No, when I say Labels, I'm not referring to the kind you find on your T-shirt or your can of Junk food (Although it is hard not to think of these labels because our consumer-driven world is flooded with them).
By labels, I refer to terms that we use to represent important and complex concepts in our existence. What do I mean exactly? Let me give you a few examples: Morality, Judgement, Beauty, Relationships. If you think about these terms, you should realize that they are usually futile in capturing the full essence of what they represent.
Let's talk about the first term: Morality. I have always used the term Morality to represent the governing force of my life. Recent circumstances, however, have led me to change my perspective in this regard. I no longer find the term Morality appealing. I think using the term Morality can be misleading in the way that "Morality" has much Christian/Religious connotation. Morality implies a judgement of "Right or Wrong" and "Winner or Loser". The term Morality tends to be very exclusive and even intimidating. Why use a term with so much negative baggage to define a way of life? We should live with the goal to be understanding of one another, not judgmental.
"Do not label things or relationships, it only makes matters more complicated. Take everything for what it is. Do not hold it up to expectations that society put into a label."
If there is a term that I would choose to represent our goal in Life, it would be Enlightenment. I am not suggesting that everyone should transcend the weaknesses of humanity and become enlightened beings (everyone becoming a Buddha seems highly unlikely). I am suggesting that we strive to become more aware of our humanity and aware of our capacity to transcend into enlightenment. I know that I am a very very flawed human being. I make mistakes, lots of them. However, when I do err, I simply remember: "I love and I am loved. If people believe in me, then I can believe in myself. Mikko, time to continue your journey." (of course, being a very obsessive person, I struggle getting over initial feelings of defeat and frustration before I get to this point, but I eventually do). I cannot let those mistakes hinder me from moving on, closer to my enlightenment.We all need to strive to become more perceptive human beings, aware of life, its challenges and its joys.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Love, Amor, Lieben, Gugma
What is Love? This is a question asked by almost every person on this planet and from every time period in history, from the heart-broken lover to the forsaken man on his death bed. However, if you were to ask a child, you would get your answer. The child may not be able to articulate his or her belief with words, but you will understand love by the way they live. They know nothing else but love. They have yet to be "corrupted" by the vices of greed and self-indulgence that so often pollute the purity of love we are all born with.
Just like the child, I think that Love is Everything. Every action we make, every word we say, and every breath we take should be (ideally) inspired by love. Now please understand that when I say Love, I do not solely mean the type of Romantic love so prevalent in the mass media. Although that kind of love is very powerful (and although many of the greatest masterpieces were inspired by this love- take the Schumann Cello Concerto for instance-which by the way, I believe is one of the greatest pieces of music ever written), it is my feeling that this type of love is emphasized too much.
Yes, romantic love is powerful and it would be nice to have, but it becomes a problem when the euphoria from that love blinds us from the full extent of Love, I believe. There is so much more to love than that. Besides Romantic love, there is brotherly love, maternal love, love for a higher being (be it God, Allah, etc.), love for nature, a love for friends, a love for a passion, and the list goes on! All these types of love are simply part of a more encompassing love. The heavenly love that governs humanity. In this sense, I love everything! I guess when Jesus preached to "love your enemy" he really just meant to love that human being as a fellow human being undergoing a journey, just as you are. In this sense then, I love almost everything! (I still generally dislike very sweet milk chocolate, but that is another story)
Another interesting aspect of love that I have found, is it's nature of presenting itself during times you least expect it. New loves present themselves to you when you are in a state of complete contentment and when you are not seeking anymore love than you have and give. It's as if love says: "Hey Mikko! I see you are very, very happy right now, and you would be perfectly fine without me, but hey! Here I am to make you more happy and for you to experience more love!" It is funny and awesome how Love works that way. From this, we can also deduce that people who are not content with their lives, and who always want more, will never find love.
As I was biking the Santa Ana River Trail the other day, I found myself in a state of awe. I was biking at about 3-5 pm during the day, and the lighting of the sun was inexplicably beautiful (no wonder why photographers call this time of the day the "golden hours"). All the colors became so vivid: the green of the grass, the red in the sky, the browns of the trees. As I experienced this beauty, I literally said these words aloud: "Life is about doing what you love, and finding beauty in the world." You may accuse me of being an idealist, and I have no qualm with that. In this period of our planet's history, when the world as we now it may change drastically in the near future, I think we all must be idealists and live life to the fullest, the way we were meant to live it!
