The Inner Process

Bashar - Permission Slips

2011-10-23T22:16:00.000-04:00

White Lotus System - The Learning Process

2010-10-21T18:08:00.005-04:00

The Learning Mechanism for the White Lotus System of Unarmed Combat. This is in my own words, a structured approach to learning content in a way which enables the same level of depth of understanding as had by the system's founder. This process of learning is very in-depth, but also very complete. People who are not exposed to the system may not understand why it would be important to have a complete level of understanding in any particular aspect of the system's course. Essentially, the idea around having a complete level of understanding is something which removes doubt about the subject matter in question, in a very real way.

Stepping away from a martial arts subject matter, and applying the same concept to any other subject yields the same question. Why would you want a complete level of understanding in your subject matter? The answer is the same, to remove any doubt you may have. This may not always dawn on people as to why this would be important, but perhaps when you apply a level of duress to your job, such as the risk of personal safety or the safety of others... the removal of doubt would be a critical component to your success.

Would you want an EMS worker stumbling over how to use the defibrillator? What about a doctor not knowing which side to cut open to get at your liver? Or how about a person who disarms bombs? I think knowing the different components, and different combination's of those components would be really important before they go ahead and cut that wire.

Well when you're life is on the line, doubts are not something you want surfacing. It is for this reason, and this reason alone that an in-depth learning mechanism was created by the White Lotus System's founder. This learning process ensures that the same mental states of certainty, and emotional security are replicated to others wanting to acquire the same level of skill. To learn more, visit the White Lotus System's learning portal.

Thanks for reading!

Robert Graham

An update on Mastery

2010-10-12T09:14:00.005-04:00

After the long weekend (Canadian Thanksgiving), the family has left, and life settles back down. It's now early in the morning, and I have one more day before heading back to work. It's in these wee hours that I contemplate my progress towards mastering in various ways.

I have taken it upon myself to master essentially three core ideas or subjects in this life, with minor's in other subjects if you will:

Majors:

1 - Kung Fu / White Lotus System of Martial arts - the most comprehensive martial arts studies in the world. Not just a slogan, but literally a reality based truth. This system of training brings a level of discipline to the art unlike anything I've been exposed to... and I'm an avid researcher. I've personally been apart of the system, training and understanding for over five years now, and just starting to get out of the learning curve. The growth at this point is exponential, and worth the wait. Mastery of this is in sight, and a clear path has been paved by well educated and responsible instructors.

2 - Content Writer - originally I would have put author / writer of novels (The 7th Journey), however due to my frequent work on various websites such as Robertjrgraham.com, Innerprocess.blogspot.com, or ACIMindepth.blogspot.com - I have decided to broaden my perspective. Although writing is the primary vehicle, it's truly the desire to communicate thought provoking concepts which really excites me. I really enjoy understanding new models, theories, and applying them in a real way. Once they work, I share them. If they don't, they are discarded. This weeding out process has helped me create a very structured and unique view of reality which works very well for me. I often think that if more people approached life in such a balanced manor... a mixture of introspective, and outward expression, that life on this planet would be a much different thing.

3 - Technology / Business - over the years, I have spent the majority of my time in this field. From a very young age, I was taking computers apart, putting them back together, and making them better. It was and continues to be a great passion of mine. I'm a builder of systems. I like to create systems, optimize them, make them efficient and well oiled... then move on. From there, I like to learn new ways of putting systems together, and creating more efficient and effective platforms for development. The business aspects of this should be obvious, as working in such a manor, combined with my communications abilities have allowed me a great opportunity to combine two talents / joys and experience a very lucrative career in Information Technology. For how much longer? I'm not sure, but for now I'm enjoying the process.

Minors:

4 - Guitar/Music - if there was one thing that I wish I could have spent more time on over the years, it's this. I've often wondered why I've had such opportunity to learn guitar in my time, yet my other passions have pulled me away. I have a guitar in my living room, and a father that has been working with me to teach me guitar for years, yet I've only picked up the basics. It's a shame, as he's very talented, and although we do jam together, I feel that his skill largely trumps mine, and I continue to feel like a beginner. I have played with other people at times, and I notice I do have some more skill than they at times, but still... the passion or the drive for it doesn't seem to be there as much as other things.

5 - Graphic Arts - A passion that I also had as a youth. Similarly with many other children, I was a huge (and still am) fan of comic books, and drew identical copies of every Superman image I could get my hands on. I was pretty good at that back then, but somewhere around highschool, I made a choice that it's not going to serve me from a financial point of view and so I stopped. Perhaps this is also something I'll pick up in my winter years.

And lastly... the greatest overarching subject, which I don't believe can be mastered... is the art of Self Improvement / Self Development. Without this principle drive, none of the above list is possible. This is what has driven me to research as much as I have over the years, and what continues to fuel my ambitions above. I don't think it can be put into it's own category, because really, when are we not working to improve ourselves? It's almost like the ebb and flow of the ocean, it is always there, pulling us back, pushing us forward... forever calling for us to change. It's up to us to choose if that's a change for our betterment or not, but it's a constant call to act. This is perhaps my greatest passion, which manifests into the very specific categories above. But without it... I wouldn't be who I am today. What does your list look like?

Thanks for reading.

Robert

RobertJRGraham.com

2010-10-09T15:28:00.002-04:00

I'm proud to announce the redesign of RobertJRGraham.com! The new website is the flagship for my research and writing. It focuses on the topics I frequently research and or news articles from around the net.

New postings of art by Ryan Lord, and news related to my new trilogy, The 7th Journey will be hosted on RobertJRGraham.com going forward. That site has been the most active lately, and has amazingly gained over 13,000 unique visits in a few short months! I've posted over 192 articles from around the net, and categorized for convenience. Have a look, and post a comment!

Thanks

Robert

Practical Mastery™ Practitioner Training

2010-09-30T11:12:00.000-04:00

Interesting... the world is seeing many new mastery type training courses appear. Much of it seems to be coming via channeled content. I've added many of these items to the website out of interest to those who are seeking further, structured training. I do not endorse the use of these training methods, I'm just offering them as a choice... and to perhaps get you thinking. Thanks.

Robert
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Practical Mastery™ Practitioner Training

It is very hard to bring in a healing modality in a pristine way with integrity on Gaia due to the state of mass consciousness and to the ego minds and personalities of people on earth – even very highly evolved beings. The energies around Practical Mastery™ are a sacred trust from the Creator to humanity. The Creator has assigned the Trinity Council of Light to work with Bill Austin on downloading the activations and gifts he holds for the planet. All of the work around Practical Mastery™ and the Mastery Sequences™ for Enlightenment is overseen by the Trinity Council of Light.
For a while Bill Austin has felt drawn to teach Practical Mastery™ but the concepts around Practical Mastery™ are so easy that it seemed silly to make people fly hundreds of miles for a two or three day class. When Bill asked the Trinity Council of Light for the easiest, most effective way to train people in Practical Mastery™ what they showed him is that he could attune practitioners to transmit all of the Practical Mastery sessions to themselves and others and that the Trinity Council of Light could create a multidimensional contract that would empower the Trinity Council of Light to block any transmissions of the frequencies from Practical Mastery™ that had the potential to lower the light or love quotient of any sentient being including the practitioner. This agreement was named the Insurance Policy Template.
Basically the decision to become a Practical Mastery™ practitioner creates a sacred covenant between you and the Trinity Council of Light. In order to insure that these sacred energies are not misused, every person applying to become a practitioner is required to energetically view a calibrated image that is imprinted with the energies of the Insurance Policy Template and a READ ONLY version of the attunement to be able to transmit the energies from Practical Mastery™ to yourself and others (see link below) BEFORE they are attuned as a Practical Mastery™ Practitioner.

Source

Mastery Begins with Excitement

2010-09-21T09:06:00.003-04:00

On the journey towards mastery, how does one begin? Essentially mastery itself can be taken in many contexts. From a particular subject matter's point of view, or in a wider context... mastery of your life itself. But how does one begin? The easiest way to start is to follow your excitement. As you follow your excitement, it will lead you to further excitement, and from there... further excitement. The emotional experience of excitement is one of the highest vibrational frequencies that we have access to. When in this mode of frequency, you will attract to yourself the subjects, people, places, and events which will lead you to your self mastery. The depth that you experience in these subjects are relative to how excited you are about the topic. As you experience more depth, you are exploring the endless depths of yourself. It is here that mastery begins. Enjoy the video.

White Lotus System - Striking / Blocking Workshop Completed

2010-09-19T21:21:00.005-04:00

This weekend I just completed the White Lotus System Striking / Blocking Workshop. There was 7 days scheduled, totaling about 35 hours of training. Unfortunately, due to a sudden and fairly serious bout of bronchitis I was unable to attend 2 out of the 7 days.

The workshop itself was excellent. I have often considered discipline one of my main themes in this life experience, and with the White Lotus system, it allows me to express and truly focus on discipline from a mental, emotional, and physical point of view. It's the total package essentially.

White Lotus is the most comprehensive martial arts study in the world, and in fact, probably the most comprehensive study in terms of alignment of your inner and outer worlds. I have enjoyed the experience for nearly 5 years now, and will continue to enjoy it for years to come. I am thankful for having met Chris Chen, who introduced me into the system with a simple sentence "Do you wanna learn kung fu?" And of course, the answer was an immediate, and spontaneous YES.

What is meant of us in life, is meant for us... and this experience was what I was looking for, and so it is... the journey continues.

Matisyahu -- One Day music video(with lyrics)

2010-09-18T16:35:00.001-04:00

Buy Now! - The 7th Journey Book I

2010-09-11T12:53:00.001-04:00

A Warning from Tony Robbins

2010-09-06T00:14:00.002-04:00

Tony Robbins rarely speaks about the state of financial or political affairs, but considering the circle of friends he has... and the information he has access to... this is worth a listen.

Part 1

Part 2

Home with God, in a life that never ends.

2010-09-05T20:54:00.004-04:00

I recently began re-reading Home with God - in a life that never ends, by Neale Donald Walsch. This book should be recommended reading for anyone going through the grieving process... if you've recently lost someone you love, or anyone curious about the life/death process.

I personally love reading materials such as this, as it tells the mechanics of this process in a very plain and simple way for anyone to understand. As it often is with the Conversations with God books, you personally feel like you're having a conversation with your higher self, or some higher being, whatever you'd like to call it. Either way, you get the impression that the dialogue captured between Neale and this entity is a special one indeed. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in astral dynamics.

Robert

White Lotus System - Striking Techniques Workshop

2010-09-05T20:45:00.004-04:00

The WLS (White Lotus System) Striking Workshop is coming up next week. I have just come back from San Francisco, California on business and as a result missed the last workshop. I'll be working with Brian K. Leishman via the WLS Skype service to catchup in preparation for the week long endurance session.

This combined with some catchup sessions with Chris Chen (Master Instructor) will hopefully prep me enough for the sessions. I will be dedicating more time this week to catch up on White Lotus work, as I haven't had time to do so recently.

The new role I have at work has been taking up much of my time and energy recently, as management requires much more awareness then when I was working as an Analyst. But the new role is fascinating, and exciting, so I'll work towards balancing out as I normally do.

The weeks ahead are going to be action packed for me, so we'll see what comes next.

Further Down The Rabbit Hole

2010-09-05T20:20:00.000-04:00

The world is a place of lessons, learning, and application. It is a world that shows us abundance, and in this world we perceive mainly lack. In this world our beliefs shape our destiny, our perception, and our experience. So little attention is paid to the great "shaper" of reality, our system of beliefs. It is from there that our next thought arises, from there our next words are born, and from there our actions are experienced.

What if your beliefs aren’t your own? What then?

The World As Seen Through My Eyes

2010-09-05T20:17:00.001-04:00

The world seen through my eyes is a wonderful place. A world of remembering, experiences and adventure, with constant opportunity for growth. Even the most mundane moments, the most simple tasks, the most challenging of circumstance can be your best ally in your quest for enlightenment. The most difficult of people, the most trying of times, the most inconvenient requests of service are all teaching you something about yourself... and are the best ways to advance.

The most joyous of practice can be your way, the labours of love, music, martial arts, dance, writing, service for your fellow man, and mastering your mind through deliberate intent is the Tao of life.

Stay Tuned for thought provoking concepts.

HER MORNING ELEGANCE

2010-08-21T17:04:00.001-04:00

How rare is it these days that something completely creative and original comes your way? I saw this and felt it was a completely fresh and interesting way of portraying your ideas in a simple, cost effective, and brilliant manor. Enjoy.

A Simple Concept

2010-03-18T10:04:00.006-04:00

A simple concept can have profound implications on your life. If you believe the concept, then it means something very specific in your life. If you don't believe in the concept, then your experience will be something completely different. There are many such simple concepts which have a profound influence on your behaviours as you proceed throughout your journey. The concept/question in focus today is this - "Are you a body with a soul, or a soul with a body?"

If you are a body with a soul, then I would argue that you are among the masses of the world, who on some level believe that they may be spiritual in nature, however because they cannot prove it definitively, it is dismissed. People with this mentality have a much easier time buying into the idea of being separate and apart from the human, cat, dog, tree, air or universe around them. They see it all as separate and apart, instead of understanding the truth from a very scientific, and also spiritual sense that we are all one. People that are able to dismiss their spiritual side seem to have an easier time with stuff like... oh... back stabbing, jealousy, anger, causing pain, finding pleasure in the pain of others... etc. Now it doesn't mean that they are prone to these behaviours, but they have a much easier time rationalizing them if they need to. Why? Because they lack the awareness and ability to see their connection to all of life, to all of existence. They fail to perceive that they are no more powerful than another person, yet they struggle to experience this power over others, never realizing that their efforts are merely an illusion.

These people who have bought into the idea that they are merely a body, that may or may not have a soul are very mechanical in nature. They believe the body, as their temple, is simply a machine with no function other than to maintain the beats of their heart, and once that stops... it's all done. I have met many individuals such as this, and they believe as a result that after death, their body simply rots in the ground... and life as they know it is complete. Their consciousness ceases to exist. Game over.

Those who have bought into the idea that "they are a soul with a body" have a completely different experience in life. You would not be able to differentiate the two types of people in a lineup, but you would most certainly see it in the way they live their lives. Someone who believes they are a soul with a body believe that they are spiritual beings, and are having a human experience. The implications of this are huge. That means that they automatically believe in things like reincarnation, where their soul lives on and experiences other bodies and other lives... it can also mean that they believe that they are now having a human experience, but are open to the idea of having a dolphin experience in their next life. They have no imposed limitations on themselves in that sense, because they are not attached to their body per se. The bodies are simply viewed as vehicles to expand their consciousness in this life, and thus are treated with the respect they deserve as well respected vessels.

As a grand and all powerful SOUL having a human experience by way of manifestation within a human bodily form, all of a sudden new abilities are open to you, new ways of discerning, new thoughts, new ideas, new perspectives are all open to you. New ways to view others will be available, as you see your cousin or brothers also having a human experience. Compassion opens up, and the seeds of unconditional love have been planted. A life time of this perspective will yield a soul who has healed the world.

What the bleep do we know?!

2009-12-14T23:35:00.002-05:00

What do you think is real?

A revolutionary documentary, by over 14 scientists and mystics explain the inner workings of the universe through the eyes of concrete scientific physics. Sounds boring? Well if you'll take a few minutes to realize just how interesting, and powerful this subject can be - then view the intro trailer below. If you're intrigued, learn more - if not, then you'll find your joy somewhere else.

Emoto - The Hidden Messages in Water

2009-12-14T22:42:00.003-05:00

It never fails to amaze me how few people have heard of this earth shattering concept. Our bodies are over 90% water, so perhaps you should understand how our thoughts can effect us. Enjoy.

Why I write Books

2009-12-09T21:22:00.003-05:00

Because it is an expression of Who I Am. There is no better reason to write than because of this. Often people think that their line of work has to do something for them. As an example, being a successfully published author will get me abundance, and freedom to do what I choose.

That is actually an incorrect perception. A clearer perception would be that I write, and pursue publishing because it is what brings me happiness, joy, and excitement. It's what gets my "juices goin'" if you know what I mean. And I would write my stories if no one read them, or many people did - simply because it's what I choose to do with my time.

And I do not make my favourite activity conditional. The condition being "I will not write unless I'm successfully published." Instead I will write regardless, without condition or limitation. That is why I write.

Integral Reality

2009-12-09T21:04:00.004-05:00

A concept where your personal energy vibration is in alignment with the energy of your particular reality construct.

Why is this an important concept? The concept that all energy is matter, in context with light, frequency, and vibration is what actually enables our realities to manifest themselves. Thus producing an energy matrix or construct by which we're able to experience the acting out of ourselves.

The concepts or ideas around "being one with the universe" is simply an experience of energy alignment. Your particular reality will have a vibration, a particular speed of light. Alignment with this enables a great many things; if there are any real concepts worth meditating on it would be these:

- Raise your energy vibration
- Align it to that of your reality

Welcome to Nirvana.

Accepting Your Limitations, The Learning Process

2009-11-18T13:51:00.002-05:00

A hot topic for discussion seems to be the idea of accepting your limitations. One could take this to mean many things, and depending on the context, the answer to this question can vary. So for the purpose of this discussion, I will keep this general, yet grounded in reality.

The topics I would like to focus on revolve around:

1 - Your Goal
2 - Struggle
3 - Reality

Firstly, let's discuss your goal. When speaking about limitations, you can focus on many things, but in general it must be in context with your goal. Whether it's the lofty ambition of accepting the limitations of yourself, or the limitations of your abilities with a particular subject matter - the results are the same. You must understand that in order to perceive your limitations, it must be put into context. Your goal should be clearly defined, whether it be the goal of higher levels of mental, physical, or spiritual attainment, or perhaps those around the attainment knowledge or skill development. Only when you've identified exactly what you'd like to accomplish, can your limitations be brought to light.

Secondly, what are limitations? Limitations are some form of struggle that may be impeding your progress, and ultimately can be a dead stop in your development. As an example, every normally functioning human being, with all of their mental faculties in place can learn to read. However, if you have a physical limitation such as blindness, you have hit a wall and cannot proceed. This is a clear example of a physical limitation that has stopped you dead in your tracks. There are other forms of limitations, especially around the idea of perception. If you belief that something is impossible, you have now imposed a self limitation, and you will not proceed until your belief has changed. An example of this would be the belief that you personally can never learn how to drive. Someone with such a belief will not even attempt it, and will go through their entire life denying themselves the opportunity and experience of driving. If that belief is changed however, then the path has been cleared, and you may proceed with your learning and skill development. Any limitation, beyond those of the physical sort, can be overcome, as they predominantly revolve around your belief system.

Lastly, the idea of reality. What is the reality of your goal? Are your goals realistic? Do you think you can learn to fly in this life time? That goal might be a bit delusional if so. But if you're goal is to be a surgeon, and develop the knowledge and skills associated, then that's based more in reality. What one man can do, another can do. So if your goals are simply to be more enlightened, you may need to refine that to be a bit more specific. Enlightened in what exactly? If it's a particular subject matter, then get on with the practices that enable you to acquire that specific skill. If your goal is too lofty, you may never get there, because it's just too ambiguous. Be specific, be honest with the feasibility of your goal, realign your beliefs to enable you, not hinder you - and the path is clear for you to proceed.

Thanks for reading.

Robert

Lesson 6 of A Course In Miracles

2009-10-27T11:40:00.003-04:00

As mentioned in previous posts, I am also working on an ACIM project with another colleague. I often post materials on that site, as pertinent to our experience of the lessons. I thought I would share this post here as well. Enjoy.

Robert

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"I am upset because I see something that is not there."

This is the current objective of lesson 6, which further builds on the concepts of lesson 5, which help us to understand or to relieve ourselves of our emotional disturbances. The disturbances of the mind which all too often cause an uncomfortable emotional state, and affect the way in which we experience this illusion. It's important to realize this, because "the machine can run away with itself" as I like to refer to it, meaning the mind / body machine... when left unchecked can delve into extreme areas of negativity that can be debilitating.

I am applying the concept of this lesson to the same experience as mentioned in lesson 5. The friend whom I'm upset with due to reasons that are not quite clear to me. Before I discuss the magnitude of this lesson, I will take a step back and mention an experience I had over the weekend.

As mentioned in the popular sci-fi movie "The Matrix" the Neo character is given a choice. To continue to experience the illusion as it is, without the answers he seeks, or to experience the illusion as an illusion, therefore shifting his perspective from within the matrix, to his physical body which is outside of the matrix. This rebirth of consciousness is quite profound, and unless experienced can go unnoticed. Well my matrix moment occurred over the weekend, in the form that I perceive as a gift from the universe. I will not go into depth as to what my experience was, suffice it to say that my perspective dramatically shifted from the body/mind consciousness level - to a much higher level allowing me to see this reality as the illusion it truly is.

My choice was different than Neo however - as my decision was to accept this level of understanding, to accept the connection and the experience for that it was, but for the love of those who are still within this reality, I choose to stay and connect with them in the same manor as before. However now with the heightened awareness that this world, and all the trials and tribulations of it is just a dream, an illusion (however real it seems). This choice has massive implications, and I'm now fully educated as to the choices that I make, and the cause and affect relationships that they will incur, knowing that this world is an illusion - and my choices affect the entire game, so to speak.

