Create Our World

Somerset, New Jersey has been a slower pace of life for me.

I am spending about 3 weeks with my Nana and Papa before heading towards Michigan and more hitchhiking.

It is a little hard for me to stay put.  I was getting used to moving around all the time. I have been getting restless, so to Combat it (YEEAH!) I have started some projects:

1.  Reading Books. So far, I have read Siddhartha by Hesse, The Road by Cormac McCarthy, and last night I finished, The Darwin Conspiracy by, oh… I don’t remember the author, but it is a historical fiction about what really happened on Darwin’s voyage around the world on the “Beagle.”

2.  I started staining my Nana and Papa’s deck.  Well, have been scrubbing the mildew off, so that I can apply the pre-stain mixture.  Which then will allow me to stain their deck.

3.  Joining a Gym!  I am going to be buff.  There is a small gym nearby, that I can join for 20$ for two weeks.  They also have yoga classes and Spin classes have always seemed fun.

4.  Reading Books on How to Make a Website!  I rode my bike to New Brunswick, the home of the State University of New Jersey, Rutgers.  I holed up in a bookstore and read some books on websites and Blogging.

You should start up a Blog!!!

Here are some tips:

1.  Read other blogs!!!  People write about everything.  Whatever you are interested in, there are blogs about it. 

2.  Set Goals!!! How often do you want to write, what will you write about, etc.  Specify what you are writing about.

3.  Write!!! Write!!! The more the merrier!  Good writing helps, but the more you write, the better you will become and the more you will find your “voice.”

4.  Interact with the readers!!!  This has been a great way for me to learn about what others are doing, to get feedback on my writing, and to make new friends.

Good Luck!!! and if you start up a blog, let me know.

Create Our World,

ben.

“The ease and appeal of blogging is inspiring a new group of writers and creators to share their voices with the world.”  - Unknown

Here is my Craig’s List Post.

Sometime after July 14th, I need a ride heading towards Michigan.
I am visiting my Nana and Papa in Northern Jersey (Somerset) but I could get to the city if needed or nearby to meet up for the ride.
I am beginning a hitchhikin’ / ride catchin’ trip around the country, so unfortunately, I cannot offer any gas money for the ride, however, I am a photographer and a great conversationalist.
Check my blog for more info.
http://createourworld.wordpress.com

Let’s Journey!!!
All the best,
ben.

I read Siddhartha in my last year of college.  I was going through a classic book reading phase; On the Road, Siddhartha, Travels with Charley, Bonfire of the Vanities, and a bunch of others.

At the time, I recognized although I was about to graduate from Michigan State University, I had a lot to learn.

I was recently inspired to start reading again and looking through my aunt’s books, Siddhartha by Herman Hesse stood out.

Two ideas grabbed me from the book which will be instrumental in my coming journey and maybe yours:

1.  You must learn on your own!!!

“Wisdom is not communicable… Knowledge can be communicated, but not wisdom.  One can find it, live it, be fortified by it, do wonders through it, but one cannot communicate and teach it.” (Page 115)

We all learn by living.  Sadness, happiness, love, suffering; they are a greatest teachers.

2.  To accept and love your world, as it is

“…it is only important to love the world, not to despise it, not for us to hate each other, but to be able to regard the world and ourselves and all beings with love, admiration, and respect.” (Page 119)

It is easy for me to think that ONE DAY, when I have traveled the world and am wise, I will be happier.  Or ONE DAY, when I have met my soul mate.  Or ONE DAY, when I am rich, that will be the day.

Today is that day.  And it will always be that day.

Create Our World,

ben.

“And Govinda saw that this mask-like smile, this smile of unity over the flowing forms, this smile of simultaneousness over the thousands of births and deaths-this smile of Siddhartha-was exactly the same as the calm, delicate, impenetrable, perhaps gracious, perhaps mocking, wise, thousand-fold smile of Gotama, the Buddha, as he perceived it with awe a hundred times” (page 122) of Siddhartha.