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teaiot · 6 years

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Tica from Limon - Women & Men from Anywhere

Please note that this is not totally about the person or persons in the photos, it is mix of stories I have collected and listened to over my last five months here. Energy, Education, Entrepreneurship my mantra/motto for Alien Tica Surfista -"Be the wave"-

The first thing I noticed were her hands. I have friends that are street fighters, mix-marital arts fighters, and kick boxers. The deep scars gave rise to a landscape of mental pain and anguish. A constant head-turner her beauty is only trumped by her desire for more life. The scars of self-infliction not as deep as the emotional scars that have tried to rob here spirit. A spiritual inner world war we all face as we navigate this existence. I too use to inflict pain on myself. A desire to feel something more out of life, I chased adrenaline fueled stupidity. I was a gold medal winner. This is not the United States. This is Costa Rica. She wears her shoes to bed, I noticed this as maybe a survival tactic. Sleeping and AC is popular thing in Jaco. Waiting for high-tide leads to the high-life. Nestled in the cusp of Costa Rica dotted by beautiful playas. Everything eaten and drank is done with haste, as if it’s the last drink or meal on Earth. The difference is Reflected upon the intent, a face heaven sent yet beneath a different young person. This is 2018 Costa Rica. A quiet tech Mecca, with a Kansas City Cost (in some ways).

I am sensitive yet the kind with an arm’s length approach. I reveal myself in a way that I am willing to laugh at my flaws. As I decipher the meaning behind minor disappointments and frustrations that come from moving to a foreign place. In a way her survival skills are a little better than mine. The root of the family linage delved deeply into a Caribbean bliss with a turmoil past, an improving present, and an uncertain future. My initial intent was to provide a way to coach her up. In sponsoring her child, I noticed that mindless giving only lead to more issues as clothes and food only patched things up. We sat down to converse about what her interest were. The answer although initially caught off guard was aliens and surfing. My mom loves aliens, and me and her have spent countless hours on the back deck looking for these “flying saucers.” A large smile loomed over my face as I had vision of aliens riding surf boards and how funny that would be. I could add some artistic flair yet what was the message.

I showed her that the first important thing is to look at the domain names available to purchase. It was my 5th week in Costa Rica and my Spanish although improving was not perfect. We struggled through it and I decided Alien Tica Surfistas. I was amazed at the fact that she was so clumsy in life (I watched her fall many times just walking around) yet secure on her tabla. (Surf Board) I started some initial drawings, yet I was living out of 160lbs of luggage homeless migrating place to place. She was a compass at first, guiding me to places I should look and discover. I wanted more time with her son and family yet was insecure in my lack of Spanish speaking ability and wavering debt that continued to accumulate. Many people offered me opportunities yet no real source of monetary sustainability. I started to notice a constant demand for money, not a lot just enough to get by. I never questioned it at first because I know it is difficult. Walking down the streets I learned to not carry coins. Like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”, people would appear begging. This is Costa Rica she would remind me. I know I would say, yet I see so much potential.

I did not know the amount of time she was sacrificing to spend with me. I also did not know that I had a timeline of some proposal of marriage that limited this interaction. I felt at such a young age it would be better to build something she could enjoy. I see it as micro-financing a start-up, where she could earn the rights over-time through hard work and dedication. Unfortunately, this never manifested itself. The pull of the waves was too much and the party scene too great. I would get I love messages, that would soon turn to I hate. I refused to buy a pair of sandals or something. I would say, was this really necessary for survival? She is a typical young person though. The only difference is the standard of living for people of poverty is way different than that of the United States. I remember the first time I went to her house and I looked around as if to ask where is the house? Nestled above what looked to be an old warehouse, completely covered in sheet metal was a two-story building where she called home. My heart raced as I traversed the stairs up, to find my little man not there. He was with his father, something I have not seen since I have arrived. Someone I hope I do not cross paths with while I am here yet would reach out and shake his hand out of respect for the family structure. The house was clean and tidy considering a two-year-old lived there. I have owned worse housing units in the states.

