tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33098490945951831492024-03-05T16:38:20.578-08:00Dreaming Til I WakeThe personal ramblings of a Los Angeles based actor, developing my Nichiren Buddhist practice as I fight to get healthy and keep the dream alive after 29 in Hollywood.Kevin D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410546164722497191noreply@blogger.comBlogger228125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309849094595183149.post-70730571228942852822019-01-31T16:28:00.002-08:002019-01-31T16:28:50.329-08:00Reversing My Diabetes Thru a Whole Food Plant Based Diet<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfATN7Chk-EIGx_kWHonmyOpfoRU7CAjrgJCwgmGHOIRVXfd7CJt987xZpxi83wwKmVxmXHkXx-hzcsImXusiRoXFWUvdyP53QaqJ9GF-jmhgqqb-b5_P-QAlE_TycxFX79MIsoAirBRk/s1600/Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="476" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfATN7Chk-EIGx_kWHonmyOpfoRU7CAjrgJCwgmGHOIRVXfd7CJt987xZpxi83wwKmVxmXHkXx-hzcsImXusiRoXFWUvdyP53QaqJ9GF-jmhgqqb-b5_P-QAlE_TycxFX79MIsoAirBRk/s320/Me.jpg" width="264" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">This picture to the right is me. Overweight, out-of-shape, and at the end of the road when it comes to my living in denial. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">The battle lines have been drawn. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Monday evening I had my annual physical and blood
tests to get a better picture of my health challenges and what I am dealing
with.</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">It turns out to be a good news/bad
news situation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The good news: my esophagus is slowly healing due to
my adopting a plant-based diet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still
have a way to go because the healing is taking place via food as medicine
rather than pharmaceutical assistance. I am okay with that! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The even better good news is that given my <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">esophagus is healing and the choking / vomiting has
decreased dramatically, this suggests that cancer, is currently off the table
as a health concern.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The bad news is, my not taking my blood pressure and
blood sugar issues seriously two years ago, when I first started my practice,
has me now scrambling to get my “act” together before it is too late. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here’s the challenge. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Challenge #1: My blood pressure is hovering at
dangerously high levels. I need to get even
stricter with my plant-based diet and remove even the “vegan junk food”
to lower sodium where possible. If I can’t get my blood pressure down via
nutrition, my doctor said we need to discuss medication. That is not an option
for me, so bring on the celery juice and daily transcendental meditation!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Challenge #2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I received a phone call on Wednesday afternoon from
my doctor’s office informing me that my A1C levels have moved from 6.5, which
diagnosed me as pre-diabetic two years ago, to 6.7 which has NOW classified me
as diabetic. Yes, I replaced worrying about the Big C last month, to worrying
about the Big D. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I returned to have my blood work retested to confirm
the A1C results and then I meet with the doctor on February 11<sup>th</sup>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">What does this mean?
I have three months to </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">not only get my blood pressure in check, but also
lower my A1C numbers or I will face having to take medication for both high
blood pressure and diabetes for LIFE.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">YIKES!! NO THANK YOU! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Talk about taking it to the Gohonzon…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have my work cut out for me. Yet, I’m not
wallowing in sadness or fear. I don’t have time for it. When I got off the phone with my doctor’s
office, I recognized that NOW is the time to not just lean into my practice, I
MUST BATHE IN THE POWER OF MY FAITH to literally transform my mind & body
so that I reverse my diabetes and eliminate any trace of hypertension in my
blood. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My mantra for the next three
months is <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Wake
Up With Determination. Go To Bed With Satisfaction.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is not lost on me that my Gohonzon Birthdays seem
to be markers for major change in my life.
Last year when February rolled around, I learned my mother passed away. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">This year, I approach February 25</span><sup style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> with the knowledge that if I
want to be around for a third Gohonzon birthday, I need to radically revamp my
health.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As strange as it sounds, having gone through a few
months of fearing I have cancer, I had more than my fair share of shall we say “facing
my mortality” moments. I already decided last month, “I WANT TO LIVE”, so I
have no intention of being undone by these two challenges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The time for dabbling
at healthy living is </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">over. I must move thru each day with the
determination to:</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Chant
in front of my gohonzon<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“NAM MYOHO
RENGE KYO” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do
my Trancendental Meditation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">EXERCISE.
EXERCISE. EXERCISE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Eat
PLANTS ONLY<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">REBOOT
MY HEALTH<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">_____________________________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Nichiren
Daishonin writes:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am . . .
praying as earnestly as though to produce fire from damp wood, or to obtain
water from parched ground” (WND-1, 444). </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">_____________________________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So, here I am. Unafraid. Ready for change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I don’t feel alone in this. I have found inspiration
from Sensei left and right popping into my day, reminding me that I have the
power to achieve my goals as long as I “Never Give Up.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">_____________________________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">N
i c h i r e n Daishonin states in one of his writings: “Illness gives rise to
the resolve to attain the Way.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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_________________________________________________________________________________<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thank you, Universe, for guiding me to this Buddhist practice,
providing me the tools to connect with my Buddha-nature, and take action to
literally transform the health of my mind, body and spirit in 2019 so I can get
on with the business of LIVING MY DREAMS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That said,Δ<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Kevin D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410546164722497191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309849094595183149.post-12591576626314109552019-01-01T04:12:00.000-08:002019-01-01T04:12:31.091-08:00Welcoming A Year of Victorious Living in 2019<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is early New Year’s morning as I upload this post and
finally say good-bye to what has arguably been the most exhausting, challenging
and emotionally draining year of my life. I have leaned heavily on my Nichiren Buddhist practice
and the promise of this practice to get through some tough challenges. As a
leader in our district, I found it important that I lead by example and do my
best to face my fears and challenges as directly as possible. However, it was not
until after our December Discussion meeting that I allowed myself to feel all
there is to feel about what has been going on with me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Mig and Sam last
Saturday reached out to me to check in and set up a home visit. It actually came right at a time when I was needing guidance
The holidays were here and I was missing my mum as this has been the first
Christmas without her. Also, if my
health </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">challenges were not enough, my car has decided to
slowly die on me. With vacation time upon me and no district activities to
distract me from my life, I recognized that I was dropping the ball with my
practice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There is something about walking that brings up
exactly what is going on in my mind. Without my car I was walking everywhere. I
tried to put a good spin on things because it was helping me to get my 10,000
steps a day in. However, as I walked, I noticed I was carrying around a lot of
anger. Everything and almost everyone angered me. I saw quite clearly I was making time to be there for others but
I was not taking the time to “be there” for myself. It is not that I did know
what I needed to do I just wasn’t really doing it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I expressed myself to Mig and Sam and received
guidance that was most helpful. I’m not use to leaning on other people. It
feels like a sign of weakness, but it is not in this practice. No one does this
alone. Success comes from taking action and learning to seek guidance and
support. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I didn’t seek the
guidance but I needed it. And in some strange way, it gave me the freedom to
feel what I was feeling. As much as I am determined to lose the weight I need
to lose and face my health challenges head on, in the quiet of my apartment, I
have moments of fear deeper than I have ever felt. The idea of cancer being a
part of my life experience and having to contemplate my </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">own mortality for the first time is the stuff that
insomnia is made of.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtj0naZ6WLYNsBnp9VeXMcfqLpjGDx-cayP9PELEM9XleyjQkn5sQMKv-9f1PKaiDh8nal2cd6iSOeRN4NaSsuJKto8A1YuABYoHVDvjAkqEvYCcjAw0qXBJDukiZmtzl1U12Fxte5U9w/s1600/IMG_2338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtj0naZ6WLYNsBnp9VeXMcfqLpjGDx-cayP9PELEM9XleyjQkn5sQMKv-9f1PKaiDh8nal2cd6iSOeRN4NaSsuJKto8A1YuABYoHVDvjAkqEvYCcjAw0qXBJDukiZmtzl1U12Fxte5U9w/s200/IMG_2338.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I won’t lie, I have found it hard this week to
chant for clarity and strength but when I did I found the clarity to not allow
myself to wallow in sorrow for the sake of wallowing. So,the Sunday before
Christmas, instead of being sad about my mum, I hopped on a metrolink train to
spend the day with my cousins in Rancho Cuchamonga. I spent the day laughing,
eating and getting recipes for Guyanese dishes my mum cooked when I was a child
so I could cook them for myself in years to come. I felt her presence with me
and that sadness went away.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqPQYd8eeOu0s3773WNDjql9g0R8r7-zrbRK4m_qRU8_8rKB-nZYAubirrH9XzRsHthUeHiMaZcKLnHKI4OCXSpxuTf3r9BELKoywY0nkJGnZt4xV5LCRuSg_ZhN0Fn4Ngh5_9hCm9Xo/s1600/IMG_2344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqPQYd8eeOu0s3773WNDjql9g0R8r7-zrbRK4m_qRU8_8rKB-nZYAubirrH9XzRsHthUeHiMaZcKLnHKI4OCXSpxuTf3r9BELKoywY0nkJGnZt4xV5LCRuSg_ZhN0Fn4Ngh5_9hCm9Xo/s320/IMG_2344.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Christmas
arrived.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I baked Guyanese meat patties
and attempted to make ginger beer as I said good-bye to my old eating habits
and embarked on a new path. For the moment, it is a six week journey following
the guidance of Dr. Joel Fuhrman’s “EAT TO LIVE” plan. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">The concept is focused
on not counting calories but increasing the consumption of nutrient rich foods
like raw fruits and vegetables and eliminating “dead foods” so your body has
time to heal itself from all the nutrients in the living whole foods. I am in
the early stages of reading the book and understanding the process but if it
works it holds the promise of not only healing my current health issue but also
correcting my blood sugar and blood pressure difficulties as well. My success
will as with all things require changes like I have never done before but I am
determined. So far I am at the beginning stages of confronting my food
addictions and having that dark night of the soul where you see your life with t</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">errifying clarity. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Of course, as I chanted for
strength and understanding, my Buddha nature decided to give me guidance
through my dreams. Let’ s just say, that last night, I had my own version of </span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">A Christmas Carol</i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">where my mum who died this year, and my late
boyfriend Johhny, who died in 1996, chose New Year’s Eve eve to let me
know I had a choice to give up the fight and let Death win, or I can choose to
LIVE in every sense of the word in 2019. To be clear, it won’t be easy but it
requires me making the choice to stop mourning what could have been and making
room for the new LIFE that begins for me in 2019.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmBOxv5UDBvgXSbg4dArvt784mGWZslXd6Aqgzh7if1SElJL5nhzjpb_JP34o6_GN9PhR-WuTE9p9DmFF0RVVutgLJkueWqjx-mYWZvC6ni9gRLUpcBJ7lqiZ-qvnJe75Y315jbdHS2w/s1600/MJB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmBOxv5UDBvgXSbg4dArvt784mGWZslXd6Aqgzh7if1SElJL5nhzjpb_JP34o6_GN9PhR-WuTE9p9DmFF0RVVutgLJkueWqjx-mYWZvC6ni9gRLUpcBJ7lqiZ-qvnJe75Y315jbdHS2w/s1600/MJB.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I woke up this morning with “the chill of truth.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oddly, I felt a need to watch <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Meet Joe Black</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>where Death takes a holiday and falls in
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found myself at 7:00 am crying
tears of joy because I recognized how much I have NOT been living and how much
living, loving and growing I have to do starting in 2019.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you’ve never seen this movie with Anthony
Hopkins, and Brad Pitt, watch it! It will remind you of the importance of
living fully and allowing yourself that one “great love.” I want that for
myself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I know, thanks to Mum and Johnny that this Buddhist practice came into my life
at this exact time for a reason. I know it was a dream, but I can’t tell you
how powerful it was to have forgotten they were both dead and feeling if only
for a few moments that they were actually visiting me with the message to LIVE!
