A Follow-Up from Yesterday!

Today's posting from DailyOM.  We seem to have a theme here.  Please consider the bolded text.

November 8, 2010
Outside the Comfort Zone
Things We Don’t Want to Do
Putting off doing what scares us and brings up fear only creates more obstacles in our lives.

Most of us have had the experience of tackling some dreaded task only to come out the other side feeling invigorated, filled with a new sense of confidence and strength. The funny thing is, most of the time when we do them, we come out on the other side changed and often wondering what we were so worried about or why it took us so long. We may even begin to look for other tasks we’ve been avoiding so that we can feel that same heady mix of excitement and completion.

Whether we avoid something because it scares us or bores us, or because we think it will force a change we’re not ready for, putting it off only creates obstacles for us. On the other hand, facing the task at hand, no matter how onerous, creates flow in our lives and allows us to grow. The relief is palpable when we stand on the other side knowing that we did something even though it was hard or we didn't want to do it. On the other hand, when we cling to our comfort zone, never addressing the things we don't want to face, we cut ourselves off from flow and growth.

We all have at least one thing in our life that never seems to get done. Bringing that task to the top of the list and promising ourselves that we will do it as soon as possible is an act that could liberate a tremendous amount of energy in our lives. Whatever it is, we can allow ourselves to be fueled by the promise of the feelings of exhilaration and confidence that will be the natural result of doing it.

The Strength of Our Personality and Belief Systems

Expansion:  What is our fear?

I've spent an interesting weekend with friends from all over the Eastern US and Canada.  It happens twice a year in Nashville.  It was really nice to see a lot of people with whom I enjoy sharing company.  

A hot topic of conversation was expansion.  It became quite complicated, but let's put it this way:  we're faced with situations, people, and influences that "pull us out of our comfort zone."  

 

How do we confront these conditions?

Well, I can tell you one modality that I'm certain that you use.  I certainly am extremely capable of doing the same.  When faced with opportunities to expand, we retreat back to our personality and our belief systems because they offer us a very safe and warm haven with which we have considerable experience.  

I'll give a recent example of how this works.  Look at the events of the past week in the US.  For those of yo who don't know to what I refer-- we had an election.  The results of this election were disappointing to a good number of Americans.  OK, let's consider or paradigm.

Event:  "Unfortunate Election Results"

Opportunity for Expansion:  Learning to Live with the Reality of "Unfortunate Results"

Potential for Growth:  Learning to live with the Ambiguities of a Situation that One Perceives as Unfortunate

Retreat into Personality:  Anger!  This is Horrible!  Let's React!

Retreat into Belief System:  I'm a Democrat/Progressive/Pro-Gay-Marriage/Supporter of Legalized Marijuana and this is just not good for us.

Do we get the picture?  We lost an opportunity.

By the way, this blog entry is not about the elections.  Yes, by the way, I did react to the elections.

Look at your life, just look at it (LOL)!  How can this paradigm be applied to your cognitive processes?  It can't?  Congratulations, you are the unique winner of the game of life.  If you find that you also follow this unhealthy line of reasoning-- Welcome to the human race.

I've given an example.  Think of one yourself.  How can you turn these episodes, people and/or upsetting situations into an auto-didactic moment?  Can you look at it from a clinical point of view and not pass judgement on yourself?   Drop me a line and let me know how it works.

It's Fun Being Loved So Much!

Wow, I went offline for two days and I had a ton of emails asking where I am and if I'm OK!  Great!  :)

Here I am, in person, live from Istanbul:

I have my regular goofy crooked smile, so you can be certain that it's me and it isn't some cheap imitation.

I've done some pretty amazing things over the past two days.  Yesterday, I went to the Archeological Museum, with the specific goal of seeing some Summerian statues that I've read about, and I spent the better part of four hours there.  I was most impressed by the statues of animals and the Byzantine headstones.  I then went to the Topkapi palace.  It was a bizarre experience.