The difficulties began as I could see this was going to be tough for me emotionally. As I didn’t really know anyone in Costa Rica, I still needed housing and once I secured housing I knew her intentions were to try to get married as fast as possible. To bring understanding it is very much part of the culture. The idea of living with someone and not being married is taboo. Then that changed. Then it changed it again. Then it kept changing to the point where I decided I had enough, as I was not going to marry someone I barely knew yet through actually living here felt I could get to know. My goal was always to look after the child and knew that supporting the mother would be part of it. My coaching style did not translate well into the Costa Rican tranquillo lifestyle. I knew that I was going to have to be more relaxed an embed myself into the community. I decided on Heredia as a place to live to be closer to the kid. I was settled and feeling great about myself until a couple of drastic changes occurred again sending my relaxed style into a death-spiral. I questioned my ability of nurturing for a child, while waiting for a mother to mature.(She's an awesome mom btw) I left my phone on speaker when a friend called, and he jokingly asked me if I was marrying a hooker. I didn’t think much of it, until I looked over to see her crying in the corner as I hung up the phone. I didn’t laugh at the comment as I knew this particular individual on the phone needed to go back to the States. (I call it Rica burn out, when people just bitch and moan about this or that) I didn’t ask her about her past nor was I interested in having her tell me anything that she was not comfortable doing. It is really nobodies damn business, yet I know I can put two and two together and I decided to do some research.

33% of the women in Costa Rica are single mothers of at least one child. This makes the chances of this mother and child to be in poverty five times greater. (based on my own math it is probably more) Taking into consideration she is also dark skinned and is from Limon the chances of her breaking into society as a productive citizen are far less. Limon which is on the to do list is extremely underdeveloped and considered dangerous to the locals of what I would call the other Costa Rica. At 18 solely based upon the decision of a legal adult women can go to places and prostitute themselves. It’s like Tinder yet there’s no app involved and instead of paying Tinder you are cutting out the middle man. There are no pimps, there is no middle man, a fee for a service, services provided, and that is it. I am keeping it real because everyone dances around this subject when talking about Costa Rica. Fact of the matter is, if you were to look there probably the same thing going on in your neighborhood right now, where-ever you are in the world. I take exception to the people who do not want to be there. based upon her reaction to a simple statement, she does not want to end up there. (I will also note, it is only obvious if you look for it otherwise you Don't notice it all.)

I discovered that I met her before she made the complete leap into that life. According to other sources this is correct because it is a monitored system of checks and balances. I know that she does not find joy in perhaps having to sleep with 5-10 different men every night to put food on the table. I will say that others enjoy the lifestyle and have no problem with it. Whatever your opinions keep that to yourself, I am not here in another country to pass judgement on anyone. I want to compete with what is obviously the best paying job for women in Costa Rica, besides finding a Rich Gringo. I have worked extremely hard to the find a niche a platform to provide more opportunities for women across the United States. (and have a many success stories) I have posed as fake Johns to interview girls in the life, I have had my life threatened, I have been drugged by one person and was robbed. This was done to get a story, to report from the field. Although some may find this insane, I feel it is important to point out I don’t care what people really think. I just hope we all learn something together. Set a new tone. As my slogan for Alien Tica Surfista represents “BE THE WAVE.”(of the future) What has caused the minimizing of woman so far that men from around the world flock to developing countries promising blissful ends to misery only to leave once they reach their credit advance limit? To each their own, yet when I see potential in people I go forward with hopes that people see potential in me.

Fighting off cat-calls, reminders of a life no longer living, a feisty 2-year-old, a desire to be independent, and an undeniable ambition to do it her own way, would sum up my analysis to this point. I have tried to coach her up, yet there’s this underlining fight against anything authoritative. She called me a simple man, which is only true about my Spanish not my character. I offer homage, yet the surfer’s true love is being on the board. A love only the Ace of Spades can break. I realized a long time ago I could not beat that pull. I cannot win unless I have adequate funding and adequate resources. I needed a product that appealed to Costa Rica women and men. I am not here to change the world just one life at a time. I need to start with mine. I cannot make her want to be a part of this, I cannot deny the immense love I have for her and her son, and that may have clouded the signs that she just does not get it.(but she will) She does not have the right attitude(Yet she will), and I don’t give up on people. (unless they steal,lie,or threaten) I have pulled four other girls out that wanted to leave that life, and they are doing extremely well. Over the top approach did not work in this instance, yet I have only gained powerful experience and humility that needs to be directed towards my own soul. As another person said vividly. “Damn Mike you always helping somebody bro,” she is right, and I love her for saying it to me. There are plenty of normal people that would love to work with me. (Who likes normal?Theres nothing normal about the circumstances in Which I exist. having truly "lived" here for three months A lot of education is Predominately book read and interaction. (trial and Error)

I recall my interaction with a great friend in California. Although he was tired he was interested in the story and the pull to live in uncharted territory. The first two months realistically I was healing. Studying Spanish, technology, app development, and documenting my journey through photography. I tried to parlay time building life skills, and deciphering where I could I do most the good. After learning more, the image became a lot clearer the scars on the outside are badges, while the scars on the inside we carry are deep down inside until it tears us up from the inside out. I am going to continue to reach out into the community, I am going to teach business classes that cater to individuals who want to use English to generate more income.

