our conversation, my eyes suddenly look down at her feet, and see these…..


Every time I see these freakish-looking things, I want to take my hands and hold them up over my eyes, and scream, “NO! NO!….TAKE THEM OFF….TAKE THEM OFF….OR I’M GOING TO CALL THE POLICE AND HAVE YOU ARRESTED FOR DISRUPTING MY EQUILIBRIUM!”

Now, the really odd thing is that this woman was impeccably dressed from her head down to her ankles; sporting some of the most elegant clothing, accessories and jewelry I had ever seen. But from the ankles down, she looked as though she was getting ready to go scuba diving.

Or worse, consummate with a DUCK.

In case you don’t know, these scary-looking shoes are called, Five Fingers.

You may have seen them recently, decorating the feet of pedestrians in your neck of the woods.

Well, after staring at her peds for ten minutes, I finally had to ask….

(pointing down) “So tell me, what is the purpose of those shoes? I’ve seen them on several people this past year, and have been curious about them.”

Elated that I had asked, she said, “Oh, they’re WONDERFUL….I’ve been wearing them for the past few months because I read they are not only good for your feet, but also your posture.”

I‘m thinking, “Yeah, well, they may be good for your feet and posture, but they’re KILLING my eyes.”

Being someone who is a certified Foot Reflexologist, I can certainly appreciate the importance of taking care of your feet and wearing proper footwear. But I’m sorry, there is a difference between wearing proper footwear, and wearing footwear that looks like it belongs on Spiderman.

I can understand wearing them while exercising or puttering around the house, but why the dickens would someone wear them with a Jil Sander pant suit?

I mean come on, don’t they make them in a stylish PUMP?

So, I inquired a bit more….

“Tell me, those shoes look awfully thin, do they give you enough arch support while walking on a hard city pavement? And aren’t you a bit concerned about perhaps stepping on a piece of glass or metal, and having it puncture your foot?"

She replied, “You don’t really need arch support in shoes, that’s just a fallacy. And there is a thick rubber sole on the bottom of these shoes that prevents your feet from being harmed.

Um….

Me asked, “Well, they look kind of tight; almost like a glove. Don’t your feet feel constricted? And does the material they’re made of breathe, because my feet sweat if I don’t wear real leather shoes?”

And this is when it REALLY got bazaar….

She proceeded to take off her one of her Five Fingers shoes and handed it to me, saying, “See for yourself, the material is thin, lightweight, and very breathable.”

Just then, I began to smell the aroma of Romano cheese and vinegar.

I slowly handed the shoe back to her, saying, “Oh yes….they’re lovely.”

Quick, would someone please pass me the smelling salts?

Buddha Enlightenment a la Andy Warhol

I have such an affinity for Buddha statues.

I’ve studied Buddhism in the past and believe in many of its teachings, however I wouldn’t call myself a full-fledged practicing Buddhist.

Like with any spiritual belief, I take what feels right for me and disregard what doesn’t.

I’ve always felt there is something I can learn from every spiritual belief, but that doesn’t mean I have to believe in the whole enchilada.

I’ve never practiced any one particular belief system, but rather a culmination of many.

I guess my attraction to Buddha statues started while living in Japan for two months. Even though the Japanese practice various philosophies, Buddhism is one of their main beliefs. And if you could experience the gentle, kind and compassionate nature of the Japanese people, you would see that they walk the talk.

I truly admire and respect the Japanese culture. They're some of the most loveliest people I've ever met.

While visiting Kyoto, Japan one day, I was thoroughly enthralled with all the various Buddha statues they had scattered amongst the sacred temples. The statues seemed to bring a deep sense of peace to me. I found myself sitting in front of them; staring at their closed eyes and gentle posture, while feeling myself move into an almost meditative state.

So, when I came back to the States, I began collecting Buddha statues and placing them all around my apartment.

And I truthfully have to say, they really do bring a peaceful and tranquil energy to my home.

I currently have about 12 statues I’ve collected over the years. The gist of them are sitting along a bookcase shelf that lines the three widows in my apartment which overlook the city. At night, I will sometimes burn tea lights in front of the statues which cause them to glow; creating a sort of mystical ambiance.

