I joined ISKCON (The Hare Krishna Movement) in June, 1976. Went on TSKP (travelling book distribution) in 1977, found it difficult at first what with the cold water bucket baths outside at 2:30am in the snow (you think I'm kidding?), approaching complete strangers on the street (I was quite introverted) and the occasional crowded conditions in the vans (I like my solitude). But to have the opportunity to engage in such an activity was a privilege only understood by those who engage in it, and those who support it. After the first year it became much easier and I began to experience a deep feeling of spiritual bliss and realisation. Yes, I found something in 1975 that made complete sense to me and I've never had any doubt since that time. There is a creator, He is personal and he does not reside within our material conception of life, at least in the way that we think He does. I've never had the urge to search for anything else as I found complete satisfaction in performing devotional service. There may be difficulties from time to time but that is the reality of life. At this present moment in time I live near Leeds, I am estranged from my family (too long a story) and I'm just biding my time and waiting for the next phase of my journey to begin.
Anyway, enough about me. I hope this collection of videos will please those who watch them. Hare Krishna!
PS. Why do we tend to hide who we are? Why do we often adjust our image to fit a certain profile that we feel others expect of us? We should try to be the best person we can possibly be and listen to our hearts from time to time.
My favourite verse from 'The Jiva Soul' written by Bhaktivinode Thakura:
Forget the past that sleeps and ne'er the future dream at all, but act in times that are with thee and progress thee shall call.
Here it is in its entirety :

THE JIVA SOUL

Alas for those who spend their days
In festive mirth and joy.
The dazzling, deadly liquid forms
Their hearts fore'er employ.

The shining bottles charm their eyes
And draw their heart's embrace;
The slaves of wine can never rise
From what we call disgrace.

Was man intended to be
A brute in work and heart?
Should man, the Lord of all around,
From common sense depart?

Man's glory is in common sense
Dictating us the grace,
That man is made to live and love
The beauteous Heaven's embrace.

The flesh is not our own alas;
The mortal frame a chain;
The soul confined for former wrongs
Should try to rise again.

Why then this childish play in that
Which cannot be our own;
Which falls within a hundred years
As if a rose ablown.

Our life is but a rosy hue
To go ere long for naught;
The soul alone would last fore'er
With good or evil fraught.

How deep the thought of times to be!
How grave the aspect looks!
And wrapt in awe become, O, we,
When reading Nature's books.


Man's life to him a problem dark--
A screen both left and right;
No soul hath come to tell us what
Exists beyond our sight.

But then a voice, how deep and soft,
Within ourselves is left;
Man! Man! Thou art immortal soul!
Thee Death can never melt.

For thee thy Sire on High has kept
A store of bliss above,
To end of time, thou art O! His--
Who wants but purest love.

O Love! Thy power and spell benign
Now melt my soul to God;
How can my earthly words describe
That feeling soft and broad.

Enjoyment, sorrow -- what but lots
To which the flesh is heir?
The soul that sleeps alone concludes
In them it hath a share.

And then, my friends, no more enjoy
Nor weep for all below;
The women, wine, and flesh of beasts
No love on thee bestow.

But thine to love thy brother man
And give thyself to God.
And God doth know your wages fair--
This fact is true and broad.

Forget the past that sleeps and ne'er
The future dream at all,
But act in time that are with thee
And progress thee shall call.

But tell me not in reasoning cold,
The soul is made alone
By Earth's mechanic lifeless rules
And to destruction prone.

My God who gave us life and all
Alone the soul can kill
Or give it all the joys above
His promise to fulfill.

So push thy onward march, O soul,
Against an evil deed
That stands with soldiers Hate and Lust--
A hero be indeed.

Maintain thy post in spirit world
As firmly as you can,
Let never matter push thee down--
O stand heroic man!

O Sharagrahi Vaishnava soul,
Thou art an angel fair;
Lead, lead me on to Vrindavan
And spirit's power declare.

There rests my soul from matter free
Upon my Lover's arms--
Eternal peace and spirits love
Are all my chanting charms.