So I find myself here, embracing this practice and making 2019 the new
beginning I never before allowed myself to imagine was possible. Δ<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Kevin D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410546164722497191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309849094595183149.post-24739675224973045582018-12-07T20:21:00.000-08:002018-12-07T20:21:46.191-08:00With this December newsletter article, you are all caught up and aware of what I see as my greatest challenge yet!<br />
<br />
<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> “Reflecting On This Year of Brilliant
Achievement & Setting My Determinations for 2019”</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><br />
<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">by
Kevin D ’Arcy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">December has arrived and I find myself once again
putting together this newsletter, wondering not just what has been going on
this month but what has been going on for this entire “Year of Brilliant
Achievement.” I need look no further than my recent Doctor’s visit on November
27<sup>th</sup>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">However, before I go
there, I find myself reflecting further back to February and having to deal
with losing not one but both of my parents.
Yeah… not the best of times. Nevertheless, it was around that time that
I started to have issues with my esophagus and periodic choking when I ate meat.
I ignored this and proceeded to put on <b>15
“grief pounds”</b> I am calling them, that led me to get on the scale at a
whopping 227.4 lbs. The most, I think, I have ever been in my life. The year of 2018 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">proceeded to be one challenge after another that
eventually led to the breakthrough in my practice</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">which revolved around my niece Andrea, nephew
Zen, and Zen’s girlfriend Jessica by the power of NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO attending
the 50K festival in September. I felt my practice really take hold since that
time and I feel an honest to goodness transformation of my life and my
relationships.</span><div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Just when I thought missing my mum was going to be
my biggest challenge of the year, life has decided to throw me yet one more
challenge to overcome. The Big C – CANCER,
or at least the possibility of it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Last month, you may
recall I wrote about booking YOUNG SHELDON. Well my focus and determination did
not end there. My very next audition I booked an episode of Eva Longoria’s new
series GRAND HOTEL, an American adaption of a Telenovela from Spain, which I
watched on Netflix and fell in love with. I was on cloud nine being a part of
this new production. Everything about
the experience was a lesson for me in the power of my practice. On the day of my shooting, in my first scene,
I had to eat a banana as I said my lines in a seedy motel. I did numerous takes eating banana after
banana. When we finished shooting the final take of the scene, I started
choking on the banana, which I then proceeded to spit up. The set’s medic was a young guy who
immediately took my blood <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">pressure. It was dangerously high. He continued to
freak</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">out when it was not dropping as
fast as he would like. I said, “hey I’m fine, I just want to go shoot my second
scene tonight so I’ll go to my trailer and I’ll be fine.” He said “no, you
could have a heart attack and not know it!” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">This was not helping lower my blood pressure.
Long story short, I had to go to an urgent care somewhere in Manhattan Beach
for a doctor to approve my returning to set to shoot my scene.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I complied and once the doctor said I could
go back to shoot my scene, my blood pressure returned to normal. However, she
said, you shouldn’t be having food getting stuck in your esophagus so you need
to have that checked out. Given that I was a smoker for many years my having
quit February 5, 2017 did not help me escape the </span><u style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">possibility</u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> that this
choking issue was esophageal cancer.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I
will admit, I tried to avoid mentioning to anyone the whole cancer issue for
about a week. Once I wrapped my head around it, I made my doctor’s appointment
for November 27</span><sup style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">At my appointment, I
learned my weight was at that whopping 227.4 lbs, and my blood pressure was
once again high and I shared with him my whole choking issue. Because of my smoking history, the “</span><span style="font-family: "AR DARLING"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">cancer
issue</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">” is not off the
table. However, I have noticed that the inflammation in my esophagus has been
getting better with my recent change in diet to address the issue with plant
based eating. I also noticed that when I stood up to drink I avoided choking
more and more. This led my doctor to believe we did not have to jump to the
conclusion I was dealing with worse case </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">scenario, esophageal cancer. Instead it might be
what I proposed to him – that the constriction was caused by pressure from the
visceral fat gain around my waist.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My goal now is to lose as much weight as I can
specifically around my waist to alleviate the constriction, as well as reduce
my blood sugar and blood pressure levels so I don’t have to start 2019 taking
blood pressure pills and diabetes medication. I will have a physical on January
28, 2019 for the moment of truth on not only my pre-diabetes, but also my blood
pressure and whether or not there are signs of cancer in my lab results. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So why am I writing all this? Because, once I
acknowledged the possibility of having </span><span style="font-family: "AR DARLING"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">CANCER</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
I recognized that I stopped my old pattern of avoiding my fears and instead
faced them head on and took action like my Buddha nature guided me to do. Now I
have a plan of attack that will not only get me to the place of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>finally addressing the health issues I
stumbled into the San Fernando Valley Buddhist Center to address on February 18<sup>th</sup>, 2017, but I
know that I don’t have to give into all the fears that cancer engenders. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Instead, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can face them down with an
unshakeable determination to make 2019 the healthiest, wealthiest year of my
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, I bought a dumb bell bench
so I have no excuse not to get serious about my exercise goals. I even decided
to deem 2019 my year of #NoExcuses!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
know that great things are coming my way and I wish the same for every one of
you in my district family!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NEVER GIVE
UP!! Δ<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So.. Yes, this is where I am. The adventure begins in earnest! </span></div>
</div>
Kevin D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410546164722497191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309849094595183149.post-60301048921236318562018-12-07T20:10:00.001-08:002018-12-07T20:10:58.552-08:00“Allowing My Heart to Be Open” - Part 2It is funny how you don't see your growth until you reflect on where you have been and where you are. I am grateful that my buddhist practice has helped me move through this year of loss and gain a strength I never knew I had.<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> “Allowing My Heart to Be Open”</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Making Room for the Unexpected.</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"> - </span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">PART 2</span></i></b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i>by Kevin D ’Arcy</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5pHpBsY_Kk_xF16INp3JbsRP0xEOt5p_YrHexyz5Y-m15LgYRTcxudtdH-ByQVGg1zmhYqk8qi5LxsGuDpMQ3b1FM3Ex5b4TWXVtopv1W0HVfu0Z0O7UTb1U6CnIkodQmNCNRGn1vvs/s1600/Stage+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5pHpBsY_Kk_xF16INp3JbsRP0xEOt5p_YrHexyz5Y-m15LgYRTcxudtdH-ByQVGg1zmhYqk8qi5LxsGuDpMQ3b1FM3Ex5b4TWXVtopv1W0HVfu0Z0O7UTb1U6CnIkodQmNCNRGn1vvs/s320/Stage+12.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On Monday, October 29</span><sup style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I had the
opportunity to do what I love- act, professionally. I booked a small
co-starring role on the CBS series YOUNG SHELDON. I reveled in every moment I
was on the Warner Brother’s Studio lot. I consciously spent the day in a state
of gratitude. Somehow that made the day all the more enjoyable. I set my
intention to enjoy myself and to incorporate ideas I got from the October 27</span><sup style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">
Arts Department quarterly meeting.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
woke up chanting to let my small performance come from my heart, be a force for
kosen rufu in my work and interactions and to contribute to the vision the
director has for the episode.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As it turned out, the director and many of the crew
worked with me when I recurred on HART of DIXIE, a few years ago, so I felt
completely at home. When I finished shooting my scene, the director smiled and
she gave me the thumbs up on my performance.
I achieved my intention almost effortlessly. Things just fell into
place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">This small victory
led me to determine that this acting job would not be a once every so often
thing I get to do. NO! I am marking this recent gig as the first in a stream </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">of professional acting jobs coming my way, from now
and throughout 2019, to help me grow as a professional artist for Kosen Rufu,
enable me to prosper on such a level that I am able to pay off my astronomical
debt, and live my life financially free.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is funny, there really are NO ACCIDENTS. The
Art’s Department meeting gave me the experience that would challenge me to live
my practice more deeply. Linda Johnson and Erica Gimpel inspired me to go
deeper and not see my work as separate from my practice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Linda simply reminded me that anything we want to
achieve is possible, but requires us to truly believe it is possible in our own
hearts and minds, and take it to the gohonzon with a fiery determination to
manifest what we want and not simply phone it in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I left that meeting inspired with a conviction to
not only eliminate my debts but to accomplish it while still working as a
professional actor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is up to me and
my willingness to dig deep, make room for the unexpected and allow the Mystic
Law to work in and thru my thoughts and actions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am moving into November and into 2019 with a
single minded focus to light a match of fiery determination into my practice. I
intend to experience first-hand what Erica and Linda discussed and to break
through any barriers keeping me from achieving financial independence and
creative freedom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am willing to WORK like no one else so I can one
day LIVE like no one else. What are you willing to achieve through your
practice? </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Kevin D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410546164722497191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309849094595183149.post-23817729331754305762018-12-07T19:55:00.000-08:002018-12-07T19:55:14.951-08:00“Allowing My Heart to Be Open”This article from October chronicles my family's visit to the west coast.<br />
<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> “Allowing My Heart to Be Open”</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Making Room for the Unexpected.</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i></b><i><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
by
Kevin D ’Arcy</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I had the most fantastic time this last week.
