Quitting Day 9 (PLUR)

9d 19h 55m Saved: $50.02
Oxygen Level: 90% Carbon Monoxide Level: 92%
Taste & Smell: 96% Feeling Wanted: 95%

Life feels like it's falling into place. I have two jobs that are lining up and I have a feeling that I'm going to really enjoy both. My poem book is coming along quickly. I'm starting to get motivated to return to writing my book. I've subconsciously been delaying chapter 7. I feel I may be ready to take it on now. I'm also working on a side project for kid raves. I'm excited to introduce children and their parents to the PLUR movement. I know I haven't spoken much about that in this blog yet, so I'll take this time to explain it.

Peace Love Unity Respect. PLUR is a movement that is entrenched in the rave culture. I know the first thing everyone thinks of when they think of raves is copious amounts of drug use and sex. I'm not going to deny that drug use is prevalent in the rave culture. I've yet to see any heavy, meth or heroin, drug use. Although I know some of the scene have struggled with it but isn't that the case with every scene. Utah has a speed and pill epidemic amongst Mormon housewives. Don't believe me research it. The fact is that we have a drug epidemic amongst all cultures. No matter where you go you'll see it if you look deeply enough. The rave culture is simply unapologetic and unashamed of their way of life. They dress sexy and enjoy psychedelics. Okay, enough defending drug use, ultimately we should all be able to have a good time without drugs and alcohol. We should all get to a point where we don't need to numb our pains. I feel in love with something more powerful than any drug I've ever tried. When I went to my first rave I felt something so completely. That I've only had a taste of before. I felt welcomed, respected, loved and appreciated. This wasn't for what I could offer, but simply for being me. You see in this culture there is nothing more respected than being who you are. We love the uniqueness of people and celebrate their differences. Show us something new or even with a fresh style on it. Glow on and show us who you are and we will love you. Granted we'll love you even if you show up in your mask. We understand that if you are wearing your mask you need it or maybe that mask is you. Who are we to know?

Let's think about this movement for a moment. What is the peace & love movement? That's simple, it's the hippie movement. The PLUR movement is an evolution of that movement. An all-encompassing evolution. Adding unity & respect improves the first two. Since you can't have peace without unity and you can't have love without respect. This culture truly lives by this movement. I've never experienced a fight at a rave. I've seen more hugging than I have ever seen before in my life. I've seen bright beautiful smiles of people actually enjoying life. You can see the level of caring and concern by simply turning on the flashlight on your phone and pointing it at the ground. Watch as the crowd spreads and a dozen people ask you what you're looking for in order to help you find it. The only time I've seen someone treated negatively was when they were at a rave to grind and sexualize another human. It's not like they get beat up, everyone simply lets them be alone by themselves. I hope eventually they learn from this and stop disrespecting others. You see they are going against a deeply seeded rule, Respect. The rave culture still respects and loves these individuals. We understand they are on their path and have not realized that love does not mean grinding or objectifying. Grinding is okay if you know the other person and they want that. Honestly, no one should grind on someone they just met unless you straight up ask. "Hey, boy want to grind"? Let's give each other room and dance. My favourite quote on this subject "If I ask you to dance we are actually going to dance. I'm not just going to rub my pecker on the back of your pants"-Brother Ali. It's interesting I've had experiences where women need to learn this as well. If I just met you I don't want your ass against my crotch, so please give me room to groove. Now if we are well acquainted and you want to grind. Let's do it. That typically means I've spent at least one rave or an after party getting to know you. I've backed away from a woman multiple times. They always read it wrong. They assume I must not be interested in them because I don't want to rub all over them. This isn't true at all, but yes it is a turnoff. For me at least. Also, it's disrespectful to assume just because I'm a man that I would want that. I'm deeper than that. I want to know your mind, your heart, and yes I want to explore your body, but if I don't like your heart or mind it doesn't matter how nice your body is.

I'm excited to teach the next generation how to rave and rage sober. That you can enjoy life without getting high or drunk. I'm also excited to introduce parents and children to the beauty that can be found in the PLUR movement. Let's relax allow people to go on their path. Let's love them for simply being alive and being a part of our energy flow. Respect them for not giving up and sliding into the unreturning darkness. Let's respect others boundaries, beliefs, convictions, and ideas to find unity and peace.

I love you all