New Prize

Going out to see the lights. Feeling new souls. Bringing color back to their faces. Everyone knows their own strengths, but many forget to concentrate on them. It’s not that some people are fortunate enough to have rich life experiences while others are not. But that some people are fortunate enough to find the beauty and excitement in their lives and the lives of others.

I did some gardening with an old friend this week. It left me nearly overwhelmed with energy and dead tired at the same time. Tough love. Dirt and bones. The elation our body experiences after a full day of hard labor, the earth and the flora under the blazing sun. It left me feeling strong, open, sexy. Motivated and stimulated. Physical labor really brings you a positive boost of energy.

Shut down the part of you that is curious about why some things are complicated and un-simple. Support the side that remembers success and the good that you do. This way, every step is a success. Not looking for results helps speeding things up as well. It seems like nothing changes, but every time it changes a little, and overall it changes allot. Everything is based on real life. Everything.

There are beautiful screw-ups to accomplish. Awesome lessons of what to do, what not to do and how to do better. Step by step, our body remembers and improves our mind. So what if some people try to tie you down with the anchor of your past-self? They will accept your new-self as long as you Keep The Frame. People are extremely appreciative and glad to play along as long we positively push forward.

Brain snacks - Why do most people think that only girls can act like they’re some sort of a prize?

Symbiotic Exchange

Being an adult is fun. I feel extremely lucky to have been moving around and gaining experiences from different places and cultures for the last major chunk of my life. When I started traveling 10 years ago in my early 20s it was just when I was leaving my stupid years behind, and stepping up into a world of freedom and making dreams come true.

If we look at life as a three act structure screenplay, first 20 years are definitely Act 1. Unlike a movie though, all acts don’t have to explore the same flaws. These can change. We can evolve. When we correct past inequities, new ones come to our attention. The more the merrier. Refinement of the Self, equals refinement of the soul.

One of the concepts that have changed my perception of life, and therefor changed my life, is from an NLP book called Mind Lines by Michael Hall. Hall argues that people who say things like “I can’t change – that’s just the way I am!” Or “I’m not the kind of person who can… ” choose to hold on to their shortcomings. He then brings examples of ways to change these destructive frames and to build new ones. We can change. We’re meant to change. There are ways to change, and BTW, there are no shortcuts. We are doomed to enjoy every bit of suffering throughout our transformation.

It’s called growing pains. Who said creation is easy? The tree is fed on water and soil and grows into air. Its shape and size shift with time and it takes more space. A new material is being created. It must involve some symbiotic exchange. In the process of evolving our spirit, I believe a similar shift happens and we must be open to it, and let it happen.

What if who you are now is completely different than who you were 10 and 20 years ago? What if you could make this shift happen in places so rooted in your behavior, you thought they were impossible to re-frame? Exploring the dark corners of your heart, and questioning weaknesses can bring outstanding results.

Just do us all a favor and keep your intentions pure.

Culture Under A Press

The suffering Hebrewman. Ages of delightful heritage. Hard worker till the bitter end. Celebration of life, but under conditions. To survive. To succeed. To be different. To be the same. Yes actually, I truly do Love the culture I was brought up in. What makes some folks think that this ball of steel in the stomach called pressure does any good? What’s the worst that could happen? Do all cultures and all people react the same way to danger?

The worst thing that could happen is usually not the reason for our distress. As a matter of fact, using pressure to achieve goals usually pulls us away from what truly matters. Try and explain it to someone who knows nothing but the rooted behavior of generations upon generations. Someone, please remember: Everyone can choose their own character and environment; nowadays more than ever.

It’s alright to pause. To just be. What’s the worst that could happen? The sun is out again, did you see? You’re lucky, you know? So many adorable stimulators all around you. So many. When you take action to your happiness it only takes you forward. Every action brings better results, more control and you become a stronger, evolved person. A new person. Rejection? That’s only but another step on the way to success.

Fantasy Fulfillment

To make dreams come true is easy and fun, it takes guts though. Can you put your most outrageous fantasies into actual words? How about writing it down? That’s a great exercise! What’s the worst-- what’s the best thing that could happen if you go out and share that dream with a stranger? Even better; what if you go out and make that dream happen?

Fantasies reveal our naked thoughts. They give away vulnerabilities and bring out our animal-nature and human-audacity. There’s a part in us that doesn’t pull punches and doesn’t grow up. It’s no shame that this part will never change… but it can die.

My past Love was the best I knew. I Loved her with all my heart. Then my heart grew bigger – well, watta ya know ‘bout that? I thought I knew what Love is because I put it in a frame. Once I fulfilled the pre-set dream, I found the evolution of that dream to be different. Surprise surprise, ain’t we all so organic.

A frame for Love can be emotionally rich and fulfilling. Then you wake up one day and realize that anything limited by frame nurtures but a small part of your personality, while the rest is left hibernated and abandoned. To be kept in a box, limited by choice. To tie your fantasies down on a stake in a field in the middle of a lightning storm. Some dreams are meant to be stormy. It’s our choice if to chase them or not.

