United...

I once heard someone say, "We can discover the meaning of life in three different ways: (1) by doing a deed; (2) by experiencing a value; and (3) by suffering." The first two sound pretty cool. Suffering... I'm not sure I'm really into that. You with me?

Some of you know where this is headed. You've grown tired of listening to the same scratched cd (kind of like a broken record for those over 50 who frequent the blog). I'm not here to debate on whether we should hit the eject button. Not many people like hearing an intoxicated Alvin and the Chipmunks. I'm wondering if there's something else we could do? Something to possibly restore the condition of the original...

Let's come back to this in a minute. I've got a story for you.

Over the weekend, I pre-ordered The Trumpet Child (the latest album from one of the best bands of all time... Over The Rhine). When you pre-order you also receive three free mp3's immediately, as well as exclusive extras. How could you not pre-order? Right? Anyway, I began to listen to each song closely. Over The Rhine's songs are beautiful narratives evoking all of our senses. Yes, it's quite the experience!

However, something was different about these new songs. Something was missing. It was like you paused in mid sentence to listen to the song. Then afterwards, carried on the conversation without ever losing place of where you were. It was if the song never truly existed. Wait. What? How could this be?

Has Over The Rhine continued along the same path as artists before them? Sarah McLachlan, Alanis Morissette, Counting Crows, Stone Temple Pilots, Matthew Perryman Jones. These are all fascinating artists whose music has dramatically changed over the years. Why? What's different?

Suffering. What do you mean?

Let's journey back. Sarah's best albums were written in the dark years of her life. Alanis' first few albums were a mixture of hurt, abuse, and neglect... but they rocked! Counting Crows wrote from a place of searching and desperation until they found happiness. Stone Temple Pilots- recovery was good for Scott Weiland, but the same can't be said for the music. It's like the best inspiration came out of the deepest pain.

One more example. Gladiator. If you still have yet to see the film, please stop reading this blog. I don't think it's gonna work out for us to be friends. Seriously, look at the character of Maximus. Would we remember the story if upon his arrival home, he simply became a good father, husband, and farmer? Hmmm. I think we all still see the same images here. The ground is black, the dirt dry, he looks up...

Suffering. There's something strikingly beautiful about her. Yet, so many people fail to truly see her in all her beauty. She resonates within each one of us. She stands at the door awaiting our invitation. She has come tonight to unite. That's her purpose. Somehow, she finds a way to unite us all together. And in the process, we're united with a Creator.

Here's to all of us who have embraced her as best we could. May we have the strength to rely on each other arms. May we find ourselves helping to bring restoration to the earth. May the cd's of our hearts find a way to be scratch-less as we unite.

Interpretation...

Thought you had all the answers
to rest your heart upon
but something happens
don't see if coming, now
you can't stop yourself

Now you're out there swimming...
in the deep
in the deep

Life keeps tumbling your heart in circles
till you let go
till you shed your pride and you climb to heaven
and you throw yourself off

Now you're out there spinning...
in the deep
in the deep
in the deep
in the deep

And now you're out there spinning...
now you're out there spinning...
in the deep
in the deep
in the deep

In the silence all your secrets will
raise their worried heads
well, you can pin yourself back together,
with who you thought you were

Now you're out there living...
in the deep
in the deep
in the deep

In the deep...

Now you're out there spinning...
Now you're out there swimming...
Now you're out there spinning...
in the deep
in the deep
in the deep
in the deep

(If you want to be given everything, give everything up)
___________________________________________

A change of pace for us. I've been haunted by this song over the last few days. It's such an odd experience. Anyway, I thought I'd share this incredible piece of music. As you read, what thoughts come to mind? What strikes you? How do you feel? Where is the artist writing from? What does she want us to walk away with?

So many questions. I'm asking for your perspective. Your interpretation.

Let's head in the deep together...

Collide...