I can no longer claim ignorance to this knowing, and now the only work that remains is to correct the fragile, often disturbed, pre-programmed, and misguided ego attachments that remain. The path is clear, the work is ahead, and here I am, working through it.

Of course, the test of this knowing comes shortly after in the form of an emotionally disturbed friend, and his obviously inappropriate actions. Now how do I define myself in relation to this experience? Do I resent him for his human frailties, or do I take a different perspective on it...? I choose to continue to see this reality as an illusion, as my gift has shown me the way.

Therefore - with this knowing through this gift, and this experience of my friend to test my knowing... how do I appease the mind/body (little me) consciousness? For one, realize that this is an illusion, that my thoughts are meaningless in the illusion, the physicality of the illusion is also meaningless, and so are the actions of others. "I am upset because of something that isn't there." Amen.

Thanks for reading.

Robert

Graphic Artist - 2nd Drafts Reviewed

2009-09-23T19:42:00.003-04:00

Just met with Ryan Lord, the graphic artist I'm working with to create insert drawings for book 1 of my series, The 7th Journey. For now, we've found that perhaps 9 insert drawings, plus cover art is the way to go. The book itself is broken into 3 sections or parts, with 7 chapters in each part. Each part will have 3 drawings... so far.

I'm really excited at the artwork we've come up with as a first draft, and after having reviewed the 2nd draft today, I'm really excited for what's to come. There's a definite evolution as we progress with the artwork, and I'm really happy with it.

I'll be posting the next round of artwork on my portal site, just as I have with the first drafts. The new artwork should be up shortly. I believe the artwork adds to the project in a real way, and will definitely help move this work to the next level as I progress towards representation.

Robert

A Course In Miracles - In Depth

2009-09-21T15:00:00.004-04:00

Along with my current work of finding representation for Book 1 of my series, and my other projects, I have begun some further personal growth work with a colleague of mine. This work focuses around "A course in Miracles" texts and the lessons and exercises associated.

Although there are 365 lessons, meant to be taken once per day - we have decided to take a deeper approach and extend the length of the lessons to 1 week each. We've calculated that the entire breadth of work would take a total of 7 years. The advantages of taking this in-depth approach is meant to help both myself and my co-writer Aaron to master the subject matter, as opposed to be a student of the material.

Please feel free to view our blog which documents our progress, thoughts, and experiences to date. Enjoy.

Robert

Announcing - www.RobertJRGraham.com

2009-08-20T00:19:00.003-04:00

I am pleased to announce the principle completion of www.RobertJRGraham.com, a site dedicated to project content, and relevant topics. The new design of RobertJRGraham.com revolves primarily around the age old communications concept of "who is my audience?" The answer to that is Literary Agents, and Publishers. The site reflects on deeper aspects of The 7th Journey, downloadable content, and biographical resources and history. The intent is to answer any anticipated questions a prospective Literary Agent or Publisher may have. That is actually harder than it sounds, as structural design ideas must also come into play, in context with ensuring information is accessible and clear. Thanks for reading.

RJRG

T7J - Testimonial from the Principle Editor

2009-08-12T15:27:00.004-04:00

Further testimonials are pending, as people complete their reviews, however I thought I would post this for general consumption:

"The 7th Journey is indeed a fantastic journey for the reader, who not only sees adventure through the eyes of its characters, but is exposed to fascinating subjects - string theory, astral projection, quantum physics, parapsychology, religious mysticism, and government conspiracy - along the way. You'll not only want to keep turning the pages to find out what happens, you'll want to explore the theories and make discoveries for yourself." --- Michelle Allison, Principle Editor

10 ways to get in the writing zone!

2009-07-18T11:24:00.007-04:00

For some of us who have taken up the writing craft, they are lucky in that they can do it all the time, and it has become their main profession. They don't have to worry about an alarm clock waking them up, or a boss that's wondering where that next big budget saving idea will come from. Those fortunate artisans of the craft are able to spend the entire day devoted to what they love, and have made a living doing it.

However there are others who love the craft yet still struggle to do so part time. We toil at work and make our livings, pay our bills, and eek our way towards our ultimate goals of being full time, well paid writers. For those who do have to watch the clock, and wake up to the sounding of alarms... it's not always so easy to get into The Writing Zone. Here are 10 suggestions to get into the zone, even if you have a wife, kids, a job, or other interests which take you away from your craft.

1 - Choose specific music - this music should inspire you, and cause an emotional reaction within you, sparking new ideas, and when needed putting your mind at ease. Call this your "writing music."

2 - Make time every day or when you can - a schedule is important for those who can work with schedules. Make time at least once per week where you write something, blogs, poems, short stories, or that next chapter. If you love it, you should find time to do it every day in some capacity.

3 - Create a space to write - regardless of how frantic your life is, you should try to carve out a space to write in - somewhere in your house, or at the park if you're an outdoors person. Make it personal, have your inspirational books, pictures of your heroes, or important people near by.

4 - Be close to a window - even if you're in doors, it's helpful to have a nice view of the outdoors near by, preferably next to your desk. You'd be amazed what an occasional glance at nature's wonders will do for you.

5 - Get comfortable but be engaged - assume a posture where you can sit for a few hours and not get too cramped up. It's important for the body to be in a sort of forward leaning position, fully engaged with your computer, but comfortable enough to go the distance.

6 - Wear comfortable clothing - it is important to wear things which won't distract you too much. Focus is the name of the game, it's important for the mind in a receptive state, free from mental chatter. The less that distracts you the better.

7 - Work in a well lit area - lighting is important, without it your brain becomes less receptive, and takes in less information. You need to be exposed to natural light if possible, alert and attentive. Towards the later parts of the day, you can turn on the lights and work from there. When your mood or situation calls for it, turn off the lights and keep going.

8 - Have multiple writing stations - it's important for me in my process to have several rooms or areas where I could be writing. A small laptop is usually a good idea, because it fits into cramped spaces when you're laying on your couch, or sitting in a recliner. You can also take it outside, or to remote locations like weekend getaways. Although, having a stationary computer in your home office is important as well. Turn this into a professional atmosphere, if others will take you seriously, you must take yourself seriously first. Turn your desk into a writing station.

9 - Be real - be real and objective about this. Are you doing this for the right reasons? People who succeed do so because they are genuine, and either have a message to tell others, or a story they can't help but nurture and express.

10 - Choose your state of being - if you are a writer, be a writer. Your best work will come from a deliberately chosen state of being. Choose to be a writer, believe it, behave as a writer should, then observe the results.

New Cover Art Coming!

2009-07-18T01:07:00.004-04:00

New cover art will be coming for Book 1 within the next couple of months, as long with a few other surprises that won't be revealed until later. I am working with a brilliant young artist by the name of Ryan Lord of U of T. A talent, and consummate professional, I am looking forward to seeing some output in the next few weeks.

We will be going through a few rounds with the art work I'm sure, with some additional effects pending, I am anticipating a truly unique and attractive piece that will be iconic. There will be much that comes out of this, in terms of work directly for the product, but also for my web presence.

Look for the latest updates to cover art, and series content on http://www.lulu.com/content/1396817

Latest content available at www.robertjrgraham.com

Coming soon... The 7th Journey Web Portal

Understanding Your Limitations

2009-07-09T23:46:00.005-04:00

The focus of my lessons tonight revolved around limitations. What are my limitations in terms of discernment? What are my limitations in terms of bringing concepts into context with each other? What are my limitations in terms of abstracting ideas, or creating ideas, or even understanding the nature of the ego?

What were my limitations in terms of understanding an exercise, or how I limit myself with regards to structure? Many questions were posed tonight, many discoveries were made as well. These are interesting times we live in, and I'm fortunate to be apart of them.

The world may be undergoing tremendous changes, as it always has, yet now more than ever, but that will never limit my ability to grow. When I began my martial training tonight, I will admit that I wasn't receptive, I actually on some level probably acted somewhat arrogant, but luckily an old friend pulled me out of it and quickly reminded me exactly how much more there is to know.

The arrogance wasn't intentional, because on some level at that moment I felt like I knew the topic of conversation, and actually went into my own internal studies in the corner of the room as the lessons continued with another student. This particular student is a bit behind others in his studies, so the review... although always warranted, and helpful, at that moment seemed a waste of time. Often my thoughts lead to progression, and when personal development can be made, I tune in immediately, but when I feel that progression is stalled due to someone not getting an idea or concept... or lagging behind, then admittedly I seem to tune out. I don't think I do so all the time, but being in a state of waiting, mixed with the frustration of someone else not getting an idea, that seems like the perfect mix for me to go off and do my own thing.

As I said, luckily an old friend brought me out of it very quickly, and the night rolled into probably some of the best lessons I've ever had. It's important to realize where our limitations are, because in some cases we can move beyond them, where in others it's just as good to recognize them in yourself, so you can also see them in others.

A particular limitation that I became aware of tonight is that of my lack of abstracting the ego delights of others. I seem to see the good in people, and overlook their faults - but this isn't exactly a very useful aspect of a teacher. I need to become more aware of the ego delights of others... the ego attachments, and the cause and effect those actions might have in order to not only develop personally, but to also assist those in their process and save time. I will write more on this in the coming days and months as I focus my attention more towards these ideas, and document my progress. Thanks for reading.

Robert

The 7th Journey - Book II update

2009-07-09T15:50:00.002-04:00

Currently, I have been working on Book II in my series, as Book I continues to make its' way through the publishing process. However some excellent work has been done thus far on Book II.

Chapter 1 is now complete, setting the stage for subsequent events, and introducing new and interesting characters who find themselves in the far north. Far away from the events in the first story, these new characters must now find their way south towards the now decimated metropolis to attempt to uncover the truth as to why their world has been toppled. An exciting adventure awaits them, as does mythrilling experience of writing.

Chapter 2 is well underway, as much of the story has been written, and it's only now my responsibility to piece it all together, in a contiguous fashion. This book will go even deeper into the aspects discussed in Book I, bringing new concepts to bear, and new relationships formed.

I'm excited to continue as there is a renewed energy surrounding this project, with new staff additions bringing their own stylized spin on the material. I look forward to working together, and what we're able to produce.

Robert Graham

Accepting Your Limitations II

2009-07-09T15:32:00.004-04:00

Accepting your limitations allows you to understand them, and in some cases move beyond them. In either case, it's extremely important to be able to understand that there are real things in this world that affect your ability to understand, function, and deliver results. These factors come in the form of mental processing, belief systems, physical limitations, and cultural or societal restrictions.

There comes a time in everyone's life where we understand that there is only so much time in a day. There is only so much we are willing to put up with, only so much we are willing to do. It is during these times that we decide whether or not to push forward, go around, halt, or tuck our tails and run. Each to their own, and each according to their abilities.

It is important to understand where you are in context with time limitations, and the effort you are willing to put forth. Some things might be too late, such as being an Olympic athlete as an example... many of us have missed the boat on that one. It doesn't mean we could have never achieved it, but it does mean that time, cost, and effort may be constraining factors.

Not to worry, there is no such thing as a pointless creation, and all of us have a purpose that we've decided upon. Some of us may simply be an example unto others, in a positive or negative way, while others might have a clearly defined path, and are working towards that goal on a daily basis. "The Quest" as it was so eloquently put by a friend and instructor is simply the path we have chosen, and each day is the means to that end.

Some have never considered their life's quest, while others have devoted every waking moment to it. In the end, both will get to nirvana if you'd like to call it that, but one might be of more deliberate choosing than others.

Free Speech - A Freedom Lost

2009-06-28T21:31:00.004-04:00

The United Nations is eying the constitutional rights of all nations, in their next move towards global unification and governance. Why is this an important issue? Well the age old question of how do you boil a frog comes to mind? Here's my spin on it...

How do you boil a frog? Slowly... gradually. You place the unsuspecting frog in a pot of water... you may even tell the frog it's good for him to be there. Perhaps it's safer in there, perhaps he just saw 5000 of his closest frog friends die in a disaster of some sort. Of course the insecure... poor frog may have actually run to you... asking what to do next, as his very world... all that he knew was turned upside down because of the disaster. You then tell the frog, listen frog... the problem is you don't have enough security and governance in your swamp. Perhaps if you hand over your right to swim as you please in this swamp, and request that you swim in this pot full of water. It's for your own good.

At first, the frog might be apprehensive, but after you remind him that it's not safe in the swamp... and remind him that 5000 of his people have died in a vicious attack by other frogs from a different swamp, with different points of view of how the swamp world should work. The poor, disheartened, confused frog agrees.

Unfortunately, as the other... wiser frogs from his own swamp, or even friendly neighbouring swamps attempt to remind him that the death of his 5000 brethren didn't quite make sense... they are silenced. The rights of those frogs are taken away... their questions cannot be asked... their reason cannot be considered, their points of view will go unheard. The pot begins to bubble.

To add to this, any frog from your own swamp which questions the happenings within the pot are now considered part of the problem. The frog in the pot is told that those who question the world within the pot are also the enemy... and must be silenced for his own safety. The frog agrees, as the pot begins to boil.

The last warning that is given to the poor insecure frog is this... do not question your percieved reality, or the actions we take for your safety... or our motives for doing so... it is for your own good. The water boils.

Matters of The Heart

2009-06-24T14:13:00.004-04:00

There are few works out there which describe the intelligence of the heart. "The Heart's Code" being one that comes to mind, however beyond that we still aren't convinced as a society that intelligence can exist outside of the mind / brain. There have been a few documentaries that I've seen in my time which describe the affects of cardiovascular transplants scenarios which actually depict the nature of this intelligence and how it can be literally implanted into the body of another.

Are desires themselves stored within the heart? Within these documentaries, certain likes and loves of the transplant donor are picked up by the recipient. Likes such as hot chili peppers, and riding motorcycles, and even roller coasters are awoken within the recipients of the heart. How can these desires and likes be given to the donor recipient if the heart does not retain some form of knowledge, memory, or intelligence?

Cellular memory has been discussed before in context with this phenomenon, meaning perhaps the desires are retained, or somehow chemically encoded within the organs themselves, yet what of intelligence? New information is coming to light which discusses actual intelligence at the cellular level, meaning the cells have the ability to reason and make certain decisions based on the scenarios at hand in order to accomplish their objectives. So what about the heart?

The heart is the main organ which actually sustains life, stores your deepest desires and tendencies, and with each beat says something about the way you live. Now what happens when the heart is in discord with the brain? When these two primary organs aren't in harmony, we may experience various forms of discomfort, from chest pains, to head aches, to palpitations... they may even appear in the form emotional distress such as depression.

When the mind wants something, and the heart knows better, you are in complete discord, and this is not healthy. I know this first hand through my own experiences with misalignment of my mind and heart. The heart says wait, the mind says hurry. The heart says rest, the mind says continue on. The heart says love, and enjoy yourself, and the mind wants accomplishments. The heart says wait, all in due time, the mind says not soon enough.

Only now with my heart in pain, do I finally listen and let things happen as they will. Do what I can, enjoy the process, and stop pushing myself towards some end point which may never occur. Listen to your heart, and not your mind... there is a reason it is in the centre of the body.

RJRG

The 7th Journey - Beta Period Comes to an End

2009-04-21T15:16:00.003-04:00

The 7th Journey - the series that is essentially my life's work, and my greatest expression of my joy and who I am - a work that revolves around the expansion of mind, the development of abilities and experiences... the likes of which the world has never seen.

This initial book was offered to the public through a Beta Program / Pre-production / Evaluation edition. This edition was largely used to collect feedback, and to assist with market research. Testimonials were obtained, and will be posted shortly to the http://robertjrgraham.com parent site. Specifically here http://robertjrgraham.com/Robert_J.R._Graham/7th_Journey.html

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Beta program. The information was sufficient, and now it's time to move forward with the finished product and obtain the proper representation. To be clear, this work is not meant to be a "Self-Published" work, it never was. In fact, the current distribution version does not include an ISBN number for that specific reason. The Beta editions were largely available through Lulu.com, as they offer an on-demand printing service which served our purposes for this evaluation program.

The Beta / Eval period for the book has come to an end, and thus will be no longer availble by the end of the week. It takes a great deal of determination to break through in this industry, and a great deal of hard work. Those of you close to the project realize that, but now it's time to move forward. Thank you for your time, and for your patience.

Respectfully yours,

Robert J. R. Graham
Author

The Inner Process by Robert Graham

2009-04-15T15:02:00.006-04:00

Why the URL and Name change? For those who have followed this blog over the last 3 years, you'll have come to realize that this site has undergone a massive evolution. It went from being a platform for concepts regarding a struggle free life, to concepts that help individuals evolve, and finally a platform for project announcements.

Ultimately, one has to decide... where is this going? And what am I trying to accomplish? Well for one, because this site is listed on public search engines, there is no direct link from my previous http://innerprocess.blogspot.com site to this one. The reason being is that this site... as it stands now, will be utilized as a platform for my books going forward, and can largely be reached via my portal site (http://robertjrgraham.com).

This site will continue to be a portal for thoughts and concepts which will largely be spoken about through my series, however if I feel they are relevant to myself and my readers, I will continue to post those thoughts here. At some point, it's important to understand who you are writing for... and at this point, the reader base isn't ready for concepts of this nature by and large. Why is that?

Here are a few questions to ponder:

- How many people are willing to believe in the multi-dimensional nature of reality?
- How many people believe in life after death?
- How many people believe that there is more than one life experience?
- How many people are willing to objectively analyze their beliefs?
- How many people are willing to change beliefs once they've realized their error?

So you see, that if you've found this site... and have managed to read this far, you'll find that each of the above questions progressively limits the number of applicable people by a serious magnitude. This is of course why I have changed formats, because if I'm only really aiming for those small groups of individuals who are already on the same page... what's the purpose?

There are more hits on what "Britney Spears" did today than there are about evolution of the human experience. So perhaps that is just where the world is at right now, and as a result, I can best spend my time and energies creating media for the current state of the world, and thus work towards a brighter future state using a more gradual approach.

For those who have found this site, good for you. I celebrate your curiosity. For those who have found this site helpful in someway over the past 3 years, I'm honoured to be apart of that. For everyone else... well... you don't know what you don't know.

Thanks for reading.

Robert J.R. Graham

After the 3rd day, The Paradigm Shift

2009-03-31T22:57:00.007-04:00

The I Ching speaks of the 3 days of preparation before you can properly begin. I'm paraphrasing, however that is one interpretation. In some contexts, 3 days can mean 30 years, in my case, 3 years, and in this particular experience 3 days. The way was prepared for the greatest depth of clarity that I've experienced thus far in my training.

The concept of a paradigm shift essentially represents an entirely different perspective on a particular subject matter, and allows you to see things in a completely different light. And that happened to me today... several times as a matter of fact, which opened doors, and removed impediments and prepared the way for so much more. I have such a greater appreciation for this subject matter, and the methods utilized in teaching, such as language, structure, and the dependencies required at this level of training.

Also - simply just being here, spending time with this family, and in this environment is quite frankly such a different experience, and one that I'd like to make a regular occurrence. There is so much more to learn here than the subject matter at hand, if you're aware enough to see it. The preparation that's occuring is more than just in the subject matter at hand, it's preparation for what is to come in the next few years, and I realize that. I realize the adventure ahead, and I am working in continuous preparation for it. What I have come to realize is that there is a solemn understanding, and way to proceed in the face of danger, and as I continue to learn and grow, that method is revealing itself. And I know that all things will occur in time, regardless of what comes our way. Relax, there is nothing to fear, even if the world appears to collapse around us, it never really happened... as it is all just a dream.

RG

Conversations with the Master

2009-03-30T23:27:00.007-04:00

What can be said that portrays the depth, magnitude and profound understanding that I'm so privileged to experience? As with all things that have happened in my life, I am extremely fortunate and humbled by the opportunity to experience the time I've spent with a man who has created a mechanism to eradicate doubt from the human mind. A master who revealed a method which sheds systematic light upon a particular subject matter, a man who understands the difference between the Tao, and the human process and can apply and interpret the concepts pertinent to both in such a real way that it's quite frankly awe inspiring.

Understanding the nature of a subject matter, to the degree of knowing what it is, and isn't... what it's limitations are, and what it's capabilities are... is incredible. Being guided through this process is a gift, set against the backdrop of a mountain scape that cannot help but bring a somber realization of oneness to mind amounts to an unforgettable and profound experience.

The conversations I've had thus far have been nothing short of a precious gift that I've inevitably given to myself, through the experience of self revelation called life. May tomorrow be filled with as much guidance, understanding, and clarity as I've experienced thus far. Thank you.

RG

A Note from Canmore, Alberta

2009-03-29T20:03:00.006-04:00

Day 1 of my training has begun, and although I may have been training for quite sometime, it's more apparent now than ever that in many ways... the training has only really begun. "After 3 days, the begining" Well it's been 3 years, and finally, the way has been prepared for many concepts to manifest within my consciousness.

