From quite early on, I had this idea of compartmentalized identities - 'this is how you are when you are with your mum, and this is how you are when you are with your dad' - so it seemed like I could never absolutely be myself. And the image of myself as compromised and inconsistent made me want to withdraw from the world even further. I had a sense of formulating a paper-mache version of myself to send out in the world, while I sat controlling it remotely from some smug suburban barracks.
Russell BrandThe thing for me is, what if one returns to these maxims, these rather simplistic maxims "Be the change you want to see in the world." Because what canvas have we but the self for these kind of explorations, ultimately.
Russell BrandTurns out it was mostly a lie. But, at least for a short while, it was a beautiful one.
Russell BrandWhat it felt to me was like the dissolution of my idea of myself. I felt like separateness evaporated. I felt this tremendous sense of oneness. I'm quite an erratic thinker, quite an adrenalized person, but through meditation, I found this beautiful serenity and selfless connection. My tendency towards selfishness, I felt that kind of exposed as a superficial and pointless perspective to have. I felt very relaxed, a sense of oneness. I felt love.
Russell BrandWhat was so painful about Amyโs death is that I know that there is something I could have done. I could have passed on to her the solution that was freely given to me. Donโt pick up a drink or drug, one day at a time. It sounds so simple; it actually is simple but it isnโt easy; it requires incredible support and fastidious structuring.
Russell Brand