"It's the sense of touch. In any real city, you walk, you know? You brush past people, people bump into you. In L.A., nobody touches you. We're always behind this metal and glass. I think we miss that touch so much, that we crash into each other, just so we can feel something."

The opening lines, from one of the greatest movies of our lifetime, haunts me. You see, the reality of truth displayed is not something that easily leaves. It's not something that you can dismiss as "Hollywood" regardless of how hard you try. Maybe it's different for you. I just can't disassociate myself from truth... wherever I find it.

This compelling urban thriller tracks the volatile intersection of a multi-ethnic cast of characters struggling to overcome their fears as they careen in and out of one another's lives. In a world that views truth in black and white, this film brings a new color the the forefront. In my opinion, gray never looked so beautiful. She's both thrilling and provocative!

Question. Has truth ever stared into your eyes like this before? Have you ever experienced her compassion? Her gentleness? Her love?

If not, why? Is it that we're too comfortable to let her come near? Is it that we're too selfish to welcome her over? Too ignorant to let her teach us her ways? Too lazy to change? Or perhaps too busy?

Moving at the speed of life, we are bound to collide with each other. May we discover new ways to feel again. May we all discover the magic cloak wrapped around our neck. And in the process, find ourselves willing to... Crash!

Rivalry...

What a great word! It's a word closely associated with bravery, passion, and heroism. Wow! Can you feel it? It's like being alive, free, fearless.

Rivalry, in some way, keeps the earth balanced. It enables us to experience the euphoric sensation of ultimate victory. Man, is there a better feeling on earth? However, as you know, a true rivalry isn't complete without defeat. It also ensures us that we know the utter shock and subsequent pain of loss. The agony can be crippling.

Over the years, I've been asked on numerous occasions if I think the world is coming to an end. Frequently, I would dismiss the thought of such a question. Absolutely not! However, as I have observed our little planet, I'm starting to think otherwise. Perhaps this really is the beginning of the end.

Why the change? Great question.

Come to the observation deck. Look around. What do you see? Or a better question. What do you fail to see? If you're like me, you become a bit frightened by the lack of balance on Mother Earth. It's seems as though that which kept her level and spinning has suddenly disappeared into thin air. How could this happen? How do we capture it again? Where do we find it?

Let's begin our search "back in the day"... the 80's. Rivals were everywhere to be found. The Lakers vs. The Celtics. USC vs. Notre Dame. Georgia vs. Florida. Hagler vs. Hearns. Marino vs. Montana. Maverick vs. Iceman. Biff vs. McLFy. Michael vs. Madonna. J.R. vs. Bobby. Def Leppard vs. Poison. Coke vs. Pepsi. My personal favorite- The Midnight Express vs. The Rock and Roll Express. The Braves vs. themselves. You get the point.

Rivalry was a way of life. It wasn't just on a national level. In our local towns and communities, look what happened when rivals would compete. The place was a buzz with excitement, anticipation, and stories of legend from older generations. There's nothing quite like it really. Rivalry has a way of uniting people from all walks of life. Rivalry is at the core of humanity. It's foundational for survival.

As you look across the landscape today- do you see the difference? The past few decades have produced only a few great rivals. Instead, as a society, we've moved beyond rivalry to a place of superior domination. Names such as Lance, Tiger, and Federer only prove this point.

Here's to reclaiming rivals and in the process helping Earth survive another day. Waycross... here's to saving the city. Bring back the rivalry for goodness sake. Bells need to be hidden, mascots need to be stolen, and schools need to be painted!

Rhythm...

Do you have it? Can you spell it correctly? It's such a funny word, isn't it?

Rhythm... What exactly is rhythm? What images come to mind? How does one go about finding it? Great questions.

I watched yesterday, in agony, as Sergio struggled to find her. I heard a band last week who couldn't quite wrap their fingers around her either. I saw a boxing match last month that didn't quite live up to the hype. It reminded me of a party I recently attended. There were moments of enjoyment... but something was missing. It's hard to describe.

