Dave Ford Does Earth

Posted by Dave Ford

Over the past week or so I have revamped my personal blogging efforts. Somehow, much of what I have ended up writing about involves the very miserable, highly volatile existence of the people that share the wall with us in our building in the East Village. It came to a bit of a head last week when after enduring hours of screaming–I banged on the wall in response–and ended up face to face with the source of the endless shrieking. She (I have no idea what her name is) politely reminded me of how late we were up late on weekends and how she had not called security “yet” in response. I in turn, agreed to stop banging on the wall and to let them “scream at each other in peace”.

Well, for the last week since then, it has been WW3 over there. We are at the point where it has become intolerable. And, the walls are not “that thin”. They certainly could be thicker–but the decibel level they are putting out can probably be heard in Central Park (which is 65 blocks away).

So, I have had enough. I cannot sit back and do nothing. Bold steps have become necessary. 

On Friday, in the midst of what might have been the most violent (verbally at least) argument I have ever heard in my life, I decided to make a trip to the Barnes and Noble in Union Square. I bought the Art of Happiness: “A Handbook for Living” by the Dalai Lama. It is a great book that I read a long, long time ago–that gives some very practical knowledge about living presently, coming to terms with suffering, and pursuing happiness.

On the back cover of the book, the following is quoted by the Dalai Lama:

“I believe the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness. That is clear. Whether one believes in religion or not, whether one believes in this religion or that religion, we are all seeking something better in life, so I think the very motion of our life is towards happiness.”

So, this morning I put the book in a gift bag w/ some tissue paper, leaned it against their door, and ran like hell. The note I put  on the front cover read:

——————

Dear Friends,

Life is way too short.

Love,

Your Neighbors

——————

I think it was best to leave it anonymously. After a few hours it has been verified that the package was received (or at least had been taken inside). 

I am not a Buddhist, but have studied meditation and Buddhism (albeit to a limited extent) over the last ten years. I like the Buddhists as they do not push their religion on anyone. You can be other faiths and also be Buddhists. As a people, they are very chill. The Dalai Lama’s writings are also in this fashion–and are very accessible for people of all belief systems (or no belief systems) and all walks of life. And if you think about it, this guy has lead a global, 98% peaceful assault on the Chinese government for the last 5 decades (from his place of exile in Northern India), won a Nobel Peace Prize, and has inspired millions. It is not too much of a stretch to think he could have a positive effect on two miserable, middle aged New Yorkers.

I do not have any real reason to believe that they will even crack the book. Although, it has been quiet over there today and I know they are over there. So for now,  I will chalk this up as a 1 day victory and cross my fingers.

At least I can sleep better at night knowing I tried to do “something”. The book cost me $23 bucks. I think it is a bit on the optimistic side to think that this one effort could work to it achieve its desired effect. But, crazier things have happened. And on a selfish note, maybe they will just stop screaming as much. This would be a huge win for all involved (namely them) if they just screamed half as much.

I will be sure to update the situation. 

————————————————————————

Notes:

> I know I skipped a few days of writing out of my 31 posts in 31 days. I have no real reason or excuse except that not much (that I can write about) happened. Lots of good things are shaking on the business front.  I think I might change the “31 posts in 31 days” into “31 posts in 31 non-sequential days”.

> I might be heading out west a bit early if a few things fall into place. I am definitely feeling the pull of the Pacific–more specifically Los Angeles.  I wouldn’t mind going out a week early or so if the stars line up. Currently I am scheduled to leave at the end of the month for L.A and San Fran. Oh, and Black Rock City. 

Share This