Summer, paper bins and the beautiful human race

I'm back on the Costa del Sol for a few months. It's lovely here right now: Overcrowded beaches, overcrowded streets, car parks, shops and bars. All this in sticky heat, day and night. Can't complain really – it could be much worse. I could be in Benidorm. Or Baghdad.

To escape the masses I'm mainly hiding in my little room, working and hoping that the fan won't die just yet. But since I can't sit in front of my screen every hour of the day, I need to come up with other stuff I can do without having to leave the house. Cleaning the kitchen for example.

So last Friday I bravely entered our communal cooking area. You know, I find it really fascinating how kitchens always end up super messy in very little time. It's the place where you prepare your food – shouldn't this be a sacred place? And if it's a sacred place, shouldn't it be kept clean and tidy all the time? After all, have you ever seen a messy church or temple?

Anyway, I did what had to be done and in the end I was left with four bags of recycled rubbish. The organic stuff went into the garden compost, the rest – glass, paper and plastic – I took to the nearest recycling bins.

While I was emptying some remaining paper bits into the paper bin, a woman walked up. I'd say she was in her early twenties, although her age doesn't really matter. She carried a big cardboard box that was covered almost entirely with a layer of thick plastic foil. When she arrived next to me, she was just about to throw the whole thing into the paper bin. I looked at her, slightly confused: “You know that there's lots of plastic around your cardboard box, no?”

She looked at the box, then she looked at me, then back at the box. Thinking.

“Ah well”, she finally said, dumped everything into the bin and walked off.

Needless to say, I was speechless. I mean, what can you say when someone has just robbed you of your last tiny bit of hope that one day, somewhere in the distant future, things will be alright?

I removed the plastic from her box and threw it into the other bin. “Ah well”, I tried to encourage myself, “it's just a ride...”

On the way home I stopped at the sea for a cleansing and refreshing dip into Mediterranean. Parked the car, walked to the shore and... Well, and now comes the really sad and absolutely mind-boggling part: The sea looked like the kitchen before I had cleaned it. WTF?

So let me get this right: We take oil, a precious gift from the earth, turn it into plastic, wrap all the shit that we buy in it, unwrap what we buy once we are home, throw the plastic away and then, yes, then we swim in it. Again, WTF? It's so bad, calling us stupid monkeys would actually insult the poor monkey race. Looks like we didn't evolve from monkeys upwards, but downwards!

How will we ever be able to solve huge problems such as the current refugee tragedy, the ongoing wars, hunger, injustice and global pollution if we are unable to separate our own plastic and paper rubbish? It's like, how can you dream of playing Champions League when you can't even hit the ball straight? As I've said, mind-boggling.

Normally I try to end my blog articles with some positive message, something uplifting to help creating a better world. Today I don't feel like it. Not because I'm miserable and depressed, not at all. I'm actually feeling quite happy today. But the thing is: If you take a step back and look at us humans, what you see is a very messed up race. You, me, everyone!

I'm not surprised that more and more people are getting cancer – because we ARE a cancer! And if we don't change ourselves very soon, I fear that our planet will undergo some hardcore radiation and chemotherapy. And of course we know what happens with this kind of treatment: Almost everything will be killed and chances of survival are minimal.

The only real chance to cure a cancer is to radically change your life: your bad habits, your diet, your attitude. Looking at humanity as one organism – are we able to do that? I wonder...

Greece and laziness

Most people in Greece are lazy. But they are not lazy because they were born lazy – they are lazy because of the place they live in. Try to focus on work when the sky is always blue and temperatures invite you to a refreshing beer by the sea. Seriously, try it! It's much easier to be very productive when it's raining and there's nothing else to do anyway. Like in Germany for example.

I try to follow the news as little as possible but it's rather difficult to ignore all the talking about the current crisis in Greece. What I'm really tired of is the constant battle between black and white: It's the Germans fault; no, it's the Greeks fault – it's like being for Barca or Real... Fact is though, the mess that Europe (and the world) finds itself in is grey. As they say, 'it takes two to tango'.

Greece borrowed money and can't pay it back. Part of the problem lies with the Greeks themselves – there's loads of corruption and the tax system is a total disaster, especially when it comes to making the rich ones contribute in an appropriate way. Just one example: I was in Greece in May, on a sailing trip with a Spanish friend. In the harbour, we paid 6 Euros per night for our 38ft boat (already far too cheap). One night there was a huge 100ft motor yacht next to us (which consumes several thousand Euros of petrol just to cruise around for a day). This yacht belonged to some Greek people. They paid 9 Euros for the night... Sorry Mr Tsipras, I support you in many ways, but you gotta sort this kind of shit out or otherwise nothing will change. Ever!