Last week, I suddenly got the urge to take one of my favorite Buddha statues and photograph it.

I laid it face up on the area rug in the center of my studio apartment, and then took my reading glasses and plopped them on his face.

Yeah….CRAZY, I know.

After I downloaded the photos onto my computer, I saw that only three of the eight shots I snapped turned out. So, I took those three photos and began playing around with the color on my VERY basic photo editing software, and this is what I came up with.

Buddha Enlightenment a la Andy Warhol…….

Wishing you a peaceful weekend everyone!

And Happy Easter!

X

Nuts To You: A Celebration of Nuts

I sincerely think I was a squirrel in one of my past lives because…..

a) I identify with the speed in which they move.

2) They’re mischievous. And so am I.

c) Nuts are one of my favorite foods.

Not only do I enjoy their taste, but also I like nuts because they’re crunchy and I enjoy eating crunchy things.


There’s a very cool store here in Philly called, Nuts To You, and every time I walk by and see the sign, my filthy-dirty little mind can’t help but think of the word ‘nuts’ as gonads.

Yeah, I know, I’m a TYPICAL man - always thinking ‘down below.’

Nuts to You offers a wide variety of nuts which can be purchased in bulk. It’s a dream come true for anyone who enjoys nuts because you can get any type of nut possible.

I adore nuts.

(both real nuts and gonads)

Trust me ladies, the way to ANY man’s heart is not through food, but his NUTS.

Come on gentlemen, back me up on this one!

Anyway…..getting back to real nuts.

My favorite nuts are cashews and macadamias because I like their sweetness. I could literally eat them until they come out of my ears. I enjoy them alone, or mixing them into my salads, cereal, and yogurt.

Of course, cashews and macadamias are the most fattening, I know. But I don’t care because everyone is always telling me I’m too thin, and that I need to put some weight on my bones.

However, allow me to quote the late Duchess of Windsor: “You can never be too rich or too thin.”

So, there!

Ironically, I wish you could all see the amount of food I’m capable of ingesting when I sit down to a meal because you would be amazed. I eat like someone who hasn’t had a morsel food in over a year. I also enjoy grazing between my meals. At work, I’m forever munching on granola bars, bananas, or trail mix. I’m ALWAYS hungry. I’ve been this way my whole life.

Nuts are the perfect little snack to satisfy that hunger pang between lunch and dinner. They’re filling, yet won’t spoil a meal.

Nuts are the BOMB!

So, today, in honor of nuts, I would like to start a new holiday....

International Nut Day: A Celebration of Nuts.

Taking a Vent Break

Hi folks!

Just wanted to let ya'll know I’ll be taking this week off from blogging.

I’ve got a lot of stuff going on at work with special events, therefore will be working more hours.

I will miss you ladies and gents, thinking of you and hoping you’re all having a faaaaaaabulous week!

Take care, be good, and I’ll see you all next Monday!

X

Note: I leave you with this brilliant dance number from Fred Astaire, in which he dances with a coat rack. After you watch it, you'll understand WHY the man was a genius!

I Would Wanna Look Just Like Angelina Jolie

Be honest.

Have you ever looked at a member of the opposite sex and said to yourself, “Gee…if I were a man/woman, I would wanna look just like that?

I have.

I adore women, therefore have imaged myself if I were a woman, to look like a particular woman.

But even more so, to emulate a particular woman out of admiration.

And that woman for me, would be Angelina Jolie.

Not only do I think Angelina is a stunning-looking lady, but she’s also, smart, a generous humanitarian, outspoken, down to earth, sexy, and a damn good actress. She’s also not afraid to talk about her dark side, which is something I truly admire.

There is something about her ‘whole package’ that I really like.

I first saw her in the HBO movie, Gia, where she portrayed the tragic real-life story of supermodel, Gia Carangi. If you’ve never seen the film, please rent it. It’s a tragedy, yes, but also a fascinating and enlightening journey of a life short-lived. And it’s beautifully acted.

One of things I admire about Miss Jolie, is that she’s not afraid to branch out from a comfort zone of portraying only ‘beauty queen’ characters. She has proven herself a consummate actress, by playing diverse roles.

She’s very much like her real-life partner, Brad Pitt (another stunning creature), who also stretches his acting muscles; portraying a wide variety of characters.