I was made to feel. I am a sensitive soul entrapped between, blood, sweat, tears, and pure intention. Almost akin to the slogan that Costa Rica promotes. Being open makes one susceptible to foul calls, when there shouldn’t have been a whistle. Then you are reminded that everyone already doubted you until this point, let’s not give up. Let’s not give up, just like she doesn’t get up. After an early pregnancy, a few brushes with death, a family full of tough decisions and tough love, there’s this crown jewel who with a little help could be the epitome of survival. The ability that women with children have that most other people without never feel, No! isn’t always an option when you have others depending on you. Why say no to the good though?

I decide to lead by example the best way to help is to not enable. Be stern and forthright, yet willing to make up with a high five, and a hand shake, hopefully a hug. My Spanish needs to be better, and it is. What she doesn’t realize is it is only bad around her. I feel the watchful eye of learning and I need to loosen up. I need to loosen up completely and let go. I came here to change my life. I came here to be the example of not giving up. Glad I was blessed with a real friend to be a tour guide as I realize my field of dreams. The flip side of that I realize that not everyone you offer help to is going to be receptive to it. The constant influx of foreigners here has caused a larger gap in the economic standing and changed the viewpoints of some locals here as one of disgust. This is only witnessed when it is too late, and you are in court because some girl said you hit them, or they take a cash advance and never show back up for work. I have to be constantly on guard and realize that to be successful I need to ensure that I always stay grounded and keep my heart and head connected.

The fact that one would make time for another individual in the way her and others have done gives me faith in Humanity. Everything I do is going to be in an effort to raise the social awareness of elevating the lives of women everywhere. At 38, I realize the glue that holds everything together is the strong women in our lives. The only ones that can make you cry and laugh in the same breath. I also see the need for more business guidance in this region of the world. I must detach still through meditation, when I return I am better off. Alien Tica Surfista has a Facebook Page and Instagram Page. The website is under development, I have done everything myself, because sometimes it is better to take charge and do. Thank you to the Emotional support Tica from Limon, and the many representatives from around the world.

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teaiot · 6 years

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Living Peace , Starts with thinking Peace....

May 24th 2018 -- Flashback -- Week Four Anniversary

WE are all called to do something in life. As I reflect upon my last four weeks, I can see the immediate change within the essence of my true self. I decided to sell all my stuff and move to Costa Rica. I did not have an incredible number of things. The collective being a bunch of antique furniture and things acquired from Estate Sales. A person responded to my first blog post and reached out to me about needing help. At first it was just about reaching out and doing something positive and up-lifting. The second half consisted of tearing down the misconceptions of people who have had a troubled past. I have been highly interested in Blue Zones. These are places that consistently have individuals that live well beyond 100 years. I decided to label this The Happiness Project. The ability to maintain happiness is the ability to maintain a healthy existence. Essential to find for someone who wasn’t happy, I decided to reach out to visit these places to discover my inner nature as a human being.

Okinawa is known for the bloodiest battle in WW2. Once you peel back that history, you find a deep rooted ethnic mixture of African, Japanese, Chinese and quite frankly Oki - Culture. (I put African in the mix because it has been well documented that there is an influence there…. Goggle it) The goal was to find my ZEN and become one with my inner self. (Not to discuss race relations) I studied the culture for months. (Mostly Karate KID part 2) I did learn some Japanese Phrases, yet I found my most prolific experience, on the beach in front Kafuu where the idea for The Enlightenment Agenda was born. It was during a meditation, that I discovered I had all the tools I needed to be successful. I was embraced in a way that inspired love and nurturing I had been yearning for. They play (Oki) Zen music periodically during the day to promote this Zen. People move around riding and biking to locations. I did not see one gun, besides the military personnel station on the island. There was an older gentleman that patrolled the small beach town we were in and I tell you I did not want to mess with this guy.