At the same time it's also true that the EU lend money to Greece so that they can cash in on high interest and sell their fancy tanks to someone. This is ridiculous and not acceptable whatsoever. But to say that the Greek dilemma is only the fault of the Northern Europeans is as mistaken as to say that only Greece is responsible. Trying to solve the problem by thinking in little black and white boxes won't do the job. Neither will pointing the finger at others.

From our point of view – the 'normal', non-Greek citizens – getting involved in arguments about who is right or wrong doesn't help; and blaming political parties and bankers won't change anything either. So what can we do, you and me?

Sending donations? Not really, there are many other countries which need help much more urgently. Nepal for example.

Buying Greek products? Yes, perhaps that's one option. It won't solve everything, but it will definitely help a little. So: Eat feta cheese, buy Greek olive oil and get drunk on Ouzo. Or make holidays over there – it's a beautiful country and since its economy depends largely on tourism, any visitor who spends money will make a difference.

And there's something else we can do. Something very powerful: Changing to an ethical bank! Because no matter how much money you have, while it's in your debit or savings account, the average bank is using it to invest in highly profitable businesses (weapons, drugs, oil, etc.) and to give loans with outrageous interest rates to those who already struggle (like Greece). An ethical bank on the other hand supports organic farms, renewable energy projects and social institutions – all stuff that needs to be promoted if we want to create a better world. So, changing your bank will definitely help, not only Greece but the rest of the planet too.

Now here's the tricky part: While it's possible to change to a different bank, it does involve a little bit of hassle and so we usually don't do it. Not because we are unable to, but because we can't be arsed. In other words: We are too lazy! Which brings me back to the beginning of this story: Under certain conditions and in certain situations, everybody is lazy! It's not a crime, it's just a human weakness. And admittedly, sometimes it's rather nice, possibly even important to let go and simply be lazy. Yet if we want to see changes, there's only one way and that is to overcome our very own indolence and to start getting active. After all, change is all about movement – no motion, no change.

Personally I think that the EU and the IMF should cut the debt – to show solidarity with Greece AND to pay for their own greediness. Greece, instead of staying stuck in the victim role, should sort out its own problems. They could make big changes as of today – changes they will need to make anyway, with or without the EU.

And the rest of us? Well, there's this thing called Google. We use it to find new shoes, compare flights and search for porn. In theory we could also use it to find an ethical bank... 

Transformation tools

Since January I've been working on a documentary about change. I've got most of the material recorded (350 GB of video and sound files...) – soon I'll be starting the editing process and, if everything goes according to plan, by the end of the year the film will be ready. So far it's been a very steep learning curve and a wonderfully enriching experience.

The main focus of the film is on personal change. I've talked to eight people with different backgrounds, exploring the question of how to deal with the inevitable fact that life is constantly changing and how to make changes voluntarily.

A few days ago, on a long train ride from Germany to Southern Spain, I was reflecting on some experiences that have triggered important transformations in my own life. Here are a few (in no particular order):

Travelling in India

The first time I went to India, in 1998, I arrived with a pretty clear idea of how life works. Spending 6 months in the East, my whole world view was shattered and I had to rebuild everything pretty much from scratch. I got lost and depressed but in the end life became much more fascinating. The depth of aliveness took on a whole new dimension!

Abandoning the daily TV program

Do you know how much time the average person spends sitting in front of the TV? I don't know, and I think I don't want to know. It'd be shocking! There are some amazing films and watching football every now and then is fun too, but other than that, staring at random crap (soaps, news, chat shows, commercials) is extremely dull and mind-destroying. When you are in a completely passive state, transformation can't happen. In order to make changes, you have to actively participate in life!

Ayahuasca

Experiencing a journey with 'abuelita', the magic teacher from the Amazon, has led to one of the biggest, if not THE biggest change in my life: Realizing that duality is an illusion! Everything is connected, everything is one: people, plants, rocks, oceans, worms, planets – everything! Not in a hippie sense, no. It's really like that. Curious? Here's a link to the book I've written about my experience with Ayahuasca: A CALL FROM THE UNKNOWN

Having a child

Something really nice that I've learned from being a dad is that responsibility can be beautiful. It doesn't have to be a burden when you approach it with the right attitude. Also, my daughter has renewed my belief that unconditional love is possible. No expectations and drama – just love.