First of all, it was really, really crowded.  Two huge cruise ships came in, one full of Germans and another full of Italians.  This, in addition to the regular mix of Japanese, Dutch, Turkish, Spanish and a few Gringos-- made it a very interesting mix.  I think that between the things that I saw at the Hagia Sophia and what I saw at the Topkapi Palace, I've become a groupie of the Ottoman Empire.  I was absolutely amazed at what I saw at the Palace, most notably the Harem, the Divan, the Baghdad Pavilion and the (yeech) Circumcision Room.  But, I think that the icing on the cake was a very bizarre display or rare items.  I saw the following, not in any particular order:

• the staff of Moses
• the Prophet David's Turban
• the Prophet Abraham's Dinner Bowl
• the arm of John the Baptist
• the skull of John the Baptist
• a whole bunch of stuff belonging to the Prophet Mohammed

I just don't know what to say about that.  Let's just say that like any child.. I want to believe.

So, after that blowout, I really can't say that anything else that day could possibly compare.  So, I took a quick run by the Hagia Irene and went back to the hotel for a nap.  Wouldn't you after seeing all of that in about 15 minutes?

Today, I went to an amazing museum:  The Turkish and Ottoman Museum.  I've confirmed my interest in the Ottoman Empire.  I  couldn't take pictures there, but it was fascinating.  I think that one of the most important things that I saw was an exhibition on the 1400th Anniversary of the Koran.  I actually saw Korans from the late 8th Century. 

I then did something rather daring.  My friend Lee made me promise him that I would go to the Chora Church.  It wasn't a difficult thing to agree to-- but it was a bit difficult to get to.  I had to take a bus through several neighborhoods.  It was kind of bizarre.  On one street, I saw about two hundred (this is not hyperbole) wedding dress shops, or better yet, prom dress shops.  I saw the most extravagant dresses in these store windows, while I was riding the bus.  I've never been interested in prom dresses before, but I have to tell you that YOU would also be interested. 

Chora Church was worth the trip.  I had read about it before, but the Hagia Sophia is kind of like "the Istanbul Drama Queen," and rightfully so.  People don't visit Chora too much.  But, having said that-- it's very much worth the visit.  I think that the only major Byzantine religious monument that is left, now, is Ravenna.

On the way back from Chora, I found "the New Mosque," that meaning about 400 years old.  I had passed by it several times and I really wanted to enter.  I went in today and I was treated to the Iman giving an afternoon service, in chant, with the entire mosque floor full of people in prayer.  It was a powerful experience.  The Mosque, itself, was beautiful.

OK, I need to get up in about four hours in order to catch my cab to the airport.  I've posted today's (and yesterday's) pictures on Facebook.  If you aren't my Facebook friend, just add me.  If you want me to send you the link to today's pictures from Facebook, I can do that.  You won't need to join.  I'm too tired to upload all of these pictures (from two days) to Picassa. 

I'm leaving Istanbul very happy and satisfied.  I'll be back to Turkey, no doubt.  I want to learn some Turkish.  I felt a bit hindered without being able to speak to people.  But, they've been incredibly friendly to me, every single one.  I haven't had one unpleasant interaction.  I want to see other parts of the country, especially Koyne, where Rumi is buried.  I want to go to Edirne.  I want to go to the beach in Southern Turkey!  Oh yeah, I also want to go to Cappadoccia.  So, now I need to go back to Nashville to work and save money so that I can return to do this.

I'm a bit worried about my two hour layover in Paris, tomorrow.  I don't know if it's all CNN and US hype.  No problems in Turkey.  Who cares if a women wants to wear a head wrap?  What difference does it make to me?  What I've seen, this whole myth of the "supressed Muslim woman" is just that-- a myth.  At least, that's the way it is in Istanbul.  I can't imagine it being all that different in Paris, Nashville or any other part of the US.

Wow, What a Day!

OK, this might have passed the Earthquake Day.

Today, I went inside of the Hagia Sophia and saw it.  Words cannot describe how I felt walking through that door and the absolute amazement/astonishment/awe that I felt when I was standing there under the dome.  Did you know that it is so big that the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris could easily fit inside of the Sanctuary?  OK, for those of you who need a different point of reference, how about the Statue of Liberty being able to do jumping jacks?

I'll try to keep from waxing poetic, but I fear that I already have.

