I have a confession to make that I’ve only briefly alluded to in previous posts. I, Alise Morales, have found religion. *loses 400 subscribers immediately* No, wait! Don’t go! I promise I won’t proselytize — mostly because this is all very new to me and I wouldn’t know how.
But it’s true, spirituality has made its way into my life, specifically in the form of Bhakti yoga. As you’ve probably guessed, I don’t mean yoga in the fitness class sense, but in the actual ancient spiritual practice sense (though I do still love a good yoga class.) Bhakti is the devotional path of yoga, which is very much centered on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, chanting the maha-mantra, doing Kirtan, and having “good association” with other yogis. To that end, this month I joined a virtual group called Growing Bhakti via the Bhakti Center here in NYC and each week I meet with a group of awesome ladies with ages ranging from their 20s to their 70s from all over the U.S. to talk about spirituality. It was important to me - and feels important to say now - that the group is diverse and inclusive of actual South Asian people who grew up in Bhakti, which I am happy to report that it is. Also, if you’ve never been friends with a random southern lady in her 70s, I highly recommend it. They know what’s up.
Do I have massive imposter syndrome every single second because I am brand spanking new to all of this and my brain keeps relating everything everyone is saying to Jesus/Christianity? Absolutely. But I’m finding these days that life is just a series of situations in which you will feel imposter syndrome so I’m rocking with it. Also, everybody in the group is really nice.
Joining a spiritual practice you have no background in is a very strange experience. When you grow up in a religion, you just kind of absorb all the stories and practices and holidays culturally or through things like Sunday School. I may not be a follower of Jesus now, but I know so much of his lore. If I wanted to become a practicing Christian tomorrow, I would know exactly what to do and all the key players — John the Baptist, Paul/Saul, Christmas, Easter, Church on Sunday, Our Father who art in Heaven, etc, etc. With Bhakti, I can get overwhelmed by all the stories and practices and holidays. Plus there’s the fact that all the prayers are in a language I do not understand. Part of me is like, is there an adult version Sunday School I can attend for this? I’m talking coloring pages and all. I genuinely need this explained to me like I am a child.
This month - I have learned - is the month of Kartik, aka the most sacred month of the year. (My Judeo-Christian ass feels compelled to say it seems kind of analogous to Lent but with more candles.) As such, we all made vows for the month and mine are as follows:
Eat a vegetarian diet (except for Thanksgiving - sorry Krishna.)
Chant at least one round a day (a “round” is 108 maha-mantras on your prayer beads - it takes about 20 minutes and is one of the easiest things in the world to avoid doing).
Light a ghee candle and offer it to Krishna at night (this is fun and bought this pretty candle holder for the occasion).
I definitely still have a sense of wariness about getting involved formally in any kind of organized religion. There’s part of me that’s always waiting for the other shoe to drop and for someone to announce that women are inferior or that being gay is bad, but so far that hasn’t happened. I’ll let you know if that changes. Until then, I’m just learning and lighting my candles.
And now for a hard pivot…
This week is New York Comedy Fest! There are so many shows every single day, but here are ten I’m recommending for anyone in NYC who wants to attend the fest.
And yes, this will include my own show. Religion hasn’t changed me that much.
11/3 at 7pm: Ladies Who Ranch at BCC
These gals are funny and nice and basically the queens of BCC. Characters, sketches, and generally silly stuff. A perfect way to kick off the fest, IMHO.
MANHATTAN OPTION: 11/6 at 7pm: Uncle Function at Caveat
Sketch comedy full of stars including my beloved fellow CBS Showcase fam Joseph Lymous.
BROOKLYN OPTION: 11/6 at 7:30pm: Marguerite at Union Hall
Maggie Winters is very funny. She was a JFL new face this year and appeared in the most recent season of “Righteous Gemstones.” She’ll be playing much bigger venues soon so see her now in a basement while you can.
ALSO ON 11/6: Luke Ass Spectacular at 10:30pm at Littlefield
What can I say? There are a lot of good options for things to do on 11/6. Cap off your night with a very queer show hosted by Kate Sisk, who is one of the funniest people on earth. I probably watch this video of Luke Ass once a month and it gets me every time. The lineup on this one is also to die for.
Next up I have two options that are happening at the exact same time a few blocks apart so it really depends on what you want. Choose your own adventure. Follow your heart.
11/7 at 10pm: Jay Jurdan: The Jay Agenda at the Bell House
Jay Jurden is an elite-level stand up and I don’t just say that because we have the same manager. He’s one of the only people in the world who posts stand-up reels that I will actually watch. To be able to watch these reels be created IRL?!? A dream!
Also 11/7 at 10pm: Ian Lockwood’s Girlfriend Pageant at Union Hall
I do not know how to describe Ian Lockwood’s Girlfriend Pageant other than to say it is a pageant to become Ian Lockwood’s girlfriend. Is he gay and married to man? Yes, but that is beside the point. When I did this show I played a character named Reverse Cowgirl who invented sitting on a dick backwards. If you want insane characters and general chaos, this is the vibe.
11/8 at 9:30pm: What I Did For Love at Brooklyn Art Haus
Improv? In this economy? These guys are the best of the best as far as make-em-ups go. They interview an audience member about their love life and then do improv based off what they say. Cathartic and chaotic.
11/10 at 10pm: Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour Comedy Show + Dance Party at Littlefield
I am on this show! A lineup of Swifties doing Taylor Swift-based comedy. Hosted by Brooklyn Comedy’s very own little prince Zach Schiffman. Very excited for this one.
***11/11 at 9:30pm: The Roast of Your Teenage Self at Littlefield ****
This is my show. Please come to my show. Ticket sales are ticking up more and more every day and they cost more at the door so if you’re planning to come and haven’t bought yours yet…what are you waiting for? Can’t wait to see you there.
11/12 at 7:00pm: Diwali Party at The Bell House
Celebrating Diwali AND a comedy show hosted by two of my favorite people? Yes, please! Arti and Maya are the best and this show is a slay every year. Featuring an all-South Asian lineup. I’m going to be heading there straight from a Diwali event at the Bhakti Center. Join me!
Alright, that’s all for now.
Hope to see you next week at my show and also all of these other great shows.*
xoxo
Alise
*I can’t guarantee I will personally be at all of these shows - I don’t own a time-turner and also am very tired.