Finding Swamy

Life Update — On The Path To The Unknown

It’s about 9:00 AM PT on February 23, 2021.

I wanted to share an update on my life. This post is geared to friends and family but may help others as I share my perspective on leaving everything behind so my wife can heal from her illness.

She has Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). It’s more aptly known as a biotoxin illness caused by mold. After conducting numerous tests on our home, and data from her extensive blood panel work, it’s unanimous that mold has been causing her to get sick. It’s been challenging for both of us, but more so for her, because she’s battling for her life. We love Oregon, but the extensive moisture makes it a breeding ground for mold.

As a man that’s made a vow to be with her through sickness in health, I am determined at whatever cost to ensure she gets back to where she can not only enjoy life but also thrive in it. She has something special to share with the world and I intend on helping her share her light so as to inspire and heal others.

#98: How to Live a Simpler Life Today – 7 Things You Can Do to See Immediate Results

I wrote this because it is much needed during these interesting times.

We are dealing with a virus that’s affecting the entire globe. We see media outlets’ constant onslaught of fear-mongering tactics that have been giving rise to conspiracy theories and have overwhelmingly created separation and distrust in many arenas.

We are a nation that is divided and each side is absolutely sure they are right.

While the world feels smaller because almost everything is real-time, it also does seem a bit more chaotic.

Peace and joy are within everyone’s reach, but the onus is on us to do the work and the path is a solo journey.

Below are a few tactics that have helped me turn down the noise of negativity and division:

#97 The Meaning Of Life According To Prince & Purple Rain

When I first heard the classic jam, “When Doves Cry,” it was actually by 90’s r&b artist, Ginuwine, who’s famously known for his hit song, Pony.

If you don’t know who Genuwine is, I forgive you. However, for Tom, played by comedian Aziz Ansari on Parks and Recreation, it’s a slightly bigger deal.

It wasn’t until I was older, that I realized it was actually a remake of a Prince song. Needless to say, I wasn’t the biggest fan. Not because I didn’t enjoy his music, which I do now, but my taste was less evolved during my younger years.

#96 Timeless Lessons Learned for 2022

I turned thirty-seven years old on November 7th, 2021.

That’s thirty-seven revolutions around the sun.

That’s 148 seasons, roughly 13,505 days, and 324,120 hours of a life lived.

However, age is an arbitrary figure when looking at the lens of the present moment, but for the sake of this article, I will share thirty-seven pieces of advice that have helped me, and I hope it helps you too.

#95 Power Steering – Finding Beauty in Struggle

I’m currently in the process of saying goodbye to our home in Oregon. The state will hold a very close place in my heart.

The fresh air from the Douglas firs made it seem like a winter vacation every day. I’ll miss the summers paddle-boarding, finding our own private watering hole as we would plunge into the Umpqua River, and the countless culinary titans dishing out some of the best food I’ve ever had.

#94 A Possible Key to Longevity — Ikarian Way of Life

Perched above the sprawling hillside lay an old Mediterranean home overlooking the Aegean sea. The inhabiting couple, in their mid 80’s, tend to their land like others in the community. Harvesting honey, raising chickens, and eating by the toils of one’s own hand is commonplace in Ikaria, an island of Greece thirty minutes west of Turkey, by boat.

#93 The Breath – How to Escape Suffering

A son asked his mother, “why do you sit in silence alone?”

The mother said:

“Son, I’m not alone. I sit with a breath. You see, the breath is never hungry. It’s never sad. It’s never mad. It’s void of feeling, thereby making it void of suffering. It doesn’t need anything, nor does it want anything, yet it encapsulates everything.

#92 Four Mantras to Radically Heal Your Relationships

Suffering is a part of life. You can’t avoid it. Obstacles will present themselves at some point. Much of the suffering we encounter when it comes to those that we love, is due to miscommunication.

#91 Morning Routine- Priming The Mind for Optimum Performance

“Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines practiced every day.” — Jim Rohn

I have been running an experiment on myself where I have been following a set of rituals or daily disciplines for the past few weeks. I was inspired by many of the successful people I admire.

#90 Mineral Spirits – Impermanence and Feeding the Spirit

We were in the Art District of Old Town Scottsdale. It was hot, but not unusual for Arizona in the slightest. The dry heat blanketed us like a transparent shawl and the subtle wind kept us cool momentarily while we stopped by a few galleries. Each one had a theme and a personality.

Whether it was a sculpture, painting, or photograph, each piece of art left a piece of its soul on the canvas it chose to imprint on. Art has the uncanny ability to allow us to escape and enjoy the beauty as it was meant to be enjoyed. No words, no thoughts, and no other action needed except to pay attention.