Instead of September 23<sup>rd</sup>’s 50K festival being a culmination of work
to get my family to the festival, it was the starting point of a week of family
time on the west coast. From Sunday until Wednesday, I did more cleaning, trips
to IKEA, Walmart, Target, Baskin-Robbin’s 31 Flavors and Jamba Juice than I
have ever done in such a short period of time. My niece was determined to
transform my hermit’s cave into a bachelor pad no matter what. While we haven’t fully gotten there yet, I am
now determined to complete what my niece started. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGLe47BHpCyo-uYNZYJwT9vn_JEE7VHMPoKzKSEI_-QqEno28yhfrmSP2VWidCS_6q-VSQJfBqD6JVqoH7exMQzG_OZqqU5c0bXOOAZ5RUCRwOraw4BcPb0LWiMgW6OjIUF1GWKs4HAk/s1600/IMG_1099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGLe47BHpCyo-uYNZYJwT9vn_JEE7VHMPoKzKSEI_-QqEno28yhfrmSP2VWidCS_6q-VSQJfBqD6JVqoH7exMQzG_OZqqU5c0bXOOAZ5RUCRwOraw4BcPb0LWiMgW6OjIUF1GWKs4HAk/s320/IMG_1099.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To say she was lovingly brutal was an
understatement, yet somehow I survived. I found myself not only getting rid of
what I called “treasured memories” and she called “junk,” but she also had me
strolling through the aisles of “ULTA BEAUTY” to find an eye mask and eye cream
to reduce the puffiness under my eyes so I don’t look so tired both for when I
audition and when I go out in search of a “husband.” </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Seriously purging one’s home of 24 years of living
is not just physically exhausting, it is spiritually cleansing. I still have
much more to do to complete my purge but I am on the road. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is strange but
the more I invest in re-vamping my living space, the more I find my heart and
mind opening to new possibilities for myself. I thought I was helping my niece
by getting her to attend 50K but I have been the winner as well from her visit
because it reminded me not to get too stuck in my thinking and living. I know
that I bought things for myself and home which I wouldn’t have done on my own
but probably should have a long time ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEJ_aGtXgO2aIRjao9_xOeT43Osn6Ar9Ga3xOu8JhuZORQHDOA87RnfbrqqdYV9NaXzDR3_dyJRS2xTX-Ah52VsUyfnhWims0EbWXN21EX3JBJ0GBmzr8KySKQk-nnpZV0Ao68Gt3hZU/s1600/00924b97-231a-48c3-b81e-7979183b1005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEJ_aGtXgO2aIRjao9_xOeT43Osn6Ar9Ga3xOu8JhuZORQHDOA87RnfbrqqdYV9NaXzDR3_dyJRS2xTX-Ah52VsUyfnhWims0EbWXN21EX3JBJ0GBmzr8KySKQk-nnpZV0Ao68Gt3hZU/s320/00924b97-231a-48c3-b81e-7979183b1005.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">If life has taught me anything in 2018 it is that
life is too short not to choose to be happy and to live as joyfully as possible!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Having my family in my home reminded me how
important it is to have people in your life who love you and people who really
know and accept you no matter what. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Δ<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Kevin D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410546164722497191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309849094595183149.post-32574008300296504242018-12-07T19:46:00.000-08:002018-12-07T19:46:13.643-08:00“Channeling the Energy of 50K Festival to make September A Transformational Fresh Start for My Life & Career!” Finally in this article you can begin to see my perspective moving away from grief.<br />
<span style="font-size: 26.6667px;"><i><br /></i></span>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Channeling the Energy
of 50K Festival to make September A Transformational Fresh Start for My Life
& Career!”</span></b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>by Kevin D’Arcy</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Can you feel it? We are mere days away from this
monumental event that we have all been working towards for more months than we
could have imagined, all to bring 50,000 youth across the country together for
a festival of Peace. Wow! What an
undertaking. We all are a part of it, whether we walk into one of those arenas
across the U.S., or we simply gather in District centers to chant for it’s
success.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have been involved in enough events during my
former life in the labor movement to know that the closer you get to the event,
the crazier everyone becomes. The energy of the event becomes palpable the
bigger the event. Now this is my first Buddhist event so maybe chanting will
keep everyone’s nervous energy in check but just in case it doesn’t, give a hug
to someone at the Buddhist center you think is running around like a crazy
person trying to get a million things done before September 23<sup>rd</sup>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">For myself, it just
occurred to me that I have family coming to visit, first my niece directly
after the festival </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">for two days of bonding and her directing me on how
to turn my current hermit’s apartment into a swanky LA bachelor pad! Hahah!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When she is done with me, my home and outlook for
the future is guaranteed to be transformed! Hopefully for the better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My challenge is, I have been so busy with SGI
district meetings and work stuff that my messy apartment has only gotten
messier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Instead of falling into panic mode, I am turning to
my Gohonzon for guidance on how I can channel all the chaotic energy of this
month to accomplish my district and work responsibilities and also purge my
apartment of as much unnecessary clutter for the first time since November of
1994 when I moved into this place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve decided to use 50K and my niece’s visit as an
opportunity to let go of what I truly don’t need and make room for new
blessings to enter my life and home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It may sound crazy but releasing my “hoarder”
tendencies and opening myself up to having my home reflect the major
transformation I am experiencing in this “Year of Brilliant Achievement” is a
challenge I am excited and nervous to undertake. In so many ways this year for
me has become about letting go of the past, growing into the Bad-Ass Gay
Buddhist I am meant to be, and reaching goals I never TRULY imagined were
possible before I received my Gohonzon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I feel like a kid again! I have never felt so
excited to be alive! I have so many goals as an actor, as a gay man, as a Los
Angeleno that I want to accomplish. Step One is making my home ground zero for
the new life I am daring to LIVE!!Δ<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
Kevin D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410546164722497191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309849094595183149.post-5133201633853828072018-12-07T19:34:00.000-08:002018-12-07T19:36:13.678-08:00“What’s Your Mission” The article for August addresses the first proof of my practice that I experienced in July.<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“What’s Your Mission” </span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Let’s Use This Time to Unite as A
District and <u>CHANT</u> for One Another!</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i></b><i><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i><br />
by Kevin D’Arcy<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What a year I am having! On July 14<sup>th, </sup>I
had what I can only describe as my first honest to goodness TANGIBLE PROOF of this practice. I’m not going to go into it here because I
have been asked to give my experience at the August 4<sup>th</sup> San
Fernando/NoHo Region’s Kosen Rufu Gongyo, this coming Saturday evening. I hope
you can attend to hear my story and provide a little moral support!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Suffice to say, my
experience has led to a deepening of my practice. It has also led to many wonderful
conversations with my niece/goddaughter about spirituality in general and
Nichiren Buddhism, specifically. One
thing that has stood out for me is that I told her that some folks in the
practice said she has a mission in her life. This had a profoundly positive
impact on her. Instead of dwelling on
the negative thought of feeling like a burden to others because she is in a wheelchair,
she has become excited about coming out to Los Angeles to participate in the
50K festival but also, she has volunteered to be “proofreader” for me of this
newsletter and after the festival she plans to spend two additional days just
her and I in my apartment to serve has my interior designer, helping me to
upgrade my apartment to an LA bachelor pad, and find me a </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">boyfriend. How could I refuse?</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">This excitement she has, has become
contagious! As she texts me photos of new sofa beds to choose for my living
room, I am genuinely excited for her visit because she is forcing me to push
myself out of my comfort zone and live more fully.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All of this got me thinking how valuable it is to
have a mission for your life and a vision for the life you want to live. To me,
it doesn’t matter what that mission or vision is. It just matters that you have
one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It provides that extra “umphf” to
get up in the morning, chant and dive into the day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am working now to get very specific about my
mission and my vision for the life I want as a film/television actor and as a
gay Buddhist who wants to be truly deeply HAPPY. This year has been teaching me
that “STUFF” happens. It doesn’t even matter what that stuff is. What matters
is how you react to it, and what tools you have in place to not just help you
survive but help you to THRIVE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing
will make my mother’s death okay. But I know I have to choose to live the best
life possible for myself and to be an example for those I love, like my niece,
to never give up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The alternative is to
wallow in grief and surrender to devilish functions instead of striving to be
victorious over life’s many challenges!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The beauty in all of this, I have learned, is that
aside from creating happiness for myself, as a member of this district, I am
not alone. I have the potential spiritual energy of my fellow district members,
having my back, so to speak, through the power of Daimoku! What a comforting
thought realizing WE are not alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I challenge everyone in our district to decide for
themselves what their mission is in this life, be okay with it changing if you
want, but make a choice and go for it while also chanting for the success of
your fellow members on their individualized journey. What a blessing we can
provide one another through our daily chanting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am excited to see how, with our District’s Unity Prayer, we can help
each other make 2018 “The Year of Brilliant Achievement” in every aspect of our
lives. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Δ<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">-----</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">To give some context to this article, below is the speech I gave at the August Kosen Rufu Gongyo/World Peace meeting:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="normal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">My Van Nuys Sherman Oaks District 50K Experience<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">by Kevin D’Arcy <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="normal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Men’s Division District Leader<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
Hi
everyone! Thank you so much for this opportunity to share my experience with
you! My name is Kevin D’Arcy and I am
the Men’s Division Leader for Van Nuys Sherman Oaks District.</div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
17
months ago I was struggling with the news that I was pre-diabetic and fearful
of becoming a diabetic. I stumbled into a Saturday morning intro mtg here at
this center and after listening to the wonderful guidance of a couple YMD
leaders, I decided to receive my Gohonzon the next week.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: black;">Seven
months into my practice, I was asked to become the Men’s Division Leader for my
District. I was completely terrified at the thought of it but I took on the
challenge largely to inspire my niece, Andrea.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
Andrea is not just my niece but also my god-daughter and
about the closest thing I will come to having a kid of my own.</div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">On October
1, 2014, in Philadelphia, my niece was hit head on by a car while she was
crossing the street. She was in a coma for four months and was not expected to
survive.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
For the last four years she has been stuck in
a wheelchair. She had to give up her successful hair salon business and watch
her world shrink as many of her friends drifted away.</div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
I face time with Andrea everyday during lunch to keep her
spirits up and remind her to never give up. </div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">In January
of 2018, I made a commitment to be the best District leader I could because I
love my district and truly think of them as my second family. I also wanted to
truly understand this whole 50K campaign.</span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;">
On Feb. 25<sup>th</sup>, my 1<sup>st</sup> Gohonzon birthday, my mother passed
away. Then I learned my father also passed away earlier that month from kidney
complications from his diabetes. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;">
I know that this practice and the support of my district family helped me claw
my way out of my grief.<i> </i>As I chanted to face my own fears I made more
efforts in the district. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I spent much
of this year battling depression, fearing I would become diabetic and die like
my father all the while trying to encourage my niece to not give up on her own
life and give her hope she would one day walk again.</span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="normal">
There
are many members on our membership list who stopped coming to our meetings. Out
of 21 youth, we have maybe one or two that come out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: black;">I
created a monthly newsletter to encourage members to stay connected with our
district whether or not they came to a meeting.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
Last month, my sister called to tell me she was bringing
my niece Andrea, my nephew Zen and his girlfriend Jessica out to California to
visit me. She had a timeshare and would be staying in Anaheim on September 23<sup>rd</sup>.
I thought this has to mean something.</div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;">I convinced my niece Andrea that the 50K festival was
something she might enjoy and she registered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span> </div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Not long
after this, Andrea told me she took 5 steps on her own for the first time since
her accident and her doctor told her that by some miracle her spinal cord is
completely healthy so the idea of her walking again is now a real possibility.</span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I quickly
moved on to talking with my nephew and he registered! And last Wednesday night
to celebrate the anniversary of YMD Founding Day, I texted my nephew’s
girlfriend and she also registered! </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
As my karma would have it, my sister called that next
afternoon to say that the timeshare made a mistake and Anaheim was no longer
available and they were relocated to Las Vegas. I started to get discouraged.
To add to my stress, I was asked along with my co-leader Patricia to give a
district experience at the Leader’s mtg on July 14th at the Ikeda auditorium to
motivate folks for 50K</div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
I
felt I was the last person who should be giving this experience with Patricia.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: black;">To
be honest I started to get angry because I had just shared with my niece how
everyone thought it was mystic that they were gonna be in Anaheim for the
festival and how folks thought she had a mission of her own to discover so she
was all pumped up. Meanwhile I could tell my sister started feeling guilty
because we could not figure out a way to get them to attend the festival when
they were gonna be in Las Vegas. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
I
said to her, “Forget it. These people keep telling me this buddhism is about
the mystic law so we are not talking about this anymore. I’ll chant about
it and this mystic law stuff will work it out or you guys will just enjoy Las
Vegas.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: black;">While
preparing for the leader’s meeting I was mad as hell because I raised my nieces
hopes up for the festival and it all fell apart. I came up with every reason
why I should not give that speech on Saturday.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
Women’s Division leaders was amazingly kind and patient with me. After a
long conversation, I could see that all of my fears that I was not good enough
and this practice was not going to work for “ME” were bubbling to the surface.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: black;">I
vomited up every negative issue going on in my life and gradually I realized
that I was being presented with the opportunity to transform my suffering into
a life of genuine happiness through my own determination to do my human
revolution and embrace Sensei as my mentor. Suddenly, this practice was making
sense to me.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: black;">Sensei
says, "In life when we feel we have reached a limit, that is when the true
battle begins. Just when you despair and think it is impossible to go any
further, will you become apathetic, or will you say it’s not over and stand up
with an unyielding spirit? The battle is decided by this single determination."
