By Ben

The spiritual progression of Russell Brand is something I have watched quite closely.  In my younger days I had seen some films and TV shows that Russell had appeared in.  I’m sure he won’t mind me saying he was never my cup of tea.  I was the quiet sort and he was a brash comedian with a clear and obviously liking for sex, drugs and rock and roll.  He wasn’t exactly the role model I was on the hunt for.  I was looking for more substance, rather than substances. 

As the years have gone by I have been drawn towards Russell more and more, his philosophies and ideas on spirituality caught my attention.  Not long after keeping a distant eye on Russell (in the non-stalker sense) I heard him quote Tupac Shakur in a video on YouTube.  “A role is something you play, a model is something you make, and neither is real”.  This was a bit of a turning point really as to how seriously I was willing to take him.

Spirituality Via Success

Touch wood I have never had an addiction, so when I listen to Russell speak about his various addictions and indulgences over the years it’s quite nice.  Let me explain.  Much like Jim Carrey when he says “I wish everyone could have everything they’ve ever wanted, so they could see that it isn’t the answer”, similarly Russell tells us that after every indulgence all there is left is spirituality. 

The makeup of our society (as it is these days) occasionally gives us someone with a clarity of vision earned from the fact they have had, risked or given away everything ‘we’ hold dear to ‘success’.  Lots of quote marks there, I’m still working on the spiritual sarcasm.  These souls have been where everyone seems to want to go and they tell us it’s not the right road. 

Surfing should be called “foam-choking” or “sea stabbing” – Russell Brand

Not Your Usual Guru

Baba Ram Dass, Eckhart Tolle, Russell Brand?  Those names didn’t used to go together but now they seem to fit well somehow.  Strange that.  Well it’s not really all that strange, spiritual growth happens in lots of ways.  For Russell who, having been to hell and back, and then back again because he forgot his keys, has as much of a foundation for growth as anyone. 

I don’t really know of anyone else who has the comedic and camera training to deliver a message and the spiritual depth to go with it.  The spiritual progression on Russell Brand isn’t what you would consider the norm. When  I ask myself what that ‘norm’ is however, I don’t know.    

Everything, everyone, is a teaching.

Russell’s Brand

At the end of the day from whomever you gather your knowledge, and to whom you listen, is based somewhat upon trust.  I trust in Russell that the messages he spouts on social media are the right ones to change the world – no mean feat!  I think he said once that West Ham would win the FA Cup but apart from that the man talks sense.  So much sense in fact that this blog has been written about it.  

Russell’s ‘brand’ has developed from one of media and celebrity (I’m still not sure why we need ‘celebrity status’) to one of spiritual progression and faith. To one of love.   

“We need a spiritual revolution not a political one.” – Russell Brand

In Summary

When all is said and done where you start and where you end, isn’t really any of your choosing, I believe.  I’m not a big believer in true choice or free will, and with Russell his path was always going to be his.  He is now a mountain of guidance to so many, whereas once upon a time he was a small hill of confusion (or some other really good metaphor).

A true Guru leads you to yourself, not themselves.  If i’m honest, I have to admit that this is his effect, if you’re really listening.  Read about where my spirituality came from here.

Realiser

Realiser was born from a dream to be in a realised state, a state of awaken.  To be able to see the most obvious things having missed them for so many years.  Subsequently I wanted to create something to serve as an example of how it could be.  If only we might spend the time loving that we spend hating.  Above all spending the time to be kind to others for no reason.  You get the idea.  I will travel around doing what I can and would love for you to join me.  Follow my path here…