"Life's a beach, and then you dive..."

Now I'm all for the simple things in life.  I seek enjoyment through the experience of doing something whatever it may be.  Spontaneity is key.  That's why I am.  Did I have a plan?  Of course not.  I've never had a plan.  And I do not seek one either.  Not to be cliche' but you only live twice; to learn what displeases you and to discover what thrills you.

Stress sucks, mundane sucks, empty promises suck even more.  What-if's are a waste of time to even contemplate.  You can't trust anyone other than yourself.  Only you will understand what it is like to do something.  Others' opinions which provide a useful point of reference cannot influence your decisions.

In end of 2007 when I finished my term abroad, through Thai customs I ordained for 14 days as a Buddhist monk.  While the experience was not the most interesting experience I did meet another fellow monk who had a piece of paper taped to his door with the following typed on it:

The Kalama Sutta:
“Do not believe in anything (simply) because you have heard it.
Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations.

Do not believe in anything because it is spoken and rumored by many.

Do not believe in anything (simply) because it is found written in your religious books.

Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders.

But after observation and analysis when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conductive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.”

-Buddha 
Anjunttara Nikaya Vol. 1, 188-193 P.T.S. Ed.


To date this is the most important bit of information I've ever come across.  Nothing I've ever learned or read comes close to this.  




So here I am.  The sand feels nice between my toes.  The wind is calm and the water looks inviting.


(Here's some recent photographs:)

About to hop off the kayak for a dive in Tumon Bay.

Following my guide who is from the island of Yap.  

At night on the reef at Gun Beach.