Clowning

Earlier this year I've done a clowning workshop. No, I don't plan to join a circus any time soon. That's not what Clowning is about. It's about shedding thoughts and plans and fears and simply being yourself. Being very present, being forgiving and courageous. So, if you want to learn how to drop from your head into your heart, I recommend you check it out: NOSE TO NOSE

Gardening

Growing your own vegetables has many benefits: You spend time outdoors, do some exercise and of course you get some food. But for me, the most important benefit I got through gardening is a reconnection with nature. Digging with your hands in the soil is an incredibly grounding, humbling and beautiful thing to do. And your awareness changes too: Suddenly I didn't complain any more that an organic broccoli costs 2 Euros. Looking at how big the plant is, how much effort and water and time goes into it, I mean, any broccoli should cost at least 5 Euros. Seriously!

Meditation

A while ago I saw a question on Facebook: Which single change would have the biggest impact in the world? Reading through the answers, the one I thought made most sense was this one: To make daily mediation compulsory in every school. Not because meditation leads automatically to more peace in the world, but because it helps you to look at reality and to simply be with what is. The result? Since I'm meditating regularly, there isn't less pain in my life – but far less suffering.

Learning an instrument

Being able to make music is absolutely amazing! First, because music is amazing; second, because being musically creative is amazing; and third, because sharing music is amazing. 

Jamming with other people has changed me insofar that it has added many special moments full of joy to my life. And when you add joy, you become a happier person!

If you would like to share some other transformation tools that have proved to be helpful to you, please do so in the comment box below.

Just fucking do it

Have you ever rode a bicycle with the seat being far too low? Not nice, right? For the last six weeks I've done exactly that. Why? Because every time I got the bike out and remembered that I need to change the seat, I was too lazy to go up and get the tools. When I finally got round to do it I went for a ride afterwards and couldn't believe how much I had tortured myself over the last weeks. I mean, how stupid can you be? Suffering, voluntarily!

Don't we just love postponing our tasks and dreams? And the same goes for our efforts of being responsible human beings: For years I've known that banks invest our money in profitable weapon companies. I speak out against war but my very own money helps to fund that war – again, clever me! In Spain I had already changed to a more ethical bank a while ago but in Germany it wasn't until last month that I did the same. Now all my money (not much, but still) is used to support organic farms, renewable energy projects and social institutions. Question is: What on earth took me so long to make that change?

Sometimes our love affair with procrastination can also lead to dramatic situations that are beyond fixing. I was really moved by a post from a friend which I read recently. He had been wanting to contact a good friend but he hesitated during several days. Too long as it turned out – his friend committed suicide. Whether he would have been able to help him or not, it doesn't matter. The possibility of making that call is now dead.

“The trouble is, you think you have time.” (Buddha)

You have calls to make? Make them. You have dreams to follow, ideas to share, help to offer? Time is ticking, so live your dreams, spread your ideas and offer that helping hand! If you don't like wars change to an ethical bank and if your God damn bicycle seat is too low, don't be an idiot like me.

Whatever it is you want to do – now is the time!

Unchaining the heart

Last week a friend took me to the old airport of Berlin Tempelhof. Nowadays it's a huge open field in the city, with mobile coffee shops, urban gardening plots and people walking, cycling and windsurfing on skateboards. Some even come here to have sex, I was told.

With big white clouds passing slowly across the blue sky it was a great day to do some timelapse photography. So I got my camera out, mounted it on a tripod and placed it in the middle of what used to be the runway.

Now, for those of you who don't know anything about timelapse photography, basically you set the camera to take one photo every few seconds over a period of at least 20 minutes and afterwards you edit all photos into a short film. This means, once the camera is set up, you have to wait.

I was just about to sit down next to the tripod when my friend said, “Ok, let's go”, and started walking.

“But...”, I stuttered, “I ain't gonna leave my camera here.”

“Why not?”

I stared at him in disbelief.

“I don't think it's a good idea to have an expensive camera standing all alone in the middle of the runway where there are hundreds of people passing by.”

“Your camera will be fine”, was all he said.

I wasn't convinced. Not at all! So my friend told me that, a few years ago, he decided to not lock his bicycle any more. He said that he got fed up participating in a system that is based on distrust. Whether it was his good intention or pure luck – he still has the same bike.

Hesitantly I started to walk away from my camera. Every 10 seconds or so I turned around to check if it was still there. After 50 meters I wanted to return but my friend just gave me a totally indifferent look and continued walking. Again I hesitated, then I followed him. I guess I didn't want to show my attachment to the material world. Paranoid thoughts are difficult to switch off though and so, when I turned around a couple of minutes later, barely seeing my camera in the distance, I walked back. Rather quickly, I should add.

Needless to say, I failed this little test. But it made me wonder: How did that happen, that we lock everything? It wasn't always like this, was it? Has it to do with overpopulation? Too many people fighting over limited resources, everybody trying to get what they can? I've been to small villages where all doors are open all the time. Maybe trust can exist in a village, but not in a city?