As I think about what I said that bike ride, I continue to find more reasons to believe it. I think we are here to find beauty or what enriches and nourishes our souls. We live to becomes shining lights of love for the world, for others to be inspired to love as well. Simply put: "If you Love the World, the World will Love you back."
Just like the child, I think that Love is Everything. Every action we make, every word we say, and every breath we take should be (ideally) inspired by love. Now please understand that when I say Love, I do not solely mean the type of Romantic love so prevalent in the mass media. Although that kind of love is very powerful (and although many of the greatest masterpieces were inspired by this love- take the Schumann Cello Concerto for instance-which by the way, I believe is one of the greatest pieces of music ever written), it is my feeling that this type of love is emphasized too much.
Yes, romantic love is powerful and it would be nice to have, but it becomes a problem when the euphoria from that love blinds us from the full extent of Love, I believe. There is so much more to love than that. Besides Romantic love, there is brotherly love, maternal love, love for a higher being (be it God, Allah, etc.), love for nature, a love for friends, a love for a passion, and the list goes on! All these types of love are simply part of a more encompassing love. The heavenly love that governs humanity. In this sense, I love everything! I guess when Jesus preached to "love your enemy" he really just meant to love that human being as a fellow human being undergoing a journey, just as you are. In this sense then, I love almost everything! (I still generally dislike very sweet milk chocolate, but that is another story)
Another interesting aspect of love that I have found, is it's nature of presenting itself during times you least expect it. New loves present themselves to you when you are in a state of complete contentment and when you are not seeking anymore love than you have and give. It's as if love says: "Hey Mikko! I see you are very, very happy right now, and you would be perfectly fine without me, but hey! Here I am to make you more happy and for you to experience more love!" It is funny and awesome how Love works that way. From this, we can also deduce that people who are not content with their lives, and who always want more, will never find love.
As I was biking the Santa Ana River Trail the other day, I found myself in a state of awe. I was biking at about 3-5 pm during the day, and the lighting of the sun was inexplicably beautiful (no wonder why photographers call this time of the day the "golden hours"). All the colors became so vivid: the green of the grass, the red in the sky, the browns of the trees. As I experienced this beauty, I literally said these words aloud: "Life is about doing what you love, and finding beauty in the world." You may accuse me of being an idealist, and I have no qualm with that. In this period of our planet's history, when the world as we now it may change drastically in the near future, I think we all must be idealists and live life to the fullest, the way we were meant to live it!
As I think about what I said that bike ride, I continue to find more reasons to believe it. I think we are here to find beauty or what enriches and nourishes our souls. We live to becomes shining lights of love for the world, for others to be inspired to love as well. Simply put: "If you Love the World, the World will Love you back."
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Bike ride to Huntington Beach!
Bike Ride: Huntington Beach (via Santa Ana River Trail)
Distance: 58.9 miles
Max Speed: 29.2 mph
Total Time: 4 hours (plus about an hour and a half at the beach)
Start time: 8 am
End Time: 1:30pm
Date: February 10, 2012
I went on this ride with my awesome roommate Matt Marshall. We didn't really plan this until about 10pm the night before. Very spontaneous indeed. But I am very glad that we did push through with our last minute plan. The weather on this day was absolutely divine. It was about 58 degrees when we started, but it warmed up by the time we got to the beach. This ride marked yet another step in my biking life. It was my first ride over 50 miles (half century distance). And what's amazing is that this was Matt's first ride (Crazy huh?).
We kept a good pace of about 17-20 mph. It wasn't too hard because of the flat terrain leading to the beach. It was such a pleasure to see all kinds of bikers on that trail. We saw couples on tandems, triathletes on Time Trial bikes, pure roadies, beach cruisers, and even some low riders! What is interesting though, is that about 95% of these bikers were over 30 years old (or at least they looked above 30 years old- you never really know nowadays). It is a pity that there aren't too many young people out on the trails with their bikes. Matt and I are hoping to build a biking group in our dorm to encourage our friends to get bike and to fall in love with cycling.
Some time before we got to the beach I had my very first "crash" (more of a fall really) on my road bike. It was one of these crashes caused by sheer stupidity and inability to clip out of your pedals fast enough. I had ridden to the side of the trail to readjust my shoes and to take a picture. In order to get back on the trail, I had to make a sharp right turn. I did so, but without the momentum required to sustain balance, so at a speed of less than 1 mph, i started to feel the cement get closer and closer untill I finally hit the ground with my hip. I wasn't hurt (well, maybe my pride took a little beating, but at least I was physically unharmed). As I said before, everyone crashes, you just have to learn to deal with it!
