by Deepak Chopra
started 8/13/07 8/21/07
In addition to various other undiagnosed mental illnesses, I have bouts of Autism and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The former manifests itself as “Hip-Hop Autism”. Which means that when I hear certain phrases, in seconds my mind will find the hip-hop lyric associated with it. For example, when I hear…”Miss Toni, your college student loan (for a degree you didn’t earn) is now paid in full”, I must immediately reply…”Thinking of a master plan. This ain’t nothin’ but sweat inside my hand….”
The OCD comes into play in how I choose what to read next. I try to alternate between fiction and non-fiction. So, after reading the mystery Blonde Faith by Walter Mosley, I picked up Buddha by Deepak Chopra ready to immerse myself in his story. But it turned out to be fiction! I was pissed! I hate it when authors fictionalize the stories of real people. How can you re-create conversations and details and smells, etc. when none of the people are still alive? I was angry with Mr. Chopra, who I really admire (although I met him once and he wasn’t very friendly; but I think he needed coffee, it was pretty early).
Since I don’t like giving up on books, I plugged ahead and was pleasantly surprised. Once I gave up any expectations (Buddha would be proud) and just lost myself in the story I found it to be a well-written, exciting, and thorough account of what the Buddha must have gone through on his path to enlightenment.
Yeaaaa! You’re back! I won’t do the whole neck roll thing like Miss Joyous. You have to keep it coming since you are the inspiration and source of material for our soon to be book club! >>So do people try to get you to play word association with your Hip Hop Gift? For example if I say – “It’s hot as hell”>>Of course you can tell me to go straight there if you like….glad you’re back.
I believe that you have stumped me! But it probably come to me in the middle of the night sometime.