It's a sobering thought to realize that the enthusiasm and eagerness, although at the onset was a valuable tool to keep me involved within the training, is now not the able helper that it once was. It has allowed me to get this far, however now the reality has set it - it's time to truly and completely understand the subject matter, with a deep and proper level of clarity. There is so much more than that which is evident - and now realizing what this means, the way is prepared to move forth and get on with the idea of getting the job done.

What awaits me is unknown, but that's ok. What awaits my consciousness is clarity, what is established is confidence, and what comes next is illumination. The way is prepared, and the student is receptive.

RG

The Language of E-Prime

2009-03-24T10:02:00.027-04:00

E-Prime is the English language without the use of "is" or "being" We are trapped within Language constructs. "All that is, is metaphor." "We can't get beyond words, so we must become more cynical about our words." - RAW

"E-Prime, short for English-Prime, is a modified form of English. It uses very slightly simplified syntax and vocabulary, eliminating all forms of the verb to be: be, is, am, are, was, were, been and being (and their contractions). Sentences composed in E-Prime seldom contain the passive voice, which in turn may force the writer or speaker to think differently (compare the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis). By eliminating most uses of the passive voice, E-Prime encourages writers and speakers to make explicit the agent of a statement, possibly making the written text easier to read and understand.

E-Prime is used as a mental discipline to filter speech and translate the speech of others. For example, the sentence "the movie was good", translated into E-Prime, could become "I liked the movie". The translation communicates the speaker's subjective experience of the movie rather than the speaker's judgment of the movie. In this example, using E-Prime makes it harder for the writer or reader to confuse a statement of opinion with a statement of fact." -- Taken from Wikipedia

According to proponents of E-Prime such as Robert Anton Wilson, without using IS, or verbs such as 'to be' and re-formulating without them, you fall into the kind of expression which is considered acceptable in modern science, and also helps generate the consciousness which Zen Buddhism tries to induce, thus allowing you to understand them to a much greater depth than before. Using E-Prime, minimal use of passive voice, or past tense is encouraged, meaning present tense is utilized and would be required in our speech and thought processes more than ever before. Similar in languages such as Russian, or Arabic, where past and future tense are not utilized, this forces their modes of thinking to exist solely in the present moment.

It should add tremendously to clarity to the population, in terms of our speech and in terms of rightness or wrongness as a whole. When you think of it, we mainly quarrel in our societies over language and communication. The expression "Jesus is the son of God" is very difficult to accept by Islamic, or Judaic culture, however the phrase "Jesus maybe the son of God" or "Jesus seems like the son of God to us" would be much more accepted, as it doesn't imply that everyone else is definitely wrong. This mode of thinking in non-definitives, also allows for continual growth of concepts as a whole - always leaving room for further discussion on the topic. However, once something has been made definitive, the discussion is closed. This halts growth immediately.

Instead of thinking the "grass is green" say "the grass appears green to me". The reasoning behind this simply states that the aspect or property of an object such as GREEN, is a function of our modes of mental processing. For example, Green can only exist within our minds, as our optic nerve interprets the light reflecting off of the surface of the grass in such a way as to appear green to us. For those who are colour blind, or those who see colours differently (such as some humans, the blind, and many animals) GREEN maybe a foreign concept.

Speaking in E-Prime may also save time as R.A.W. explains, as you don't get into arguments with people over absolutes. Another example would be - "Beethoven is better than Mozart" instead say "Beethoven appears better than Mozart to me." If you take all the IS's out of all your negative statements, you may find that your expressions have much more clarity. E-Prime also states that each sentence must contain the observer or agent, as all reality is perception - all observations must state that this is your subjective experience, as opposed to a definitive, objective reality (which does not exist).

Whenever you feel you are angry or depressed or experiencing negative emotional states in general - this is an exercise you can try. Restate your expressions of depression or sadness using E-Prime, and you may find that your statements are relative to how you feel at the moment. This may remove you from the experience of saddness and allow you the clarity to understand reality as mode of processing which you can control, as opposed to an objective occurrence of which you have no control.

Now imagine that E-prime was used globally, instead of in niche scenarios, or amongst intellectuals. When you don't use IS you will have to put maybe in more of your sentences. News and Television, or News Papers in general - are all quite sure of themselves... and state things in "definitives". With those groups especially, they use only IS, void of maybe, or seems... as a result (or perhaps deliberately) they are all confident that their view is the truth. This maybe then passed along to the populace, in a very "propogandic" fashion. This is dogmatic, and locks their minds and the minds of the viewers into a fixed way of thinking.

Another interesting, and funny term used by the late Robert Anton Wilson is that of a "Cosmic SCHMUCK." This means you can't possibly be right about anything, given the vastness of the cosmos, and the understanding that our knowledge will never be complete, and that all new information assimilated day by day will change our previous definitions of everything (Our universe is interacting processing non-simultaneously apprehended - Buckminster Fuller). A Cosmic SCHMUCK is someone who definitely believes their world view is definitive, and unchangeable, which is the unfortunate state of many of the world's people. If you don't believe that your wrong, you will never change, and thus evolution of your mind and consciousness stops dead in their tracks, and you have now earned the title of Cosmic SCHMUCK. If you aren't a Cosmic SCHMUCK, you will at least think of 5 different alternative modes of thinking or explanations based on your assumption that you are most likely wrong in your subjective perception of reality. Just another reason why E-Prime should be considered as the next evolutionary step in our language symantecs.

Using e-prime, as explained by Robert Anton Wilson.

Real Reality - An Introduction to Robert Anton Wilson

2009-03-24T09:22:00.004-04:00

Robert Anton Wilson (RAW), modern day philosopher, and author of over 35 books, and over 1,500 published articles. A man who speaks with such clarity, and directness, yet with such compassion and humour that to listen to his portrayals and descriptions of reality are enough to bring tears to your eyes.

When you think of the simplicity of which his eloquent words bring forth the solutions for our modern day dilemmas, there is a sobering awe that overtakes you. He has often said that "The wise become Confucian in good times, Buddhist in bad times and Daoist in old age." His understanding of the applications of these religions, and their importance in modern times is profound, and his ability to tie these back to Quantum mechanics, and his concept of individuated Reality Tunnels essentially form the components for our worldly understanding.

He recommends that we never fully accept another person's belief system (abbreviated as B.S.)... never fully buy into another person's B.S., and further more never fully believe your own B.S. because too much bullshit is bad for you. He remains an eternal optimist, and strives for open mindedness in all aspects of life.

"Everybody abstracts a different reality" and we "Pick up and abstract only that which interests you." When you enter a room, you're prepared to abstract only that which have previously constructed as apart of your "Reality Tunnel." We only pick out the signals in reality that fit our established belief system, and those which don't fit our belief system get ignored. This forces you to realize reality is a matter of what you Tune-In and don't Tune-In. This doesn't mean that these things which you have ignored or not Tuned-Into don't exist, they're just not tuned in.

This has tremendous implications on your experience in the world... to realize that we are simply units of "interacting processing" amongst a reality of stimulus that is Tuned-In or not Tuned-In by our interacting processing units. We process information, and interact with reality in such a way that we assimilate that which is already established within our reality tunnel or construct. To expand your reality tunnel is the real work of your life - otherwise what else is there?

This is the work of expanding your awareness, because otherwise even if new signals are apprehended by your interacting processing, you will not adopt this new reality unless values are understood and adopted. It will never seep into your reality tunnel, and thus you will ignore further signals beyond that point in time. Being open minded doesn't just mean listening to new content, it means being able to discern and realize this new content in everyday life - then the work of modifying your reality tunnel has begun.

With this understanding in mind... our perception itself is a gamble.

Bashar - Abundance and Trusting What Is

2009-03-18T14:45:00.003-04:00

In times like this, where the world is feeling a global economic crunch, it's really easy to get frightened and to start counting your pennies. It's really easy to worry about where the next pay cheque will come from, or how you'll survive next month for those in the most dyer of straights.

For others even still, they seek to profit in a global economic recession because they see opportunity. Well essentially on either end of the spectrum, whether you're dealing with the "Glass Half Empty" or the "Glass Half Full" we're speaking of abundance.

The news everyday reports that we're headed for, or in a global recession that is unlike many we have seen in the past. Is this true? Yes it is. Why? Because nothing will ever be like anything we've experienced in the past. Nothing. It is all unique, it is all different. There are different winners and losers now than there were then. There are different economic factors affecting us now, than then etc. So rationally, how does one navigate through this upside down reality where economies are collapsing, recessions are upon us, and people are in a state of fear?

The idea here that needs to be discussed, and understood is what is abundance? Is it simply money? What of those without a penny to their name in African tribes, or those who lived without any economic system of currency? What of those who existed in the barter system? Were they all "poor?" The reality is we need to globally shift our understanding of Abundance, and how to "do what you need to do, when you need to do it." Perhaps with that in mind, observing the following 6 minute video will help you move past your confined definition of wealth and abundance, and open doors that would be otherwise shut.

Enjoy.

RG

A State of Neutrality

2009-03-15T18:28:00.003-04:00

Have you ever been in a situation where you are relatively close to the event, however your particularly indifferent about the outcome - while others around you seem to be overreacting? This is the closest example I can provide about being in "A State of Neutrality."

Shakespeare said it best through Hamlet that "there is nothing either good or
bad, but thinking makes it so. To me it is a prison." In reality this is a profound truth that must be given some attention. Why? Because if thinking is what makes things good or bad, then what is to be said of Neutrality? Well in Neutrality, is where the power lies.

When neutral in any given situation, you can DECIDE how to respond to the situation, as opposed to having a knee-jerk reaction, or at the mercy of the event. Your definitions and beliefs are what decide what is good or bad, and thus produce your experience. But if you're able to maintain "A State of Neutrality" regardless of what events happen around you, then you've taken your power back. You are no longer at the mercy of an "unfair life."

There is a Zen / Taoist story of an old farmer who had worked his crops for many years. One day his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit.

"Such bad luck," they said sympathetically.

"We'll see," the farmer replied.

The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses.

"How wonderful," the neighbors exclaimed.

"We'll see," replied the old man.

The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. The neighbors again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune.

"We'll see," answered the farmer.

The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son's leg was broken, they passed him by. The neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out.

"We'll see" said the farmer.

Being in a state of neutrality is a state of mind, and one that - if mastered - can provide you with the power to lead a life of pure happiness, completely and utterly under your own control. If you are quick to judge, and quick to respond without question - you are in the prison of mind spoken of by Shakespeare and others like him.

RG

If life is a lesson, be a happy learner

2009-03-10T11:42:00.008-04:00

As the old adage goes, life is a lesson. So what does that really mean? A lesson in what? What is the course, what is the curriculum, who is the teacher, and who is the learner? We are often caught up in our day-to-day existence without spending much time or thought on our purpose for being.

What is being anyway? What is living anyway? What is death anyway? And what does it all mean to me? These questions have to be answered... must be answered... if you are to create a meaningful existence with your one precious life as this form. Do you wish to squander the time you have here, or use it to its utmost and fullest possible extent?

The questions when posed this way of course raises the obvious answer - YES we want to make our lives meaningful... memorable, useful... and full. So if that's the case, take a moment to contemplate this. What would it take to make my life meaningful? Would it be more meaningful if I spent more time with the people I loved? Spent less time with those who don't love me? Spend time mastering a skill and acquiring abilities, or should I just be satisfied with my TV, and my XBOX, and my instant microwave dinners?

Life is about ... well ... whatever it is you want it to be. But essentially, all you are doing all day long, every day, is the actualization of 1 thing. Concepts. Whether you realize it or not, all you ever do, is actualize a concept. The concept of hunger, prompts you to eat and satisfy the urge, the concept of Law makes sure you don't download songs you shouldn't be... the concept of stopping at a red light prevents you from being destroyed in a head on collision... the concept of work provides you with abundance in the form of money... which is then actualized and applied to the concept of commerce, and purchasing of goods and services. It goes on and on... this is all we do. We just decide which concepts to apply, and when. Sometimes we apply them appropriately, but most times they aren't applied at all... or in a timely manor. This is a problem.

So here we are, in a world with so much abundance... so much contrast... so many options before us that we stifle ourselves. We make up platitudes and sayings, and concepts that don't serve us, and generally cause us great pain. Even the idea that "life is a lesson" is a concept.

So if we decide that yes... in fact "Life is a lesson," then we should then contemplate who are the players, what is the curriculum, but most importantly... why did I come to THIS school? What did I come here to learn? What is my purpose and why am I here experiencing these particular set of events? The question is so much more important than the answer in this case, as the question prompts you to wonder, to think, to grow. The answer just satisfies you... for now. And if you are a lazy thinker... forever.

So as we roll about from event to event... circumstance to circumstance... with the idea in mind that "Life is a lesson," then be easy on yourself. Life is easy... learning and improving yourself is not. Life requires nothing of you... you exist. You've always existed, and always will. It demands nothing, because on a deeper level of existence, it's all be done, and there's no where to go but here. The only work worth doing is actualizing concepts to better yourself, but while you're knee deep in this process... be HAPPY about it. Be a happy learner... therefore you'll become a happy teacher, and a happy practitioner of life itself. You'll see the next event as a happy occasion from which the well springs of life presents you with your next opportunity to learn and grow. Relish in this... be happy about it... lessen the ropes and ties around your mind and your body, and stop forcing yourself through things. Instead, be happy they are being experienced... and trust yourself. If what you are experiencing is not "FUN" at all, then realize that it isn't right for you, and move on.

Look - there is 100 years roughly for your life on this planet, and in that time you are lucky if you master 1 task to a very high degree of skill. You don't have time to waste on the billions of other things that don't even interest you in the slightest... which is why there are different people, and different preferences. Follow your bliss, your love, your enjoyment. Master and bring these skills to high levels of completion, and be happy in the process, you'll thank yourself later.

Robertjrgraham.ca - Massive Content Upgrade

2009-01-31T01:12:00.004-05:00

Good morning! I've just spent a great deal of time updating the main Robertjrgraham.com domain, log on and check it out!

Book II - Update

2009-01-27T14:25:00.003-05:00

Currently book 2 of "The 7th Journey Series" is being developed, with new and exciting plot developments unfolding everyday. New ideas and new ways of integrating wisdom and refreshing perspectives on misunderstood subject matter is the name of the game. I'm focusing heavily on a solid, plot driven story, well grounded in factual events, and connections to real world dilemmas are extremely important in this iteration of the story. As the foundation has been set in book 1 of the series, book 2 will focus more on action, sub-plots, and an interesting mix of mystery, science fiction/fact, and espionage.

Currently 26 pages have been written, which drive out the initial character plots and interactions - which takes our characters even further into mysterious realms and alternate realities. The dream life of the characters are thoroughly explored, as well as their individual motives - which all tie together in the end. I'm excited to develop this installment of the story, and I can't wait to share it with you. Thanks for your time, patience, and attention.

Regards,

Robert Graham

Robert J.R. Graham

2009-01-08T23:10:00.005-05:00

Now announcing the launch of the Robert J. R. Graham website. This site is dedicated to me and my projects, photos, and media content that I have created. The page is under construction, but for the most part, it's up and running with new content being added all the time.

This is a precursor to the launch of a dedicated website to The 7th Journey Trilogy, with downloadable content and sample chapters to be made available. This new website is in preparation for future work, and partnerships with publishers who require a web presence by their authors.

Book II is in heavy development at this time, with new content being added daily. Stay tuned for more details, and thought provoking materials from The Inner Process.

Thanks for reading.

Robert

Zeitgeist - The Documentary

2009-01-04T10:57:00.003-05:00

Often in our lives we have felt that things are not quite right. We feel that perhaps the ways of constant war, torture, brutality, and totalitarian greed is not the 'right' way to do things, if advancement of our species is our ultimate goal. Well... what is our ultimate goal? Have we defined that as a race (the human race)? Have we stood and voted for our global mission statement as a collective in order to help guide us into the new world? Or are we constantly being misdirected, and distracted before we're even able to formulate an opinion?

If our ultimate goal for the human race is advancement, spiritual, societal, or peaceful progression of our species, then we're not doing a very good job. What do we want to do with our precious existence? Do we want to focus our lives on helping alleviate the world of its troubles and help move things along for future generations, or do we want to just worry about our own families, finances, and friends? Well a more advanced species would care about the collective, for without the whole, the one cannot exist. No man, or family for that matter is an island, and without global peace and security, there will be no security within the household of our kin.

So... where do we want to go? Where do we want to be? Where did we come from? What is our meaning and purpose in life? Well without us having sought the answer, we will never find it, and thus will float throughout existence like a leaf in the wind, hoping and praying that things get better. Well... sorry to tell you but hope is not a strategy.

So what is the problem then? Well we have greed, corruption, war, and more greed to contend with. On top of that, there are those at high levels with the ability to manipulate on a grand scale, without regard for the unity that is life itself. Well regardless of what you might believe, or what you might think about the world which we live in, it is obvious that we lack a collective goal.

Without a collective goal that we can all work towards, we will divide amongst ourselves and be conquered... by each other. Here is a documentary to spark your interests - it is a long one, so you should have some time on your hands before getting into it, but it's time well spent. Have a good weekend, and here's looking forward to an abundant and prosperous new year for us all.

Feliz Navidad!

2008-12-24T19:15:00.004-05:00

Merry Christmas everyone! From my heart to yours and your family, have a safe and happy holiday. I'm here in Mexico enjoying my first Christmas and New Years by the beach. I never thought I'd be here, but then again, I couldn't have anticipated most of my life for that matter. I'm fortunate to be where I am, and it's at moments like these that we really appreciate family and the time we're able to spend with each other - and the very blessing that is life.

I am here working diligently on Book II of the series, with some extremely interesting avenues that have presented themselves for the story. I'm taking note, and integrating them. As with the first book, the creative process was always the most exciting and ground breaking that any other - and it is here that I do my most learning as the story itself unfolds.

Have a great holiday, and enjoy!

RG

Sylvia Browne & The Other Side

2008-12-17T12:47:00.003-05:00

Having read two of Sylvia Browne's books on the afterlife, and listened to some of her audio tapes in the past, as well as viewing many of her appearances on Montel, I have to say I'm impressed. She herself doesn't claim 100% accuracy, but well over 70%. My initial impression was that her the accuracy of her material, and sometimes live demonstrations are around 70-80%. Quite amazing, and very skilled.

On the other hand, she has received a great deal of criticism over the years, as she's been in the "Psychic Industry" since the 70's, and therefore enough time has passed to test many of her futuristic predictions. Some she's hit, many she hasn't. But that isn't necessarily an indication of her accuracy. For example, consciousness is an amazing thing... when you give new ideas to consciousness, thought patterns immediately change. Therefore, the actions that a particular consciousness would perform with one level of knowledge is far different, than the same conscionsess with new information. To incapsulate that idea... one of Oprah's favourite authors Maya Angelousaid "When you know better, you do better." Well that's consciousness in a nutshell. Well if someone who is actually psychic looks into the future, and sees what might happen to the world given the sensing of the energy at that time, then bringing that knowledge back with them, and sharing it with the populace has a signifigant affect on the world. So I wouldn't necessarily discount her "inaccuracies" as quickly as some skeptics might.

Through my own experiences, and my own research into the structure and the layout of the other side, I tended to agree with many of the claims made by her material. While I disagreed firmly with others. Some things in her texts were either avoided, or not mentioned at all out of convenience. It's curious, as I would have thought the more obvious points such as this would have been mentioned, however certain things don't add up.

The overall structure of "The Other Side" seems plausible, yet somehow you get the sense of limitation - which is something I strongly feel the other side does not have. For example, her description of suicides seem to mention or state that they are treated differently than others, by somehow breaking some sacred rule or covenant with God. And the "punishment" of this is to somehow be subjected to a different fate than those who were able to stick it out here on earth and make it through. The purgatory or nonsensical reality that they find themselves in seems to be a holding area for those who have broken his promise to God, and therefore must wait around for some form of external salvation. I find this hard to accept, as quite frankly if you are to believe that there is an Omnipotent entity out there which is all knowing and all seeing, and has therefore created the conditions of reality itself, I find it extremely difficult to logically accept that this entity can have something done to him/her/it against its will or knowing. So if God knew you were going to commit suicide, then why let you embody in the first place? Why would you even exist to begin with if you were one of these "failed" entities that couldn't take the hardships of life on earth... wouldn't God know? Also this overall seems to allude to the concept that things are happening beyond our control, which is counter to Taoist philosophy, and also modern day psychologies. Also this is contrary to my own beliefs, and also concepts presented in ACIM, and CWG.

From a purely "Fun Factor" point of view, none of her material cites experiences of flying while on the otherside, where I would have thought that the obvious difference in physics between worlds would have been mentioned. Also she seems to believe that "We are not Perfect" and that the bodies we inhabit on the other side are reflections of this. For example, there are souls walking around with chipped teeth, or skin rashes or discolourations. As in her belief system, perfection is only reserved for GOD. Well, in a pantheistic belief system, we are all One, and God is all things, including the bodies we inhabit, so how would she address this quandary?

My answer to this is that yes, there most likely is a "level" of reality where those who BELIEVE that perfection is only reserved for God... experience their reality as such, and therefore out of some sadistic or poor me type of mentality, unconsciously manifest some level of imperfection to reflect their belief. Unbeknownced to them, there are other levels of reality where people/souls simply do not have these beliefs, and hence do not show these imperfections in their manifested forms. Perhaps this level of imperfect reality is "reserved" for those who like plastic surgery on earth... where nothing ever seems to be perfect for them anyway.

