I first got to know my friend Matti at the Littles Express, back in November. He's a listener to the Big Little Podcast, and when we first met, he aditted to me that he was actually a bit hesitant to approach me. That's not because I'm some scary person, but rather because the podcast has this weird, magnifying effect, that makes it seem like I'm Some Very Important Person™ instead of the regular guy I am.
I really don't think of myself as better or above anyone else. I do cop to the fact that I know being on the podcast, and in front of classes, vocal in front of the crowd, does make me something of a public figure, and that the things I say and do effect others.
I believe with every fiber of my being that we are all each other's student and teacher, that there are countless ineffable links connecting and uniting us all. One of the reasons I blog, and why I'm so open about my life and feelings on the podcast is because I feel a calling to share my own emotional, mental, spiritual, and philosophical growth. I want to make my own journey open to others, so that they can use it for their own advantage if they want to.
Which brings me back to Matti. He's a lovely, quirky sort of person. He's very tall. He's covered in tattoos. He used to be a very angry guy, and that could make him scary. But he's not. He's anything but. He's sweet, funny, gentle, and kind. He regularly wears silly hats, and overalls. He likes to bring joy into people's day.
He wrote this thing about how and why he's become this gentle giant. It knocked me out. Because he credits things he learned from me. (Which I learned in turn from others, like Pema Chodron, Viktor Frankl, Alan Watts, Gloria Brame, and my brother.)
What he wrote is beautiful. I'm grateful for it, and him. Check out what he wrote for yourself.