Or maybe it's an ego thing? I have to protect what's mine because...well, because it belongs to me. Really? Temporarily I might be 'using' something, but belonging? Owning? Possessing? Having? I mean, not even my own life belongs to me. As someone told me recently:
“I don't have a life. I AM life, experiencing itself.”

Doors and bicycles are locked, ideas patented, art sold, hearts closed. Trees and land and even water – everything is owned by someone. As a consequence there are more and more fences in the world, separating us and fuelling wars. Ironically, while writing these lines I'm leaning against one of the few remaining parts of the Berlin wall. Aren't we supposed to learn from history?

To make matters even worse: Do you know these bridges where loved-up couples put a padlock? 

Maybe I'm just a little envious because I don't have anybody who I could tie myself to a bridge with, but still: Love is being represented by a padlock – if you think about it, that's just insane!

Yes, it's difficult to change the predominant mindset of ownership. I've worked many hours to buy my camera, I don't want to risk losing it. I'm glad there's copyright so I can sell my books and I'm not a big fan of open relationships either. Nevertheless, I believe the world would be a much better and happier place if we weren't so obsessed with owning everything.

So what to do? Giving everything away and becoming a saint? Moving to a hilltribe and running around naked? Reading more hippie books?

Perhaps a good starting point could be to simply put more emphasis on sharing. Not necessarily your husband or wife but pretty much everything else. You want to use my car? Use it! You are hungry? Come for dinner! You want to turn my idea into an amazing business? Do it!

I think ultimately it all has to do with an underlying fear of losing more than we gain. Giving stuff and love and our precious time away – oh my God, we could end up with nothing! Yet one of the lessons taught by those who give abundantly is that everything comes back in one way or another. So maybe we should trust life a little bit more...

Letting go of 'mine' and embracing 'ours'.

Replacing the fear of losing with the joy of sharing.

Bringing down walls by unchaining the heart.

The art of cleaning your arse

Our conversation was heading towards a dead end road. Why? Because my friend had just pulled out what seemed the final, unbeatable argument: Money!

We were discussing why people fail to make ethical choices when they are shopping and he said that most of us simply can't afford to buy organic food, fairtrade clothes and other so-called 'green' products. To make his point he used the example of toilet paper:

“I would love to buy eco toilet paper”, he said, “but it's ridiculously expensive.”

True, it costs about twice as much as normal toilet paper. But still – shouldn't we make an effort to care for the planet that hosts us?

“You only have to buy toilet paper once in a while”, I replied. “If you drank one beer less per month you'd already be able to afford it. Just a question of priorities.”

I use this argument quite often in similar discussions, yet for some strange reason it rarely works. Most of the time I get a look saying, 'Yes, but...'

A healthy planet or more beer – indeed, tough decisions we have to make.

Anyway, some people might not have enough money for neither beer nor eco toilet paper. So is there nothing else you can do? Well, there is something but just like with many other problems we are facing today the solution requires some lateral thinking – and a willingness to get rid of old habits.

If you can't afford eco toilet paper, or if you don't want to spend your precious money on it, then maybe it's an idea to question toilet paper itself. Do we really need it? After all, over one billion Indians live happily without it. And for those of you who have never been to India: No, they are not all dirty pigs over there. I've actually found that Indians look much better after their body hygiene than most Europeans.

How did my friend react to my suggestion?

“But I don't have money to get a bidet installed in my bathroom.”

Yes, sorry, I forgot: All Indians have a bidet, especially those living in little mud huts.

Right, here's what you do: First, get a plastic jug. This one I just got for myself:

Fill the jug with warm water (or cold water, depending on personal preference) and pour it over your lovely bottom using your left hand to do the cleaning. Using the left hand is quite important if you want to avoid potentially awkward situations (since the right hand is commonly used to greet people). Finally, if you don't fancy wet underpants use a towel. That's it. Done.

I don't know if my friend is still laughing at me (which he did at the time) or whether he perhaps got himself a jug too. Who knows... Fact is: Cleaning your arse with water is cheaper, more hygienic and more environmentally friendly than any toilet paper could ever be.

In summary: If we want to find an excuse for not having to change, we'll find one. But likewise, if we want to find a solution, we usually find one too.

Going on a journey

Writing or talking about change is relatively easy: You wrap a few thoughts into some fancy words, post them online or add them to a random conversation, that's it! But what about putting change into practice?

In order to explore this question a bit more and also to prove that, at least sometimes, I actually listen to my own advice, I'm going to go on a journey. Have a look at this video to find out more:

Sometimes you have to find the courage to take the first step.

To choose a direction. To make a decision. And then to stop thinking and simply start.
www.thelittlebuddha.net