A Choice for Peace

2008-12-03T14:20:00.002-05:00

Often in my travels I have come across those whose difficulties seem insurmountable. Those whose struggle with conflict seems to take on a myriad of forms within their various relationships. Often the root of the matter eludes them, even though it is the same cause for all of their various effects. Either it's in the form of "I'm battling with my boyfriend" or "I'm in a difficult way with my mother" ... or some other form of conflict.

Because we live in a world with ego, we cannot help but battle between ourselves. Especially as the ego clings to "rightness" and at the same time stomps out any chance for reconciliation or peace of mind. When you are right, someone else has to be wrong, and no one is happy. The mind fights to be right, while the heart chooses peace. The heart looks for unity and joining together, while the mind attempts to separate based on beliefs and previously learned ideas or misinterpreted principles. It is here that we find a conflict, not only between each other, but within ourselves. One the one hand, we want peace, we want serenity, we want a struggle free life, yet in the other the mind wants to be right and fights against all odds to do so. The form of the conflict is not important, as we have examples of this in our everyday lives, of which there are too many to even mention. Conflict is everywhere, at the macro level of our societal conflicts, or the micro level of our relationships... and even deeper still within ourselves.

We judge ourselves, from some misguided belief that judgement yields something of value... perhaps a discussion point as you make someone else the object of your judgements, or as tool in dismantling your own self-esteem. Nothing good can come of judging someone elses behaviours, but much can be learned from simple observation - without an egotistical need to compare them with yourself or others. It can be difficult, because we live in a world of judgement... but we also live in a world of conflict. With wars ever present, no one has bother to give peace a chance. Give the heart its due... and make the choice for peace.

If you make the choice for peace, you can "let" the other person be right... in whatever situation you find yourself in. They can be right... for what do you care if they think whatever they do? The end result is the conflict stops. The peace begins, and the heart is restful and undisturbed.

Would you rather be in some deep rooted painful state, as your mind knows you're "right" as you've just trampled the hell out of your opponent? You've judged them and made them "wrong" and by doing so, you've made no one happy... save the momentary ego delight you might revel in. It's not worth it... because it only perpetuates more conflict. The other person will only be "wrong" for so long before they judge you right back and seek to make you wrong as you've done to them. So let it go... be the noble man/woman and seek peace in your relationships and in your life. Make the choice for peace, and cause another to feel happy, and thus making yourself happy. And perhaps through this... you'll discover you're more alike than you realize... perhaps you'll judge a little less... and observe yourself a little more. A worthy choice indeed.

RG

Announcing - A Partnership with "Ignite Your Essence"

2008-11-20T00:16:00.007-05:00

I'm proud to announce a partnership between The Inner Process, and Ignite Your Essence! as announced in this months "Ignite Your Essence" News Letter.

This strategic, and synergistic partnership will bring a broader reader base to both of our channels, allowing for even more inspirational and motivational works to come forth. This partnership with Justin Popovic, Life Success Coach, is born out of providence, as most successful ventures are. With the success and talent achieved through the diligent and hard work put forth by both of us, we will be able to reach a much wider audience, and help bring many more lives into focus.

A focused life allows for many positive experiences, meaningful exchanges, and increased capacity for miraculous events. As more lives reach the pinnacle of their potential, the global affect will be tremendously fortuitous for all the lives touched by those individuals. And as these experiences grow, the more lives will be touched... the more people will question the structure of their own lives, and the world we've created, preparing our global reality for change. These events are no small feat, as we move forward in these incredible times of change, the right thoughts, the right motivations, and the right partnerships are crucial to ensure the peace of mind within ourselves, and then of course... the world.

"Ignite Your Essence!" has done some monumental work in this regard, and it is with great pleasure that I welcome them, and their reader base, and hope that you'll find my motivational and inspirational commentary touches you and ignites YOUR Inner Process and Essence.

I also encourage you whole heatedly to purchase a copy of the First Installment of my series "The 7th Journey - Book I" now in a Collectors Edition - Hard Cover, and Paper Back.

Also - stay tuned for the launch of an exclusive site dedicated to The 7th Journey works, and concepts... more details to come.

Thanks for reading!

Robert J. R. Graham

Bashar - An Interview with Alan Steinfeld

2008-11-14T18:06:00.004-05:00

Bashar - another interesting phenomenon in what we could call, the evolving consciousness movement. Similar in concept as the channel Esther Hicks, who communicates with the entities known as Abraham, as mentioned in previous posts. Bashar is a particularly interesting case study, and again this is for those who choose to explore such possibilities (there are those who do not), this is one that merits some particular attention.

I will not get into the vast details of what, or who Bashar is, as the video will speak to this briefly, as I only will attempt to introduce the concept of channeling to my reader base. This is because, in actuality, this "channeling" phenomenon, is a running theme throughout my Series, The 7th Journey. If you accept the premise as true, Bashar is an entity that is from a distant, futuristic reality, in a universe which vibrates at a higher frequency than our current dense matter world. It is from here, that he communicates with us, and brings us extremely interesting and detailed accounts of what may, and probably will happen as our world goes through the upcoming transition of consciousness. From this distant and futuristic reality, Bashar brings us concepts which are foundational to how these distant worlds evolved far beyond the conflict oriented reality we seem to find ourselves in. He offers interesting perspectives on the makeup of reality, and how our behaviours, perspective, and actions are foundational to creating our experience. Perhaps not new information to some of my readers, however - keep in mind that 100 years ago, this would have been considered heresy as the perspective at the time was very grounded in fundamental faith based belief systems. A hundred years before that, and we were offering fresh harvest surplus to our Gods as offerings. So... yes... we've come a long way. So with that in mind, imagine where we would be 300 years in the future?

Well Bashar seems to offer some clarity as to what that particular reality might look like, if we decide to evolve in that direction. I have researched, and seen many documentaries and lectures with Bashar, and I can only say that it is very... intriguing. Watching his behaviours, the speed and clarity of the information, and the foresight definitely would not lend to a pre-rehearsed set of rhetoric. I am very skeptical when it comes to the teachings of modern times, yet when the speaker only mentions progression, returns power to the people, and does not impose on free will... then I give them the benefit of the doubt. I am open to all information, but I am careful about which concepts I adopt.

This particular video is a very brief introduction to who or what Bashar is, and for those who are interested, I implore you to research further for yourself. I may also reference more of his work in the coming months, so stay tuned!

RG

Reflections with Dan Millman

2008-11-11T14:48:00.003-05:00

Dan Millman is the well known author of the Peaceful Warrior series, and someone whom I greatly admire. After spending years reading several other authors in the realm of evolution, mystisicm, metaphysics, psychology, etc, I rarely came across one that was able to encapsulate the power and profound responsibility that a weilder of knowledge must hold. Yet Dan Millman brought this all together by promoting the concept of a Peaceful Warrior, one that is fully aware, fully conscious, fully present and able to perform feats of impressive skill, by simply being completely engaged in the activity.

A martial artist like myself, and a very accomplished gymnast and coach, Dan has inspired millions through his many works, all starting with his original series based on the interactions between him and his unconventional teacher... Socrates. These stories are eye opening, and were inspirational for me throughout my life and writing career. The below message from Dan speaks about taking responsibility for who you are, and for being at peace without being victimized. A message for all of us, thank you Dan.

RG

The 7th Journey - Book II Update

2008-11-08T20:23:00.004-05:00

I'm getting ready to head down south for a month, for a vacation from work, but a chance to work on the series. I expect to get a great deal of progress accomplished on Book II. The story is coming together quite nicely, and a clear vision exists for the story. The next chapter of the story will be extremely interesting, bringing the series deeper into the exploration of its' characters, and their motives. I'm very excited to get to writing this block of the story, as now that a foundation has been established, I'm able to freely write and explore various new concepts that I'm sure you the reader will really enjoy. This chapter of the series will explore cutting edge ideas and new realms of thought and our purpose and what's possible for our species. As I've said, this is the really fun part, and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it, and I'm sure you will too.

Book I continues to progress. I've taken the Synopsis back to the drawing board, as I am now going to write it with a new format and perspective which reflects more of the structure of Book I itself. I want this synopsis to be the best it possibly can be, so ultimately it cannot be rushed, and will be done as soon as it can be. The Query letter is already complete, so now this final piece is all that remains, and is truly the final barrier between me and the front window display at Chapters / Indigo. Keep positive, and watch for The 7th Journey in stores near you!

Thanks for reading!

RG

Follow Your Bliss

2008-10-07T19:25:00.006-04:00

I sit here, moments before the viewing of my beloved Zia Vicki (my Aunt) must take place. A myriad of emotions are stirring within me, as memories pass through my mind, caressing my heart and causing momentary outbursts of tears. I wrote previously that tears have yet to overtake me regarding her passing, but now the time has come. The tears are for many things, the blessed friends and family that have come together in support of me and the loss of our beautiful Aunt. The life I have lived, and the trials and tribulations that all of us have taken on this time around. The tears come for the love and support that I feel from the universe, the source of all things which helps move worlds... also moves mountains within me.

They come in waves, the tears, the rage pours out on the pages as I write how I feel. The strength within me musters and brews as I stand for those who are weaker, those who need support. I once told a friend that the only way to possess strength is to give it away... and that is what I must do, for all of us. But I have no more to offer those around me than I have to offer myself, which is the power to stand tall, on a firm footing of concepts that guide me through life. An understanding of what life is about, and what times like this are truly for.

Her passing on Thanksgiving day was a symbol, and a message to those she left behind. Spend the remaining years as a family, and bring yourselves closer together for what comes may be tiring and exhausting, and we will only have each other to lean on. Every year, we will remember her now, as she passed on a day of giving thanks for what we have, and who we have to share it with... and that is what we will do.

She is home now, with the rest of her family, friends, and the source of it all. She is at peace now, and I only ask that she help those who are still behind... be with us, guide us towards a better version of ourselves. Let us find our happiness, our bliss, our peace - an accomplishment few find while here on earth. Be with us in each moment, and remind us where our happiness lies, and what me must choose to experience it, as we move forth through this journey of contrast and misconception.

Joseph Campbell - the great mythologist, author, and teacher told us to "Follow your bliss" which is possibly the greatest advice ever spoken to mankind in an effort to free us from ourselves and our minds. The greatest experience of life and love is the experience of Bliss and ultra happiness. It is here, that we will know our true selves, the true feeling of our natural state of being... it is here that we'll fully realize the fabric of our essence, and the material of the creator. So I pray that through all the "hussle and bussle" of everyday life, that we can keep this one thought in mind... in every moment, find your bliss. If you are not doing it, choose it, choose your bliss to ensure that every moment is spent being and doing that which you really are - love, happiness and peace.

Thank you Zia Vicki for giving us a shining example of family, and may you be at peace, and not cling to the world, but only come to help guide us through our turmoils and daily tasks with the love and helpfulness you've shown us in life. Go... be with him now. We will be fine, and one day... we too will be home with you. We love you.

RG

On Death and Dying

2008-10-06T22:18:00.004-04:00

Death. In a modern world, we overlook it, we mask it, deny it, gloss over it... with a sound byte attitude of "oh that's unfortunate" as we move onto the next part of our day. Until it strikes us close to home, until a loved one falls ill, and of course then it becomes tragic. The world around us loses on average 40,000 people a day from starvation, with thousands more dying from war, or accidents. We lose friends, loved ones, women, men, children and parents. The people around us are taken for granted, and only when they're gone, or on their way to the other side, do we begin to regret the lack of time we've spent with them, or perhaps cherish the fond memories.

My family is now undergoing such a transition, as our Aunt has fallen ill with terminal cancer. She lies there in her bed, barely functional... moving her body just a few degrees to her side is a struggle. Frail, and a shell of her once strong and independent former self. She lies there with a machine pumping air into her now collapsed lungs, as those around her stare awkwardly... silently with saddened eyes. "She did this to herself" or "We knew she was sick... we just didn't know how bad it was" are the comments that are exchanged. It's here that we sit and wait for something to happen... perhaps a doctor... or nurse will arrive with some positive news, something to lift her spirit, and ours. But they do not come, as it's terminal, and the treatment she's receiving now is purely for show, and comfort, as the hospital does what it can to make the transition easier.

Why is it now, only now, in these times of pain and loss that we see our brothers and sisters for who they really are? The jealousy is gone, the egos are lessened, and the thoughts are only of remorse, sadness and regret for the one who lies before us. We do little to see our brothers for who they are unless and until their very existence is threatened. It is in these times that life itself is pondered... where does she go from here? What do we do now when there's no Zia Vicki (Aunt Vicki) to talk to? The woman, despite her faults has always been there when we needed her. Whether we needed her or not, she'd drop everything to help. She'd offer advice, provide you with support, and connect you with the right people at the right time. She is loved, and will be missed in her current form.

I often ponder this, especially now as I see my mother gripping and massaging her sister's hands with a loving caress, providing what little comfort she can... just to be able to touch her. I often ponder how will I be in this situation, as I see others around me crying, and I've yet to shed a tear. My beliefs in the universe and what life itself is about are contrary to the illusion that I see before me. Others see a dying woman, and I see a transition about to occur. Some regret that they haven't spent time with her, and I recall the beauty and love that we shared. Some ponder their own mortality in the face of age and disease, and I see the cycle of life unfold, as we approach the end of our dream.

When we awake from our sleep, and our dreams come to an end... do we mourn them? As real as they are as we experience them, do we mourn the loss of those we see in our sleep state, or do we merely reflect on the experience, and move on. My belief is that this life too... is a dream. And when we awake from this dream, to our true reality as fully functional beings with full lives on the other side, we regret nothing. We ponder our experience, and move on. Perhaps we decide to come back, and perhaps we don't. Perhaps we come back to help those who still do not remember that they are in fact dreaming, so we can be apart of their remembrance, and strengthen our own. So too will my Zia Vicki awaken from her dream as she transitions to the other side, and waiting there will be her husband who has prepared a home for them both, with their beloved animals, other friends and loved ones awaiting her return. Her life here has been difficult, and her clinging to her own past has produced much guilt, and so she has brought upon the cancer which now ravages her form. This too, the dreamer can heal, but only if the belief is strong enough to support the change. I hope she has that strength, but realistically she seems more ready to move on from this tired form, and awaken to the truth that lies beyond this world.

She is loved... very deeply loved by us all, and we will miss her form as Vicki, but I rejoice in the knowing that she will now reassemble and once again recall who she really is, and finally be that... after a life time of experiencing what she is not. Will she regret? I believe she will not, for what regret can exist in a world of pure love? She chose this experience for a reason, and that reason is known to her higher self alone, so what right do we have to judge her or speculate either way?

This is why I do not shed a tear right now, because the truth is freeing. The truth is there for those who choose to see it... she is eternal, as are we all. This brief interlude as personalities here on earth are but a drop of water into an ocean of experience, and we will be as detached from our own passing, as we are with the 50,000 others who move on per day. But of course, we never truly mourn for the person, but for ourselves, and the loss we experience in their absence... so this is why we truly cry... not for them, but for us.

So when the time comes for me to move on, I pray that my transition is quick, and celebrated. That my favourite music is playing, and those who have witnessed my life are there to rejoice in how we've made such beautiful music together. And for those whom I am honoured to befriend, always know that you are loved, and I will always be with you through all the days of your life, until you too have come home.

In honour of you, Zia Vicki. May your home always bloom with Orchids, and your heart fill with the peace of God. We love you now, and always will.

Your honoured nephew,

Robert

Abraham Hicks - Appreciation vs. Gratitude

2008-10-04T19:46:00.003-04:00

Very few channels have been able to bring true peace to my heart throughout my extensive research over many years. Concepts and methodologies, psychological strategies and philosophical rhetoric will only get you so far. Sure, it will help you understand your process that much more, which of course is of great value. But what is this all about anyway?

To me... Enlightenment is Salvation. Salvation is Peace. Peace is a quiet mind. A mind that no longer questions your actions, doubts your abilities, imposes guilt upon your decisions, and takes you away from the blessed moment of now. To me, one who is able to actualize that concept, and realize what we are really here to do in context with peace, is someone worth listening to.

Abraham Hicks - as channeled by Esther Hicks... is a phenomenon all unto itself. Whether you believe in such things as meditation, life beyond this physical form, or the ability to contact beings outside of this realm, is entirely up to you. This is the mechanism of "the channel", and the foundational belief that allows such entities to come in contact with the vessel. It is with this in mind, Esther is able to "step aside" and let the consciousness known as Abraham come forth, and provide us with illuminating concepts, and peaceful words, that speak directly to the soul. An ability only possible to those who're connected to something much greater, purer, than our everyday ego.

Abraham has brought us many concepts, such as "The Law of Attraction" and has been featured in many documentaries, such as the wildly popular "Secret." And whether or not you believe HOW the information is coming through, all that anyone would ask of you is to CONSIDER the content, and let the truth speak for itself. If it is true for you, then listen and consider adoption. If it doesn't ring true for you, then it is time to seek another avenue in your search for personal development. Either way, she's touched millions with her peaceful words, and kind spirit. Here is a sample of that work, as she clarifies the power of Gratitude vs. Appreciation.

RG

Strength Through Gratitude

2008-10-03T21:56:00.004-04:00

The concept of strength when applied to life, can be thought of as will, or power. The ability to perform, or create. The determination, the support or the process which unfolds when you are desiring a particular outcome. The secret, the power, the knowledge, the access to something more than what you are, or simply the strength to accomplish your goals sometimes alludes us. Sometimes we struggle in the face of adversity, sometimes we become sick... exhausted. Tired... lazy, but not from lack of trying, just from the perception that life is an uphill battle, and the ends justify the means, sacrificing the now. Sometimes we wonder why others excel in life while we flounder, or perhaps question ourselves or abilities, or pose questions to GOD with fists shaking towards the heavens screaming why!! Why indeed.

Psychological healers refer to the concept of locus of control. Internal or external locus refers to whether your world view/belief system dictates that external factors determine your life experience vs. internal factors. Depending on which side of the fence you're on, you'll have an incredibly powerful, or powerless experience. I'll let you decide which is which. That being said, there are several factors which determine our personalities, and our belief systems, many of us picking up baggage from years of abuse, either externally or self inflicted. Relationships broken, people hurt, abused, drugs taken, people murdered, destruction and chaos... with the fragile human psyche and its sanity hanging in the balance. Yes with years of baggage, we tend to become jaded... and wonder who exactly is in control. When your boss is hounding you for something, and your next pay cheque in question, you may very well reconsider the choice you made above. This is because of the human EGO.

The ego has often been referred to as the DEVIL as more modern day interpretations of the bible have suggested. And as the scriptures have written, the greatest trick the DEVIL ever pulled on us was to make us think he doesn't exist. If you question this, just ask yourself... "Am I egotistical?" If the answer is no, then it's your ego talking. And this - the greatest trick of all creation, the confusion between who we really are, and the ego. The ego is our true prison, our true bondage, and our daily crucifixion. There is no last judgment, there is only now. And if we judge ourselves, or our brother in the now, we experience judgment, and we experience the crucifixion of ourselves in the eyes of our soul.

We are all guilty of the crucifixion of the son of god, because we are all sons and daughters of god, and so it is that we crucify ourselves with our judgments, and condemn our brother as we condemn ourselves. We experience guilt as a result, and as a result we punish ourselves. Drugs, violence, rape, torture, brutality, war, chaos and destruction are what we create in a world where the EGO rules. Yes the 21st century is the century of the DEVIL, if you'd like to replace DEVIL with EGO. This is the monster lurking in the closet from which we hide under the covers, and it fools us into believing in things that aren't real. This is the hell, the continuous torment that awaits us when at the mercy of the EGO. The cycle of experience/judgment/guilt will continue, as that is the function of the ego as it fights for its survival. It will wage war on you as you attempt to awaken, cause you to be distracted from absolute truths, or fear the unknown, fear your expansion, and to fear your source.

So here we are, talking about the ego, when it is the ego reading and listening to this. By now you've either declared war on me, and my writings or think that something here might make sense. Because the ego makes it so, we fear change in our beliefs, but if you're brave enough to continue, you might be surprised at what you find. As always, I disclaim my work by saying that these are simply my opinions. I am no master of the ego, as the only true master of that has been the Christ. I simply do what I can to help point the way, hoping we all walk in one direction as we reach our goal of understanding. What this is, just is, and I take no credit, or responsibility. I speak, I write, and I hope it touches others as it touches me to write it. Where we go from here, I'll leave to you.

Psychology will tell you that the ego is damaged, and that it can be repaired. They'll say that the mind is damaged, and can be healed, but do they tell you the soul is eternal and waits for awakening? The ego cannot be "fixed", because by its very nature, it is insane. It believes in what isn't real, which by definition, is insanity. It forces you to repeat the same patterns over and over, telling you "don't worry... you'll get different results THIS TIME." Again, another definition of insanity. In truth, we are all insane, as we have forgotten what is real, and live in a world of forgetfulness and untruths. So do you want to spend time fixing something that isn't broken? The ego isn't broken, it's this way by design, our design. We've filled it with beliefs that cause disruption in our lives, we've trained ourselves to feel guilty, depressed, melancholy, or unfulfilled.