The lighting was poor, so photo taking was not optimal.  But, I bought a book.  So, you're more than welcome to meet up with me and see it.  But, it was amazing.  While the mosaics were impressive, what I think impressed me the most were the large medallions on the walls and the fresco paintings throughout.  I spent about three hours just soaking it up and I might go back tomorrow and see it again!

The four seraphim were strikingly beautiful.  On the suggestion of my Turkish friend from Nashville, Tügba, I paid special attention to the recently restored face of one of the angels.  It was breathtaking.

I could go on and on.

Afterward, I did another special visit.  In spite of having done all of this traveling in my life, I've never set foot on the continent of Asia.  So, I took a $1 ferry ride over to Asian Istanbul, where I visited a really nice mosque and went to the hypermarket and bought myself some apple tea in the grocery store.  I have a ton of it now, which should last me for about a week, when I get back.

I then went back to Europe, crossing over the Galata Bridge, to hop on the "Tünel," or Furnicular (from 1841, I think) to go up to the Istiklal Caddesi, the main drag through town.  It's an amazing street full of people.  Yes, I did do something tacky... I stopped and had a Starbucks.  I've gone several days without my grande no-fat latte and I really wanted it.  I went on down the Caddesi, stopping in a few stores and buying presents.  I even bought myself something, which as you know, I never do when I travel.  It's a scarf.  I can now run around Nashville looking like a Palestinean.  I made my way up to Taksim Square and took it in.  From Taksim Square, I walked back to the hotel, which is next to the Hagia Sophia.  I think that I walked at least 10 miles today.  Great.

I'm dead tired, but have I had a great day or what?

Here's the link to the pictures, today's sojourn is found in the last, say, 50 pictures.  I've also included pictures from my walk last evening around the Hippodrome, where I was able to "hang out" with the Byz's.

Click here for the pictures.

They're Just That Way: They Ain't Scammin' Ya......

Turks are really nice people.  Oh sure, there are some who would love to rob you of everything you have and leave you in the gutter. The population of the country is 39 million and I would assume that there are at least TWO psycho-sociopaths paths here.

But, I digress.

They're outgoing, friendly and bordering on innocent, in a fine way, which makes us jaded Americans look at their ways with caution.  The initial reaction is that they all have a scheme and they're all out to scam us.  I honestly think that it couldn't be further from the truth.

First and foremost, they really want to practice their English with you.  They speak English quite well, and a lot of the television is American programming with Turkish subtitles.  The only other place where I've seen this is in The Netherlands, and they also speak English quite well.

Once again, I digress.

So, they want to practice English.  This manifests itself in three ways:
a)  When you buy something, they strike up a conversation with you;
b)  They will literallly stop you on the street and ask you questions in English;
c)  The men, always the men, will try to very aggressively get your attention and/or try to sell you or offer you something.

Today, while on the boat, there were some college-aged guys sitting on the bench across from me and one of them, like a giggly schoolgirl, finally asked me "please spell your name."  Seeing that TODD is a bit uneventful, I said ALEXANDER A-L-E-X-A-N-D-E-R.  Unfortunately the conversation stopped there, because that was the extent of his English.  I can't imagine three male Vandy sophmores asking an obviously foreign tourist in Nashville to "please spell his name."

But, I think that the best exchange, of the category (c) type, happened today. 

Today, some guy on the street stopped me and tried to sell me a Spirograph.

The dialogue went something like this:

Turk: Hello, Mr. Where you from?

Me: Lithuania  Sometimes it's Lithuania.  Mostly it's from Canada.  Once or twice, I made up a name of a Country-- something like "Outer Phidilandia."

Turk: Oh, I have cousin there, Lithuania. Do you want to buy Spirograph?   Honestly, this one caught me completely by surprise.

Me: What? Tone indicates utter shock. 

Turk: Yes, nice Spirograph to take back to Lithuania.

Needless to say, I did not buy a Spirograph.  I had one as a kid and I can see that even at my advanced age, I could still have fun with a Spirograph, but I'm not sure that the TSA would let me into the USA with a Turkish Spirograph. It might look like a terrorist device to them.

The Megalo

I've done it!  I went there!  It was the best, amazing and most awesome.  I will post pictures tonight and write about the experience.

Today's Pictures

Click Here:  They're towards the end.