The GGA Project -- Day #14 "Daydreamweaver"

There are many different ways to classify people.  Think of how many movies there are in which one character says, "Look, way I see it, there are two types of people in this world:  People who ___________ and people who ____________."  Some two-bit philosophy of life usually follows which manages to explain the bulk of what is happening/has happened/will happen in the movie.  That's kind of silly.


But here's my two-bit philosophy anyway.  The way I see it, there are two types of people in this world: people who daydream, and people who don't.  I was quite surprised to discover that there are people who don't.  They are totally able to live in the absolute present and do not spend time imagining anything other than what is, now.  I think that's a pretty cool way to be.  It is something to aim for: contentment with this very moment, every moment.


But I myself am a daydreamer.  Sometimes a pretty elaborate one.  I don't usually spend time thinking about things I wish would happen (winning the lottery, stuff like that).  I tend to think about things that could very easily happen, things that I could easily *do* without divine intervention or incredible strokes of luck.  Sometimes, the daydreaming is just a precursor to actually doing whatever it is I'm thinking about....a kind of practice round.


And yet, in all my years of semi-checked out visualization, I'd never thought to make an exercise of it in the way that was suggested to me by my dear friend Jesse (in response to my request for new activity participants/ideas).


Today's New Activity: 15 Minutes to Dream


Jesse said the idea was to daydream about whatever you like (but try to keep it positive) for at least 15 minutes.  I like this idea because it is so conscious.  For me, daydreaming typically takes place in stolen moments, or moments of boredom while I'm supposed to be focused on something else.  But I love the idea of GIVING oneself that space and time with which to fantasize.


It's harder than it sounds, though.  My first attempt earlier this afternoon was thwarted by the sounds of family in the kitchen and Christmas music on the radio.  The weird thing about that is that I can daydream all the time with noise around me.  Apparently it's different when *all* I'm supposed to be doing is that daydreaming.  Too much pressure or something.


So I made a second attempt just now, as the house has quieted down significantly.  I was able to stay in the same vein of thought for the most part, but it was not easy.  Also, I started falling asleep.


But I love this practice and am going to devote more time to it.  A lot of performers and athletes use visualization (which is really just a more sophisticated sounding word for daydreaming) as part of their preparation and study of their art/sport.  But I think it's a great idea for the everyman as well.


And it requires no special place or weather or tools.  And it's free!  Can't really beat that.  I think you should give it a try :)


Thanks for the cool idea, Jesse.






Other Notable First for Today:





Watching "Mamma Mia," a movie I'd avoided until now on account of its cheesiness, but which I enjoyed thoroughly on account of its cheesiness.

The GGA Project -- Day #13 "Dirty, Dirty Bird"

As with Ecothrift, there is a bar I've passed many dozens of times since moving to my new town, and I've wanted to stop in and check it out.

Today's New Activity:  Afternoon Drink at The Dirty Bird with The Bro


I can't believe this, but in thinking about it, I've never been out for a sit-down drink with my brother before.  We've had a drink in the same room at plenty a party, sporting event, or dinner, and I've been to one of his favorite watering holes in L.A., The Shortstop (just down the hill from Dodger Stadium) a few times.  But we've never just taken an afternoon and gone for a beer and a chat.


So today seemed the perfect day to both catch up with the bro over a beer and examine the digs at The Dirty Bird.


Now, part of why I wanted to go into this bar in the first place was that it had dive written all over it.  Not dive like scary, scary scary dive.  Like lounge dive.  And not lounge like Ultra Lounge.  Lounge like The Regal Beagle lounge (Three's Company) or The Dresden Room lounge (Swingers).  My kinda place.


The Dirty Bird didn't disappoint.  It was pretty empty on Christmas Eve.  Just us and a Harry and a Larry, both looking pretty tore up and on the road to nowhere.  But they had a good music playing (heard the White Stripes and Coldplay, among others, while there), plenty of seating, and interesting paintings on the walls by artist Carrie Rose

It's always good to sit down and get down to real talk with my brother.  We can really pass a whole lot of time telling stories and making jokes, and not really talking about things that affect us on a deeper level.  But when we do, as we had the chance to during our hour at The Dirty Bird, I always come away refreshed, and more enlightened about myself, my family, and my sibling relationship than before--so I treasure these stolen moments.


Back at home, my Mama was making Christmas amazing, as usual, and warming a boysenberry, brie and almond dip for our collective enjoyment.  It's looking to be a pretty good night...