Do you want to attempt to fix yourself, or transcend your perceived self? This is what is meant by transcendence. Not that we're going to turn transparent and float into the clouds... no. We transcend the perceived... little self, and replace it with the grander, true self. The answer depends on what you'd rather experience. A quick transition into awakening, or a longer drawn out process of asking, receiving and giving, or conversely - taking from others, and being robbed of yourself. The difference between the two is a choice, and the experience of both is available to you always, and in all ways.

At this point, I'll assume that you've continued reading, and you've decided to work on transcendence of self. This can be a very... very difficult process, and can take a life time to do. Some grab glimpses of this enlightenment, like Buddha, or Lao Tzu, and attempt to point the way for others towards similar experiences, and realizations of oneness. But this experience of enlightenment, or the Tao, or holy spirit, or what have you, can be fleeting, and can be the defining moment of your life time - but as the ego moves in to assert its dominance over you, the moment passes... the gateway closes... and the wondrous, mysterious feeling and experience of enlightenment becomes the stuff of legends. Well I tell you that this can be achieved all ways, and constantly - this state of being can be a way of life, instead of a passing moment from which religions and dogmas are created. Be the master NOW, as the great teachers encourage.

But how do I start? The easiest... and quickest way to start this process, and acquire the strength which legends are made of is simple. Gratitude.

When we assume a spirit of gratitude, this is the opening of a gateway... this is the real secret of success. You might be thinking... Thank God! Get to the point! Well... the point is... thank god. That is the Root Cause, the opening of the gate, the pathway to accessing power, and removing struggle. The strength of those who persevere and set examples for those around them, the rich, the wealthy, the "successful" have one thing in common. They are thankful for what they have. This thanking is an acknowledgment, and a subconscious queue to both yourself and the universe, that you are in fact admitting / believing that a source more powerful than yourself, is responsible for what happened, this very moment. Thanking this source acknowledge on many levels the fact that you are aware... aware that the source is in everything, and is everything, for how else or why else would you thank god? Thanking this source can heal, can feed your family, can heal yourself... and your brother. Thanking opens the door to something more, a belief that will eventually crack open the foundations of your beliefs, and allow for something more to be built. The awareness of the eternal, and your relationship to it.

But in the meantime, if you simply want to experience what it's like to have, do, and be what you want... as we many of us do here in the physical world... the answer is an easy one. Thank god for all the little things, for the big things, and the the very moments you spend here in this world. Having this constant, mental principle will remove much struggle, for how could the source of all love and all things impede creation and its multi-dimensional experiences? It doesn't... thank god.

Thank you for reading.

RG

The 7th Journey - Book II update

2008-09-07T22:33:00.004-04:00

The background for Book II of The 7th Journey is now being researched and notes are being taken vigorously. I will be going out of the country for 30 days over the holiday season, and will be working extensively on book II. I expect to have some major traction upon my return.

Book I is moving steadily along, with packages being sent out by the end of September. This is a significant step forward for the project, and will represent a major milestone in the progression of having this series come to fruition. It represents closure for the first book, allowing serious work on the next book to begin.

For those who are looking forward to another article on The Inner Process, stay tuned, as I intend to discuss many interesting topics in the coming months. Thanks for reading.

RJG

Ken Wilber - Seeking Enlightenment in a Modern Age

2008-08-28T22:56:00.004-04:00

Ken Wilber - a modern day evolutionary, one that speaks to millions of people through his many lectures, books, and involvement with organizations such as "What is Enlightenment?", Spiral Dynamics, and is a well known American Buddhist.

Few people in the world are actually able to achieve the acclaim and standing that Ken Wilber has with his many books, lectures, and documentaries. Many of his websites are listed under my "Personal Evolution" section, as his work has been instrumental in the movement of consciousness into the next generation. His concepts are similar to others, in that we must take personal responsibility for our actions, for our evolution, and for our experiences. Concepts that are largely becoming cliche, but are so crucial to the development of our species, that we should give these ideas more than a passing glance.

It has always been said, that give a man a cave, and all the time in the world, and he will achieve enlightenment at light speed. But give a man kids, a job, and a mortgage, and watch the time pass without a single introspective thought. At the end of the day, what is more important? The illusion of a family construct, or the nurturing of it through your own self development? If you were to develop yourself, or spend moments a day towards many of these evolutionary concepts, the light you would bring to your family, and the world would be astounding. You'll not only have more rewarding and loving relationships, you'll be able to see the cause and effect of your thoughts, words and deeds, and how that affects the people around you. The implications of this are momumental, for yourself, and for the world at large. So... without further adeu, Mr. Ken Wilber.

Eckhart Tolle - What is Enlightenment?

2008-08-28T21:38:00.006-04:00

Eckhart Tolle - made wildly famous through his many appearances on The Oprah Winfrey show, and his in-depth expose on the Ego, and the power of NOW. I've read many of his books, "A New Earth", "The Power of Now", and the many concepts and examples were quite moving and for some around the world, earth shattering. The message of the NOW has been mentioned for thousands of years, with some of the earliest references going back to the I Ching, a Taoist text from thousands of years ago. Yet few examples come to mind of entire books which delve as deeply into the concept as Eckhart has successfully done.

For many, what is old, is new again. For those who have been outside of "the industry" of illumination, I'm sure the concepts and experiences Eckhart speaks of are earth shattering to some, as he calls us to move to a centered, ever present state of being. For others, these concepts might seem old hat.

But this should never detract from the great work he has done in helping people understand their connections to their inner world, and the connection to what he calls "The Pain Body." This is a label he uses for an aspect of the ego, which collects, and amasses all of the negativity and/or pain that one has experienced throughout their life. He highlights the consequences of being unaware of this "Pain Body" and how it affects your life and relationships on a day to day basis. The key solution to leaving this pain body behind is to stay present in the moment, as the past (the pain body), and the future (anxiety) cannot exist in a mind that is focused on the present.

Everyone has had this experience, where they are so totally consumed with the current activity (for example, walking a tight rope over the grand canyon) that nothing else exists but the movements of the body, and the next precise decision. It is here that the past cannot exist, nor does the future with its echo of anxious thoughts.

His work in this field is well known, and the acclaim he has received is well deserved. Thank you for your contributions to our global consciousness, and for your next explaination... "What is Enlightenment?"

RG

New Beta Site for "The Inner Process"

2008-08-23T00:33:00.003-04:00

I am attempting to build a beta site, which may end up replacing this one if I'm pleased with the development. The beta site is now located at http://innerprocess.wordpress.com/. Your comments are appreciated. Thanks.

RG

The Oceans Depth

2008-07-22T21:01:00.004-04:00

A sailor of noble decent wandered the world in search of the meaning of life. Alone in his boat, with only the wind, the oceans bounty, and a modest supply of books to keep him busy. Along with him, he brought a compliment of emtpy journals to document his journey, filled with mindless drivel, thoughts unravelled, and the pondering of a curious man in the face of an endless obsession to learn life's secrets.

From port to port, he wandered the seas, making friends with the moon and stars which chart his course. Searching for meaning in the experiences of the seas, the storms and lightening which tormented his nights, and brought him close to death on many occasions. On a particular night in autumn, close to the southern shores of Spain, a sailor set sail from an unfamiliar port, due south.

"The moon has settled in the sky, a full moon... a cool wind, and a wandering mind. This is what greets me as the winds push south."

"Ohoy Sailor!" A female voice stretched across the waters. In the distance I see her, a sailor much like myself gliding towards me.

"Ohoy! Where are you headed, you look lost." She continued.

"Oh, I'm headed no where in particular."

"That's a funny destination, then where do you go from here?"

"Right now, the winds are pushing me south, so I follow the wind. Like I said, no where in particular."

"Then why do you sail?"

"I sail in search of answers. I'm just a sailor, nothing special. Looking for an answer to a question that many people have... a simple question, but profound. What's the meaning of life?"

"How long have you searched?"

"I don't remember. It's been a long time."

"And what have you learned?"

"That life is generous, that life is kind. When you're alone in the middle of the ocean, with no food or water, it rains. I've fished, and found abundance. I've cried, and found the calm of the ocean. I've cursed the world, and felt the ranging storms of God crash down upon the bridge of my ship. I've learned that I'm alive due to the grace of something more than myself."

"Is that all you've learned?"

"I've learned that life is like the ocean, some may skim upon it's surface... only realizing that which exists on its surface. Never realizing its great depth... that some may dive deep at times, yet return to its surface. Others learn to work in the depths of the ocean... and find the rewards that lie within."

"All of this knowledge, and you continue to sail?"

"I have not learned the meaning of life, I have learned things of its nature, I have learned of its compassion, of its kindness, of its cruelty... but I have not yet learned its meaning."

"Is life all of these things you describe? Compassionate... kind.... cruel?"

"It is what it is. It exists within the world, but so does great kindness, and love. It all exists."

"So with all this, you continue to search when the answer is right before your eyes?"

"Why, what is the answer, what is the meaning of life?"

"The answer for you is in the depth of the oceans, the depth of thought, to fill your notebooks, to ponder your concepts, to label your surroundings, and define your experiences. But for all of us, the answer is the same. Life is a journey."

To Be Continued...

2008-07-04T16:23:00.003-04:00

Currently, the work on the T7J project has taken a step back. The work continues on, but of course, the changes and training that I'm undergoing has taken precedence. As T7J is of course the dream, and will eventually allow me to make the transition from part-time to full-time author, but for now my current career aspirations and responsibilities are the priority.

The time has come to shift the priorities however, and move towards finally completing the synopsis, which has undergone tremendous re-writes based on research, peer review, and my own editing. Now, thanks to those closely connected to the project, I've regained momentum and focus to really drive this home. The generic synopsis is now going to be much more target specific as we proceed to connect with key literary agents in the Unitied States. This refocusing is what is needed to finally put this piece of the puzzle in place, and which will wrap up my work on T7J book 1. Once this has been completed, the dealings with the agent will begin, and we'll go from there.

This will free up time for me to get back into the creative space, the part which I truly love, and deal less with the marketing and business aspects. Those aspects of course are crutial, and are an important part of the whole, but are definitely the more tedious parts of the project. But as this project moves forward... I thank those who have offered their help, and I appreciate it far more than they may ever know. Your work has been instrumental, and vital in keeping this project moving as smoothly as it has. So I thank you... but the next chapter of this project... is to be continued.

Transformational Leadership, and the relationship to personality and job performance.

2008-06-21T16:54:00.012-04:00

In today’s world, there is ambiguity as to why some are able to excel and reach peak performance levels, while others rarely move beyond their current capacity. Individuals that reach their maximum psychological potentials are often seldom, almost miracle like in rarity, with people such as Gandhi, Buddha, Nelson Mandela, Maya Angelou, and Mother Teresa. These varying scales of achievement, personal or otherwise can be found not only in the field in philanthropy, but in the realm of business as well. But to what extent do modern theories of motivation, such as those of Bandura, or Maslow relate to performance in the workplace? They would argue that self-efficacy and need fulfillment are key factors in affecting performance in life, and on the job. H. G. Wells said – “reasonable people adapt to the world, unreasonable ones try to change it. Human progress depends on the unreasonable ones.” Within the business world, it is often easy to spot the achievers and those that simply blend into the background of everyday life. Some individuals are simply able adapt to the tides of change within the workplace to maintain the status quo, while others seek to create the tides themselves. Those individuals create the most impact within the business world, and leave lasting impressions within their organizations.

In an article entitled “Transformational leadership, self-efficacy, group cohesiveness, commitment, and performance” by Ranjnandini Pillai, and Ethlyn A. Williams, they attempt to explain the link between Transformational leadership, self-development, and performance. They “tested a model proposing that transformational leaders build committed and high performing work groups by enhancing employee self-efficacy and cohesiveness. Questionnaires were completed by 303 ﬁre department personnel following preliminary in-depth interviews with ﬁre rescue personnel. After accounting for missing data, 271 responses were included in our data analysis. Results indicated support for the theoretical model in comparison to three alternative models that were considered”1 (Pillai & Williams, 2004)
“Bandura has deﬁned perceived self-efficacy as . . . beliefs in one’s capabilities to organize and execute courses of action required in managing prospective situations. Efficacy beliefs inﬂuence how people think, feel, motivate themselves, and act”2 (Pillai & Williams, 2004). These concepts help us to understand the relationship between our belief systems, and our ability to affect change in our lives and environment. This is a crucial understanding, as individuals with high self-efficacy behave and perform drastically different from those with low self-efficacy when faced with adversity and challenge. Those with higher self-efficacy tend to double their efforts when adversity occurs, while individuals with lower self-efficacy tend to become demoralized and de-motivated. In cohesive teams, the article proposes models of transformational leadership have a direct relationship correlation with performance. The trials took place by questionnaire of several fire department employees at various levels in the organizations, asking questions related to “their ability to achieve goals using a seven point scale of agree and disagree.” (Pillai & Williams, 2004)3 “In the direct model, the parameter estimates of the paths from
transformational leadership to cohesiveness, self-efficacy, commitment and
perceptions of unit performance were 0.45 ð p , 0:001Þ; 0.18 ð p , 0:01Þ; 0.27
ð p , 0:001Þ; and 0.41 ð p , 0:001Þ; respectively. “4 (Pillai & Williams, 2004) The following model taken from the article represents the general concept and results of the trials:

5 (Pillai & Williams, 2004)

In the article “A Test of Bandura’s theory: Generalized self-efficacy and the personality traits of introversion and extroversion as measures of job performance” by James G. Hadley additionally proposed the idea that introversion and extroversion also have a role to play in job performance. These results are interesting, and show that introverts are able to master the skills and talents of extroverts, and can make decisions in a more precise and timely manor, the extroverts often find it difficult to look within to answer questions, and thus are less able to adapt.
They describe the study as “addressing Albert Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy as a general construct rather than a domain-specific trait of personality, and seeks to d determine if generalized self-efficacy (GSE) are capable of predicting job performance. The personality traits of introversion and extroversion were also measured and compared to GSE to test whether or not trait theory and social learning theory could be correlated with job performance. One hundred fifty-one subjects were given the on-line version of Keirsey Temperament Sorter II (KTS II) to determine their traits of introversion and extroversion. They were also administrated a GSE scale developed by Schwarzer and Jerusalem. Subjects were assessed on their job performance using a calibrated performance feedback assessment form at the one and two-month period.”6 (Hadley, 2003) It goes on to say “zero-order correlations and indicated that GSE and extroversion accounted for no significant variance in overall job performance. Age (r=.25, p<.01), education (r-.18,p<.05), and introversion (r=-.16,p<.05), did have a significant positive correlation to job performance. Implications from this study suggest that self-efficacy has poor utility as a general construct, but may be more effective as domain specific concept as Bandura proposed. Overall, however, personality traits appear to be weak predictors of job performance. In addition, contrary to expectations, introverts showed a higher positive correlation to job performance as measured in retraining program for internet service providers. This particular finding could suggest that introverts may be more successful in positions related to information technology that require researching and investigating customer problems, or they simply may have been highly motivated than extroverts whom trait theory would have predicted would do better. Possibly, introverts can master extroverted tasks, while extroverts are just good at being extroverts but cannot adapt as easily to the introverted environment. More research is needed to answer this question. Finally, comparing trait theory to social learning theory revealed no significant difference in predicting job performance.”7 (Hadley, 2003) As a Technical Process Analyst at a major financial institution, these results are fascinating; as I currently work within an exciting, cohesive team of high performers, lead by a Transformational Leader that innately promotes self-efficacy and dedication to the success of the project. Having spent over eight years in the industry, much of my craft involving diagramming and flowcharting, I can appreciate the visual model and correlations proposed by Transformational Leadership, and can relate to many concepts experientially. I can especially those of the introverted perspective on problem solving, as that is my primary mode of functioning and processing. I absorb the content, process it, and decide my next course of action, while some extroverts are already onto the next issue. This can sometimes cause tangents and confusion in meetings, and can often result in a lack of clarity within the team. Through observation, I notice the abrupt and almost confrontational nature of some extroverts can be a hindrance in the business world, while others simply make their opinions known, fast, furious and burnout quickly. The my experience introverts are able to emulate and decisively use those skills as well as others, to bring about optimal results, and thus produce optimal performance in all aspects of life. Achieving mastery through trial and error, processing and refinement. Continuous improvement, a cycle of constant change and optimization of life, and at the work place, as we work towards higher and higher levels of professional self-actualization as proposed by visionaries such as Maslow, and his hierarchy of needs. To conclude, who we are, how we learn, and how we behave directly relate to job performance. The striving of for peak levels of mastery and performance is a process that can perhaps take many life times. Key modes of functioning such as introversion and extroversion, concepts derived from Carl Jung’s theories can also aid this process. When combined with self-efficacy, and a willing spirit of self-development, there is no end to our accomplishments. These individuals that reach peak levels of self-actualizations can change the world like Jesus or Buddha, or conversely work for a company for 25 years in the same mundane job, fading into the background, and die with their music within them. Those with high self efficacy, especially when focused on skill development in specific areas like Technology and Customer Oriented Problem Solving, as I am in my profession, are able to utilize our introverted analytical processing like a magnifying glass, focusing our energies towards individual tasks and skills, as we continue our work of mastery. End Notes

Pillai, Rajnandini, Williams, Ethlyn A. (2004). Transformational leadership, self-efficacy, group cohesiveness, commitment, and performance, Journal of Organizational Change Management, 17, 144.
Pillai, Rajnandini, Williams, Ethlyn A. (2004). Transformational leadership, self-efficacy, group cohesiveness, commitment, and performance, Journal of Organizational Change Management, 17, 145.
Pillai, Rajnandini, Williams, Ethlyn A. (2004). Transformational leadership, self-efficacy, group cohesiveness, commitment, and performance, Journal of Organizational Change Management, 17, 150.
Pillai, Rajnandini, Williams, Ethlyn A. (2004). Transformational leadership, self-efficacy, group cohesiveness, commitment, and performance, Journal of Organizational Change Management, 17, 154.
Pillai, Rajnandini, Williams, Ethlyn A. (2004). Transformational leadership, self-efficacy, group cohesiveness, commitment, and performance, Journal of Organizational Change Management, 17, 153.
Hadley , James G.(2003). A Test of Bandura’s theory: Generalized self-efficacy and the personality traits of introversion and extroversion as measures of job performance, Dissertation 1, ii
Hadley , James G.(2003). A Test of Bandura’s theory: Generalized self-efficacy and the personality traits of introversion and extroversion as measures of job performance, Dissertation 1, iii.

The Inner Process, New Look and Feel

2008-06-21T01:26:00.004-04:00

The site has under gone some changes, to represent the change in several areas. New energy and motivation surrounds each and every project, and now it's only a matter of focusing to finish off the few remaining details of the The 7th Journey project, which will begin the next stage of development. The site, now more attractive, is distinctly professional, and more lively than the dark, mysterious themes of old. This symbolically represented the early, rather mysertious nature of The 7th Journey development phase, but now as we progress further towards the publishing of the final product, the site has a matured, more professional appeal.

The T7J project is still underway, although lately my time has been taxed for various other reasons. I have solicited some reader feedback with regards to the synopsis, and I'm working to incorporate the excellent feedback I've obtained. Thank you to all that have participated in this pilot project, which at times has taken a life of it's own.

Currently, I'm also undergoing several training and certification processes, mainly in the areas of Lean Six Sigma - Green belt, Certified Process Engineering Specialist (CPES), and just finishing off my course at Ryerson University - Perspectives in Psychology.

Perspectives in Psychology was an excellent course. It focused on the Learning Procedures, Operant vs. Classical conditioning, Social cognitive, and biological perspectives. Our class had some very interesting discussions around abnormal behaviour, social behaviour, and various other topics of great interest. The final paper that I submitted was around "Transformational Leadership, and it's affects on Job Performance and Self Efficacy." I may be posting the paper in the coming weeks, for those who are interested, as I believe it ties together many ideas and concepts relevant to today's world.

I will be finishing off the year by working towards my VMWare Certified Professional (VCP) certifications, along with ITIL v3 Foundations and Expert: Continual Service Improvement certifications. Going forward I will work towards picking up further accreditation and certifications as I work towards my Information Technology Management degree. As I feel that these markers of achievements set the stage for a broad career in the Information Technology management/consulting field, with a specialization in Process Optimization and Virtualization/Consolidation through VMWare skill sets.

As this continues, I will also be opening my doors for students who are interested in learning of the system of Unarmed Combat which I train, called "The White Lotus System" (http://www.whitelotussystem.com). As I will be working with a fellow instructor, to run a series of classes which span across 2 - 4 days per month, with optional classes in between. For those who are interested, you may contact me via email.

Thanks very much.

Regards,

Robert

We've broke 900!

