two hundred ninety nine

 

THE BIG LEBOWSKI

The Big Lebowski is a cult classic that came out in 1998. The laid back lead character "The Dude" Jeff Bridges captured the hearts of many.

His irreverent character had no cause, agenda or need to change the world. Credence, Black Russians and candle light bubble baths with good weed were his simple pleasures but bowling was his religion.

I grew up in the stay cool and never let them see you sweat generation so I could relate to his character. He may not have been aware of his poor social skills but one thing for sure he really didn't care. 

He didn't go out of his way to be obnoxious or rude he simply existed in his own world. He didn't seek confrontation other then hating the Eagles and demanding justice for his piss stained rug. 

He was defiant and sarcastic in the midst of an interrogation swirly or getting his private parts nibbled by a wild nihilist attack Ferret.

The Dude faced a series of bazar scenes and circumstances filled with a cast of outrageous characters. Each new wrong turn threatened to "chill his buzz" but he moved forward with the bad advice of his psychotic friends. When things got too overwhelming they took refuge in the temple of bowling.

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Going with the flow, doing your own thing or feeling the vibe is summed up in one phrase, the Dude abides. 

The Dude had a sense of honor and showed loyalty to his friends. The movie does not explain how they became friends but I assume it had something to do with their bowling averages.

I don't recommend his lifestyle but I can relate to his place in the theater of life. Everyone plays a part but I am not the director or critic, I'm just part of the audience. The Dude lived in the moment as a casual observer of the people and events around him.

We do need to be disciplined and except responsibility but we all need a little "Dude" in our lives. Sometimes we just need to let life flow over us, feel the vibe or live in the moment.

Life is a trip full of constantly changing circumstances with a cast of  outrageous characters. The reality is we can't change circumstances or people. You can walk your own path, live your own values and be loyal to your friends. 

The Dude was by no means a perfect role model but he did have one thing right, "the Dude abides" and if all else fails, go bowling. 

Take breaks, enjoy simple pleasures and just be. If life gets too crazy go bowling or that place you find refuge. 

I ride my bike.