When Two Guys Hold Hands...

Driving through the streets of Cochi, India in the winter of 2006, I saw two guys, mid 20's, rather masculine in their appearance, on a leisurely stroll. They were conversing, laughing, have a grand old time. But something was different. These two guys were holding hands.

The guide proceeded to tell me that it's very normal for men to hold hands in India, and it's weird that in America, men do not hold hands. That comment stuck with me for many years.

The other day I was at the Exhale yoga studio after my yoga class. A male student who frequents my class was perusing the books in the boutique. He's a really nice guy and I figured: he always comes to my class, maybe he'd like to hold hands while looking at the books. After all, it is a yoga studio and yoga is from India, and it is OK for men to hold hands in India.

A few moments later, I saw another friend from the yoga studio getting a tea in the lobby. I stopped putting on my shoes and thought to myself: what better time to hold hands then while getting a refreshing tea.

As I left the Exhale yoga studio, I saw a gentleman sitting at a patio table. I introduced myself and figured: hey this looks like a kind soul, I think I'll sit down and chat, and maybe hold hands.

And finally, later that night, I was watching the Laker game with a buddy. Ever so excited, we high-fived and continued watching the game. I thought to myself: this is so wonderful, two friends livin' the moment, rooting on our favorite team...I think I'll try to hold his hand.

I asked my friend to covertly film all four attempts at holding hands. Please take a moment to watch by clicking here.

****

I've been reading a fascinating book called My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor who had a stroke and loses access to much of her left brain. She describes losing the ability to rationalize, analyze, project into the future, and dwell on the past. While a stroke might sound horrible, the author describes a totally refreshed view on life characterized by a pure state of being.

Taylor points out that she no longer perceives herself as a single, solid entity with boundaries. Taylor now understands at the most elementary level that she is fluid, and that the right brain relishes its attachment to the eternal flow. This "eternal flow" is a vital nutrient without which the spirit starves and withers. As it stands now, we think too much and our culture of stimulation makes it impossible to stop. Amidst the mind's noise, we are losing touch with our emotions, with our intuition, with the flow that moves through everyone and everything.

When deciding to hold another's hand is based on their sex, one is trapped in a world of single, solid entities, a world of illusion. However, when one perceives the eternal flow, he sees beyond boundaries. So...to all men out there who wish to take the test and see if they truly feel the eternal flow, go up to another man (preferably a drunk at an NFL football game), and grab their hand. The drunk man might punch you, or pour beer on you, or possibly kick you in the balls. But know that deep down, their spirit thanks you. At the level of spirit, we are all one.

Namaste

David Romanelli
www.yeahdave.com

If you've yet to see my video webisodes, " Yeah Dave's Guide to Hugging" and "Yeah Dave's Guide to Meditation," click here.

And I'm excited to announce my new webisode, "Yeah Dave's Guide to Healing with Ghyzz" which will be released toward the end of the month. Stay tuned!

Livin' the Moment in Boston

I'm fired up for my very first visit to the Boston area. I'll be presenting the Livin' the Moment experience at Exhale in Boston on June 20 (click here for info)and at Empower Yoga in Beverly, Mass June 20 and 21 (click here for info)

The Yeah Dave T-shirt

I'm excited to announce the launch of the brand new Yeah Dave t-shirt. It's a new design, a new look, a new feel. The shirt will be available through my website, at my tour events, and at studios nationwide starting in early July.

Winter Paradise in the Desert

If you're looking to plan a little winter vacation and you'd like to combine yoga, 4 days of insight, chocolate, wine, world class hiking, spa treatments, and good ol' fashioned fun, join me!

I'm leading a yoga retreat (December 3-6) to Mii Amo in Sedona, Arizona. Mii Amo was rated the #1 Destination Spa in the world by Travel & Leisure Magazine.

For more info, check out www.miiamo.com for details or email me directly: yeahdave@mac.com

If you, like me, have a deep passion and hunger for spirituality but agree that life is nothing without laughter, music, and chocolate, consider my 2010 Teacher Training Program.

Taking place in two separate 10 day segments in the spring (May) and summer (August) of 2010, this 200 Hour Yoga Alliance certified program is for the passionate student and the aspiring yoga teacher. Co-taught by Santa Monica Power Yoga superstar and Columbia University graduate Ally Hamilton, our Teacher Training will emphasize tradition while bringing a fresh and modern spin.

As much as there will be lessons on anatomy, asana, and tradition, there will lessons on the healing power of music and how cooking with chocolate soothes the soul.

Please email us if you are interested: yeahdave@mac.com

For a look at my Livin' the Moment 2009 Tour, click here.

For a unique recipe of insight, inspiration, and wisdom mixed with drugs, sex, and rock n roll, check out my book Yeah Dave's Guide to Livin' the Moment

Electric Feel
MGMT





Cocody Rock
Alpha Blondy

How Quitting Coffee Has Changed My Life...

Every morning for many years, I'd have the strongest coffee drink known to man...a large coffee from Peet's with 2 shots of espresso. Often, the barista would say, "Y'know cocaine isn't that much different." But over the past few weeks, I've been able to wean myself from coffee thanks to one single and powerful quote I discovered in the sweetest book I've read in years...

Click here for more

Redback Travels

If you're in need of a spiritual journey to a faraway land, Redback Travels will take you there..including upcoming journeys to India and Peru.

For more info, click here.

"Do not confuse motion and progress. A rocking horse keeps moving but does not make any progress."

– Alfred A. Montapert