2008-05-29T18:02:00.003-04:00

The Inner Process Blog has reached 900 views on Site Meter, meaning this website has been viewed 900 times! This blog has been in existence since 2005, and has been a place for me to write about my thoughts, and topics that I think are pertinent to concentrating on the Inner Process of my life, and concepts related to removing struggle. I wanted to take the opportunity to thank the people that view this site, and acknowledge your participation in The 7th Journey Project, and taking interest in my perspectives, thoughts, and ideas. Each and everyone of you that have viewed the site, are members of the Inner Process, and are somehow being touched by some or all of the concepts portrayed on this site. So I thank you for your participation, your patronage, and your time.

It is important to take the time to acknowledge where you've come from, what has been accomplished, and where you're going, in order to properly honour your efforts and commitment. It is only in this honouring, that positive forward movement can take place - otherwise we tend to gloss over our accomplishments and wonder if we've ever done anything at all. Well we have, and we continue to do so. Honour yourself, your achievements, your family, your loved ones and friends, and move on. Attach not to the fruits of your efforts, but honour them when appropriate, and move forward to take on the next adventure.

So again, I thank you for taking this journey with me, this grand adventure into thought, and enlightenment, and I hope this has made a difference in your lives. I wish you well.

Robert Graham

T7J Update

2008-05-28T22:38:00.004-04:00

The long awaited Synopsis is now complete. After a long, and I mean long - painstaking process of shrinking down a 120,000 word manuscript into a 7 page summary is now finished. This took a great deal of effort on my part, and the part of my colleagues who assisted me through the process, as this is often the most difficult part for writers. How do you encapsulate the depth and impact that the manuscript contains, into a 7 page sales pitch? Well, that is where the real test of your writing abilities come into play.

After spending months researching the proper APA standards, and Chicago book of style formats, I've completed the synopsis - which is now in the proper format to be reviewed by my first target agent. Park Literary Group. Initially, I will be sending my package to them, with 3 other agents in queue. I will send these packages off with as much positive energy as I can muster, knowing fully that I've done all I can do in preparation.

This will allow me to fully immerse myself, guilt free, into Book II. Visions and images of the book have been coming to me, and now it's finally time to channel it fully and bring it all together. I couldn't begin real work on Book II until I've done the work needed for Book I to be accepted by agents and publishers. As this is how my dreams will fully materialize. Now... the path is clear for me to continue the creative process.

As a result, you'll be seeing more frequent updates to the blog site, as I describe some of the concepts involved in the trilogy, as they present themselves. The toughest part is over, and now the fun begins again.

Thanks for reading.

Notes On A Deliberate Life

2008-05-05T13:18:00.001-04:00

A life lived deliberately, is a life lived. Deliberate intent is a powerful thing... this has created worlds, and oceans... galaxies and stars, so why would it not create all that you desire? We forget this sometimes... how powerful we are. We get caught up in the day to day maintenance of our lifestyles, and the persona's our work and life creates. We slowly lose touch with what is real. Well lets make this a bit easier for us... what is real?

Real is that which we choose to include in our sphere of thought, that which is born of our perspective. The sphere of thoughts is the boundaries (as defined by you) with which you're allowing thought to enter your mind, based upon that which you are focusing on. As a man thinkth, as is done unto him. What you're thinking about manifests, what you're thinking about is included into your vibration, what you're thinking about is created, experienced, and is real... to you. And that is all that real is... and the further you drive out a clear understanding of what thoughts you include within your vibration, the more precise of a creator you are.

What do you define as a creator? Because you're not able to manifest a horse or an elephant immediately in-front of you, as you think of it... do you think you are lacking power? Lacking the power to manifest even these things? Because believe me, the time delay between what we are thinking about, and what manifests physically is a very huge grace... a gift to us ignorant, often clumsy, and unconscious creators. How many times have you wished something horrible on someone or something in your life? Even in childhood, are you the one that never thought a bad thought about a person, parent, or what have you? Doubtful... we've all experienced that. And what a sad world we would live in, if those things came true instantly. But believe me, think long enough on anything... and you will get your elephant.

Become deliberate. Deliberately refine your vibration, deliberately create your life, and understand the causality of your decisions, on you and on everyone around you. Refine your decisions to only include those thoughts that cause positive, happy, delicious, powerful, humble, open, enthusiastic, joyful, accepting, real thoughts and feelings. Why listen to me? I don't ask you to, because how can I possibly describe the vast difference between those living deliberately, and those who aren't. All I can ask is that you trust your gut, because if these words cause you to think or feel lighter... than this was the message for you. If these words seem difficult or 'boring' (a wall to contain/restrain conscious growth), then move on. You will find what you need elsewhere, I have no doubt. All I offer is the thoughts which are born of my perspective, and I ask for nothing in return, including your agreement.

Transitions and Change

2008-05-02T15:30:00.003-04:00

Transitions and change seem to come in cycles, waves of cosmic change affecting the masses of people through the world, and throughout the universe. But why is it that we all experience similar, yet unique aspects of this change at the same time? This should lead some skeptics to the obvious fact that we are all much more connected than we realize, that we are of one mind, which seeks change after a stretch of stagnation.

I witness this change all around me. Within the group which I am leaving, I notice change everywhere. Within the organization with which I am affiliated, I notice grand structural change. Within the friends that associate with me, I notice drastic changes within all aspects of their lives, and on a large scale. And in the cyles of you, the reader, I imagine that if you look closely, you'd find the change within everyone you know, everyone you've met, the places at which you work, and the relationships with which you've established.

The cycle has come, and we are ready for change. Two years have passed since the last major change, and now, once again, we are here. Think back to where you were two years ago. Were you not in a similar situation with change all around you?

Of course, there is the obvious answer to that, which is yes, change is always around us in every aspect of the word. As all things are impermanent, on a molecular level, a macroscopic level, and a cosmic level, there is always movement, always change. Change being the only constant... but my point is that large, grandiose changes actually occur in large scale cycles, affecting all of us at once. Waves and waves of change, bombarding us with positive change, or negative change, depending on which side of polarity you currently affiliate with.

An understanding of these cycles, specifically as it relates to your own life is key. Because now, you will be able to trust and predict large scale structural changes within your life, and then prepare for them, and ensure that you, yourself are on the optimal polarity affiliation (positive or negative), so that these large, structural changes affect you in the most beneficial of ways.

I personally, because I am aware, aware of these cycles and of many core concepts of living a struggle free life, I was able to ensure the most positive reaction occured during this time of immense change. As such, The 7th Journey project received a large boost forward, my 9-5 career received the most optimal shift, my personal relationships deepened, and my understanding of core concepts, and the actualization of them (adoption) was realized. This has jetisoned me forward in all aspects of life, deepening my awareness, bringing me into the moment of NOW. My progress has greatly accelerated due to this awareness, and this is why I share it with you, my curious readers.

I have noticed however, that not all people have experienced the benefits of these cycles in the most optimal of ways. Before the shift began, perhaps 3 - 6 months ago, people were given a choice in terms of how they'd like to live the rest of their lives going forward. Each choice differed for every person, but each of them revolved around structural changes, large in scale, and relevant to their own experience. Of those that I am aware of, some actually chose to affiliate, and work with the negative polarities, and thus have experienced immense suffering, attachment, and pain as a result. The struggle of life ensued, thus they have lost their way.

Life continually brings you to "The Way", the path of enlightenment, the path without struggle, the path without suffering. The Buddha's simplest definition of enlightenment is this "The absense of suffering.", thus giving us "The Way." When people have "Lost their way", they have become lost in the unending struggle of life, have lost their way to peace, and have on top of this, become unreceptive to concepts, and information that lead back to "The Way." This is unfortunate, because many of those folks will definitely require another journey back to Earth in their next life - as they are too far gone to be "saved" or pointed back to "The Way", the end of suffering, the way to peace, and the path of enlightenment.

For those people, we can only pray they catch a glimpse of the way, and hit rock bottom, and become receptive to the concept that their current decision making process is greatly flawed, and leads to unending struggle in life. Their perspective and belief system now corrupt, and the way to peace seems like some far off goal. This is unfortunate, but that is their process. The universe does not create pointless creations, they too will find the way. But perhaps... not this life.

A Switch to Technology

2008-04-30T09:59:00.004-04:00

After a series of events, both professional and personal, I've come to a decision that I am best suited to explore my options within the Technical field. Process work has been a fantastic stepping stone in my development, on many levels, as it has helped me truly get grounded in reality in many ways. It has given me a series of valuable experiences, models, methodologies, and views of the world that are lacking in many fields. I will continue to evolve this mindset as I continue forward in my development, as my new role also requires process knowledge, from a design, and continuous improvement point of view. I will continue to achieve further certifications within the Business Analysis and Process Consulting field, as I want to keep myself sharp in both industries which will yield more options for me in the future.

It is important to have skillsets which are marketable in a variety of situations, such as Business problem solving, via methodologies such as DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control), organizing businesses into People, Process, and Technology, and improving efficiency. These skills are invaluable in my profession, and are portable to almost any scenario and industry. I value the learnings I've obtained through 'Lean Processing', and Process Improvement, however now that my skills are at a Senior level, it is time to ensure that my other skillsets are kept up to date.

I have moved into a role as a Technical Analyst, as opposed to my previous role as a Process Analyst (Senior Consultant), for a variety of reasons. Many of which I've mentioned in previous posts. Technology interests me, working with people interests me, and creating new environments, and optimizing for efficiency brings me great joy. This - above all, is the reason for my shift.

Future aspirations, perhaps in a couple years, or more. I will move to Project Management, to fully round out my skillsets. At which point, I will have the Process Mindset, the Technical Skills, and then I will obtain a track record of On time Service or Project Delivery via Project Management. This will round out my skills, and along with my academic background, and allow me to move to a more contract / consulting role that will allow me to travel to virtually anywhere in the world with my family.

The books which I continue to write, will always be apart of me, and always be my primary creative outlet, and perhaps one day - I will be fortunate to move to that career as a fulltime profession. Enjoying sunsets, moving through consciousness, evolving, training kung fu, and playing guitar on the beach for a small group of my friends and loved ones. This, is now - a step in the right direction.

Heaven is here, the time is now.

Process Update

2008-04-23T21:30:00.002-04:00

The last few months, I have experienced many things. A slow down in the development or completion of my proposal packages for one, yet I have also experienced many advancements in research. I have experienced many slow downs at work, only to reveal a slingshot effect into a new and entirely different aspect of my development. The changes I experienced awakened in me, the truth of who I am.

At times, the content of life, and the attachment of the ego to that content stirs within you many experiences, emotions, projection, and a willingness to expand awareness beyond the limitation of the current situations. In my recent attachments to my career, and the role in which I play, I realized many things about myself - mainly that I may be able and quite capable in doing the work, however the lack of joy I experienced was a massive reminder as to who I truly am.

Who I truly am is not a function of my role, the role of uncle, brother, son... friend, colleague, martial artist... writer... none of these roles truly represent who I am. Who I am is evolving consciousness, and that consciousness, without attachment to roles, seeks joy. Without Joy, without this high quality experience of life, there is suffering. Happiness is, and can be very fleeting. Happiness is not within things, we are within happiness, if we choose to be. Happiness is a state of being, and is not a function of having or doing. Without this realization, happiness will always be fleeting... a glimpse of hope, in a world full of attachments to ego, to opinion, to form (physicality, or physical stuff), yet with each high, there is an equal opposite low. This will be the constant state of life without a realization that happiness is ultimately a choice.

My main realization, through the events which have transpired as of late, have brought me to a state of being in which I truly realize the doing in which brings me strength, which brings me power, and happiness... in the midst of those doings that made me depleted, and left me in very low states of energy.

Who I am within the world of form, of physicality, is an amass-ment of what doings I decide bring me the most happiness, and allow me to be in a state of pure beingness - as opposed to being in a state of attachment to a role. The things that I do which bring me presence in my being, that which allows me to concentrate soley on the current moment, and those things which bring me absolute peace of mind (meaning an absence of thought), are writing, kung fu, and work with technology, and to a lesser degree (only because I am still in a great learning curve which requires mental activity) guitar.

Those activities bring me presence in my being, and remove me from the world of thought. It brings me to a state of peace, to a state of love, to a state of being who I truly am. Pure consciousness... the awareness beyond thought.

Many activities can bring you to this place of pure absence of thought. Extreme physical activities that require concentration, meditation, deep breathing exercises... music... etc. There are infinite paths to peace of mind, but you must realize the difference between who you truly are, and the role you so happen to be playing.

I am a strong believer in the concept that whatever I am meant to learn will be presented to me under any and all conditions, so for example, if I was not a "Senior Process Consultant", I would be some other title or role, and the conditions would still be presented to me which would promote my best and greatest development of consciousness. But if you are trapped within a role, and are unaware of it, you will end up learning through negative aspects of yourself. If you choose to do something which brings you joy, you will be presented with the experiences which develop your consciousness through positive aspects of yourself. It is this recognition of your own being, and your best mode of functioning which brings you closer to who you truly are.

So... now... where does this leave me in context with the project of "The 7th Journey?" Now... the project will receive an incredible boost of energy. An incredible jolt of power, and an incredible jetison forward... just as I have on a personal level. This is because I will no longer be depleted, no longer experience limitation, and no longer seek to "reset my mind" in order to work on the project. Now, all actions through my life will work towards the same end. Happiness... presence... oneness with life. There will no longer be contention within... there will only be expression of joy without. This... is the 11th gate that I have been waiting for. The slingshot forward.. and now... the project is ready to move forward.

The packages will be sent to the agents with the right energies... as opposed to the packages being sent out in a state of conflict. This is what "The 7th Journey" has been waiting for... this is what I've been waiting for. So now... finally... it has begun.

Thank you for reading.

Past, Future, Now!

2008-04-14T23:02:00.003-04:00

With the new advent of spirituality being ushered in by Oprah, and Eckhart Tolle, focus has once again shifted back to the concept of NOW. What is now? Why do spiritualists continually remind the non spiritualists of this concept?

Often we are reminded of the construct of mind. The aspect of ourselves that "thinks", not to be confused with the physical brain. Science is at a loss to explain the mind in context with the brain. Are we simply a result of neurons firing in context with external stimulus? Many scientists would like to believe so.

Are we more than this? Are we the soul which priests and others profess exists? Or are we more than this? Are we less than this? The truth is, from our physical perspective, we may never have a clear understanding, or any definitive proof as to what we truly are. We can surmize and interpret, conceptualize and theorize all we'd like, but ultimately, the brain may be nothing more than a receptor for something more. A radio receiver for energies more subtle than our instruments can detect. This too is still a theory. In fact, all religions are theories, all theologies are theories. None of what our holy books profess can be proven, none of them consist of fact, none of them hold anything more than ideas, which are often misinterpreted, and misconstrued as "THE WORD OF GOD", but ultimately are nothing more than the words of egotistical men, the most influential editors and publishers of our time. Our bibles, our quran's, our torah's.... who wrote them? More importantly... who believes them?

Many do... the sad truth... many still BELIEVE Them. Belief is the true creator of our reality, regardless of what our spiritual gurus may profess. Shed your egos! Shed your beliefs! Be present in the moment, wholy and completely! Be poor in spirit (with no physical attachments!) be this, and be that! What are we other than the products of our environments... cliche after cliche, concept after concept... each with a new message, mostly derived from old texts... and old thoughts. New warriors of spirit, ushering in a new age of what? Thought? Belief?

We are human, right now. We have desires, right now. We have emotions, right now, we have needs... right now! To dismiss them is to dismiss your nature. Yes there is much to be gained by being in the moment. Being in the now. But what does that ultimately mean? Think of a computers processor. What we call a CPU (Central Processing unit), it has 100% resources or processing power to devote to one task. Think of that as being "in the moment, or in the now", when we devide that processor into segments, with parts dealing with this concept, or parts dealing with those past memories, or future events, we divide that CPU into parts. It only stands to reason that when a processing resource is divided into parts, that it will take longer to complete a particular action or process, so this is the reality. The NOW has many advantages which athletes have known for years. And of course it only stands to reason... that when being in the "Zone", you are devoting 100% of your processing power to one task. Ultimately this is how "top" performers behave... devoting 100% of their processing to their one activity, which seamingly creates even more magnificant output. Well yes.. that is the human condition.

We have the Conscious, the Subconscious, and the Unconsious. Three modes of processing. The conscious is able to hold perhaps 2000 bits of information during thw now, where the sub and unconscious can process billions of bits. Removing the conscious from the equation ultimately allows the sub and unconscious resources to perform feats of amazement, and even allows us to experience what we would call altered states of consiousness during these times. Truth is, even in the NOW moment as professed by topical spiritualists as Eckhard Tolle, we are still only actualizing our other modes of HUMAN processing. We are not accessing something "spiritual" per se, only accessing resources that are built into us for millions of years.

Do I believe we have souls? Yes of course I do, but I also think we need to be real about our human processes, our human desires, and our human condition. Only until we have totally resolved and understood the machine which is our bodies, can we possibly understand the factors in which animates it.

We are Ultimately Energy. And assume a body which is conducive to the reality in which we exist. Here... in this realm, we have EGO. Ego is a necessary function of the human mind... the human condition. Otherwise, if we are unable to identify with objects in our relative world, we would do nothing, except stare at the wall, and they'd lock us up. Ego allows us to relate to that which exists physically, and attach meaning to those objects. Without meaning, we lack language, without language we lack an ability to communicate, to advance.

In times prior to our development of verbal language, we relied heavily on body language, and intuitive respones (or telepathy), but in our present evolution we have discareded those facalties predominantely, and now rely on language. We will not Unlearn this for many hundreds of years, until psychic abilities are common place, and we eventually find language to be sluggish and obsolete... but for now, this is where we are.

Ego is necessary. Ego allows us to grow, and the very fact that we exist here... on this plane of existance means we have ego. Always will. When we progress to other states of consciousness, and move to other dimensions of reality, we may not need an ego, and in fact there are dimensions where we cannot go if we still retain our ego. But for now, it is with us. It has a thousand faces... even the face that says "i have no ego".

Be wary of spiritualists with grandious concepts that lack realism. Be wary of modes of thinking which ask you to move away from your very nature. If bliss is found in your current moment... seek to reproduce it. By whatever means necessary. Seek the bliss, seek the pleasure, seek the happiness, for that is what enhances the quality of your life.

The Mind itself may interfere with your quality of life, but belittling you... by berating you... by hindering you... because it is nothing more than a recorder of past thoughts and concepts, and brings them forth when it deams most useful. Do not let the tracktor run away with itself. Control your thought processes, and make them work for you... not against you. For happiness is the only reality worth living for... and dying for. Anything less, is not who you are.

A Constant Evolution

2008-03-05T15:46:00.004-05:00

It takes time to realize what you've accomplished. It takes time to amass your accomplishments, and even more time to OBJECTIVELY look back at what you've done. But it's an important step in the process, or one inevitably loses steam.

Luckily I have those around me who are constant reminders of the accomplishments achieved in the last few years, and those people help me stay grounded. In the seeker's journey to the next stage of being, there is a constant feeling of being unfinished. Regardless of what you've accomplished... or how far you've come... it's never over, nor can it EVER be over.

We are never finished in our work of who we are. Sometimes the work of who we really are, comes in the form of books, computer software, paintings, poems, or the various other types of creative outlets... but it's important to note that although these creations may have come from you, they too are not who you are. They are just a reflection of your present reality, and what you hold most true about who you are.

The universe is simply a mirror, a reflection of your inner most desire, your thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. And only when we change ourselves on the inside, do we notice the change in our reflections. Sometimes this is a sobering thought, when you look about you in all aspects of your life, Family, Work, Creativity, Physicality, Relationships, etc, and you realize... wow, what have I become... or look at what I've created?!

A strange thing happens however, when the average person is directly confronted with this truth... and that's called Redirection, Denial, and Justification. With Redirection, the person seems to point to other factors in life, and blame those for what has occured. Denial, is typically... the "it wasn't me" attitude, and a simple rejection of all that relates to them... and Justification, is that comfortable space somewhere inside yourselves, that allows you to justify and continue your current behaviour.

Is there a remedy to this? Yes. Constant Evolution. Continue to make strides.. regardless of how small... continue to make steps forward... regardless of how little ground... but continue as much as possible, in the direction of your purest form, and you too... can one day look back at all you've created with your small, constant steps... and you too can say "It is Good."

7th Journey Hardcover - Request Only

2007-12-04T08:32:00.001-05:00

Right now, I'm only accepting requests from individuals for an advanced Hard Cover copy of The 7th Journey - Book 1. The posting that I had up on Lulu was the original manuscript version, that I have given to friends and family. I've ordered a few copies for myself for demonstration purposes when speaking with industry professionals, such as agents or publishers, and for my own personal collection.

I am no longer offering advanced copies of the work to the public, and I have strict controls on the copies that I have distributed. This is because I'm continuing my task of finding a qualified agent to represent me in the U.S. market. This is quite a job in itself, but well worth the effort.

I will consider special requests for advanced copies of the manuscript, however the majority will have to wait for the Mass Market edition, which will hit shelves sometime in '08. I am open to questions or comments, that readers may leave on this site. I will respond to them as soon as I can. Thanks for reading.

