A WHOOPER SWAN'S DIARY: 08/08/16

THE STORY OF JOHNNY WHOOPER SWAN We go to school trusting our parents. We meet a teacher there who stands up front with a big desk, and a pointer. She or he trains us in an authoritative manner. We attach mentally to a life long need for authority in order to live lives successfully. Right so far? In my case, at the age of 25 I was ready to enter the practice of law where I hoped for success and a happy life finally. Very shortly, very shortly, I became anxious. There was a foreboding. I was made more uncomfortable with each experience. Law work is nothing like what I was told it would be. The system is corrupt. But I still cling to my expectation that career success is necessary to my happiness as a man. Each day my grasp of what the fuck success amounts to after all becomes more clouded, murkier. I hear songs on the airwaves and at concerts which describe my life as the life of a fool. What am I becoming? I want to rip off my business suit to run naked in the street with my hair on fire! But I am too afraid. In strange, weird (weird comes from a word meaning wise), fragmented steps I go about a journey of my own believing myself to be the first man to have failed in such a total way which journey works so as to break up my career, end a marriage, and start an entirely new way of relating with my two children whom I love deeply. Almost magically I meet a woman who is a career counselor who asserts a beautiful message that I am made to be joyful in my work everyday and at all levels. This understanding sets me on a completely new course. It is no longer a world of systems to me but an undivided one of unlimited beauty. It reminds me of a painting. A true masterpiece. I am drawn from within to learn the truth about my identity and nobody else can teach me that. From this point onward I will use thinking capacity for mastering mechanical processes and follow my heart, which includes my whole nature, which includes your whole nature and that of every human being for all the rest. I’ll go by the name Johnny Whooper Swan who does not explain itself to anyone. By my fruits shall I be known. Watch me soar!

Monday, August 8, 2016

I have been in Monteverde, Costa Rica, in the cloud forest for about four weeks and two days. I have remarked to people here lately that it is definitely the case that I feel healthier here than back in Austin, Texas. Never think of even an aspirin. I move around easier, feel a spark unknown before. Creativity is at a higher level. Finishing my play came so fast and easy and certain. When it was done it was obvious to me. More clarity, I would say. Just generally more aware. At first I found it kinda spooky. But now it is just what it is. So, somebody asked me "You do know you are in a Blue Zone here, don't you?" What's that, I replied. Well, they showed me there are five Blue Zones on the planet and Costa Rica is one. These are places where people live longer. People in Blue Zones reach age 100 at ten times the average rate. Why? In Costa Rica studies indicate it is happiness here that makes the difference. I believe it. Can you even imagine what I am like when i am happier than I am in Austin? You know me. Can you imagine that?

Google Blue Zones.

However, do not move here and bring unhappiness with you. Listen I have this notion that if we visit and feel better and go from here anywhere and we intend to make the places we go happier places we will have tuned into the vibe that has made this place a happier place to live. Coming back once in awhile should also help. We will know when it is finally okay to move here. Don't wanna bring them blues to the Blue Zone. Music? That's altogether a different matter 'cause when anybody sings the blues they cannot help getting happy. Down here you can just decide to stay that way. Still, you can sing the blues, just don't talk them up too much. What am I talking about? I don't know. Come on down!