The Subconcious Power of Turkish Coffee Reading
Here is a a poem I wrote in thirty seconds.
“Into the Tennessee night
Under the devastating stars
En route to the parking lot
The earth swallowed my heart “
Dramatic? Ok. Maybe, even for a Turkish coffee ground reader.
But this is how I felt after getting kicked out of a Bob Dylan concert in Brooklyn Bowl Nashville.
Let’s digress.
The subconscious is a magical place — a Mecca of creativity, warmth, and youthful joy.
Each weekend in New York City, while performing my coffee ground fortune reading ceremonies, I tap into this unique reservoir.
Many artists — including Bob and his band — are well familiar with this enchanted state of mind. This holy place offers the most beautiful works of art.
And when the stars align during the heightened “Turkish Coffee Room” performances, I experience a similiar channeling. I am here, but then again, I am elsewhere. It is difficult to explain. My audience are in for a ride of their lives when this happens.
But I can’t take credit for this phenomenon. It is beyond even my comprehension.
And there is a risk to this authenticity because magic is never a guarantee. When it does occur though, often through “going off-script”, the pay off is sublimely euphoric.
You can feel it in the entire room.
Bob Dylan concerts are just like this. And so is “Turkish Coffee Room”.
Empathy is also very important. Without my love for humanity, I could never be a fortune teller.
A coffee ground reader must care for others.
Since our energies are finite and valuable, dispensing our resources beyond those who we consider close friends and family — strangers for instance — may feel to be a lost cause for some.
But my philosophy is different. I experienced massive cultural rejection as a Turkish boy growing up in Minnesota in 1999. So my outlook is majorly affected by upbringing.
So when I moved to NYC in 2012, I endeavored to create an environment for all yearning souls a place of belonging. Initially, the idea developed as a podcast and then evolved into the “Turkish Coffee Room” of today — New York City’s greatest coffee fortune telling ceremony.
6 years later — my heart and soul have grown in spectacular ways thanks to the 5,000 guests who have come to have their coffee grounds read in my apartment.
Through you, I have become Dr. Honeybrew.
Let’s return to our story.
Despite the embarrassment of getting kicked out of this Bob Dylan concert, I quickly grew kinship with those who may have also experienced a similar rude awakening. Because once upon a time, I also used to escort unruly and intoxicated patrons.
Surprised? Yes. Long before becoming a Turkish coffee ground reader, I was a bouncer at First Avenue nightclub in Minneapolis.
Therefore, being manhandled by an army of employees at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville was a full circle moment. The way they used their blinding flashlights to trail my footsteps towards the exit door — I used to do that too.
I felt like an idiot.
But life has a way of giving second chances.
I returned the next night for round two of Bob Dylan. And the staff, thankfully, greeted me in a friendlier fashion. So with the previous night’s sins now repented, I could enjoy the evening’s festivities with my mother and step father.
Why did I get kicked out?
Because I love breaking rules. And foolishly, against the “no camera policy”, I snuck a ten second clip for my girlfriend who couldn’t attend. I should have known better, but I took the chance. For those of you wagging your fingers, the price of embarrassment was paid handsomely — do not worry.
To the entire family of Bob Dylan who was also in attendance, I apologize for my discretion.
But as for my dear guests, I will always encourage you to record your fortune reading. Yes, cameras are always kosher in “Turkish Coffee Room”. This is not a Bob Dylan concert, and you will never be kicked out. I have empathy — as I am certain Bob does too.
My subconscious promises you.