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: black;">This
50K campaign is an opportunity for me to to show actual proof of this practice
and help my niece and nephew transform their lives. I have no idea how they are
going to attend but our district is chanting that they will make it there
somehow! </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
I
said much of what i just read to you at the leader’s meeting a few weeks ago,
and for the first time I believed that anything was possible.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: black;">After
17 long months of waiting, I had my first tangible proof of this practice. As,
I was leaving the leader’s meeting, I was approached by two men. They said they
were regional leaders from Las Vegas and after hearing my experience, they
wanted to help and offered to get my niece, nephew, and my nephew’s girlfriend
on one of the 50K buses leaving from Vegas to Anaheim if my family arrives in
Las Vegas from Philly in time on the 23rd.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span>I
was shocked. I had no idea there would be people from Las Vegas at the
meeting or that they would be so supportive! I was so excited, I raced home
from Santa Monica to call my sister. I said, I hope you haven’t bought
your tickets yet. I said if you can fly in on Saturday September 22nd , I will
use the money I was saving to go to the LGBT FNCC retreat to pay for hotel
rooms for everyone for one night until the timeshare is available so they can
be in Las Vegas in time to get on a bus with the SGI youth coming to 50K.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: black;">My
sister said, that is so weird, she was gonna buy the tickets the night before
but she got exhausted and decided she would do it later. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
So, hearing that total strangers want to help us, my
sister got tickets to fly in on September 22nd to Las Vegas. On Thursday,
two days ago, I spoke with Anna Ikeda from Las Vegas and confirmed I will be
buying bus tickets for my three family members and they will definitely be able
to attend the 50K festival in Anaheim! </div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
Now my niece is unable to contain her excitement for 50K
and happily shared the pictures of herself for me to create this slideshow.
When I first talked to her about my being a buddhist, thinking I would
shakabuku her, she was like, thanks but no thanks uncle Kevin, I prefer my Joel
Olsteen. But now she is asking me if she is able to be a Christian and a
Buddhist. She also decided that after the 50K festival, she’s not going
back with her brother on the bus to Vegas. Instead, she plans to spend a few
days with me in LA so she can help me re-decorate my apartment, find me a boyfriend
and check out the San Fernando Valley Buddhist Center.</div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
Seeing
my niece come alive as she has through this experience, proves to me the power
of this practice and has inspired me to study and push myself out of my comfort
zone to become the best version of myself without limitations!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: black;">Thank
you</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.0pt;">!</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"></span>Kevin D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410546164722497191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309849094595183149.post-84873563127942578282018-12-07T18:47:00.002-08:002018-12-07T18:47:39.577-08:00“How Do You Stand For PEACE in A World Filled With Chaos?” In the July issue it becomes pretty clear how I feel about the politics of the day and the challenge to be a Buddhist during the Trump administration.<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> “How Do You Stand For PEACE in A World
Filled With Chaos?”</span></b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
by Kevin D’Arcy</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbB5arNmphS7MJF3Uvn2beTKp1nNWyTxAEUOjXdO8bQq3Yz1LwnBYzaz3ZlD81VaYfAmtnrAWryJbMlHKU8F8jl6UcSCM_2jMf5nveIWOJ0HIHs6wY-oNlqs0_g-ERp5nXBaHMKIc-HA/s1600/IMG_0877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbB5arNmphS7MJF3Uvn2beTKp1nNWyTxAEUOjXdO8bQq3Yz1LwnBYzaz3ZlD81VaYfAmtnrAWryJbMlHKU8F8jl6UcSCM_2jMf5nveIWOJ0HIHs6wY-oNlqs0_g-ERp5nXBaHMKIc-HA/s320/IMG_0877.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What is it about 2018? I have tried to distract myself from my
personal grief with some good old fashioned mind numbing television.
Unfortunately there is not a single fictional drama that can compete with the
real life drama unfolding everyday in the news!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I literally feel the fatigue of the endless lies,
deception and outright hostility pouring out of the White House. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As the first American in my family, I am the proud
son of South American immigrants! For this and so many other reasons my heart
broke for the US Government sanctioned child abuse originating at our southern
border. This is not hyperbole on my part.
Mental health professionals around the world are stating that separating
children from their parents, as the Trump administration is doing, is nothing
short of child abuse that may do irreparable harm to these poor children. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">I don’t recognize the
country I am living in. In many ways, I
see the need, more than ever, for the September 23<sup>rd</sup> Lion’s of
Justice Festival. We need to provide an alternative for our youth to all the
anger and hatred boiling over in our country. While I am committed to doing my
part for 50K, I am well over the age of 39 so I need to do more than reach out
to youth. I needed to not </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">just chant for the happiness and safe return of the
separated children to their parents. I needed to chant “Si Se Puede” in the
streets of Los Angeles with other fellow Los Angelenos who felt the need to do
something on the June 30</span><sup style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> nationwide day of protests.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I understand now what others have been saying that
it is not enough just to chant for things, you also have to take action!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reached out to my friends and former
co-workers in the labor movement and found out about the coalition of activist
organizations and religious groups gathering for a rally at Los Angeles City
Hall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I skipped Men’s Division Saturday morning toso and
hopped on the Redline Metro to the Civic Center station with thousands of
others carrying home-made picket signs protesting ALL of the issues raging in
our country today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was completely by
myself in a crowd of strangers but felt like I was a part of something GREATER
than myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am normally a behind the
scenes kind of guy. I am not “Mr. Protester’ but the sheer inhumanity of
separating brown babies from their families was hitting too close to home for
me to sit on my couch and stay silent on the subject.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">From 11am to 2 pm, I listened to John Legend sing to
the crowd; I was uplifted by Kamala Harris’ speech and inspired by the words of
Maxine Waters. Laverne Cox, Laura Dern, Gavin Newsom and the incomparable CHER reminded
me that we are all in this together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned
that standing for PEACE is not a passive activity. Peaceful protests takes on
many forms from marching on city hall or the nation’s capitol, to calling your
political representatives, to getting out and VOTING in November 2018. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3u8JaMdwRDiPHWKuU57BNQ2v6zbfrbYh2RtABDHVBg2gwwkfHR_NoY5MSNZ7YvfWVDi7HFHYUBaNs322e1nGdSmhCOyShbX-qF0vY8ef6r3B1-69dNWCv-qL2qXp5EvxA5tb6X-ctNSs/s1600/IMG_0896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3u8JaMdwRDiPHWKuU57BNQ2v6zbfrbYh2RtABDHVBg2gwwkfHR_NoY5MSNZ7YvfWVDi7HFHYUBaNs322e1nGdSmhCOyShbX-qF0vY8ef6r3B1-69dNWCv-qL2qXp5EvxA5tb6X-ctNSs/s320/IMG_0896.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have spent so much of June 30<sup>th</sup>
reflecting on not only how crazy things are in this country and in this world
right now, but on how important it is to take a stand and do something to make
your voice be heard and perhaps in some small way make the world a better
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">As
this<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4<sup>th</sup> of July approaches,
I choose to celebrate being the son of immigrants and reflect on the freedom I
have as a Gay, Buddhist, American born male and never take the freedom I have
for granted.Δ</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<o:p></o:p>Kevin D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410546164722497191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309849094595183149.post-86701296075674405732018-12-07T18:30:00.000-08:002018-12-07T18:31:11.873-08:00“No Matter How Hard It Gets, You Are Not Alone” This is the article from the June 2018 issue of my newsletter. Reviewing these articles, it is becoming clear how being a Nichiren Buddhist was the lifeline that has gotten me through this period of grieving.<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">No Matter How Hard It Gets, You Are Not Alone” </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> My Buddhist Practice is Deepening By Listening to My Fellow District
Members.”</span></b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>by Kevin D’Arcy</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you have been following my journey in prior
articles you will understand the challenges I have been wrestling with in 2018.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Losing both my parents has, to be honest, messed
with my head. Grief is a strange experience as it comes and goes of its own
accord. I thought I was handling it and
then I lost suddenly a good friend who was a wonderfully kind and caring
actress. She went to the hospital not
feeling well. She was admitted in for tests and while the tests were being
processed, she passed away in her sleep, unaware that she in fact had been living
with lymphoma. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Something about this loss left me feeling
hollow. I once again questioned why all
this was happening and could do little more than just cry myself to sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I emailed folks and
planned to stay home and avoid people so I did not need to put on a happy
face. It was a Friday afternoon when my
buddy Susan Harris called to offer her condolences and after a brief chat I
went from planning to go into hiding into deciding to chant on </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Saturday morning with the Men’s Division.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Before I went to bed, I read some articles
that my friend Shele Sondheim passed on to me via LA Yoga magazine. Initially,
I read the magazine because I knew I’d be meeting Shele at Men’s Division on
Saturday.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">To my surprise, Shele’s
articles reminded me of the value of yoga in general and</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Bikram Yoga specifically for me. I found
myself discovering</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Bikram Yoga NoHo
online.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Saturday morning I woke up and dragged myself to
Men’s Division toso, where I met up with Shele and Paul Candace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the meeting we bumped into fellow
district member Byron Cohen. The four of us decided to go to the little
courtyard for a little coffee and conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I mentioned how I was feeling about losing my friend and how I was inspired
to restart my Bikram Yoga practice and address my pre-diabetes issues head on.
I also expressed how frustrated I was feeling with regard to my practice. Shele
and Byron shared with me their perspectives. Something Byron shared with me
stuck. My interpretation of what he was saying is instead of chanting with the
idea of what am I going to get, chant before my gohonzon so that the “me” that
views my life through the eyes of my own delusions etc, slowly reveals the “ME”
that is Divine or my Buddha Nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Looking<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at chanting from this
perspective, then I can also look at all the events going on in my life, and
see meaning in the events and what they are revealing to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I did this for myself and found a great deal of
clarity. From this “new perspective” I saw that I am being guided to stop
ignoring my pre-diabetes and instead fight to eliminate the possibility of
becoming a diabetic by getting healthier mentally and physically. Bikram is my
first step. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Consciously and unconsciously, my fellow district
members have helped me view the circumstances I am living in from a different
perspective. Thank you to you all.</span></div>
Kevin D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410546164722497191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309849094595183149.post-82010986932351112002018-12-07T18:21:00.001-08:002018-12-07T18:21:27.360-08:00“Getting on Track with My Goals for 2018” This article came from the May 2018 issue. May is my birthday month. This tends to be the month I assess my goals for the year etc. Suffice to say, this month sucked.<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> “Getting on Track with My Goals for 2018”</span></b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>by Kevin D’Arcy</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have had a challenging 2018 to say the least.
Apparently, since the theme of the year for the Soka Gakkai International is “The Year of Brilliant Achievement”
and we are all focused on doing our part toward the campaign for “50,000 Lions
of Justice” then obstacles are just gonna be a fact of life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Personally, I’m ready for a little “sunshine” in
what has been a “rainy” few months, metaphorically speaking. At the beginning of the year, I sat in my
living room with my buddy Rollin and in honor of this year’s theme, determined
to have a MAJOR breakthrough in my acting career and book more work than I ever
have before. That was the plan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You need only look back at prior month’s of this
newsletter to see the obstacles that came my way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When I returned home from my trip to Philadelphia, I
have tried to re-engage from where I am and devote myself to succeeding in
acting career as a tribute to my mother’s life as she sacrificed much to
immigrate to America so her children could live the “American Dream.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">So this is where I
stand. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Despite my current frustrations and impatience with my practice, I am
committed to </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">breaking through to the other side of all this. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The truth is, I have not booked a single acting job
since I took on my role as Men’s Division leader in my district.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I have been a busy Buddhist since I took on
the challenge of leadership. I would be lying if I said I understood what is
going on.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I had a strange experience the other day. I I had an
audition for a two episode co-star for the Netflix series “Grace and Frankie.”