When we got to the beach, we ate some fries at Ruby's (an american-style diner that rests at the end of the Huntington Beach pier- I particularly love this Ruby's because they constantly play swing era jazz). There were really good waves that day, so Matt and I had the opportunity to watch some very good surfers at work. We also had the privilege of seeing the USA volleyball team practicing at shore. They were amazing! The games were incredibly fast paced, and every other hit was a smash! What a joy it was to see such dedicated athletes at work.
After our brunch, Matt and I decided to soak up some sun and lay down on the grass (sand would probably have been uncomfortable in the spandex). Every bit of sunlight felt so good, and we were getting a lot of it! In fact, over the course of time we had been there (about an hour and a half), the amount of people at the beach almost tripled! By the time we had to make our way back home, the beach was packed with people.
The toughest part of the ride was the last 7 mile stretch. I started to feel my legs become weak, but I still managed to make it. I was very impressed with Matt, considering this was his first ride (although he is a very athletic person).
When we got back, I took a nap and practiced Cello later that day. What more can I ask for? Seriously, how much more lucky can I be? What a beautiful day.
Distance: 58.9 miles
Max Speed: 29.2 mph
Total Time: 4 hours (plus about an hour and a half at the beach)
Start time: 8 am
End Time: 1:30pm
Date: February 10, 2012
I went on this ride with my awesome roommate Matt Marshall. We didn't really plan this until about 10pm the night before. Very spontaneous indeed. But I am very glad that we did push through with our last minute plan. The weather on this day was absolutely divine. It was about 58 degrees when we started, but it warmed up by the time we got to the beach. This ride marked yet another step in my biking life. It was my first ride over 50 miles (half century distance). And what's amazing is that this was Matt's first ride (Crazy huh?).
We kept a good pace of about 17-20 mph. It wasn't too hard because of the flat terrain leading to the beach. It was such a pleasure to see all kinds of bikers on that trail. We saw couples on tandems, triathletes on Time Trial bikes, pure roadies, beach cruisers, and even some low riders! What is interesting though, is that about 95% of these bikers were over 30 years old (or at least they looked above 30 years old- you never really know nowadays). It is a pity that there aren't too many young people out on the trails with their bikes. Matt and I are hoping to build a biking group in our dorm to encourage our friends to get bike and to fall in love with cycling.
Some time before we got to the beach I had my very first "crash" (more of a fall really) on my road bike. It was one of these crashes caused by sheer stupidity and inability to clip out of your pedals fast enough. I had ridden to the side of the trail to readjust my shoes and to take a picture. In order to get back on the trail, I had to make a sharp right turn. I did so, but without the momentum required to sustain balance, so at a speed of less than 1 mph, i started to feel the cement get closer and closer untill I finally hit the ground with my hip. I wasn't hurt (well, maybe my pride took a little beating, but at least I was physically unharmed). As I said before, everyone crashes, you just have to learn to deal with it!
When we got to the beach, we ate some fries at Ruby's (an american-style diner that rests at the end of the Huntington Beach pier- I particularly love this Ruby's because they constantly play swing era jazz). There were really good waves that day, so Matt and I had the opportunity to watch some very good surfers at work. We also had the privilege of seeing the USA volleyball team practicing at shore. They were amazing! The games were incredibly fast paced, and every other hit was a smash! What a joy it was to see such dedicated athletes at work.
After our brunch, Matt and I decided to soak up some sun and lay down on the grass (sand would probably have been uncomfortable in the spandex). Every bit of sunlight felt so good, and we were getting a lot of it! In fact, over the course of time we had been there (about an hour and a half), the amount of people at the beach almost tripled! By the time we had to make our way back home, the beach was packed with people.
The toughest part of the ride was the last 7 mile stretch. I started to feel my legs become weak, but I still managed to make it. I was very impressed with Matt, considering this was his first ride (although he is a very athletic person).
When we got back, I took a nap and practiced Cello later that day. What more can I ask for? Seriously, how much more lucky can I be? What a beautiful day.
