MANHATTAN
The name Manhattan comes from the Munsi language of the Lenni Lenape meaning island of many hills. Other theories say it comes from one of three Munsi words. "Manahactanienk" meaning "place of inebriation." For me it is home. Manhattan is synonymous to New York City. It is also simply referred to as the "City." It is the only place in the world were I not only feel spiritually connected to but, am closest to my source or god within. I understand where many who have travelled to Manhattan are eager to get out. It can be overwhelming. It is the most densely populated of the five boroughs that comprise New York City. Manhattan consist of Manhattan Island surrounded by the Hudson, East and Harlem rivers. I believe I was born there because spiritually prior to my birth I chose that location. I believe we all came from somewhere and we are all going somewhere. If you really think about it this is a reasonable perspective. If, as many believe, that after death we are going to a place that they call the afterlife, then it ponders the question why can't there be a beforelife. That is why I feel spiritually connected to Manhattan. I have lived in other places that I called home for a certain period of time and have only great things to say about them but, I have never felt a spiritual connection to them as I do with Manhattan.
On a lighter note, maybe that is why I enjoy a "Manhattan" as my favorite adult drink. For those who may not know, the ingredients are bourbon, sweet vermouth, real bitters topped off with a maraschino cherry. Now, I want to be clear, I am not advocating drinking alcohol. We all have the free will to live and make choices as we please. But if you do have a Manhattan I advise you to please drink responsibly and NEVER drink and drive. That is the lawyer in me speaking. It makes sense doesn't it that the word Manhattan can be traced back to the Munsee words Manahactanienk which means place of inebriation and my enjoyment of a Manhattan adult beverage. Although, I have never allowed myself to get to the point of inebriation. It is also ironic, that Manhattan can be broken down into three words, man, hat and tan. And, I am all three of those words. I am a man who loves hats and am olive complexion or tanned.
Now let me get back to a more serious connection. I thrive on energy. The noise and energy in Manhattan enhances my energy. To me energy is what brings to the surface our creative forces within to grow. I am an energy person to begin with and when I surround myself with outside energy I am taken to a different level that goes real deep into my spirituality. There have been times when my family and I have taken walks in New York City where at the end of our adventure we check out fitbits and have walked 15 plus miles. For me it truly is a deep mesmerizing experience. Listen I am not saying it is a perfect City. And in fact everywhere you go there seems to be trash and in some places stench. But, none of that matters because at the end, the benefits, especially the spiritual benefits, far outweigh all other factors. But, I must say that although I have this deep rooted love of New York City, spirituality ultimately comes from within. I believe that I may not feel that way about New York City or life in general if I were not an enlightened person. You can be living in rural Mississippi and have the same connection to your source. It is all within each and everyone of us to manifest this deep connection to ourselves. To the god within. This is our purpose in life. This is how we leave the world a better place. I leave you with partial lyrics to Alicia Keys' song, 'Empire State of Mind."
"Grew up in a town that is famous as a place of movie scenes. Noise is always loud, there are sirens all around and the streets are mean. If I could make it here , I could make it anywhere. That's what they say. Seeing my face in lights or my name in marquees found down on Broadway. Even if it ain't all it seem, I got a pocket full of dreams. Baby, I from New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of. There's nothing you can't do. Now you're in New York. These streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you. Hear it for New York, New York, New York..."
Just a thought.
On a lighter note, maybe that is why I enjoy a "Manhattan" as my favorite adult drink. For those who may not know, the ingredients are bourbon, sweet vermouth, real bitters topped off with a maraschino cherry. Now, I want to be clear, I am not advocating drinking alcohol. We all have the free will to live and make choices as we please. But if you do have a Manhattan I advise you to please drink responsibly and NEVER drink and drive. That is the lawyer in me speaking. It makes sense doesn't it that the word Manhattan can be traced back to the Munsee words Manahactanienk which means place of inebriation and my enjoyment of a Manhattan adult beverage. Although, I have never allowed myself to get to the point of inebriation. It is also ironic, that Manhattan can be broken down into three words, man, hat and tan. And, I am all three of those words. I am a man who loves hats and am olive complexion or tanned.
Now let me get back to a more serious connection. I thrive on energy. The noise and energy in Manhattan enhances my energy. To me energy is what brings to the surface our creative forces within to grow. I am an energy person to begin with and when I surround myself with outside energy I am taken to a different level that goes real deep into my spirituality. There have been times when my family and I have taken walks in New York City where at the end of our adventure we check out fitbits and have walked 15 plus miles. For me it truly is a deep mesmerizing experience. Listen I am not saying it is a perfect City. And in fact everywhere you go there seems to be trash and in some places stench. But, none of that matters because at the end, the benefits, especially the spiritual benefits, far outweigh all other factors. But, I must say that although I have this deep rooted love of New York City, spirituality ultimately comes from within. I believe that I may not feel that way about New York City or life in general if I were not an enlightened person. You can be living in rural Mississippi and have the same connection to your source. It is all within each and everyone of us to manifest this deep connection to ourselves. To the god within. This is our purpose in life. This is how we leave the world a better place. I leave you with partial lyrics to Alicia Keys' song, 'Empire State of Mind."
"Grew up in a town that is famous as a place of movie scenes. Noise is always loud, there are sirens all around and the streets are mean. If I could make it here , I could make it anywhere. That's what they say. Seeing my face in lights or my name in marquees found down on Broadway. Even if it ain't all it seem, I got a pocket full of dreams. Baby, I from New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of. There's nothing you can't do. Now you're in New York. These streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you. Hear it for New York, New York, New York..."
Just a thought.