In the morning I noticed many people doing Tai Che, on the beach. I saw some of the most beautiful women on earth. Kind, gentle and the most punctual culture on the planet, I respected the artistic approach to life. Everything had its place. In a world full of chaos there was order here. The food felt like the body had been missing its substance. The crystal blue waters were calm yet vicious. The wind sands were like soft italic powder on your feet. The love I felt for this environment has me wanting to return soon. I consumed the tourist existence and relished in the masterpieces of art created by such an ancient culture. The Corner Stone of Peace is what moved me to tears and shaped my new-found goal to be true to myself no matter what.

I was able to remove any doubt and shame. I was able to remove any fear. I was able to let go of my pain I felt in my heart that had been building for years. There’s is nothing worse than being betrayed by those you love, and there’s nothing worse than directing the blame for their actions upon yourself as well. As I entered the shrine where a large gold statue sits upon a lotus flower, I decided to meditate and offer thanks for embracing such a wonderful experience. I also pleaded for help, as I was juggling with ending it all. I struggled with seeing my won true value. I was disappointed that no one else saw my pain. I was truly alone in a world of people although I was constantly surrounded people. I prayed for company, for people that were not consumed solely by physical gains yet spiritual ones. Almost to the point of tears I sought to find at least one person that was interested in self enlightenment on their own. I decided to become the person, in hopes that the Universe would get that message.

It did as I awoke I was surrounded by monks from China, and Northern Japan. The oldest monk given me the acknowledgement I needed to move forward with a business concept. This business concept would invest in people not things, and businesses. It would solely look to add people to the creation of the. whole. A true community existence that would strive to innovate in all aspects of life that I was interested in. The Enlightenment Agenda was set into motion. Hence the name, as it represents the progression of constantly moving forward and striving to reach the potential of my higher self without given away my soul. I promoted my basic little phone app I created in boot camp. My downloads actually increase 6000% before I pulled the app to migrate into my business name. I was changed by the beauty of the people and the ocean. I loved how they had a true representation of family. I enjoyed they made me feel like I belonged in a time where I did not belong to anyone. I love you Okinawa, for giving me the inertia to keep moving forward. Spawning a new man that was willing to pursue things with pure ambition and mindset, yet with heart, and a moral compass to always look at the whole.

In Colorado a year later, I found myself in walking in Lo-Do. It was next to the Union Station, where I saw the monks, in similar uniform than the ones I saw in Japan. They were selling beads and offering to return mental space during their next meditation. Being an avid meditator, it was an investment I was willing to make in my spiritual enrichment. The first bracelet was black with one single peace sign inscribed on of the beads. This one I projected the thought of finding inner peace as I had been struggling finding my way in life for a number of years. Making excuses from being dealt a bad hand. The other a multi-colored bracelet was for the prosperity and peace of everyone who came into my presence. The people who stood by me through good, bad, right, wrong, broke and prosperous, and broke again.

Then of course, one is blessed with perspective, the golden rays of awareness in the struggle. One learns to embrace the hunger pains, and the tired eyes. One is okay to say no, to the thing everyone is going to, or talking about. One can learn to sacrifice love, and companionship if it means accomplishing the impossible. That impossible for me, was discovering my real value as a person, my true essence as a soul. I am greater than the lies, the records, the judgements, haters, the energy vampires, and the never satisfied. (In other words: Take your shoes off when coming in my house, leave that energy outside before entering my temple.)

Let’s breathe new life into the human existence by being persistent, where we do not run from who we really are as individuals. We will embrace the fact that our individualism is not representative of the whole, yet an important piece to the overall puzzle of life. Let’s realize we will not agree on everything, yet as a person with a moral compass we don’t step over starving children or persecute one’s religious beliefs. Leave the false agenda and join the one to be enlightened into one’s self, the good, and the ugly are both beautiful when used to become entuned to a greater existence.

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teaiot · 6 years

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Today: In the Present Moment

BMW Shuttle

7/2/2018

2.3

Poetry in Motion

Take a look back 60 days flat I am still here, many tears as fears transcend shock waves like ocean currents, the current state of the nation in disarray, yet I am still up writing this today, I discovered the value of human life as we move through strife we recognize the needs of others, whether its young mothers, street kids, listening for pirates’ treasure, what’s your pleasure? I am good that sunset has me all caught up with instant gratification. Mental stimulation comes from sitting Indian style, and instant smiles, it’s contagious easy to become famous, when you see through the scar tissue that builds up. Birth of nation starts in the pit of my soul, a little flow to start this mental journey we shall partake.