It’s easy when you’ve been graced with good looks in Hollywood, to allow the industry to place you in roles that are comfortable and predictably sellable. Yet, it takes a lot of guts to say, “No….I’m more talented than just what I look like.”

You’re probably all wondering, “Why the hell is Ron suddenly talking about Angelina Jolie?”

Well, earlier this week I saw the movie, The Tourist, which not only starred Angelina, but also another one of my favorites, Johnny Depp.

I know this film got very mixed reviews, but I freakin’ LOVED it!

It’s an ingenious blend of mystery, action, romance, and a touch of old-time charming comedy. I really enjoy a movie that takes you on a mysterious journey, and then slaps you with an unsuspected ending. This movie does that. Also, it was shot in Venice, Italy, so the visual backdrop is faaaaabulous!

I don’t think Angelina Jolie ever looked more beautiful in a film, than The Tourist.


Between her acting, her costumes, hair and makeup….she absolutely GLOWED.

She literally takes your breath away.

I sat there, saying to my TV screen out loud….“Damn girl, you’re the BOMB! And if I were ever a woman, I would wanna look just like YOU!”

Ronnie Jolie

Wishing you a stunning weekend everyone!

X

My Journey into Energy Work (Pt.2)

When first becoming a Reiki (Ray-Key) practitioner, the student goes through a procedure, whereby a Reiki Master/Teacher administers a series of hands-on attunements, preparing them to become a clear and open channel through which Universal life force energy will flow.

After the attunements, the student will very often experience a deep cleansing process which can induce a purging of things that need to be healed. As the Reiki energy rearranges the students newly attuned energetic system, an internal housecleaning takes place.

Reiki starts, by healing the practitioner first.

Every student is different. Some will experience more of a physical cleansing, some more emotional.

My cleansing was emotional. And when I say emotional….I mean EMOTIONAL.

I went through a tremendous amount of anger at first. I felt like an exposed nerve for almost a year; getting angry at the smallest things. I was always pissed. I kept a journal during this time, and when I went back to read what I had written, I noticed that the base of my anger was rooted and directed at myself. All my life I had placed WAY too much pressure on myself to be perfect.

And by perfect I mean, I had a compulsive need to achieve this preconceived vision of what I thought I had to do to change myself in order to achieve perfection, yet at the same time trying desperately to accept myself. It was not possible to do both.

That’s why I was so angry.

It was like a vicious cycle. My only focus had always been on all the things I didn’t like about myself, so how could I ever accept myself?

I came to realize that I first had to accept myself for who and what I was. Ironically, once I slowly started doing that I no longer felt the constant drive to change myself. The changes within me simply occurred naturally, without any need to do anything, other than to embrace the changes.

I began to relax into my life, allowing ‘it’ to guide me. I stopped judging myself and defused my unattainable vision of perfection.

All of this came to light because of Reiki. And even though during that first year of deep cleansing, while I sometimes felt as if my life was falling apart, it was Reiki that showed me my life was actually coming together; supporting me through the process.

In 1999, I became a certified Foot Reflexologist. Reflexology is based on the principle that when reflex points on the feet are stimulated, a healing is possible. And all though this modality is applied physically, the effects of the treatment are based on energy work.

About 6 months after my certification was completed, I began using a combination of both Reiki and Reflexology in my treatment sessions with clients, and the results were very positive.

In 2001, I moved back east and worked part time at a day-spa sharing my services. I enjoyed my time there, however I felt like I wasn’t in the best environment for what I was truly meant to do with my training. Reiki has a way of guiding each individual to where they can serve the most.

I felt myself being pulled to work with people who were either seriously ill or dying. I know that may sound depressing to most of you, yet serious illness and death are things that have never made me feel uncomfortable, or have caused me to want to look away.

I eventually discovered a non-denomination spiritual center that offered their services for free, to those living with the HIV virus. So, I interviewed to volunteer and was accepted. I volunteered there for four years, until the center lost its funding.

During those fours years, I learned more about the power of Reiki than anywhere else. As I shared in my previous post, there are times when a physical illness may not ever be completely healed, however through Reiki, we can heal how we live with it. I can honestly say that the clients I worked on, gave ME much more than I ever gave THEM. Because they showed me how to live a full and rich life in spite of a serious illness. The life stories they shared with me, touched my own life in ways I’ve never been so deeply touched.