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| A room full of Bikes and Bikers! David: Red Trek Matt: Yellow Peugot Mikko: White Cannondale |
Biking Brea Canyon Road
Date: February 5, 2012
Bike Ride: Diamond Bar (via Brea Canyon)
Bike Ride: Diamond Bar (via Brea Canyon)
Distance: 40.9 miles
Max Speed: 35.9mph
Total Time: 3:10:17
Start Time: 7:30am
End Time: 11:30am
Start Time: 7:30am
End Time: 11:30am
Wow, I have really put off this entry for a while now. However, I will not forget how important this was for me. I remember not being able to sleep the night before because I was so excited. This was my first serious ride (over 35 miles) on my new road bike! I decided to ride this route a second time, because the last time I attempted it, I didn't have enough endurance. This time around, I rode with my friend Jomarie, a fellow biker and friend from my dorms. It was great to have company, especially during the uphill climbs (which Jomarie, by the way, is really really good at).
What I loved most about this particular ride were the descents (down hill riding). Whenever we started riding faster than 30 miles per hour, I started to experience a sense of hyper-vigilance. Downhill riding is a great way of opening up your senses. Well, you don't really have a choice when a split-second of absent-mindedness could cost you your life. But I love it! It gives me my week's supply of adrenaline and it jump starts my system.
We did experience a minor crash though. Jomarie lost control when we were descending somewhere in Brea. What happened was a car came in from a side street to make a right turn, so we had to brake to make sure we wouldn't hit the car.Since Jomarie was behind me, she had to brake harder in order to avoid colliding with my rear wheel and knocking me over (which was very very considerate of her). Jomarie took the crash like a champ and we both rode back to the dorms without problem (despite her bloody hands).
Just as problems are part of life, crashing is part of biking. We just have to learn how to deal with it and to cope after it has happened. Jomarie, you handled that crash very well! Congrats! (and thank you for sparing me from some unpleasant contact with asphalt.)
We made it in time for lunch and enjoyed a nice Chicken Parmesan Salad at the cafeteria. Thanks Jomarie! Hope to go on more rides with you in the future!
What I loved most about this particular ride were the descents (down hill riding). Whenever we started riding faster than 30 miles per hour, I started to experience a sense of hyper-vigilance. Downhill riding is a great way of opening up your senses. Well, you don't really have a choice when a split-second of absent-mindedness could cost you your life. But I love it! It gives me my week's supply of adrenaline and it jump starts my system.
We did experience a minor crash though. Jomarie lost control when we were descending somewhere in Brea. What happened was a car came in from a side street to make a right turn, so we had to brake to make sure we wouldn't hit the car.Since Jomarie was behind me, she had to brake harder in order to avoid colliding with my rear wheel and knocking me over (which was very very considerate of her). Jomarie took the crash like a champ and we both rode back to the dorms without problem (despite her bloody hands).
Just as problems are part of life, crashing is part of biking. We just have to learn how to deal with it and to cope after it has happened. Jomarie, you handled that crash very well! Congrats! (and thank you for sparing me from some unpleasant contact with asphalt.)
We made it in time for lunch and enjoyed a nice Chicken Parmesan Salad at the cafeteria. Thanks Jomarie! Hope to go on more rides with you in the future!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
My Trip to Laramie
I just got back from the very last show of The Laramie Project. I have been involved with this wonderful theater production since late last year and it is difficult to put into words what this has done for me as a person. Emotionally underscoring the show with my cello has helped me grow tremendously as a musician, and beyond that, The Laramie Project has really changed my life.
I am so grateful to have been a part of this wonderful journey. First of all, I had the honor of working with amazing artists and genuine people. Thank you Stephen John for letting me be a part of this and being an awesome Director. Thank you Joe and Greg (and also damn you Joe and Greg) for making me cry every night we did this show. Thank you Teddy and Ji Hye for being the most wonderful friends that you always have been for me. Thank you Jeff for being so damn funny. Thank you Meghan, Carly and Tiffany for all the love-filled hugs (i especially needed those today). Thank you Jill and Jesse for absolutely nailing that Alison and Marge scene. Thank you Jessica for the Love and Joy. Thank you Amanda for being a bad-ass with the power drill every time we striked the stage. Thank you Robert for the pictures. And Thank you Marla for having us at the Mysterium.
I am not good at goodbyes, i know this from experience. On the way back home, along the 57, I couldn't help but cry. It's tough saying goodbye to the family I found in this cast. I enjoyed every moment, especially the times when i found myself both laughing and crying. When that happens, you just know you're alive and doing something good with your life.