I chanted to book the job and get on track with my goals. I went in and got a
callback for the next day. The morning of my callback at 8:20 in the morning
the house phone rang. I laid in bed and I SWEAR I heard my mum call my name in
the intonation she always did when leaving a message on my voicemail. I jumped
out of bed and ran to my answering machine. There was no message. I decided to
look at it as my mum wishing me luck before my big callback.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I went to Paramount studios and did my very
best. I left feeling amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was
Wednesday, April 25<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
has been the recurring pattern. As I chant for success booking acting work, I
increase my emotional attachment to booking and inevitably get depressed when
things look good and then nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am in all honesty exhausted from all the good
causes I have been doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily, I am
enjoying the “good causes” for their own sake and frankly don’t get the
connection between doing “good causes” and receiving tangible benefits. I
suppose when I actually experience a breakthrough, all this will make sense.
Until then, my Buddhist practice is a very, very long lesson in patience.
Clearly I am missing something but I have no clue what that may be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Life has forced me over these last few months to
begin a “new chapter” in my story. I only hope it will soon include the major
breakthrough in my acting career I am determined to achieve this year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Patience. Patience. Patience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
Kevin D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410546164722497191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309849094595183149.post-9394796646709554512018-12-07T18:13:00.000-08:002018-12-07T18:13:19.465-08:00“Learning to Appreciate My Family, Friends and the Twists and Turns of Life”Ah.... Now we move on to the article I wrote for the April 2018 newsletter where I talk of going home for my mum's memorial service and the discoveries I made on my trip home in Philadelphia <br />
<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Learning to Appreciate
My Family, Friends and the Twists and Turns of Life”</span></b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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by Kevin D’Arcy</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have just returned from my trip home to
Philadelphia for my Mum’s memorial service on March 24, 2018. She passed away
on February 25, 2018. The surprising
twist was finding out that my estranged father also passed away in February-
February 8, 2018. It’s official I’m an orphan.
I could not help but notice the irony of this situation. Where I had a
fantastic relationship and nothing left unsaid with my mum, I had a love/hate
relationship with my father with everything under the sun left unsaid. It gave me much to think about. I had
forgiven him for not being a “father” to me since I was 5. Yet when I went home
this trip, I learned he had remarried a woman with 6 children whom he helped
raise as his own. It stung a bit to hear this but I realized the forgiveness I
did years ago was for me to move forward with my life so this tidbit of news
didn’t really change that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">My mum’s memorial
service was a healing experience. I met co-workers of my mum from her days as a
nurse, friends from her retirement days at the Southwest Senior Center, and
family members who flew in from Guyana, New York City and Canada to honor her </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">memory and support her four children.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Instead of a totally sad and depressing
cry-fest, we shared stories of my mum at the memorial, held at her beloved
center. We cried yes, but we also laughed and discovered things about my mum we
didn’t know.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I also found myself reuniting with many childhood
friends who came to honor my mum. I grew up in a neighborhood where families
knew one another, the kids grew up together and we had block parties that
bonded us as a real community. This trip back to honor my mum, turned into a
trip honoring my childhood: the friends, neighbors and memories that shaped my
life and the lives of my mum and siblings. She made this possible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Losing both my parents is slowly sinking in. It is a
process of life but not a pleasant one. However, if anything came from this
situation, it has forced me and my siblings to recognize that no one is
promised a tomorrow so you have to appreciate the life you are given and choose
to be happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know with my mum’s
passing, I felt some of her strength come into my spirit. While I may not
recognize it, I am sure the same has happened when my father died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Since the memorial, I have had more meaningful
conversations with my siblings than I have had my entire life. We made a
commitment to remain in one another’s lives and honor our mum by living our
lives as fully as possible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrZw0IwHmL4lBhyphenhyphenmLKwZzidzeFGVKEDRG5bz8AgmB68FS1hKIi0f8_0_KTn7ANuqbZGSY6Jj8VKoWqlYa6zxJQXyI5820pth36LlMTERU4cMrPtC4_EnPUjG5d1YWfZYirAjpjt3TMWc/s1600/Mom%2527s+Party+photos+052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1158" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrZw0IwHmL4lBhyphenhyphenmLKwZzidzeFGVKEDRG5bz8AgmB68FS1hKIi0f8_0_KTn7ANuqbZGSY6Jj8VKoWqlYa6zxJQXyI5820pth36LlMTERU4cMrPtC4_EnPUjG5d1YWfZYirAjpjt3TMWc/s320/Mom%2527s+Party+photos+052.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve also made the commitment to remain in touch
with my childhood friends because they know me in ways many others never will
and I find comfort in that. My mum use to say, friends are in your life for a
reason, season or a lifetime, it’s up to you to discover which it is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As I move forward with my life and practice, I hope
to remember to appreciate everyone in my life for the joy they bring to it. </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></i></div>
Kevin D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410546164722497191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309849094595183149.post-48097233212318976272018-12-07T17:37:00.000-08:002018-12-07T17:39:38.408-08:00“Moving into a New Chapter of My Life” To give a little background, I became a Nichiren Buddhist on February 25, 2017. That is the day I received my gohonzon and began chanting consistently. To help myself dive deeper into understanding my Buddhist practice, I started writing a newsletter for the members of the Van Nuys Sherman Oaks district to which I belong.<br />
<br />
Below is an article I wrote for the March newsletter which will be the first of a few articles I repost here to help explain 2018 and the new chapter of my life that began ironically on the first anniversary of my becoming a Nichiren Buddhist.<br />
<br />
<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> “Moving into a New Chapter of My Life”</span></b><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">by Kevin D’Arcy</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9pDa2daJWJVL__WGgtRBRjdtVMwwUP4R2Rhw8I0EUCi67oNLkKXipFMcCA7VhIyWRIO0Mho1uUPU9gwj_6omtM87jU3WCzVL-INB_JepooAEa2wrsLaDDeJgj0uuGJ9atkJ56MD3uUM/s1600/Mom%2527s+Party+photos+077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1186" data-original-width="763" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9pDa2daJWJVL__WGgtRBRjdtVMwwUP4R2Rhw8I0EUCi67oNLkKXipFMcCA7VhIyWRIO0Mho1uUPU9gwj_6omtM87jU3WCzVL-INB_JepooAEa2wrsLaDDeJgj0uuGJ9atkJ56MD3uUM/s320/Mom%2527s+Party+photos+077.jpg" width="205" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Life is strange.
Since I have been doing these newsletters, I have been enjoying a mental
countdown to my first anniversary as a Nichiren Buddhist. As the day approached I was frustrated
wondering if I am learning enough and wanting to get to that place where
aspects of the practice are imbedded in me in the way that aspects of being
Catholic have been. I had a week of
great conversations with folks reminding me to take it all to the Gohonzon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0e9azDyyICoVoUKtQ-uokQuZYUuFmW_nlL1jyfu0TLL0zDxNJQT7KSUbrofwPjZNF0tX4HcgE9LN3Jj27ok2mf93TdAdB4pIGWEss9W7PzH4ScJHZp38AY8Dhpd3VBHs8yRzuc1lK8Ag/s1600/Mom%2527s+Party+photos+102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then suddenly, my anniversary arrived and it was the
absolute last thing on my mind. You see
at 2:45 am I was awake in bed with a weird case of insomnia. I had just turned
off my lamp when I received a text from my sister in Philadelphia. I called to discover my mother had passed
away peacefully in her sleep. Since that
moment I have been wrestling with insomnia and the surreal nature of my life
since I received the news. I am not
going to pretend that in this short period of time I have learned any
monumental life lessons I can share in a 1000 words or less. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the last few days
I have laughed and cried with my </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">siblings more than we have in years. None of us have
fully come to grips with this change in our lives.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I would like to share what I posted on Facebook
because I needed to say something to people but I could not say the words my
mother died without gasping for</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">
air and filling with tears. Here goes:</span></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Today, I expected to be celebrating my
first anniversary as a Nichiren Buddhist. Instead, I am mourning the loss of my
Mum, who passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early hours of the morning.
I have not slept yet. My body says SLEEP but my mind is just not ready. <o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i>I am comforted in the fact that when I
came home last July, I made a point of not leaving anything unsaid. <o:p></o:p></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0e9azDyyICoVoUKtQ-uokQuZYUuFmW_nlL1jyfu0TLL0zDxNJQT7KSUbrofwPjZNF0tX4HcgE9LN3Jj27ok2mf93TdAdB4pIGWEss9W7PzH4ScJHZp38AY8Dhpd3VBHs8yRzuc1lK8Ag/s1600/Mom%2527s+Party+photos+102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="382" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0e9azDyyICoVoUKtQ-uokQuZYUuFmW_nlL1jyfu0TLL0zDxNJQT7KSUbrofwPjZNF0tX4HcgE9LN3Jj27ok2mf93TdAdB4pIGWEss9W7PzH4ScJHZp38AY8Dhpd3VBHs8yRzuc1lK8Ag/s320/Mom%2527s+Party+photos+102.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
<i>That kind of has been my motto with my
mother since I was about 21/22 years old. The scariest momen<span class="textexposedshow">t of my life was the moment before I sat down at our
kitchen table and told my mum I was gay. In that one moment I took the risk of
believing she was the mother I knew she was and I was a part of the family I
believed we were. I recognized I was lucky my mother never for a second
flinched in letting me know she loved and accepted me no matter and thankfully
my siblings did the same. I recognized that I was lucky as so many LGBT folk
lose their family when they come out. I never lost a thing. </span><o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i>From that moment on I cherished that
gift and wanted her to know I was there for her as much as she was there for
me. I know I drove her crazy many times forcing her to talk about what bothered
her and confronting her on issues she stubbornly held onto. They were not
always pretty conversations but I wanted her to know we could always be real
with each other. My mum was a strong, complex, loving mother. She was also a
serious DIVA and I loved that about her.<v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
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<i>I treasured our weekly Sunday chats
over the years. I will remember all the laughter we shared, all the telephone
kisses, and all the small precious moments of simply making time for one
another on a Sunday afternoon. <o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
am writing all this because I am feeling so much, but when I go to say the
words to someone new that she is </span></i><i>gone, I can't seem to breathe. I know