You know the feeling. Right? It's almost as if there isn't any flow, any fluidity. This can be quite a difficult experience. For example. Have you ever visited your best friends family? Ever been home to meet the parents? Ever had one of those big family reunion type things? Or maybe a class reunion many years later? Yeah... you know something about her too!

Rhythm... she's such a mystical, fascinating creature. She sweeps you off of your feet one minute. Then vanishes, leaving you without a trace of her whereabouts. Why does she leave so quickly? Is there anything we could do to win her over? Any secrets we should know about?

If you're like me, you're quite intrigued by her. She comes and makes everything seem so easy, so natural. When she's around, life just makes sense. You wonder what, on earth, you could do to earn her trust. However, you understand that she's unpredictable. She's not meant to be tied down.

So, next time you stand on number 13 tee and wonder where she's gone- be thankful that she stayed with you for the first 12. The next time you're at a good friend's house and everything feels just right- pause for a moment to thank her. The next time you're in the groove at work for no apparent reason- remember she too is present. The next time you hear that song that moves you- smile and feel the warmth of her embrace.

May our lives discover this rhythm. May she bring us home to the rest of the family.

Inclusion...

Is there a better word... on the planet? Honestly, can you say inclusion without smiling? It may not be the full on cheese, but it's a crooked grin for sure. Have you ever wondered why? If not, could you?

Today, we're not here to discuss all the ways we... as a race, as a society, as a nation... continue to struggle in this embrace. We're also not here to debate historical facts, stories, or myths. We just don't need to. We all feel it. We have all experienced this in some way. Wouldn't you agree? Heck, we probably know both sides of her pretty well by now.

Inclusion. I want you to look deep into her eyes. Wait. Look again.

Have you ever, in all your days, seen such beauty? Have you ever felt warmth like this before? Have you really known connectivity like this? It's awesome, isn't it? She's indescribable!

Personally, I am spending more time with her. I am learning more about her with every passing day. I hope this comes across in my writing. I also hope that it translates into living a life of acceptance. I find that I'm closer to the Creator when I'm with her... and this just feels good!

You know the feeling! It's like when you're walking along the beach at sundown... a nice breeze passes through you. You smile. Why? Something just feels right!

You see, inclusion has taught me a thing or two. I now understand that I need you. I need you to be... you. I need (and want) your voice, your perspective, your love. Although all may be different from mine... it's diversity that makes good human beings into beautiful people. Thank you all for helping me become a little less scary!

May we embrace inclusion and find ourselves walking along the beach, breeze in our face, Creator in hand. That sounds cool!

Journey...

We should pause for a minute. Think of your individual story. Ponder the paths which have led you to where you are. Now, think of a close friend. What does her journey look like? What about his? We could ask the same question repeatedly concerning parents, children, loved ones, untrusted ones, etc. Many of us know a little thing or two about a lot of people. I wonder if our perspective would change if we knew the whole story... the entire journey?

It's fascinating isn't it? Everyone we meet has a different story. A journey all together their own. A path uniquely designed especially for them.

As we travel, something amazing takes place. As we chase after our individual destiny, we find ourselves crossing paths or simply bumping into each other. How does this happen? Aren't you on a different path? Aren't you pursuing a different way of life? Regardless of the questions, the facts remain. We are here. We're together.

Where to next? Isn't that our next impulse? Why are we such a people of destination? After all, isn't the journey and the people we meet along the way more important that the destination? I hope our paths are crossing and together we're slowly learning to answer... yes.

This goes out to all of us who have found ourselves in strange places and lonely paths. May the journey lead us head first into stronger relationships and deeper friendships. May once viewed strangers become family. May we discover that the journey isn't to get us to a particular point, it's to get us to a special person. Or perhaps it's to create a special person inside of us.

May clear roads be ahead...

Commitment...

