Been into the Grateful Dead for almost as long as I've been skating. First time I went to a family related show I decided that it was what I wanted to do. I've been to a lot of shows all over the states, some better than others. It's always special to see the family and friends, to dance and shake our bones, for a few hours or a few days. It's one of those things, like skating, when you know, you know. I think a lot of it has to do with the rewiring/development of new grooves in the brain through psychedelic use with the crowds, while the music is playing, but for me and a lot of others, just listening to the music has become a pretty special experience. sings me back home, every time
other than that, I don't know much about being into subcultures, because that implies involvement in communities and I get caught in my own trap of being aggravated with people flexing expensive gear and all that. I was pretty broke/poor for a long time so I learned to make whatever I've got work.
Been riding fixed gear bikes, when I'm not hurt, since about 2011 when an old, old dude rider gave me my first bike which was an old Bianchi racer. I don't know shit about gear, just what's worked for me and that riding fixed is the closest thing I've experienced to street skating that isn't street skating. I don't live near a decent city right now so I just like to go on long rides, occasionally taking it to logging roads and gravel trails where shit can get really gnarly and fun. Maybe one of these days I'll finally get some padded shorts.
I practice and teach people different yoga and Buddhist meditation practices. The ethics of Yogic practice/study are pretty integral in my life (non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, maintaining appropriate sexual energy/transmission, non-greed) and have helped shape my modes of operation. The metta meditation practices (may I be happy and peaceful, may I be healthy and strong, may I be safe and protected from inner and outer harm, may I live at ease; may you be happy and peaceful...) have been helpful in developing and maintaining a sense of self love and respect that I really appreciate and enjoy sharing with others. Same with traditional mindfulness based practices (focusing on the breath and sensations). My favorite aspect of teaching is teaching it to the kids because it's a great way to help them acknowledge that "as a person, you're ok just as you are." I try to operate from a trauma informed approach- bodily trauma, psych trauma, historical trauma- in that I recognize every one has something different and unique going on, that the body-mind-heart are connected, and that it's ok for everyone to need their own thing. I could go on and on and on but will just say that this is how I try to operate in all actions and thoughts.
When my leg isn't hemmed up, I'm usually hiking solo, trying to sleep outside, shooting guns, finding something/place beautiful in the world.
Topic: What Subculture do you like besides skateboarding? (Read 3235 times)