this is a rite of passage we all must face one day. I just wished today was not
that day. I wanted more time but this is the time the Universe has allotted us.</i></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Every time I think the well is dry,
the water returns. I can't stop the tears from coming because I can't wrap my
brain around the idea I will never hear her sweet, accented voice again. RIP,
Mum! I love you....<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLV5rWZSSsEN0zyJeRBfs02T99HX7DOjyqhdzXat3H4PjjRvDS8WCU_2Ge3qoHtqCVPZ_zQ9qjEVi9rR2B2E7rkiL_DLaX2jgDbT7X6N_6jZU0XB1-fnkViJrkGevhhQ1nNzdpXAnMpAM/s1600/mum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLV5rWZSSsEN0zyJeRBfs02T99HX7DOjyqhdzXat3H4PjjRvDS8WCU_2Ge3qoHtqCVPZ_zQ9qjEVi9rR2B2E7rkiL_DLaX2jgDbT7X6N_6jZU0XB1-fnkViJrkGevhhQ1nNzdpXAnMpAM/s320/mum.jpg" width="280" /></a>I would like to say <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">thank you</b> to
the ladies of the West Group of Van Nuys Sherman Oaks District who truly helped me get through last Sunday and
for all the thoughts and words of comfort I received from all of you, they were
much appreciated. <br />
<br />
I don’t believe in coincidences. So, in the years to come, I look forward
understanding why my mother’s death and my gohonzon conferral anniversary have
been forever entwined. ΔKevin D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410546164722497191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309849094595183149.post-31870975943962596932018-12-07T16:50:00.000-08:002018-12-07T16:50:30.875-08:00Surviving The Nightmare That Has Been 2018 It has been well over a year since my last blog post so in many ways writing this will probably be more about processing this year for myself since I have no idea if there will be anyone out there following. But as they say, I am once again, picking myself up, dusting my blog off and starting to blog all over again. Does anyone really say that... Well you now what I mean.<br />
<br />
So I should start by saying, no I am not crazy. In my last post I was excited to announce I was recurring on NBC's "Good Girls." However, if you watch the show, you may notice I never appeared in the pilot episode. Technically, I did shoot the pilot for "Good Girls." Turns out one of the original cast members was recast and initially production moved to Atlanta. In the move to Atlanta, I was informed that my small but meaningful to me role was going to be recast in Atlanta when they re-shoot the pilot. I will admit, I was devastated for a while but that's life in the world of entertainment. Who knows, the show is back to filming in Los Angeles so you never know, a new recurring role may come my way. I choose to remain optimistic. <br />
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Truth is with all that happened in 2018 being recast does not even register.<br />
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<br />Kevin D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410546164722497191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309849094595183149.post-86884250526272800062017-08-04T21:01:00.000-07:002017-08-04T21:01:01.139-07:00NBC pilot "Good Girls" to air in October<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76ATAlXYYe3vXeTX4ccGNcXWGj6xMZGV2aqEtMMDkyn1nuqaDaBvnzB7MziZCt-WhIqLN5xL74eifLydOrbRUnJoyNlFoFmyjRf197WFeb_jHqVx-OAOruhYb0Yv_ZsyztFxjwnQ-ybM/s1600/Kevin+Commercial+Smile+web+display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="233" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76ATAlXYYe3vXeTX4ccGNcXWGj6xMZGV2aqEtMMDkyn1nuqaDaBvnzB7MziZCt-WhIqLN5xL74eifLydOrbRUnJoyNlFoFmyjRf197WFeb_jHqVx-OAOruhYb0Yv_ZsyztFxjwnQ-ybM/s320/Kevin+Commercial+Smile+web+display.jpg" width="249" /></a>Hello My Friends!<br />
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I am happy to announce the NBC pilot, "Good Girls" that I shot back in March is scheduled to air on October 27th. Whether my small role indeed remains recurring is up to the television gods. Send me some good vibes so the show's writers are inspired to bring me back for more fun!<br />
<br />
Check it out and keep your fingers crossed that you see my smiling face beyond the pilot, as the show has been picked up for the NBC lineup. Whether I come back or not, I have a feeling this show is gonna be something special! <br />
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Life is good! Kevin D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410546164722497191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309849094595183149.post-84156307431331019272017-05-15T13:38:00.000-07:002017-05-15T13:57:57.818-07:00Learning to Step Up My Social Media Game<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYiaAZ4Y39bl1pnwR66JJM7dKP_0Q-P7hjuQ4McSmhyWRLHAq7FLH9-bNvoYLDrkfdP-kMli1zNKJoRIAQz1n6otHi7sfb7OTCLBeW5oDKzA5GTjRVg3b_2_Xh-dhUVmcqOZa3m4H6QE/s1600/Image-1%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYiaAZ4Y39bl1pnwR66JJM7dKP_0Q-P7hjuQ4McSmhyWRLHAq7FLH9-bNvoYLDrkfdP-kMli1zNKJoRIAQz1n6otHi7sfb7OTCLBeW5oDKzA5GTjRVg3b_2_Xh-dhUVmcqOZa3m4H6QE/s200/Image-1%25282%2529.png" width="200" /></a>Being an actor is virtually a lifelong career which, feasibly, you don't need to retire from as long as the roles keep coming and you have the stamina to continue in an often brutal industry. Regardless of your age, what every actor can no longer avoid is the value of social media. One's social media imprint is becoming a growing point of interest for casting as it lets them know if you can be, from day one, a source of publicity and potential audience members via your social media following. My challenge is to grow my social media presence organically. <br />
<br />
It is cool that my talent managers are stepping up their <a href="https://twitter.com/@allenedelman">social media</a> game and announcing when clients book work. I like it because I feel a bit self-serving when I announce I booked a job. I know it is weird but I'm adjusting, embracing social media, and I'm learning this is all a part of being a creative professional in the entertainment industry.<br />
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I'm learning more and more about my own industry, what it takes to be an actor in the 21st century and having fun in the process. I'm not interested in pretending I know what I don't know so, forgive me if I sound like a naive actor.<br />
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That said, I booked a pilot this pilot season entitled "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt6474378/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_1">Good Girls</a>." The show has a great cast and if it get's picked up, I will be shouting from the rooftops! It was a fun gig and the cast members I got to work with were sweet and frankly actors who you hope have every success in whatever they do. Obviously, I hope that the show is picked up this fall for<a href="http://www.nbc.com/"> NBC</a>'s line up. If my character recurs as well, I would be a happy camper! Finger's crossed!<br />
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I am represented by <a href="http://www.allenedelmanmanagement.com/">Allen Edelman Management</a> so if you want to check out the announcement the company made on my behalf, check out their website: <a href="http://www.allenedelmanmanagement.com/">www.allenedelmanmanagement.com </a><br />
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If you want to help me as I step up my social media "game" feel free to follow me on twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/@KevinDArcy_Live">@KevinDArcy_Live</a><br />
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<br />Kevin D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410546164722497191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309849094595183149.post-26648220469827067502017-04-05T00:09:00.000-07:002017-04-05T00:11:22.905-07:00Becoming A Member of SGI and a Nichiren Buddhist <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufyoSmR2GlNJF3M-MpyWYxl_89IxWpr633aD3CNgDq9LukeHG6b3tn5DrVX7UpE8NYkFIJN9ThXbFoevg6ftqG-KzUqcFZlKxtaoLugDSxiozzjn5NZ3sMxcytpHjoXILAAGxOBRtepk/s1600/lionroar8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufyoSmR2GlNJF3M-MpyWYxl_89IxWpr633aD3CNgDq9LukeHG6b3tn5DrVX7UpE8NYkFIJN9ThXbFoevg6ftqG-KzUqcFZlKxtaoLugDSxiozzjn5NZ3sMxcytpHjoXILAAGxOBRtepk/s1600/lionroar8.jpg" /></a></div>
As of February 25, 2017, I took the plunge and began my first step on the lifelong journey of becoming a Nichiren Buddhist by receiving my Gohonzon. I have no idea what lies ahead but for some strange reason, I have faith this journey may be just what I need to transform my health, acting career, and life in general.<br />
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What has drawn me to Nichiren Buddhism and the lay organization of Soka Gakkai International is the idea that I must take FULL RESPONSIBILITY for my part in the Cause and Effect of my life experiences.<br />
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I have met a number of folks who have been practicing Nichiren Buddhism for over a decade. I look forward to seeing how my life unfolds on the path and just how much it will enhance my life for the better. Only time will tell. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y3xOf-jXJSY" width="560"></iframe>Kevin D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410546164722497191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309849094595183149.post-46846586772771200492017-03-21T17:17:00.003-07:002017-03-21T17:19:53.454-07:00When Your Brain Is Ready To Explode<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7tDdZHGw4r_4ZI2kLcC8xjLrMKGE-NADuoqVcC-wauWi_eR3plvE03Gvnxt3WyD2H2V-1fX1fNzzMIIWhYKlLfx1j-eRGtcu0xit4-srEMfLM6ef-TfQwZ8Nw07I-X9JN5jJHvpqvgE/s1600/j0234753.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7tDdZHGw4r_4ZI2kLcC8xjLrMKGE-NADuoqVcC-wauWi_eR3plvE03Gvnxt3WyD2H2V-1fX1fNzzMIIWhYKlLfx1j-eRGtcu0xit4-srEMfLM6ef-TfQwZ8Nw07I-X9JN5jJHvpqvgE/s200/j0234753.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
AHHHH!<br />
<br />
There are truly days when it feels like my brain just won't shut off! I have been having issues with insomnia and I will admit anxiety as I wrestle with fears surrounding my diagnosis of prediabetes, high cholesterol, and high creatinine levels. I have been making changes, from diet to quitting smoking yet it is hard to let go of the fear of not doing enough or the what ifs of potentially becoming diabetic or have serious kidney problems.<br />
<br />
It is scary to be uncertain if I am on the right track. I hope I am but I have not lost weight which concerns me as I have not eaten meat in what feels like forever yet nothing. Maybe it will kick in later. I will admit, fighting off depression has been impacting my ability to get an exercise regime going strong. Wow, anxiety and depression are a major roadblock but I just cannot let this<br />
roadblock lead me to a lifetime of having to take insulin.<br />
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AHHH. Need to come up with a serious strategy if I can get a good night's sleep. My brain is ready to explode if I don't get it together.<br />
<br />Kevin D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410546164722497191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309849094595183149.post-28999180953246622532017-03-14T18:05:00.001-07:002017-03-14T19:52:18.417-07:00When Your Doctor Scares You Into Healthy Living<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgaJCNeBzpVSAoDjr2ZaJHMto_n_1WvnVHMCqd_vZFoeMPjjkDcHh4dyHYpNYjgm_XlZvt6HQblPtJgn0zqJmTGQxyf6WpZdkRxWo-hmwSAbs_KsBMnlBVW0-1SfqmOwhV77VHD0TnbY/s1600/MP910220705%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgaJCNeBzpVSAoDjr2ZaJHMto_n_1WvnVHMCqd_vZFoeMPjjkDcHh4dyHYpNYjgm_XlZvt6HQblPtJgn0zqJmTGQxyf6WpZdkRxWo-hmwSAbs_KsBMnlBVW0-1SfqmOwhV77VHD0TnbY/s320/MP910220705%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a>My life has bumped up against some major challenges since last I blogged. To say 2016 was a stressful year would be an understatement. As the year came to a close, my anxiety levels reached some dizzying heights. That said, I decided to start 2017 with a new frame of mind.<br />
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I scheduled a visit on January 5th to the doctor to start taking my health more seriously by starting an annual physical and chat with my new physician for tips on dealing with my anxiety. On January 20th, I went back to get my lab results.<br />
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Bottom line, things are not looking good.<br />