The Immigrant and The Artist

Blogs usually reiterate quotes, discuss current events, make various suggestions. I sometimes participate in that tradition. However, mostly I believe that personal experience provides the lessons of the highest value. The flexibility of vantage points the narrator takes may reflect whatever he chooses. Mine is about persistency, happiness and learning new things regardless of age, location and background.

There’s something puzzling about being an artist. Your work should provoke an appealing self-reflection; to spark emotions and thoughts amongst your spectators. North America was a blank page for me. Easier it seems to start with a blank page. No history, no past, just a bright future, un-linked to memories. A not-yet-explored excitement that nourishes new and old dreams.

Make up something remarkably sparkling out of thin air. Not a problem! I am a warrior of the soul, a leader of the spirit, a Lover of the business. An outside-thinker who lived, and lives, on the spearhead of Western society.

The artist's job is similar to the job of the highly motivated immigrant: to think, integrate, moderate, study, develop and lead new ideas. To bring back the muscle memory of a different time; past or future. To create better life. Be authentic as you wish, especially where you’ve never been before.

What if there were enough buyers in the market to balance out competition? Do what you Love! It’s alright to be excited and strong, just don’t hurt anybody. That’s what I learnt after 3 years in Canada; 5 years in North America in all. Happy communications; so it appears on the face of it. Some call it hypocrisy; I strongly disagree. I call it culture. And a beautiful one at that.

In the past, when harder times hit North America, people became a bit more serious; in their own convivial way. It’s important to remember the majority of the people remain happy and satisfied. I meet more and more individuals who live this way in Tel Aviv. A worry-free slice of society. Know what? Those who achieve best results begin by resounding winning vibes from the start, even if they have nothing!

A Culture Together Apart

Once the culture I lived in was the only one I knew. Always under pressure and in constant conflict. I used to Love this culture despite the non-stop struggle. Different ethnicities in a hot Mediterranean mixing-pot. Bridges of Love built so grandly together! 

“Outside the bubble” what does that mean? Tel Aviv,  legs spread eagle ready to take anything, what is she for. Romantic. Authentic. She’s wearing me out. Knock knock, who’s there? Peace of mind, leave some for me? Beyond hectic vivaciousness and weeks of intense work, I see a sunset. Behind the sunset lays another world. I remember this world and its brisk vibration.

Worlds can live together, all it takes is acceptance; objectiveness. My sun has temporarily set on 10 years of rambling. I now Love this culture without having to struggle. I can only wish for everyone else to feel the same. Had you ever lived here, you'd know what I mean.

TAU is Great

I'm sitting on a couch at Tel Aviv University, working my laptop up. Took a few tasks off my to-do list, but the one thing I truly care about are those cute Loves stepping in and out of the cafeteria.

I talk with one, then another. First approaches are usually a warm-up; that’s the truth. If you're a girl and a guy approaches you without any preparation, mostly you'll be like: "Who's that weirdo?!" A bad approach is better than none.

Next talk, the conversation strikes up from where you left the last. Energy level kicks, body language adjusts and you again, become yourself. Intriguing, charming dialogues; common grounds and true excitement. They go back to class and you both look forward to seeing each other again.

People in Israel usually start university in their mid-20s, after contributing a few years to national security and stuffing some international experience into their backpacks. Nothing comes in to our hands easy. Things don’t just happen – we make them happen.

During some points in your life, the ultimate feedback is city life.

Smell the Roses In the Rain

The sun is out, warm and caressing. The sun is gone, a raging rainstorm begins. I roll up my jeans and continue on walking, smiling. Everything is grey. Not Vancouver grey; Israel grey. A bus at the side of the road is fixing up a flat. Rivers of mud run by the highway side. Early morning and the roads are clogged. In a country 2/3 desert, rainy days are considered dangerously unexpected. 

Talked with some friends overseas for hours on the phone this weekend. I’m sure making the most out of this new cellphone deal: 99nis ($26) a month, 50% off the first half year, unlimited minutes, international and local, no contract. Gimme some honey! If we value things by Money, what’s the value of Money? Never let reality hold you back!

Putting all my energy into finding a job, I realize there’s nothing else left in my grinding head. Mostly I feel that I’m doing the right thing. Remember to rest. Do yoga. Do half a yoga. Read. Watch something good on TV. Talk nicely to yourself. So what if you cannot yet see results? “Far Away” of the Stones would do the theme great honor.

Someone smart once said to me: When a car road-trips across the country at night, it can only see up to 300 meters ahead with the headlights on. But the road is 3,000 miles. How does the driver know where he's going? We only see what's in front of us, never what the future holds. Stop for a moment and smell the roses in the rain. Then get back on the horse and kick some more ass.

New Office!