It's the same every morning... well six out of seven isn't bad. I faintly hear in the distance the voice of one calling out. It's almost as if this voice is spiritual, mystical in her delivery. She speaks with the same tone each morning. Her words find the path although no light is present. She is gentle, timid, and apologetic. Do you recognize her?

She always wears the same outfit... 4:59. I wonder what this could mean? Does it mean anything to you? For many, it's one minute before the dreadful workday is over! For others, it's right in the middle of Happy Hour! For the strange few, like myself, it's twelve hours in the other direction.

Commitment. The word just doesn't roll easily off our tongues. It's a word that conjures up hundreds of emotions... hope, pain, heartache, promise... just to name a few. Yet, it's the very foundation that directs our compass and sets the sails in motion.

Contrary to popular opinion, I am a pretty committed dude. If we asked some old flames to chime in about this subject matter... we might get some different opinions. You know what? We're not asking! Truth is... I have a new found awareness for my ability to commit. I'm a pretty strong willed individual and once I've set my sights on a particular goal, watch out!

Over the last few years, I've daily taken on the challenge of greeting the sun as he awakens. I think he appreciates my commitment. We've shared some wonderful times together and it feels as though we've found a new level of respect for one another. There are days when I wait for him. He is absent. There are days when he looks for me. I'm nowhere to be found.

Through it all, we're committed. We understand that commitment isn't about duty, victory, or strategy. It's about a shared value... a way of life. It's about extending great grace to one another and cherishing the moments when we're together. It's about celebration!

So, let's celebrate our commitments! Let's look through different lenses and find a new approach to the people and places we're committed too. Maybe in the process, we'll find ourselves at the same party... committed to diving deep and listening well!

Expectations...

The word alone causes us to shift in our seats. Hesitation races to the front of our minds. Our faces tell the story. It's one of intrigue, conflict, and debate. If you're like me, you've probably found yourself protesting on both sides of the issue.

Let me ask you. What words come to mind when hearing the word... expectation? What images do you see? Maybe you think of Pip in the classic novel by Charles Dickens. Maybe you see Ethan Hawke and Gwyneth Paltrow dancing beautifully. Or perhaps you feel angered by this question. Maybe for you, expectation is a four-letter word that would never have the honor of coming out of your mouth. Maybe it's just the opposite. Perhaps you thrive on this very thing.

In knowing me well, you know that I struggle with exceptionally high expectation. Why? Who knows? It's one of the few things that Bo simply does not know (and Nike wouldn't help out either on this one). I simply expect a lot out of people, especially close friends and myself. It's both a blessing and a curse.

It appears as though the tendency in our present culture is to view this thing with disgust and negativity. The trend, it seems, is to say, "How dare you place expectations on me." For many, expectations are a noose, an impasse, a deal breaker. I find myself confused with such a mind set. I just don't quite understand how it got to be this way.

Aren't expectations meant to be beautiful? Aren't they simply in place to bring strength to our insecurities? Aren't they as much for our growth as they are our pruning?

I was talking with a good friend a few months ago. We were having the usual conversation... dreaming aloud, processing the future, and examining all the possibilities. Remember, this is the norm for us. So, we've been talking seriously about living in the same place and doing life in a way that we only dream about to this point. Everything was in motion.

Fast forward. Two weeks ago, I'm again talking with this same close friend. He (name withheld to protect the guilty) starts off by asking if I really believe in what we've been talking about. I couldn't believe it! But, we're not done. He then proceeds to tell me that he just doesn't have any expectations for the future and simply changes the course of years of incredible dialog.

Hmmm... expectations. I know this is a very controversial subject. I know that I'll probably get comments from all sides of the debate. I know that together we can help one another understand this often difficult issue.

Let's speak openly. Let's share honestly. Let's live expectantly... or not!

Confusion...

Let me ask you. Have you ever been fanatical about something? Have you ever found yourself laughing, crying, or screaming for something or someone who you haven't even met? Ever had your emotions swing on a particular event or situation where you had no control of the outcome?