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Now, from the perspective of looking at things from a glass half full, I am happy to say, I am HIV negative, and have no issues with cancer. But here's where things got very REAL.<br />
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My doctor said:<br />
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1. I am PRE-DIABETIC and my blood glucose levels are so high I am literally ONE point away from becoming a FULL BLOWN DIABETIC.<br />
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2. My blood pressure is good but my Bad Cholesterol numbers are dangerously high.<br />
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3. My creatinine levels are dangerously high which may lead to some level of Kidney disease.<br />
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Cue, jaw drop.<br />
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Doctor's Advice:<br />
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1. Stop SMOKING<br />
2. Start EXERCISING MORE<br />
3. Lose WEIGHT<br />
4. Switch to a PLANT-BASED DIET<br />
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What can I say. Any delusions I was living under that I am a relatively healthy guy blew up in that moment. No longer could I pretend that my years of smoking was no big deal. The truth is smoking was my only tool for dealing with stress and anxiety. I didn't say this was a smart way to deal with stress but it was the choice I made and now I had a wake up call. <br />
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I am moving into March and happy to report I have been an ex-smoker for over a month and a half. I've also been eating a plant based diet for a month and a half as well. Strangely, I have craved a cheeseburger more than a cigarette which no matter how you look at it a sign of success for a former chain smoker.<br />
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So why am I saying all this? Well, I am putting it all out on the table because, my fear of becoming a diabetic is real and very stressful.<br />
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While my dream is to make a living full-time as a working tv & film actor, this new reality has awakened me to the fact that I am more than just an actor. Duh... In fact none of that means anything if I don't have my health. Now again, being a diabetic is not like facing a cancer diagnosis but the fact is I don't want to be taking insulin everyday. In many ways this wake up call while stressful is my last opportunity to pull myself from the cliff regarding my health.<br />
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This has become my opportunity to make real changes for the better in all areas of my life. In so doing, this blog will become a space for me to channel my frustrations, map my journey and chronicle my ups and downs as I learn how to manage life without nicotine, on a plant-based diet and a ton of exercise.<br />
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This is truly one of those turning points in my life. With faith, hard work and many trips to LA Fitness, I may be able to transform my life for the better.<br />
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Wish me luck!<br />
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<br />Kevin D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410546164722497191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309849094595183149.post-79823133511663813122016-05-22T20:10:00.000-07:002016-05-22T20:10:02.294-07:00LAFC coming to DTLA in 2018!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0giYnAUQ3mHlae6rFE3RZ4skqHHC261hphuW3-Z6qwBRIEbv9AzER0W2PllKyo382_CjWbyxfXGWwTkFjFnPtEnEp_ASDD6s_R2FaJU5O4sC9bfD1gz2k3s02hMjjNk1aRFX8pCl3BI/s1600/LAFC-100px.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0giYnAUQ3mHlae6rFE3RZ4skqHHC261hphuW3-Z6qwBRIEbv9AzER0W2PllKyo382_CjWbyxfXGWwTkFjFnPtEnEp_ASDD6s_R2FaJU5O4sC9bfD1gz2k3s02hMjjNk1aRFX8pCl3BI/s200/LAFC-100px.png" width="145" /></a>As a newbie to the world of soccer, I am excited to hear that they are building a new soccer stadium in DTLA and debuting a new MLS team in 2018 called Los Angeles Football Club or LAFC. I admit I know very little about soccer but I have slowly been becoming a fan. With this new team coming, it feels like the perfect opportunity to come in at the ground floor as a fan of my city's newest sports team. Yes, there is the LA Galaxy but they are based in Carson. I can actually see myself hoping on the Metro Redline to watch a game. I'm sure I can learn a lot from watching the LA Galaxy, and who knows, I may become a Galaxy fan as well but, LAFC is a team I think I can see LIVE and that is exciting to connect with from the standpoint of "LA City Pride"! <br />
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Also, watching a team being formed from the beginning is just what I need. So, I have just under two years to learn all I can about soccer so I can enjoy every moment of my new LA team!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Emczin-vSFQ" width="560"></iframe>Kevin D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410546164722497191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309849094595183149.post-71969323920928099932016-05-22T15:44:00.000-07:002016-05-22T15:44:06.635-07:00Developing and Unexpected Love of Sports: Cycling & Soccer! Who Knew?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3X1w0eTk7A1NuLF7X3EcifJgfSSkxBjZmho5Zk9i1nsmesHAroZxj5mRZUzVAE8TeSTwj66bt2boLC0aLs22EYR6ryXFjcd7i9y2wNDc7RiOxU44pwHr4NBqGeGHHH7cFrY7TKMeKzLc/s1600/Alaphilippe2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3X1w0eTk7A1NuLF7X3EcifJgfSSkxBjZmho5Zk9i1nsmesHAroZxj5mRZUzVAE8TeSTwj66bt2boLC0aLs22EYR6ryXFjcd7i9y2wNDc7RiOxU44pwHr4NBqGeGHHH7cFrY7TKMeKzLc/s320/Alaphilippe2.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
The earth must is shifting on its axis. Saturday, I found myself enjoying watching NYC vs New York Red Bulls in a soccer match where the Red Bulls blew NYC out of the water 7-0. I actually enjoyed myself and yearning for more. And today, I turned on the tv and got engrossed in the final stage of the Amgen Tour of California, watching Mark Cavendish wind the final stage and Julian Alaphilippe win the overall race.<br />
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I have never been a follower of sports on television or sports in general to tell the truth. However, I have always had a fondness for cycle racing, largely for sentimental reasons. As a kid my brother Butch and his wife Mary were amateur cycle racers. So much of my childhood is littered with outings to see them compete. To this day, cycle racing is one of the only sports I actually enjoy watching.<br />
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Now as I have three nieces, Butch's girls, who have been involved in soccer for years, I have had a slow growing interest. The truth is I know nothing of the rules of the sport, I have decided to learn what I can. Especially now that LA is looking to bring another soccer team to LA, as they build a new sports arena in DTLA, now seems like a good time. I have often been tempted to go to an LA Galaxy game but Carson is a bit too far for me to want to travel on a regular basis. But if a new team is based in DTLA, I may find myself getting tickets! In the meantime, I can get started and learn a little bit more about the soccer league in America.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhen-oaYBZw_gUaytNLRKXS5daSkO_jGBdebWKUCWZ1rZK3zCk_JQI98wCUwBAy_mupCOt9t6SRp9fXbEP206m2_ukXnlOAV2aqb5OohEQsFCX4bOoiT1VIFSbA0WrXbVJU9i_nlmxTQss/s1600/Philly+union.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhen-oaYBZw_gUaytNLRKXS5daSkO_jGBdebWKUCWZ1rZK3zCk_JQI98wCUwBAy_mupCOt9t6SRp9fXbEP206m2_ukXnlOAV2aqb5OohEQsFCX4bOoiT1VIFSbA0WrXbVJU9i_nlmxTQss/s320/Philly+union.jpg" width="320" /></a>I have no idea how to educate myself on the world of soccer but as a native Philadelphian, I might as well check out the team there, compare it with LA Galaxy and wait to see what the new LA team looks like before making a final choice who I will align myself with as a fan. In the meantime, I guess I should scour the web to learn about the sport itself, the key players worldwide etc so I can get the most out of this new adventure.<br />
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Kevin D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410546164722497191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309849094595183149.post-58222883280279613512016-05-10T00:05:00.000-07:002016-05-10T00:05:00.722-07:00My Birthday: New Year...New Beginning HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!<br />
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For the first time in many years, I am excited to welcome my birthday and the official start to an amazing new year of adventure. This is my time to re-ignite the fuse and let my SPIRIT SOAR.<br />
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Now more than ever I am hearing Life's call to LIVE FULLY, COMPLETELY, AND WITH LOVE OVERFLOWING! I'm listening Universe!<br />
<br />
If anything has come from my now month-long meditation practice it is a swelling desire to LIVE with JOY and make every day count. I have shed a lot of crap over this last month. In<br />
many ways it feels like I have been preparing for this year's adventure by learning to LET GO of a lot of the negative mental baggage I have been carrying around.<br />
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A new chapter has begun TODAY. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQ9oYHPUsggpVPPkb-2Qd0hyphenhyphenQgp_mMaI7ppxctpJdZjq6Yg9Og-3CYQq4kNLdbraDgmJhIAj7Ru76YWtIY__JMRPXsK-PtA-ZG_Nn6b8-r4r8cHYrTT4mdZRv-elKFj_5SBEMaaZC9ck/s1600/Kevin%2527s+2009+Felle+photos+114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQ9oYHPUsggpVPPkb-2Qd0hyphenhyphenQgp_mMaI7ppxctpJdZjq6Yg9Og-3CYQq4kNLdbraDgmJhIAj7Ru76YWtIY__JMRPXsK-PtA-ZG_Nn6b8-r4r8cHYrTT4mdZRv-elKFj_5SBEMaaZC9ck/s400/Kevin%2527s+2009+Felle+photos+114.jpg" width="265" /></a>I want this to be a year of CELEBRATING, BEING OF SERVICE AND BEING GRATEFUL<br />
for all the wonderful things happening.<br />
<br />
I am living the life I
have always wanted but I have forgotten to be grateful and enjoy.<br />
<br />
I am now grateful. I am choosing to ENJOY everything Life has in store for me!<br />
I am willing to remember what it means to be HAPPY, to LOVE, to LAUGH, to DANCE and to DIVE headfirst into THE FLOW OF LIFE!<br />
<br />
I get to choose...<br />
how to live,<br />
how to think,<br />
how to be.<br />
<br />
I choose to live from a place of LOVE. <br />
This is MY GIFT to MYSELF. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NrZKsKGQU9M" width="560"></iframe>Kevin D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410546164722497191noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309849094595183149.post-80103212709246239332016-05-09T18:34:00.002-07:002016-05-09T18:41:48.430-07:00Heading to Philly in June!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWES9r6zyXEsywbRpuP5fg6IyRT5KRqhLN2D5_BibgE9T1lhHlosLtInbfQYm2yACJHDnv977rmvfPOOMlj679cYIubKGdJdEggKOD66v0jsiYBLU6eDX8UG9VoBZzlJmZYc32XOwntzc/s1600/LOVESIGN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWES9r6zyXEsywbRpuP5fg6IyRT5KRqhLN2D5_BibgE9T1lhHlosLtInbfQYm2yACJHDnv977rmvfPOOMlj679cYIubKGdJdEggKOD66v0jsiYBLU6eDX8UG9VoBZzlJmZYc32XOwntzc/s200/LOVESIGN.jpg" width="150" /></a>It's official! I bought my Southwest Airline tickets and will be heading to Philly to visit my family! Actually my biggest hurdle was finding a friend to take my boy Rusty in for a week. I am truly blessed because my good friend Monse stepped up and agreed to help me out.<br />
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<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEJ2hU8dBWO8o3s5RoeRk8o6xVNJaqEAPGA7Dkh3mkMqm4M9KJJ2As3ZPvHBfkxQARWlucFdmpOZNJFf6_KN3I5s5U1x28oC30UlSNPqlGw40M9qYg-cV-v3vCRXs1y9tuzxAa5UGSD0/s1600/Rusty%2527s+Yawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEJ2hU8dBWO8o3s5RoeRk8o6xVNJaqEAPGA7Dkh3mkMqm4M9KJJ2As3ZPvHBfkxQARWlucFdmpOZNJFf6_KN3I5s5U1x28oC30UlSNPqlGw40M9qYg-cV-v3vCRXs1y9tuzxAa5UGSD0/s200/Rusty%2527s+Yawn.jpg" width="177" /></a>Truth be told, I also think it is a healthy thing to step out if the high energy pace of living and pursuing an acting career. in LA. When I go home to Philly, I literally feel my life slowing down. Don't get me wrong I love my Los Angeles life, but a lttle break will be much appreciated. <br />
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Given my mum has had her share of health issues lately, this visit is very important to me. I cannot say how grateful I am.<br />
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Life is good!!