BMW Shuttle -

That didn’t go as plan, yet the pivot move is something I have personally watched many times. It is essential to success in the world of temperament-based decision mechanisms. This comes from a place of what the hell was I thinking, and part wow that was the coolest thing I think I could have done at this time. Now, I have been blessed with a stable environment and place to finish what I started. In true entrepreneurship spirit, I needed to figure out a solution for my car. Plan 1: Set-up an import/export capability with DHL. I will ship it tomorrow! Then I realize the car isolates me from assimilating. Heredia is absolutely beautiful. I like it a lot, ants and all. Must like ants. They come out when it rains and vanish, like the dreams of gringo’s past. I find that the best strategy here is sticking to your strategy. Be prepared to wait, be prepared to wait like you are number 678, and their only on number 6, and there’s only one person working. Is waiting really that bad though? I found between these ripples of time, of nervous Spanish words, Bob Marley, and curtesy smiles, my best ideas manifest.

Plan:2 BMW shuttles takes people to the Airport for a good cause. I decide on plan 2. The best thing for me is to look into an alternative solution for covering the vehicle cost. This also stimulates two local start-ups, The Fresh Catch, and Smart Shelf.io. I’ll explain more of that later. Yet ideally, looking into insurance, livery laws, was dizzying, yet was completed a year ago. I lent my services for next to nothing to discover the ins and outs of Groupon Campaigns successes and failures. It bothered me at first because I know my value, yet it did teach me some skill sets I did not have. I also learned from watching others. Problem - Solution that’s the mindset I need to be in as I look into the green lush mountains of Heredia. Then back into my humble home amongst others who are here for the same reason I am To Get Stuff Done! The attentive staff has tended to my every need, as I was on the mend from a rigorous schedule.

Look to be honest, I think if I were to rethink everything I have done up to this point, I would say, are you out of your mind? I honestly felt that in 4-6 weeks, I could stimulate change in a young person to see that their value is not predetermined by the viewpoints of others. That self-worth comes from the ability to see one’s self as worthy to receive. The same lesson I am learning myself. There’s no difference from me and this young lady other than she’s had it ten times harder than I have, and her she is standing in front of the right person. This is not ego-driven, I don’t give up on people. Once a group of individuals collaborate together to determine the fate of the few it leaves little room for improvement overall. (read that again if you don’t get it) Now I discern the truth behind the words of a chosen few individuals that have come my way. It is important here, to not be lead astray by the problems of others. It is important to be the objective observer, yet my heart and mind can’t sit back and just watch the need of others go unattended. I understand that my efforts of Happiness/Job fulfillment have landed me in a place that is foreign in many ways.

The reality of who I am now is completely different from who I was in the airport two months ago. I remember rocking back and forth shaking with a nervous sweat trying not to puke. It was like my body was preparing for the harsh reality that life will follow you if you are not willing to release. You are wherever you are in this beautiful world of ours. The turning point for me was a taxi ride. As I dug through clearance at customs, I came to realize that the little man I am sponsoring, and his mom are gone. Perplexed, I return into the airport conclude my business and walk out. This walk of shame, my third attempt to retrieve various items is now interrupted by frantic phone calls and quick Spanish. I hear blood, boy, car, and the taxi cab driver took my tablet you gave me for payment. A long ride in another car by a great person, lead to this person while he was in church, after confronting a group of guys fresh off their shift. This was precious cargo, a free ride for a momma who cries, I say, and the new driver agrees saying in Spanish he has kids. Tablet retrieved, and off to the hospital, I decide I served my purpose. I retire to decide, time to launch a new company. BMW Shuttle, we won’t take your tablet as payment. Kids ride for free. In reality that’s the need here, cannot skip a fare, how is that fair? How could I just sit back and stare?

Logistics is important aspect of the service side of SmartShelf.io. Examining the feasibility of building needs and wants around technology always starts with a beta test of said service. This information is pivotal to determine how this technology can in-effect change how we co-exist within the world of connected devices. I see the connected existence many live amongst the beauty of Heredia. The binary code is not binary it is people, people who by nature for the most part tend to each other in a collaborative dance. Like always there are outliers to the equation that complete the circle, they just call me Michael, or Legacy, Rasta. Keep pushing forward in life, I promise as bad as you think you have it, you have no idea. The mentality is no worse than some of the same places I have seen with my own eyes in my home town. I look forward to my time here, as I continue to pursue the essence of happiness through the human experience and launching cool products.

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