It was a particularly beautiful day here in the Bay Area and seemed like the perfect time to go break a coconut. (If you don't know what that means, then you definitely will once you read 'Outrageous Openness'). After all, we were midway between two big eclipses and letting go of the Old is a perfect way to open to the New. I figured I’d trek to a favorite spot and let go once and for all.
Indian Rock is so cool if you don’t know it. Right above North Berkeley, with beautiful stone carved steps that take you straight to an amazing view of the whole Bay. Lots of gorgeous granite at the top, perfect for a smashing ceremony.
When I climbed up there about 10:00 AM that morning, it was unusually quiet. Just one guy taking panoramic shots of the dance between fog and sun with his phone and another sitting quietly. I went as far away from them both as I could, then held the coconut for a long time against my forehead, offering every seeming concern or worry. I was ready to release it all completely.
Then I picked it up and smashed it hard against the rocks where so much milk exploded my face got wet. I was laughing with happiness.
Suddenly IPhone guy stood before me. “Honey,” he said, “let me show you how to open that coconut next time. You could sure use some help... no need to get all splashed like that!”
“No,” I said, “It's part of a ceremony. I don’t need help.”
“But the way you’re doing it you can’t drink the water. Let me show you how to do it so you can drink it after…”
“Uhmm no," I said, a bit annoyed, “I don’t want to drink the freakin' water. It’s a ceremony. You release the problem with the water.”
“Well, where’d you learn a crazy ceremony like that?”
Ok dear holy jeesus, I so just want to meditate. We're done. I look him straight in the eye and say, “I learned it in India. NO more talking, kind sir... goodbye now…”
“Ok but one last thing. And this is very important. " He looked at me with deep conviction." I hope you do understand that Indian Rock is not about those kinds of Indians…”
And now I need another coconut to let go of IPhone man…
Thanks so much for this. I really needed a laugh today! Outrageous Openness and Change Me Prayers are two books I reference all the time. I’m so glad the Divine pushed me in your direction.