Regards,

Robert

Inevitable Dreams

2007-11-21T10:02:00.001-05:00

"So many dreams at first seem impossible. And then they seem improbable. And then when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable." -- Christopher Reeve

So often in life, we've wished for things to come true. So often we've wondered how things come to be, for those who seem to get what they desire. I have often wondered this myself. I have often looked up to the sky, and wondered what it would take to get to the place that I've always longed to be.

Now I know.

It is the same for all of us... we all desire, and forever will desire to be in a better state than we currently are. Even those, who seem to be at the place, and have acquired the skills, knowledge, and experience that we've longed for... even those blessed souls, do in fact desire something more for themselves. And always will.

The contrast of our experience, in all facets of life, no matter where we are, will generate desire. For example. Take a person who is 'overweight', and contrasted against someone who is thin, this person may desire to lose weight. When we were young, and short, we desired to grow older, or to grow taller. The contrasting experience caused a desire to stir within us, that allowed us to grow up. I train martial arts, and contrasted with our Grand Master, I desire to fight like he does. All contrast in life, causes desire.

This birth of desire in our lives, gives rise to dreams. These dreams may seem impossible at first, but they are always... always achievable. No matter what you conjure up. The only contrast between those who achieve their dreams, and those who do not, is their perseverance, and will power.

The solution is simple (but not easy):

Contrast gives birth to desire. Desire gives birth to dreams. Dreams give birth to thought. Thought gives birth to belief. Belief and will power, will manifest your dreams.

Soon, the constant thought of your dream, the constant act of bringing it to you, through your natural vibration, and through the attracting power of your vibration... the universe will shift, and twist, and mold itself in away to bring you exactly what you've desired. So be careful what you wish for... and how long you wish for it... because it will surely come true.

This of course, is an example of desire / manifestation working the positive spectrum. It too can work in the negative, and does for most people who are unconsciously aware of the process. There is 'no such thing as no' in the universe. "I don't want to get sick!" gets you sick. "I don't want to get fat" gets you fat, "I don't want to be alone!" causes you to be alone. If you don't believe me... try it for yourself. But I'm sure by now, many of you have mastered manifestation in the negative. "I didn't want this in my life!!! Why is it here?!?!?" Because you wished it so.

This site, is a documentation of my own dreams, and my own path. This site shows, through my thoughts and experiences, my poems and letters, that I too have manifested something into this world. And that has been the most powerful journey of them all. And now I am ready to share it with all of you. Thanks for reading.

Robert J. Graham

The 7th Journey - Limited Edition - On Sale until Dec 1

2007-11-13T12:22:00.001-05:00

For those of you that wish to purchase a hard cover copy of the 7th journey, then I suggest you do it this week or next, as I will be making the product “private” come December 1st, as I will be pursuing proper representation via agents, and will de-list the product from the internet.

I will be coming out with paper back versions of the book in the New Year for distribution to Editors, Agents, Publishers, and to have it on-hand during future meetings, but that is on the back burner right now, as the Hard Cover book will do. I am also awaiting some concept art work for the book cover, before investing the time and money into various copies of the paper back. Essentially I want to ensure that the cover is as I’d like it, before purchasing multiple copies.

Creating the hard cover version was also a good opportunity for me to test the waters of those around me, and to discern interest levels, and the reactions of the general populous. The feedback has been interesting, and I’ve realized a great deal from this first release of the book. I will continue my pursuit of agents, and publishers, and book deals in the New Year.

A copy of the Limited Edition Hard Cover is available here:

http://www.lulu.com/content/1395866

Thank you for your time, and interest.

Regards,

Robert J. Graham
Author

7th Journey - Book Release Commentary (Hard Cover Edition)

2007-11-08T11:05:00.002-05:00

The hard cover, and the download of "The 7th Journey - Book I", is apart of my overall strategy for obtaining large scale representation. Right now, this particular move through LULU Publishing, will allow me to have a copy of the book, in hand, and available for those who ask about it, this is until the large scale, advertising campaign begins.

The Hard Cover, is a high quality book, with cream inside pages, and a dust jacket. This can be autographed upon request. This book will be a stepping stone in process of getting proper representation from an Agent, and eventually a Big Name Publisher (e.g. Penguin books). I am currently in the process of obtaining proper representation, which will eventually culminate in a multi book deal, beginning with Book 1.

For those who are truly interested, Book 1 in Hard Cover format is a limited edition, and a collector's piece for fans of the story. I am extremely proud of this release, and I hope it is enjoyable by all who purchase a copy.

I will accept questions or comments via this forum, thank you very much!

Best Regards,

Robert J. Graham

The 7th Journey - The Auditum Trilogy - Book I

2007-11-07T18:41:00.001-05:00

The 7th Journey - Book 1

I'm proud to announce that The 7th Journey - The Auditum Trilogy - Book I is now available in Hard Cover format. This book as taken me 3 years to produce. Many hours of research, writing, and passion came together to finish this book, and I'm pleased to release it to the public.

I will continue this site, and continue to discuss my ideas, present interesting concepts, respond to reader comments, and speak to the progression of my next project: The 7th Journey - Book II

Description of Book I:

Book 1 of The 7th Journey, sets the stage for the Auditum saga, The 7th Journey is the story of Robert whose curiosity and circumstance has landed him a position with Netex, a Canadian R&D firm. Robert is hired to discover the missing components of the Auditum technology, but discovers more than he bargains for through the death of his close friend. This sparks further investigation into the source of the technology, as its true purpose is still in question. The technology causes Robert to experience various realities, which bring his very sanity into question, as he develops several uncanny abilities, while his life unravels around him. As the experiments continue, he meets a mysterious woman from another dimension, who suggests that his true destiny is far greater than he has ever imagined. Coupled with the direction of a mysterious girl, an old wizard, and the last prodigal son of a Sufi religion, Robert gains new wisdom about himself, and the world around him, in preparation for what is to come.

Accepting your Limitations

2007-08-04T12:50:00.004-04:00

There comes a time where we all must accept our limitations. August is proving to be a very stressful month. At work, I'm in the midst of rolling out a major ITIL implementation of Change and Release management. I find that ironic, in context with my process experience, my desire to understand change, and my yearning to enable organizational development (business, cultural, or conceptual).

August is also the month where I will be heavily involved in Kung Fu workshops, where I will be advancing much further than I have in the past, by way of an intense 40 hour training week. Once this is complete, I will be well on my way to Mastery. This will then allow me to open up a studio, or take on many more students than I have currently. This training is not only physical, it trains you how to be a functioning and honest individual. Especially with yourself. Through accepting your limitations, you can understand how you can advance more quickly to another level, instead of imaging you are more than what you actually are.

In addition to this, I am also in the midst of personal / relationship complexities that allow me to delve deeper into the understanding of our cultural splits and dilemmas. This has expanded my heart, and my empathy for the individuals who suffer, not only with poor living conditions, but with misplaced trust, and limited understanding and struggle for advancement. This has been the most worth while study of my life, and only strengthens my resolve to assist those around me. Perhaps my series of books will make their way into the hands of these individuals to expand their perspectives, and alleviate their stresses. But first... I must lead by example.

The Journey Continues.

Ask Robert!

2007-07-16T00:19:00.004-04:00

As a fun little exercise, and to generate more group involvement, I'm asking a favour of this small community. Challenge me. In an anyonymous posting I would like you to ask a question, and I will answer it. I will research your question, and come up with an answer for you, tailored to your situation, although phrased as to allow transferance to assist others in similar situations. What qualifies me to answer these questions? I will do the following in my responses:

- will relate back to Spiral Dynamics

- will relate back to Spiritual Philosophies

- will relate back to Process Methodologies (Kaizen, Six Sigma, PI Engineering)

- will relate back to NLP, Hypnosis

- will relate back to Kung Fu

- will relate back to Astral Dynamics

- will relate back to Psychology

Do you have questions any of the following?

- Psychics - Do they know what they are talking about? Is there something more to this?

- The Universe - Do you wonder why things happen the way they do? In your life, or in others?

- Life circumstances - Do you have a pressing issue, and you're concerned with how to move forward?

No holds barred, it doesn't matter what you ask, as long as it's sincere and in the spirit of the exercise. Ask the Guru! Your questions, can and will be the focus for articles in the coming months, so ask away!

Proposal... On the Way!

2007-07-13T12:47:00.001-04:00

Currently, I've been spending much of my time working on the proposal for Book 1. It's harder than it seems. What is a proposal? It's a large (roughly 100 page) document, that describes the book, plot, market, genre, about the author, has comparisons to other (similar) books, and other various sections, that are essentially there to entice a publisher.

There are many things that go into a proposal... a great deal of research is required, and is currently under way. Much of it is already complete, and at this time, I'm roughly 60% of the way through it. I am also not doing it entirely alone. I have help (thankfully), because as much as I am a creative type, and as much as I like to write, that doesn't necessarily mean I can write marketing text. I've written the book, but can I sell it? That's a different process entirely, and I'm not so foolish to assume that I can do it all on my own. This proposal has to represent the best quality work that I'm able to produce... otherwise it will end up in the infamous "slush" pile, that so many other manuscripts have ended up.

At this time, I've decided that the proposal will be completed in the same fashion as book 1. On its own time, and it will take as long as it takes, to produce the quality that I'm looking for. For a time, I tried to track towards a project plan... but that proved difficult, as the entire team is made up of creative types... who don't normally like being held to timelines. I also didn't appreciate the process while going through it in that fashion... for the follow reasons:

- How many projects have I actually worked on that met their "Go Live Date?" - Zero
- How are the stress levels of individuals who track towards projects? High
- How does the process feel when tracking toward a plan? Laboured and difficult

The end result of that experience was me hating the proposal process. Now... I love it again! The syergy is back, the right people are available to help me, and the process continues. The first book was written in my spare time over a 2 years span. And for a book this size (400+ pages), that is quite good timing... as most first books take about 5 - 7 years to write. Because when I get in the groove, I really get into it, and produce like a mad man. So it's just a matter of when I feel the timing is right, and my mood is there, and the stress levels are low... and now, I'm back in the groove.

I estimate the proposal to be done by end of summer. At that time, various press releases will be sent out (probably over the summer), so stay tuned... a listing of local papers will be posted on this site, so you can catch a glimpse of my first public press release for the Trilogy. After which, I will be approaching various publishers in the fall.

Then my agent in New York will get involved, after an initial deal has been made with a publisher... and I'm off to the races. What does all this mean? I could be a full time author this time next year, and no longer will I need to work within the confines of a corporate world! My days and nights will be mine again, along with my energy and my creativity (during the 9-5). Where I can take things from there... only time will tell.

Most likely, I'll continue my journey in Mexico, writing and researching on a full time basis. Coming back up to Canada for 4 - 6 month intervals, to continue my education and training in my various realms of interest... (kung fu, psychology, spirituality, etc.) visiting friends, and family. The dream is becoming a reality, and now... the count down is only months away. Not years.

God bless, to all those who continue to maintain interest. You will not be disappointed, and you'll be getting some autographed copies as well! All the best, thanks for reading.

Book I & II Update

2007-07-08T11:29:00.001-04:00

I've been feverishly busy, working through various projects at work, and in my personal life, so updates have slowed as of late. However, that is not to say that progress has not been had. In fact, I can safely say that I'm more than 50% through the Book proposal for Book 1 of my trilogy. This document is essentially your entry point into the publishing world, and ends up being quite large once you're complete. I estimate around 100 pages of marketing text, research, comparative analysis and various other sections to give prospective publishers an idea of what this is about. Not only give them an Idea, but to entice them, and to help them see the value in what this could bring about, as a partnership and as well as the beginning of a new perspective.

It is hard to map the end date for the book proposals completion, as things like this take their time. You may have the best story in the world, but if you don't know how to market and sell it... you're not going anywhere and your manuscript will collect dust on a shelf. So this is the most crucial part of the process, and I've decided that it will be done when it's done. No more harsh dates to rush towards... as all good things come to those who wait... and do their homework.

Book II is now underway, and has officially begun. There are pages and pages of notes associated to this next installment in the series, but now it is just a matter of putting it all together and having the time to do so. As with the first book, Book II is calling to me, so I have no question in my mind that it will be complete. But I wonder if it will take the 2 years that Book I took? That all depends on the parallel work on the Book I proposal, and how quickly this can be marketed. If and when this series gets picket up, that will allow me to write my books full time, and to do what I really love... to be creative, and free to do so whenever and whereever I choose. Which is the God given right for all of mankind. And one day we will all get there. Thanks for continuing to Read.

ALSO *** Stay Tuned for the up coming Launch of my new Domains - geared solely towards The Trilogy. This will feature articles, sample texts, help on how to become an author, writing tips, and various other interesting goodies!

The one is three, the three are one

2007-06-19T09:58:00.001-04:00

Balance. The ultimate state of being. But what do we seek to balance? Many of you who read these postings are most likely familiar with the concept of Mind, Body, and Spirit. But how many realize that all we have ever done is seek to improve one of the three, at any point in our lives?

Here are some examples. You may have an incredible body, that is in "perfect" shape, you may exercise 6 days a week, for 6 or 7 hours out of the day, or perhaps you go to the gym more than once a day. Perhaps this focus on mastering your body has been your all consuming purpose in life. For many that I've met in my life, that statement is true. Now what can be said of the minds of some of these people? Do they allow for proper time to refine their perspective on life, or perhaps to gain knowledge in other areas? What of their spiritual growth? Inevitably, without a balance within the mental, or the spiritual aspects of your being, an individual such as this may become conceited, high maintenance, or materialistic.

Likewise, an individual that spends their entire time researching, and studying metaphysics, or spirituality, may equally become unbalanced in their physical bodies. Perhaps neglecting proper nutrition, and exercise. They spend all of their time in the conceptual world of ideas, where none of them actually manifest (through the body), because they are too busy in the realm of fuzzy ideas. Without a balance in this area, an individual may become pias, or "holier than thou", without understanding the various perspectives of other life, and the value that can be obtained through empathy.

And finally, an individual who focuses strictly on knowledge, is incredibly lost. As there is an infinite field of knowledge that exists, but without the understanding of "principle concepts", no transference of ideas can be had from one subject matter to the next. So life becomes an effort in soaking up as much knowledge as possible... without realizing the difference between knowledge and understanding. These individuals may become unbalanced in their bodies, and their spirits, as their egos will most likely overcompensate. These professional students in life, often have difficulty applying knowledge, which is the method of wisdom. These individuals are often arrogant, as they feel that their various degrees in whatever subject matter gives them the ability or the right to look down on others. Again not realizing, or understanding the lack of balance in their lives.

What does this have to do with you? Take this scenario with the above three characters.

They all look into a mirror, and character 1 has the following to say:

"I have a great body, I look fantastic, but I feel self conscious about my education. Once this body goes, I will have nothing to fall back on."

Looking in the mirror, character 2 has the following to say:

"I have a deep understanding of all of reality, yet I cannot seem to pay the bills, and I cannot seem to lose the weight."

Looking in the mirror, character 3 has the following to say:

"I have several degrees, and I'm incredibly educated, yet my body seems to fail me at times, and I still seem unfulfilled (spirit)."

Now Imagine these three characters meet with each other, and all know each other. It wouldn't take long to understand that each may become envious of the other. Think of the additional processing power that could be freed up by your brain if you didn't have to think about correcting these core systems of your life. Think of how everything you'd do would be simply enhanced by the additional processing power of your mind, which no longer has to process (consciously, or unconsciously) your failings, or your unbalanced state.

You will naturally, whether you realize it or not, you will NATURALLY seek to balance these aspects of your core system. If your conscious mind does not play a role in this, then the balance will come in the form of life events... sometimes catastrophic. But thankfully, the smaller hints come first. As long as you're paying attention.

How does this affect you? Well speaking with my younger brother, on the balance of life, and the purpose of existence, I recommended that at his age, he should seek to ingrain the habits in his life and that young age, that would benefit him when he is older. When you're older, it is more difficult to break existing "bad" habits, so instead create habits when you're young that enable a balanced life style.

Example:

Physical: Sports, i.e. soccer, martial arts, basketball
Mental: Reading, courses, researching, writing
Spiritual: Music (guitar, piano, etc.), writing, yoga, meditation

Doing these things everyday, will balance you. Or you can find similar activities that enable your growth in all areas... commit these things to memory, develop daily (rituals) habits, and physically do these things. This will bring you into harmony, enhancing your entire life, allowing more growth in any industry or field of work, and bringing you closer to understanding yourself.

Spiral Complexity

2007-06-02T01:49:00.002-04:00

"The psychology of the mature human being is an unfolding, emergent, oscillating, spiraling process marked by progressive subordination of older, lower-order behaviour systems to newer, higher-order systems as man's existential problems changes." -- Dr. Clare W. Graves

What does this mean? These terms, evolution, complexity, problems, infinity, behaviours, ego... personality. Do they have meaning? And if so, what does it mean to you? As that is the only reality that exists. That which you are perceiving, right now. As I write this, reality exists in time and space, yet it too exists with you, the reader... here and now. How is it we are able to cross that boundary of time and space in such a way? Are there boundaries?

The native aboriginal people's of Australia, would say that the reality that seperates us from the departed, is as thin as a maple leaf. And now, modern quantum physicists say that they weren't very far off, in fact there is no separation.

But who cares right? Does this help me... here... and help me now? Is it practical you ask? Does this aid me in getting to my next goal... solving my next problem? Does it aid my life, in fact my process in anyway?

In reality... your reality, it does aid your life in anyway and everyday that you make it possible. An understanding of life is all that you've ever wanted. Because all you've ever wanted was to understand the world around you, since you were a toddler, running around and checking out all that the world has to offer, getting your bearings and taking in and building your reality from within. Building your definitions of pain and pleasure, from your first fall on the ground, to your first kiss, you're definitions of pain and pleasure have formed and evolved over time. And your motivation, now aims at these definitions of pleasure (and pain for some of you) as your life pattern unfolds, as you've designed it.

Limitations. What are they? Are they real, or are they false evidence appearing real... or FEAR. (cwg) What are these things that restrict us? These self imposed prison bars... these self defeating perspectives and world views... these pride filled restrictions on yourself and those around you. Why do they bog us down so? And why do we let them? What is it in our own insecurities causes such a lapse in judgment as to restrict the very goal of our existence and that is to experience ourselves.

Well I prose that our limitations are the root causes to all difficulties in life. The solution to all problems is very simple. Remove our limitations.

Spiral Complexity refers to the evolutionary spiral that is a road map of problems and potential problems, that need solving in order to advance and remove the limitations of your mind. Evolution is quite simple. You must engage a higher level of mind in order to solve the problems of your current state of mind. Why else would older people always seem more wise etc, because they've had more problems to solve! The more problems you attract, solve, and move through, the quicker you evolve. Now the type of problems can vary drastically, to the very simple in nature, to the extremely complex, ranging on a spectrum of positive (pleasure) or negative (pain) outcomes.

Subjective you say? Of course it is. All life is, as you are the subject. Try as you must to remove yourself to stay objective, it's a logically falacy, for how can you remove yourself from yourself, when you are the observer, and in fact the situation in its entirety. From the actors, to the environment, to the delemma, to the choices... and the consequences. You are the perspective of life, from a limited point of view.

How limited are you in your view? Consider this. You are one of roughly 7 billion people, that exist today, times all the animals, and all the insects, times all the birds, and all the plants and all the sea life, and all the cells of your body, and the cells in stones, or the dust of the stars... all conscious. All energy. All alive, with a unique point of view. Of course, to make this easier, just multiply this by infinity, and you'll roughly approach how many other perspectives and realities exist.

Science defines reality is that which is perceived by our 6 (actually many other senses exist when using the non-physical body.). What does this mean? It means that reality would not exist for you, if you had no way to ingest and digest the information being fed to you at all times. Our perspective is further limited, as other animals and creatures can actually see, and hear far beyond our normal human capacity, and I'm sure can sense far more as well. So what of their realities? Their realities are as they make them, and is but another demension, a different point of view on life itself. You are of this honoured breed, for if you've existed, you've always existed, and you always will. Because NOW is all there is, and now has no begining, nor end. That is what is meant by infinite. It just is. And you have always been sustained within this moment, as all life has, and as all life will. Yet... where on the evolutionary spiral are you? What is your threshold of complexity? How much awareness have you gained?

The answer will shock you.

Exactly as much as you needed to to bring you to this moment, the eternal moment. And that is all you need, and all you'll ever need. You are exactly as you are meant to be, and you always have been, and you always will. You will evolve one way or the other... consciously, or unconsciously... one is more pleasurable, the other more painful. You can do it with control of your emotions and behaviours, and without... experiencing the consequences of both, and it is all ok. For you are standing in a great hall... alone... without a judge... with simply the tools at your disposal to create without limitation. Love, pleasure, happiness, intellect, a magnificent human computer (brain), and we now exist at the bring of civilization... witnessing a rebirth of humanity through open and free sharing of information (internet), the likes of which mankind has never seen in history. It is time to take responsibility for our actions, and realize that if there is only one of us... there is no one to blame... and no one to judge. Only actions and consequences, what goes out, always comes back... be kind, be loving, for this is the only thing that sustains reality. Any reality, or it withers and dies.