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lbSOLBMUvIE" width="420"></iframe>Kevin D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410546164722497191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309849094595183149.post-65454884131164864792016-05-01T16:05:00.001-07:002016-05-01T16:06:05.612-07:00Focus on The JOY: On Set of "Hand of God" Season 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaEu8YDmkPMXuAtUpD9ci1q4baHe2CZCekTu2_xvTSIjTTAHU3RPdZqBB1mqwRfx54eInLE62VTbNiIwQJv75JcakPXxbaDs-xcXip7WMevrhquXmkOO18TDXMh9zKKOfsJ_maRshBaY/s1600/Hand+of+God.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaEu8YDmkPMXuAtUpD9ci1q4baHe2CZCekTu2_xvTSIjTTAHU3RPdZqBB1mqwRfx54eInLE62VTbNiIwQJv75JcakPXxbaDs-xcXip7WMevrhquXmkOO18TDXMh9zKKOfsJ_maRshBaY/s320/Hand+of+God.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
Friday, I had the good fortune of spending the day doing what I love... acting professionally!!<br />
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I was on the set of<a href="http://www.imdb.org/title/tt3973768/?ref_=nv_sr_1"> HAND OF GOD</a>, when I was reminded of what my mother always says when I tell her I have an audition.<br />
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"What is for you, is for you." <br />
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It's funny how whenever she said it, I would just sigh and think yeah yeah but I want to book it. The truth is my mother's sage advice has become the best perspective I could take to my work.<br />
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This simple statement reminded me that I had no need to be nervous or waste a moment entertaining any thoughts of nervousness or fear. As I drove down to the set, I repeated my mother's words and allowed myself to focus on JOY, I set the intention of lapping up every ounce of JOY I could experience from the day from every interaction with the crew to the wonderful director to my playtime with my cast mate.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJ1qSZc0bCB-PfhX6UMxqY5nZ_ETng3ZFt491gnqs4Kr8XNE5SW6BcetOrfejEipi2G9rlIsXaIEGHy1tb1XiJjcufpjw3GqtV7mrHjRS8dFLW5JsBDfHfNiXFhC0-dLVs6zlcZn6lB0/s1600/Kevin+D%2527Arcy+%2526+Anastasia+Liddeck+on+set+of+HAND+OF+GOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJ1qSZc0bCB-PfhX6UMxqY5nZ_ETng3ZFt491gnqs4Kr8XNE5SW6BcetOrfejEipi2G9rlIsXaIEGHy1tb1XiJjcufpjw3GqtV7mrHjRS8dFLW5JsBDfHfNiXFhC0-dLVs6zlcZn6lB0/s200/Kevin+D%2527Arcy+%2526+Anastasia+Liddeck+on+set+of+HAND+OF+GOD.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin D'Arcy & Anastasia Liddeck on set</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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There is something about staying "present" and "grateful" that opens a door to enjoyment. To my surprise, the sound guy on <a href="http://www.imdb.org/title/tt3973768/?ref_=nv_sr_1">HAND OF GOD</a> was the same guy who hooked me up for sound on my stint on <a href="http://www.imdb.org/title/tt1844624/episodes?season=5">AMERICAN HORROR STORY</a> last year. Small world. It reminded me again just how much I have to be grateful for. <br />
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The day was a blast. I literally enjoyed every single moment. In doing, that I felt such freedom in my work it literally felt like play.<br />
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This is going to be my performing ritual moving forward.<br />
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Focus on the JOY and everything else will fall into place.<br />
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Kevin D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410546164722497191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309849094595183149.post-51705235034061819132016-04-24T21:20:00.002-07:002016-04-24T21:23:34.246-07:00Finding Balance & Setting Priorities<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLq5vrKLu6FD0qgU_JGCBKknOJLKbc_XrtywGs58fBOsA4SFtJBNp0YkbfLOjtSYNFUuqLC88L6CBC4RLV58dVZTqYVamyqRXJX6e0toBXLj9p-s2T-5QMojn3bTtOuEF2dme7duR678Y/s1600/digital+story+photos+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLq5vrKLu6FD0qgU_JGCBKknOJLKbc_XrtywGs58fBOsA4SFtJBNp0YkbfLOjtSYNFUuqLC88L6CBC4RLV58dVZTqYVamyqRXJX6e0toBXLj9p-s2T-5QMojn3bTtOuEF2dme7duR678Y/s200/digital+story+photos+012.jpg" width="160" /></a>This has been an interesting week. Wednesday morning I received a call from my nephew that my brother Cecil had what is called a "widowmaker" heart attack while he was at the doctor's office for back pain. Thankfully, he was in the best place for this to happen. Luckily, they did not have to open his chest but somehow went in through his leg and put in three stints. Saturday, he called me from his home in Dover, Delaware to assure me he was doing well and on the road to recovery.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKFjVMZNW9GfHsSZIasCuBPXfsbkmG52ytdRE07GyTfVJv2LXc2TtK_-JIDnvOpQjDCENu0s-S4PGq55cchKm1bNb7e__P8ANvXxF5b_n7ADZAFrMfuqBDpWy5muX0Yr7pepZ7MlrG_M/s1600/digital+story+photos+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKFjVMZNW9GfHsSZIasCuBPXfsbkmG52ytdRE07GyTfVJv2LXc2TtK_-JIDnvOpQjDCENu0s-S4PGq55cchKm1bNb7e__P8ANvXxF5b_n7ADZAFrMfuqBDpWy5muX0Yr7pepZ7MlrG_M/s320/digital+story+photos+036.jpg" width="217" /></a>My mother, this morning, fell and hit her head, hurt her neck, and had to be admitted to the hospital in Philadelphia. She is recovering but it was definitely a scare as she is 89 and already suffering from prior falling incidents.<br />
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I have not been able to afford to go home in about two years but the "Universe" is telling me I need to make it happen. So, I intend to fly home in mid June. Where the money will come from I don't know but I trust that the money will come and I know it will come.<br />
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So what is going on? What am I meant to learn from all these health challenges? What has come to me is how important it is for me to, number one, take a good look at my own state of health. I've recently started a meditation practice and a ritual of going to LA Fitness every morning to workout for an hour. However, the most important thing I have realized is how important it is to never leave things unsaid with those you love. I live so far away, it is easy to get lost in the busywork of my day-to day "stuff". At the end of the day, no acting job will make up for being disconnected from family. My new challenge will be striking the balance of pursuing my dreams and remaining close to those I love on the other side of the country.<br />
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Life continues forward no matter what. It is up to me to make sure I don't miss out on nurturing the relationships in my life that mean the most to me.<br />
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My love to all, wherever you are.<br />
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Kevin D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410546164722497191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309849094595183149.post-31636041944206210372016-04-17T16:20:00.000-07:002016-04-17T17:06:42.195-07:00Learning to "Listen" and Follow The Current of My Meditation What a beautiful, sunny Sunday it is here in Los Angeles. I woke up as planned to do my morning meditation which I did, Now if I were keeping with my new schedule I would have been preparing for my Spanish session followed by a trip to my local LA Fitness. My body had other things in mind.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdI99ZzQtzOeO8Ls0E5QrbbnV-qQIqObfkqOYtG6NXxpbCpNkcGJO51ExRxCNCYmQhnnx7kog6Jvckmlo61kgQSg4ZyxSPwDlJMJDx7yoDpocTw8z6cXoYPARB4cjBigB2y1VQ4rPfH8/s1600/misc+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdI99ZzQtzOeO8Ls0E5QrbbnV-qQIqObfkqOYtG6NXxpbCpNkcGJO51ExRxCNCYmQhnnx7kog6Jvckmlo61kgQSg4ZyxSPwDlJMJDx7yoDpocTw8z6cXoYPARB4cjBigB2y1VQ4rPfH8/s320/misc+002.jpg" width="240" /></a>You see, I spent so much time during Saturday's workout session on an ab machine, my body went into shock. I was able to do some plant shopping at <a href="http://www.lowes.com/">Lowe's</a> directly after my workout. However, after transplanting a rather large <a href="http://www.ourhouseplants.com/plants/sansevieria">Mother-in-Law's Tongue</a> plant into two containers to decorate my bedroom, I found myself unconscious on my bed. I slept until about 2 pm. Much of my Saturday is a bit of a fog as my ever present sore ab muscles made my plans of apartment cleaning a dream I would undertake another day. After publishing my blog post yesterday, my body led me back to bed and I continued to sleep the day away. I woke again sometime in the evening to squeeze in Rusty's second walk around the neighborhood.<br />
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Still feeling groggy, we returned home and I relaxed, did my 2nd meditation session before I visited Jordan Bach's website, <a href="http://thebachbook.com/">The Bach Book</a>, where I watched a clip of <a href="http://oprah.com/">Oprah Winfrey</a> giving a speech at Stanford on Living A Meaningful Life. It's an inspiring speech. It was late and in the middle of my viewing Lady O, just below my balcony window, an obviously drunk woman sat in the alley of my apartment building and proceeded to scream at her soon to be ex-boyfriend for cheating on her with some woman and keeping it a secret for a year. In the privacy of my own bedroom, I felt like an intruder on their conversation, so Rusty and I took a late night walk. I returned later, finished my inspirational viewing and fell once again into a deep sleep.<br />
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I awoke today, now with the rest of my body as sore as my abs still were. LA Fitness was not on today's menu. I am happy to say, I did fit in my Spanish session, albeit later than planned. As if a repeat of Saturday, I fell asleep only to be awakened by a group of women from a neighboring apartment building screaming at each other for some unknown reason. Rusty and I took it as our cue to go for his walk. We returned and, yes, I found myself back in bed. I have only felt this exhausted after running the LA Marathon. While in bed I noticed I had been sleeping next to the second book picked up from <a href="http://www.iliadbooks.com/">The Illiad Bookshop</a> during the week. It is entitled <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Meditation-Pathways-Experience-Paperback/dp/B010TT6WX0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1460932110&sr=8-2&keywords=The+heart+of+meditation%3A+pathways+to+a+deeper+experience">"The Heart of Meditation: pathways to a deeper experience"</a> by <a href="http://www.yasodhara.org/2013/07/in-memory-of-swami-durgananda/">Swami Durgananda</a>. Truthfully, I have no idea why I picked it up other than impulse. I only read the book's<i> Foreword</i> and I realized this book has, in some way, a part to play in the journey I am now on. Swami Durgananda writes: <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmt_1S2OibG0IBVKwZAvKcF9uSroAh2dmQ_ykacmgv55Ne2kcPRTJ5hBA3O2x3hjYaIzu5F4AJoCs7AD3mp3fl2_sEQvZrj7EmitCTc2KScLQfph4ry7VGY06nB65NjFn51Jk6kDyWMZ4/s1600/j0432756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmt_1S2OibG0IBVKwZAvKcF9uSroAh2dmQ_ykacmgv55Ne2kcPRTJ5hBA3O2x3hjYaIzu5F4AJoCs7AD3mp3fl2_sEQvZrj7EmitCTc2KScLQfph4ry7VGY06nB65NjFn51Jk6kDyWMZ4/s320/j0432756.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<i>"Meditation is the basis for all inner work. We might struggle conscientiously to change our limiting qualities; we might saturate ourselves with instructions and help, both concrete and subtle. Yet in the end, it is the direct, naked encounter with our own Awareness that shifts our understanding of who we are and gives us the power to stand firmly in the center of our being. No one else can do this for us. Only meditation unlocks those doors."</i><br />
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After reading this, I suddenly realized this was in essence exactly what Oprah was talking about in her lecture but I allowed the distraction of the drunk lady under my balcony to overshadow the message I was given.<br />
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I find myself in the midst of a mini epiphany. There are so many things going on around me that may seem completely irrelevant but may hold something, whether it be as simple as a thought, or a passing comment that I am meant to hear if I a open to the hearing. So what am I saying? I have been expecting some big revelation to appear within the silence of my meditation practice, and in the past this is where I would get frustrated and give up. However, what if part of the point of meditation is, the practice of getting quiet in my mind allows me to be aware of messages sent my way through the seemingly random experiences of daily living? What if there is something to be gained by questioning why of all places that woman last night decided to have her drunken rant under my balcony? All of a sudden, every moment of my day has the potential to teach me something.<br />
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I would much rather see my life as brimming with endless possibilities for spiritual growth. Listening, living more mindfully, seem to be the inescapable messages the Universe is sending this weekend. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GR_7X0exvh8" width="560"></iframe>Kevin D'Arcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410546164722497191noreply@blogger.com0