I identify immensely with this post - and with you as a person. I have found you to be grounded, earthed, philosophical and balanced (these equate to 'Spiritual').
The comment alluding to balance reminds me of the premise of the closing tune (spoken word -"Ying/Yang") on the Victor Wooten Ying/Yang double album - where he draws the same conclusion about the concept of control.
I think your bass marathon is quite the platfom and look forward to one day being a participant.
As a participant in both a full length and a mini-marathon, I can attest to what a powerful and positive experience they are. The exchanging of various roles and the nurturing from both the Master and the fellow students is uplifting and helps break through internal walls that one is often not even aware of. It helps one find things in their own playing that need attention, and lets them attend to those with help and support from others around them without pressure or embarrassment, but inspiration. I look forward to more of them and the results they bring to music in general.