If so, you've probably experienced this strange phenomenon called confusion. Now, this sucker can come in many shapes and sizes. It's packaged like the old "ob" (in disguise)... what looks like a nice little present can suddenly be something else. Yes, confusing I know.

My confusion of late revolves around the swinging door of Leeds United F.C. For those who have no idea who the heck Leeds is... shame on you! If I threw out names such as Man United, Chelsea, Arsenal, or Liverpool most of you would guess that I was referring to an English football team. However, in knowing me, you would know that teams are not just teams... it's a way of life. In Europe, teams somehow find a way of choosing you. Kind of like how Bumble Bee picks Sam in Transformers.

Anyway, I was introduced to "The Whites" while in Scotland in 2000. At the time, Leeds embodied everything I believed in... they were young, passionate, fierce, unafraid, and loyal. Over the last 5 years or so, the team has gone from the highest achievement in European soccer to the most shameful feats of English lore. It's a horrific story. From elation to heartache. Heartache to frustration. Frustration to... you guessed it... confusion. In the spirit of my young niece Catherine... "What happened?" Over the last month, no one has known if Leeds would even survive as a football club. It looked as if the doors at Elland Road would be forever closed.

But, in the spirit of Leeds United, the club has dug to the depths of itself and found a passion to live... to breathe, to thrive, to try! I still don't understand so much of what has happened, but what I do know is that I bleed Leeds. And if you're a fan of such a thing... you understand what this means. You know that sometimes you have to visit the deep places and in the process find yourself again.

So, next time you're watching Survivor and ask yourself how could this happen... remember that confusion is a chance to look inside and find yourself all over again. Perhaps this will take place when watching the Dawgs settle for yet another field goal. Or maybe this will take place when you can't quite figure out how Jack is going to get out of the mess he's in. Maybe it's closer to home for you. Maybe it's a best friend who's disengaged... for no apparent reason. Or a life decision that is growing more and more confusing as the deadline approaches.

This goes out to all of us who are desperately seeking the depths of life and finding ourselves in unknown confusing places. May our confusion show us the way home. "Marching on together."

Haven't we all heard this before?

I know what some of you are thinking... Bo, if you're going to develop a blog at least come up with something remotely original. Right? If you didn't think this ... chances are we probably don't know one another real well to this point. But that could quickly change.

When thinking of joining the blog world, there was only one catch phrase that I couldn't shake. You guessed it... Bo Knows. If you are too young for this... congratulations! If you're too old to remember... you're not reading this blog! Seriously, it has to be one of the best advertising campaigns ever! Leave it up to Nike to make a little bank, huh?

A little refresher for those who were lost in the late 80's to early 90's. Perhaps you were spending 12 hours a day trying to save the Princess. Maybe you were waking up early to watch hundreds of little blue dudes survive the wicked schemes of Gargamel. Maybe you couldn't resist the Master of the Universe and the power of the Castle of Grayskull. Maybe your fights with the parents centered around whether the WWF and NWA were real or not... Summer Slam was only like $19.95! Or perhaps you were dancing and singing along to the newest Jackson 5... I think they were called NKOTB.

So, long before Kurt died, even before grunge took off, we were introduce to this amazing athlete named Bo. He was the first athlete in the modern era to play professional baseball and football in the same year. Therefore, Bo knew a lot. Bo went on to excel in the knowledge of basketball, surfing, cycling, soccer, tennis, auto racing, etc. He even knew cricket! As you can imagine, growing up with the name, Bo, quickly became quite interesting! Man, the stories I have to tell...

In the coming days and months, you will find out for yourself that after 15 years or so... Bo still knows a thing or two. He's changed a bit in recent years... shorter, smaller, lighter, better looking. I've taken over the reigns although Nike has dropped the funding. Come along for the ride and laugh at yourself when you say out loud again in the midst of strangers... Bo Knows!!