Thank you guys, for reminding me why we are in the arts. It was so great to be surrounded by people who love what they do. And that is what it is all about: Love, Love, Love. I hope to work with you again in the future!
We dealt with what is true, we said it correct.
Thank you guys,
Mikko
I am so grateful to have been a part of this wonderful journey. First of all, I had the honor of working with amazing artists and genuine people. Thank you Stephen John for letting me be a part of this and being an awesome Director. Thank you Joe and Greg (and also damn you Joe and Greg) for making me cry every night we did this show. Thank you Teddy and Ji Hye for being the most wonderful friends that you always have been for me. Thank you Jeff for being so damn funny. Thank you Meghan, Carly and Tiffany for all the love-filled hugs (i especially needed those today). Thank you Jill and Jesse for absolutely nailing that Alison and Marge scene. Thank you Jessica for the Love and Joy. Thank you Amanda for being a bad-ass with the power drill every time we striked the stage. Thank you Robert for the pictures. And Thank you Marla for having us at the Mysterium.
I am not good at goodbyes, i know this from experience. On the way back home, along the 57, I couldn't help but cry. It's tough saying goodbye to the family I found in this cast. I enjoyed every moment, especially the times when i found myself both laughing and crying. When that happens, you just know you're alive and doing something good with your life.
Thank you guys, for reminding me why we are in the arts. It was so great to be surrounded by people who love what they do. And that is what it is all about: Love, Love, Love. I hope to work with you again in the future!
We dealt with what is true, we said it correct.
Thank you guys,
Mikko
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| Bye Laramie! |
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
My First Ride!
At 8:00 am Sunday, I was riding my bike up Brea Canyon. The air was crisp, the sky was a clear blue and I was happy. Earlier that morning, I was debating with myself whether or not to go out and bike. I was very tired when I woke up, but I decided to go out and do it. I ended up biking 20 miles to Diamond bar and back, and after the ride (about 10am), I felt surprisingly energized! It was like I had drunk a cup of iced coffee, except with added shots of fresh air and adrenaline.
The ride towards Diamond Bar was mostly uphill, and I struggled. My endurance isn’t where it should be yet, but it will be soon! Even though the route was uphill, it was great. I rode past several small creeks and lots of trees. I also noticed many other cyclists. It was very nice to be able to greet each other with that wave of understanding: “I am a biker, you are a biker and we love what we are doing.” It felt so good to be on the road with people who loved being there.
On the way back, I took State College (which is a very steep downhill road). I rode up to about 40 mph, and it was thrilling! No rollercoaster could ever compare to the excitement of biking downhill, because of the inherent dangers present in downhill cycling.
As I rode past trees and creeks under the blue sky, I remember one of the thoughts that crossed my mind was: “Oh man, I am so lucky.”
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| Love my new bike! |
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| Creek near my dorm (taken on the way back) |
East West Bikes
So last Friday, a few hours after I wrote my last entry, I headed over to East West Bikes at downtown Fullerton for my bike fit. East West bikes is the bike store that used to be known as Banning’s bikes. It is the premier bike shop here in Fullerton. They sell higher end road bikes and gear. I arrived at the store a little before 11 am (which is when they open) and I had the privilege of working with Sally. Sally helped me choose my bib, shoes and pedals the last time I was in the shop. She is incredibly nice and very patient. I learned so much about road biking, maintenance, rides, Team Velocity, routes, etc. We had a great time in the fit studio, talking while working. It was much fun!
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| Thank you Ash and Sally! You guys are awesome! |
I also got to know Ash (he is the guy who is always behind the counter repairing bikes). He helped adjust my seat post (which was jammed because of Cannondale’s design). I did meet Ash once late last year when I visited the store with my roommate (his bike’s fork bent because he got hit by a car). I brought in my cello and the first thing Ash said was: “Is that a carbon case?” haha. He also said that he loved classical music, and that he only listened to the classical station KUSC 91.5 during his commute (on bike).
After the fit was done, Sally even gave me one of her route slips (from Team Velocity), so that I would have a route to ride my new bike! Incredibly helpful! This experience got me a hundred times more excited about biking. In fact, as I left the store, I was simply ecstatic.
East West bikes is a great shop. They have great quality products and staff with lots of experience, patience, and a love for what they do! If any of you decides to get into road biking, I highly recommend this great bike shop. I know I will be going back!
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