what you said more than I ever have in my life as a result of having a daily practice and so I get what you're saying and I love the fact that not only are you talking about how you do this for yourself but that it's also larger than that and it's bigger and it's more about a community and I've always said if even just one person that's listening is felt like they were inspired to do something different than you know what i've done a great job so i would love to know when you talk about your own personal suffering and background we've all got a story i would love if you're comfortable with it to share a little bit of your own because i just feel like it would really be an inspiration for those who are listening

Well, that is a very long story, and I don't want to bore your listeners with it, but I'll give you sort of the cliff notes.

Basically, the day I was born, well, first of all, I was conceived during what was known in New York as a big blackout.

It was 19—gosh, it was the winter of 1960 or 61, and I was born in November of 61— And there was a big blackout and everybody kind of gravitated, speaking of community, to their local bars.

You know how the bars are on the bottom of these big apartment buildings.

And my father was there working and he was also a jazz musician.

And my mother was there working as well.

yeah yeah absolutely absolutely so for people who are listening and say they've meditated maybe they do it then they don't do it and they do it again what is that way to get back into your practice what have you taught through the years is there a way or maybe each person is their own unique has their own unique way of doing that what tips would you provide