Today was one of those days where everything happens at the same time, creating the illusion that you have to choose between the options. I got scheduled to work an eight hour shift, which is a welcome event even on a Sunday. I try to take every shift I can work into my schedule. However a few weeks ago I found out that Swami Kriyananda was going to be giving a talk in Hollywood at the Ford Amphitheater. Since he is a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda, the teachers at the meditation center were so excited about so it I thought I should go see what the big deal is and to participate in a spiritual event. Then last week I got reminded by John Mayer himself (by following him on twitter) that he would be playing at the Hollywood Bowl on the magic day of August 22nd. As much as I like my job and wanted to work, I didn't want to pass up either event so I called everyone I could to cover my shift, but to no avail.
It was a bit of a relief since I was battling it out in my mind whether I should go see Swami Kriyananda or John Mayer. Do I go see someone with a small ego or big ego? Do I go to an event to deepen my sense of spirituality or to watch a hot guy play guitar? But that's not why I like him so much. I get a lot of shit for this especially in my circle of musician friends, but I don't care, I will openly declare my love for John Mayer's music. I greatly admire his songwriting and guitar skills.
After talking with Sara last night I realized I probably could still work and make it out to Hollywood if I hustled enough and got off early. So that is what I did today. I worked through my breaks and got everything done by 4:30. Since I already had a ticket to see Swami and I knew my friend Chase would be there I chose the guru over the guitarist and drove straight out to the Ford Amphitheater, which turns out to be RIGHT NEXT to the Hollywood Bowl. I made it just in time and got a pretzel and a good seat.
The Ford Amphitheater is a fantastic venue. In all my years of concert going I didn't even know it existed, but it's a small outdoor venue with a great view at every seat and a nice atmosphere. I was immediately glad that I was there. Neale Donald Walsch (author of Conversations with God) gave a nice introductory speech. While he was talking, some music in the distance started and it was Owl City, Mayer's opening band! I could hear the Hollywood Bowl show at the same time! Swami Kriyanada came onstage with the beautiful energy of a spiritually advanced being. He was in a wheelchair because of some recent health problems but gave a nice talk about his life and how he met his guru and his life before and after. One thing that stuck in my head was when he mentioned there is no such thing as failure. There is "I have not succeed yet" but not "I failed."
Before the lecture ended a woman came onstage to talk about a new book that Swami Kriyananda wrote presenting research about how he is the reincarnated Henry I. I'm all about past lives but this was a bit much for me, maybe one day I'll be ready to take this in a little more , but when I heard the Hollywood Bowl crowd erupt by what was most likely the presence of John Mayer I totally stopped listening to her. Though I had a small moment of wanting a view of the Bowl I just relaxed in my seat and listened and felt happy that I just experienced everything I wanted in this day. I was able to work, get some spiritual inspiration, and hear John Mayer play live.
My drive home was made beautiful with a conversation with Benny as we talked about the great things we always talk about- India, yoga, and love. I felt so energized by the time I got home I didn't want to stay in so I gathered my things and went out and....did my laundry. Which is what I am doing now in a comfortable house with City Love playing loudly overhead.
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