Many of the clients I volunteered with are still living strong and quality lives. Yet, a few have passed on.

And although I experienced pain and sadness in those losses, I was also left with an invaluable understanding.

Whenever we reach out to touch someone in an offering to heal….we are also healed.

That’s Reiki.

My Journey into Energy Work (Pt.1)

As most of you will recall, about two weeks ago, I shared a post on my passion for the theater. I ended the post by telling you that I took a break to investigate other interests in life, but didn’t share what those interests were.

Today, I would like to elaborate more on where my life has taken me during my hiatus from the theater.

One evening during a performance, I remember standing onstage waiting for my cue to start singing, when I heard a voice inside my heart clearly say, “After this show closes, you’re going to take a long break from the theater to explore a different path. You‘ve accomplished what was needed from the theater for now.”

I was at a point in my career where I had peaked. I had done comedy, drama, and musicals. I had challenged myself to portray diverse characters. Characters I thought I would never be able to play because they were so far removed from myself. I even got the opportunity to do something I had always wanted to do - portray a woman.

Up until that break, I had worked as an actor for nine years straight. I did about two or three shows a year, plus worked a full time job. My life was busy and full, yet I could tell it was time to do some self-exploration.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a ravenous appetite for learning about natural health and alternative healing methods. Even during my career as an actor, you would always find a book or two in my dressing room that pertained to things such as, yoga, vitamins and herbs, massage, reflexology, and various forms of energy work.

I truly believe there are many natural things we can do to assist ourselves in not only maintaining health, but also supporting the healing process whenever we become ill.

Being a stage actor takes a tremendous amount of energy to perform six nights a week, and sometime two performances on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Hence, it is of the utmost importance to stay physically strong and mentally sharp, so that you’re ready to get out there and give it your all. It’s a lot like being an athlete.

Performing onstage is all about energy, so I’m not at all surprised where my journey took me.

Back in 1997, I began my training in becoming a Reiki (Ray-Key) energy practitioner. It would take me far too long to explain everything that Reiki encompasses, so I will try to explain it in simple terms.

Imagine of yourself as a lamp.

Then imagine yourself plugging into an electrical wall socket.

What happens?

As the juice flows, you turn ON.

THAT’S Reiki.

Reiki is a process by which you plug into Universal energy (life-force juice), and then allow it to heal you in many ways.

It is not attached to any dogma, nor do you even have to believe in it for it to be effective. You just need to be open to it.

It can be used to not only heal the body, but the mind and spirit as well.


When you become a Reiki practitioner, you allow yourself to be a channel through which Universal energy flows to assist others. It is a hands-on therapy in which the client lies on a massage table, while the practitioner gently place his or her hands on various parts of the body; recharging and balancing their energy. Reiki does the work, therefore the practitioner does not have to consciously direct the energy….it just flows to wherever it’s needed. Nor, is the practitioner depleted of their own energy. In fact, while sharing a Reiki treatment, the practitioner as well as the client receives its benefits.

Not only can Reiki be used to treat others, but it can also be used to self-treat. I will often self-treat myself daily because it truly helps on so many levels.

I’ve seen it do some AMAZING things.

After a Reiki session, you may feel very relaxed, immensely energized, or clear-minded. You feel more connected to your inner-self.

Eventually what Reiki does, is maintains an overall balanced life.

Body, mind and spirit.

Reiki is currently being respected and used in many hospitals in conjunction with traditional medicine.

One of the most important things I’ve learned from Reiki, is that true healing comes from inside. There may be times when a physical illness cannot be healed. However, through Reiki, we can heal how we live with it.

Reiki is a very loving energy, therefore it always supports us in loving ways.

If you wish to read more on Reiki, please go here.

I’m going to pause this post for now; concluding it on Monday.

I’ll be sharing more on how becoming a Reiki practitioner has assisted me in my own personal growth, and how Reiki guided me to volunteer my services with those living with the HIV virus.

Note: I invite those of you who have ever experienced Reiki, or are practitioners yourselves, to share your experience within your comments. Thank you.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

X