Friday. Traffic. Rain & Sun. 11°-19°c

3^rd floor. Disengof @ King George. The Heart of Super vivid Tel Aviv City. Large windows viewing the Disengof Center Mall; an admirable piece of history. Wifi stronger than anywhere else and the space is colossal. Coffee is third the price and twice as strong. Sharing room with 400 teenagers, it’s called McDonald’s and it’s spectacular. Long live the American Dream, and longer live my lunch-box!

One of the things that made me a hell of a lot more positively driven back in Vancouver was the notion that I’m stepping toward something Awesome. After learning the numbers I find there’s no less to be looking forward to in Israel. The market is one of the most stable and flourishing in the world and it’s the only Western country that wasn’t affected by the 2008 meltdown.

Work to create the most positive ambience. Don’t take things for granted. Be excited. Outgoing. Balanced. In control... Normally it takes fair amounts of alcohol to affect me, but yesterday I only needed a double Jack D. and a pint O’ beer to get all looney-toons underneath the social mask. I know it’s the tension of the hard work and the move.

Just like everyone else, you find out again that you’re by yourself, adapting to another change, becoming a little different again, in a good way that would make anyone proud of himself. There’s a promising future in being mindful present. This country has developed greatly throughout the past half decade, in unimaginable measures; professionally and culturally. It’s nice to witness and to become a part of again.

To Miss or Not To Miss

Noise. Multiple influences. The mess makes my brain scream loud and clear behind my ears in the quietness that used to be before I moved back here. Not just background tension. Old habits die hard, but once they die they never disappear. External stimulations are always lurking around the corner. The smell of cigarettes makes me wanna bite into flesh, and Breslev-Car’s super-blasters play out volumes probably banned by law in the streets (I Love their positivity).

I survived just fine without Burekas and Malauah’ and Turkish coffee for the past three years in Vancouver. I ate healthy and lead a healthy lifestyle; a lifestyle that in Israel costs much more. Suddenly having a cake with your coffee isn’t $2.5-$3.5. It’s 15 – 20nis, which means twice the money. Since I’m still looking for a job, guess I’m gonna downsize.

The only reason for nostalgic feelings is failing to create new excitements. With all the fuss around, I miss my Vancouver yoga. I miss my Canadian girls. I miss my own Living space, furniture, little bathroom ornaments and complete privacy. Waking up in a place I pay top dollars for and bring people in because I Love them and because I Love my place.

I’m dying to just hangout but I can't. Not with everything that’s going on. Not when I have so much work to accomplish. Some people care for nothing. I care for everything. To compromise my lifestyle and just put myself in the zone. Maybe even live with roommates for a while. Better than nothing. In a few months - move again.

Metro Mantra

Flexibility and adjustment are mental mantras when moving to a new country. Cherish your good Feelings. The more time passes, the flakier my Canadian worriless Joy becomes. Cultures are different and it sinks down deep. Unlike Vancouver, few are my Israeli friends who believe life is a symphony of possibilities and a person’s choice is solely his Own.

Enjoy bonding. Be sure it includes some harsh arguments too. A lot changes when you're gone. Family. Friends.  You learn more about yourself than ever before. It’s impossible to fully express your point of view because words and actions suddenly carry different cultural meanings. They also carry uniqueness and character. You’ve got something Different to offer.  

Good friends may tell you that you sound pretentious and no one sees it any different if you try to explain. Explaining never works. Remind those who are open enough that their perspective doesn’t reflect your actual meaning. Ask them if there were times when they un-rightfully judged others and if it’s happening right now. De-frame.

Mighty Mighty Moon

Meetings. Meetings again. Job interviews. Job interviews postponed. Common grounds. English Hebrew CVs - Not as easy as it sounds! Every culture and every line of business has different “shticks”. More meetings. Maybe someone knows someone who knows someone. It's worth the advice and practice. Portfolio. More portfolio. Mooooore portfolio. Style samples.

Love. Love everything. Love everything you look into. Love everything you never Loved before. Free your mental links. Make money. Make money. Make more money. Move out. Move in. The city you Like. The city you Love. Choose your friends. Choose living environment. Choose a career. Choose a job (Trainspoting’s monolog would not do ,dear).

Make arrangements. Make adjustments. Make a Living. Make Love to someone special. Buy clothes. Just for the interviews. Buy food. Buy coffee. Buy thrills; as if you need any. Work 15 hours a day. Wake up @6am. Go to bed @1am. Night after night. Day after day. Everybody’s telling me to take it easy but some understand. I’m at ease.

Israel. Vancouver. LA. Paris. Whatever your thing is. If you're exhausted, be exhausted. You share Love either way. There are millions of Loves out there. Beautiful windows for experience. Share your Heart and Listen. Enjoy time and be What you are. Feel the energy rejoice with every new task, and go again. When you Love your challenges. 

Yesterday I was walking the street in the dark of night. Street was empty. I contemplated that happiness is up to us. The same moment a guy around my age appeared paddling up hill on a bicycle same as mine in Vancouver. I swallowed the tears that brought back a memory of a life I Loved so dear.