Things are a little crazy down here in New Orleans.
We are hosting one of the biggest parties in the U.S. just a week before Mardi Gras, the other biggest party in the U.S. Everything is a little out of control. And now the tourists are coming.
And this party is here to watch two teams of grown men aggress each other for three hours over an oblong ball, which is also crazy. It doesn’t even bounce. And there are so many rules! I have to admit, I’ve become quite the Saints fan in the past 10 years, and I know the difference between a flea flicker and play-action, but really? Really?
And on top of that, our society idolizes these men. It worships them. They become role models for upper-classes and poor kids alike. Their physical prowess is amazing, certainly. Their training and dedication is inspirational. But god-like?
How often have we seen these players fall and fail and be human? Their humanity has expressed itself in scope from Michael Vick’s tremendous ethical lapse to our dear Steve Gleason who suffers with ALS. We put these athletes on pedestals, leaving them that much further to fall. It’s a delicate business.
So we must be cautious who we honor, worship, and devote our lives to. (Mom will hate that sentence-ending preposition.) We must be thoughtful. Here’s the thing: we can idolize anyone. We get to choose in whom we put that faith. (Welcome, mom.) (She’s a grammar goddess, y’all.) We can bequeath any person superhuman powers if we believe what they do is MORE than we think humans can do. What if you decided to put that faith in yourself?
Just for today: how do you idolize yourself? What do you do that’s MORE than humans do? How can you live your life in devotion to yourself? What’s your superhuman power?
If it’s surviving traffic and crowds and patience, you’re in luck. Because I think these next couple weeks are gonna be crazy.
Mantra: Om Nama Shivaya
We honor Shiva, and the divine power inside us that transforms and transcends.
Playlist forthcoming.