Notice your climb on this human spiral of complexity, your latter up the scales of evolution... leaving lower level behaviours behind you, and experiencing life as it was meant to be. Fun, loving, peaceful, respectful... and free of limitation. Notice your definitions of pleasure and pain.. for your only motivation is pleasure, and it is never that you are not motivated, it is simply that you're motivated to do something else than you might seemingly need to at the time. You're still doing something, so you don't lack motivation. You lack direction and the knowledge to apply it properly by changing your definitions. Definitions are the building blocks of your perspective, belief system, and inevitably your reality, so learn how to change them. Here's an example... how would it change your life if you saw every... "problem"... as an opportunity for growth, abundance, or awareness?

Patience is a virtue

2007-02-28T09:22:00.001-05:00

Thank you to everyone who continues to read this site, as I know it's been awhile since my last posting. January flew by quite fast, as my current role as a Process Consultant has kept me very busy, especially as I prepared for my trip to the Yucatan, Mexico. I went down to the Yucatan during the first couple weeks of February, and arrived back in Canada last Thursday (early morning). I spent the time since then, visiting with friends, recapping my experiences, and settling back into the fast paced life that we all must endure within these fine Canadian borders.

Every year, Mexico changes me in some way shape, or form. This time, I've regrown my beard, much the same way that Samson grew his hair to give him his strength, I have grown mine to remind me. Remind me that although Canada is probably the best place in the world to "be from", it is not necessarily the best place in the world to live. The culture shock I experienced was quite amazing actually. What I've noticed, is that everyone in the Yucatan is quite happy with what little they may have... more than quite happy actually... probably more happy than I've ever seen anyone here in Canada. They dance, they sing, they have fun, and they are genuinely happy with who they are, and where life has led them. They say "hola" to everyone, and they treat others with the utmost respect. The people there seem to be born without attitude for some reason, and none of them aspire to be the next American Idol... which is what I'm reminded of.. every time I walk down a populated Toronto street.

We've lost focus here in the North Americas... we've lost touch with who we are, and who we should be. Instead of peace keepers, we're now actively engaged... instead of helping our homeless, or educating our youths, or fixing our streets.... we syphon money out of our collective coffers, and it disappears into miscellaneous government slush funds that do nothing. We are no longer crying out for transparency within our government, instead - we are appeased by the lies that we are given.

It is not all that bad of course, but we are quite far from an ideal state. And it shocks me when traveling to a society that... although on the surface, they may not seem technologically advanced, they are far superior on a spiritual level. And the north views them much the same way the Europeans viewed the native Americans... as savages, that don't know any better. And so we try to bring them into the fold, with our products, and our services, and our ideals... when they've had it right all along... be kind... be loving... and want for nothing more than what you have. Where is that in our Canadian constitution?

But I'm patient either way... I know why I'm here, and I know where I'm going, but most importantly I know who I am. And if sharing my thoughts and perspective aids the lives of others... then great, if not... then I've accomplished at least one thing. I've reached a state of being where peace and love are the only things that matter. Even if others do not choose the same state of being, that is ok... as my state of being can only exist... if there are others who are not in the same zone.

The book proposal is being worked on currently, and I hope to have it complete over the next month or so. Although I didn't get as much work done in Mexico as I would have liked, I do now realize the more crucial parts of the process, and how to proceed. That is just as valuable, if not more so. And so... I'm patient, as I work towards completion of book 1 in its entirety, as that will allow me to move to a place where happiness, and family are the most important factors, and I can then live out the rest of my existance with those I care about, while I research and train the studies that interest me, which may one day help unite us all.

Christmas Update

2006-12-06T08:48:00.001-05:00

This site has definitely turned into a grass roots site, where only those interested in the progression of the book come and check wonder what will come next. Which is why I started this site, and why I continue it. I haven't had much time to write down my contemplations, as many events have unfolded that require my attention. But not to worry, the books are always in my thoughts, and really and truly is the only real work that needs to be done, as far as I'm concerned. I've definitely felt as if there has been a force pulling me towards completion of the book. The force could be my own determination, will power, or something more.

As I look back at how far I've come over the last couple years, I see that this was all meant to be. I was meant to have the friends that have helped encourage me, edit, review, offer suggestions, and I'm thankful for that. As Christmas approaches, I look back at my target dates, and wonder how long it will really take to pull all of this together. The current process to bring this through to completion has been moving steadily along. I've been reviewing and changing small things in the material to ensure consistency, and continuity, as well as generally proof reading to enhance quality. The next stage of events will include the following:

- Finish my personal review
- Collect my editors reviews and final edits
- Collect my peer reviews
- Integrate changes
- Compare and contrast to the original unedited version
- Prepare strawman proposal
- Finalize proposal
- Prepare a short list of Publishers to pursue
- Mass proposal printing
- Sending it out / Meeting with prospective Publishers

As I'm working on the above, there I am diligently collecting my thoughts for Book 2. I have many of the events within the timeline plotted out. Many of the main ideas and concepts that I'm bringing forth have been contemplated and learned, and will eventually be integrated. Rough ideas for Book 3 have also come through, as I am coming to understand the entire breadth of knowledge that will be contained within the stories belief system.

I will be going on vacation in February for two weeks... back to where I finished Book 1. Mexico. I plan on not only having the proposal completed by then, but to have started Book 2, and laid down a few chapters as well. I need to finish Book 1 and get a better feel for the ending, as that will be a crucial step as to how I'd like to begin Book 2. All in all, it's moving quite well, and I'm happy with the progression. It's almost as if the book is evolving at the pace that I am. The faster I evolve, the faster the book evolves... so the only person I have to light a fire under is myself. So consider this messages not only an update, but a revitalizing fire that will bring the project closer to completion over the Christmas break. Thanks for all of your support.

Rob Graham

Priorities

2006-11-01T08:45:00.001-05:00

It's been awhile since I've had time to write. I'm not only referring to posting to this site, but also writing in general. My life has taken a strange turn of events lately, and things have become more clear.

Several relationship learning have taken place, as well as several formal courses dealing with Personality Theory, Abnormal Psychology, and topics of that nature. All of these things serve the creative process... but how could they not? I create as I live, and I live what I create. Whether the topics are deep, surface level, or what have you. I consistently will learn something new everyday. I will remember something new about myself everyday, and in that I have the opportunity to create myself a new every day. That process is difficult however, as I must fight through a belief system that hinders me. Weeding through it all from a logical stand point is one thing, but dealing with the emotional attachments to the beliefs is something entirely different.

It can be the difference between motivated action, and lethargic contemplation. I continue to look within for inspiration, and consciously do not let it turn to desperation regardless of the life events which surface around me. I am a better person for the days events, and I will continue to improve as the years pass me by.

The progress of Book I has slowed somewhat, but there is movement. My editor is nearly complete with the final parts of her work, meaning the last Part evaluation, and the last edits of the epilogue. The book is in the hands of someone who is helping me along with the Proposal process, as I continue to proof read my work once again. I would like the proposal to be complete by January, so that 2007 can be dedicated to shopping it around, as well as putting pen to paper for Book 2.

Book 2 will go deeper into the story of course, but specifically will speak to multidimensional theory and how the characters interact within the worlds in which they live. There will be several surprises, and the much awaited conclusion to a devastating conflict which appears in Book 1. Thoughts of Book 2 are always with me, and I always think of how life will unfold for me, either in waking life or in dreams, so that I may write what needs to be said. So I can do what needs to be done; complete the trilogy and publish it.

Time management has become an issue however, as there are many goals that lay before me, and many things that need to be done. In that space there is still me, a human being, attempting to live, and attempting to experience joy and love within a process which unfolds almost on its own. A process that involves me, consumes me, overtakes me and guides me down the path towards completion. Rest and fun have become foreign words at times, but I continue to press on, and grab my happiness here and there as it presents itself.

The fear I have however, is that neutrality... my main defense against the sometimes lack luster events which unfold before me, my main weapon in my fight to be detached from the world and the circus of events that unfold. I fear that my neutrality is robbing me of my humanity. Does it mean that because I am neutral to all life events, that I cannot enjoy life? Upon reflection of this paragraph, I say no. I say the ability to remain neutral allows me something that most people do not have. Clarity. The ability to selectively engage my emotions and gauge my response to events as they unfold. The clarity that this brings to any situation is invaluable. And when I decide that it's time to enjoy love, to live, and to have fun, I actively engage. Where neutrality allows me the ability to consciously disengage when needed, and to have the clarity to engage and use my energy when necessary.

I'm at a period in my life where life altering decisions happen on an almost daily basis. The ability to remain calm under that kind of duress is critical, albeit sometimes frustrating as well. I manage the frustration and stress in a few different ways, as my main outlet (writing) has taken the back seat. Time management will be more and more critical in the coming months, as I wrap my brain around a plan to have all of this come together by January, while still training Kung Fu and Guitar... and of course balancing all of this against the energy drain of my day job as a Process Analyst.

Dipping into the Negative

2006-09-19T10:00:00.001-04:00

At times, throughout this process, I come to realize the experience of the Negative. Negative emotions, thought patterns, stories we tell ourselves, or even aversions to negative behaviours such as dominance or violence will be experienced by the self at some point along the path.

I often spent time wondering... how in the face of all of this "Goodness" that I have done, or that I am bringing and sharing with others in the world around me... how can I allow myself to experience these negative states? Over the years, I've shifted through several paradigms and theories as to why these cycles exist, and why I... "of all people" should have to experience them? Although I've experienced these negative cycles throughout all of my life, I never became so aware of it, as I have through the writing of these books.

During my writings of the more evil villains of the story, I've had to delve deep into the inner recesses of my mind, to extract the negative, and to play with it. To experience it, to embrace it, in order to write of it. I had to personalize it, in order to personalize it for my characters. In other words, I had to become evil, in my thoughts, in my perspective, and even in my behaviours... and I did so deliberately, in order to make the experience authentic for the reader. It was during this exercise that I realized that "evilness" can be picked up and dropped from the ego, or the self... just as easily as one would pick up a hammer, or a screw driver, or any other tool. Use it for the purpose in which it is required, and put it back in the tool shed until needed.

It was never put so crudely as it was when an old teacher of mine used to say... "Somebody's gotta be the asshole." I didn't quite understand what he meant at the time, but as my depth of comprehension as it relates to relationship dynamics grows and deepens, I'm beginning to understand.

And in this space, especially when I'm in this space of negativity, the questions arise as to ... "Why me?" So I plunge deep into the depths of Psycho Dynamics, and begin with my childhood. Were there specific reasons as to why I may dip in and out of the negative? Perhaps, but no greater or lesser than the experiences of any other average adult my age, or gender. So is it something that is "not unique?" Is this an experience that exists as the rain does... as the sun does... as simply what "is" in our realities. The eternal cycling from positive polarities to negative ones?

I think even greater still, these experiences are with me to help me understand the multifaceted depths of who I am, and in doing so, I'm able to illustrate the journey of myself, through myself, in my books. Without many of these experiences, my books wouldn't be nearly as engaging as they are. So, then the question comes to mind, did I do this to myself? Am I forcing myself through these experiences in order to help create an even more impactful work? Or is it greater than that, or perhaps more dimensional than that. Perhaps the works... the books are an aspect of the learning, but perhaps the real work lies in attaching meaning, and then evolving from these experiences.

And so I continue, I continue to attach meaning, and analyze the various thoughts that come into my head. I try to rationalize them, understand their origins, and then organize them according to my belief system. Why do the extremes have to be so great? I ask myself... why on the one hand is there the never ending urge to rescue all of us from ourselves, and in the other... perhaps a more self serving urge. Have I not adopted the concept of helping the all is helping the self? Why do the questions linger? In my understanding, they linger because I have not dealt with them yet.

Even more interesting, is my dream life is now more active than ever. And at times, more disturbing than ever. As I dip into the negative, so too does my dream life. Only to over emphasize my needs, or to highlight my dilemmas, or to put me in purposely uncomfortable situations to show me what is left to confront. What remains to be "worked out." Perhaps, the dreams are visions of the past, showing me exactly why these issues need to be worked out in this life. Sometimes these visions are so disturbing, that I force myself to awaken. Sometimes these dreams are so opposite of who I have created myself to be, that I wonder... why the dip into the negative? Why now? Why like this?

My mind then wanders into another paradigm of thought. If I exist in a realm where nothing is intrinsically meaningful. Meaning, nothing actually has any meaning at all, then why do I continue to hold myself hostage to the idea of "good and bad?" All of the evils all of the goods, all of the anythings that have ever occurred or will occur, are aspects of the human consciousness. Aspects of who I am, and where I came from. They are who I am. But then why do I continue to act as though these meaningless events, especially dreams, actually have any bearing on my day to day existence?

I think of the Yogi's, who are free to sit in a specific environment, which sets them up for success. They are alone, with nothing but spiritual aids around them. Nothing but devotee's around them, nothing but proper food and exercise around them, and the concepts of God and the Universe to feast on, all day long. When being so purposely setup for success, how can one fail? It is easy to reach enlightenment under these conditions. But give them a mortgage, a wife, a family, a job. Put the survival of their young on the line, and increase the pressure. How will they handle it? How real and applicable are their teachings then?

Perhaps they'll hold up. Perhaps they won't. One thing is for sure, they will need to adapt. And adapting in this realm, sometimes requires you to dip into the negative.

Book 1 Update

2006-09-05T15:59:00.001-04:00

So the time has come to finally present some status to my readership. All 2 of you :)

I've been working diligently with my editor over the past summer to get the manuscript to a polished and properly edited space. The good news is... Michelle informs me that the manuscript has been completely edited, and I now only away the few remaining Chapter and Part evaluations that are still outstanding.

This will give me a great lead into where the book may need strengthening prior to my inevitable presentation to various publishers. I will be taking the next couple months to completely review the manuscript, and ensure that the proper messages are delivered, with the appropriate balance of grammar and style that will attract a reader without getting in the way. With the edited manuscript, and chapter evaluations from my editor and another close friend of mine, I'll have a good deal of ammunition to polish the book as it should be.

After I've surfaced with a completed and 'ready for distribution' manuscript, I will be working diligently to create my book proposal, and will seek to find various publishers within the New York, and Chicago areas... and I'll go from there. This will be the beginning, where the world takes it after that is up to them.

I'm just thankful and happy to be apart of the process. Thanks for reading, more to come as the days unfold.

Fully Present

2006-08-17T09:04:00.001-04:00

What does that mean? It means something to me, but the question is what does it mean to you. What is your depth of comprehension when those two words are used in conjunction with each other.

FULLY - completely, entirely, wholly

PRESENT - right here, right now, aware

The simplicity of these two words is incredible, yet the implications are enormous. Can you do this? Can you be here, right now?

If you can, you'll suddenly discover something... beyond the wondrous feeling of being free of your past, of your neuroses, your analysis, your second guessing, and essentially your mind. You'll discover that there is nothing left... nothing left to think about, nothing to worry about, nothing to do... except be. Just exist.

Does the wind ask the trees to dance in its presence? Do the blades of grass ask not to be eaten? Do flowers require coaching to bloom? Do seeds require anything beyond what is contained within their tiny selves to become the mighty oak? All of the wisdom that created that seed, is present, always in that seed... and so the seed becomes. It grows, it flourishes, and it bends to the will of the sun, it bends to the will of the wind, yet never breaks. It simply decides how it needs to grow, and grows. So you too, decide how you want to grow, but always be aware that you are the seed. You have all the wisdom of life within you, and the same wisdom that created the seed, the grass, the wind, the world, created you. You are so much greater than what you think you are.

By virtue of you thinking at all, you've limited your experience. A great many masters have said "you must be out of your mind to discover yourself", and a truer statement has never been uttered. Be what you were intended to be... human. Be what you have always been... unbridled potential, inexplicable energy, unfathomable wisdom, unleashed passion, and an unknowing GOD.

You've forgotten something... you're caught up in the drama. You're caught up in the play... you're an actor who lives the role, and has become the character, losing all remembrances of the self. You forget that you've always lived, you'll always live, and that life is an eternal experience that you cannot be denied. You are an experience, you are an aspect, you are a life lived... just do so fully.

I had a talk last night with a really good friend of mine, and we discussed the barriers we put up for ourselves, and the ways in which we shelter ourselves from ourselves. We put up road blocks, to dissuade us from experiencing the now, fully. Why do we do this? Because for some, we dare not break the illusion. We dare not disturb the mystery, we dare not experience life in its fullest, out of fear. Fear of mistakes, fear of death, which of course, translates into a fear of life.

When the fallacies of the mind melt away, when the mind ceases to be present (a state accessible via the meditation techniques I've already provided in previous posts), there exists only emotion. Which emotion you ask? Well there are only two. Fear, and Love. The two essential polarities of energy in life. In all situations, we make either a fear based decisions (as a result of a fear based belief system) or a love based decision (which fully embraces life, realizing that we have been, and always will be love). All emotions are a derivative of these two. Think about it... jealousy... is that fear based, or love based? If you're confused, here's how you can tell which polarity you're swinging to...

Love - sets free, embraces, caresses, forgives, and surrenders.

Fear - confines, rejects, hurts, never forgets, and defends.

If you feel confined in your decision, it is fear based. If you feel rejuvenated, and set free by your decision, it's love based. If it is the best interests for all people involved, it is love based. If it is in the best interests of the self, and restricts you, it's fear.

Which side of the fence are you on?

A technique that I provided my friend... to experience the essence of who she is, and to experience the love in which the universe has for her, and the love she has for herself... I've given the following exercise:

Look into a mirror, look deeply into your own eyes. Never look away, regardless of how uncomfortable you might feel. Keep looking, look deeper, and surrender to the exercise. Look deep into your own eyes, and notice your feelings... notice that you will soon be embraced by a magnificent love that will permeate throughout your entire body.

If you can do this for longer than 10 seconds, you'll begin to feel this. If you can do this for 5 minutes, you will experience a warmth that you've sought after all of your life.

In combination with this exercise, the following word must be pronounced:

WHO

But stretch it out, as if it was a mantra of sorts, elongate the OOOOOOO sound. Take a breath, and repeat.

Example: WHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO?

You may do the exercise with or without saying WHO, but I recommend trying both... especially for those who are not sure who they really are.

For my friend however, I suggest you try this initially for.... 55 seconds.

Namaste.

Turning Point

2006-07-17T23:48:00.001-04:00

There is a quietness that exists when the mind empties itself of the constant chatter of everyday life. I experience this when I rid myself of the past, of the future, and exist in the moment of NOW. In this experience, I understand that regardless what may happen, now or in the future, I will always be who I am. Regardless of how I choose to manifest who I am, or what I think, I will always be 'this'. I can attempt to change, to evolve, to be more than what I perceive myself to be, and to learn and gain greater levels of awareness.

In this I err, as somehow I've lost touch of something very important while striving to gain newer levels of awareness. I've lost connection with the moment of NOW, and I've allowed my ego to interfere, getting my caught up in the drama's of everyday life. Of managing relationships and expectations. I've allowed myself to delve into the deepest recesses of my mind, trying to understand the paradox of life, which some would say is simply a waste of time. Life simply is mysterious, and is simply a reflection of myself. No matter where I go, what I do, everything around me will be a reflection of my personal universe.

In my personal universe I can choose to be with someone, or I can choose not to be with someone. I can choose to feel guilt for leaving someone in their disabled state, or I can choose not to. I can play out my role as villain and even imagine that it was I that brought them to this vulnerable state, and then feel the guilt of leaving them there. But just as I would respect a 'stranger' on the street and respect their path and process as being their own, I must respect the path and process of those close to me... even those who are intimately intertwined with me.

If they have chosen to be with me in their current capacities, then that too is their path and process, and I cannot limit my own development by feeling guilt over the possible emotional turmoil that their connections may cause. This is something that I've been struggling with for some time, as I've only set out to do what I perceive to be 'right' and 'just' in the world, and sometimes that might mean being the 'asshole'. I can only hope that those who are in these situations have the clarity of mind at some point in their development to accept and understand that this is too a necessary part of their path and process.

In the midst of my struggle with myself, I realize that... although we fight... and we are one soul... I still do not have to do this alone. There are those who can offer their opinions... the world has no end to that resource, but ultimately it will be my choice. No amount of delaying, fact gathering, reflecting, or formulating will halt the development of life. Life will be, for it cannot do anything but... be. It is only my own imaginings that make the process more difficult than it has to be. My own mental imagery, whether that is derived from prophetic dreams, intuition, or day dreams of the ego, they are all images that distract from the moment of now.

And in this now, I choose peace... I choose joy... and I choose freedom. I will always choose that, regardless of the fallout in the illusions around me. Regardless of the people that cannot fathom such a choice and choose to be hurt by it, and most importantly, regardless of the good opinion of others. I will always be me, until the death of my ego, and my eventual ascension. So be it.

Status Update

2006-06-13T17:26:00.001-04:00

Several things have been happening, and my apologies for the lack of updates. I've been very busy as of late, with the training, the social events, and the work I've been doing with my editor.

The project is still very much alive, as we've now gotten to the half way in terms of editing. We've just finished up the edits and the evaluation for Chapter 11, and things are moving along well. I've recieved invaluable feedback from the editor, and friends, so that's very positive. This process itself has sparked interesting changes in the people involved, from new awareness, new found abilities, to a sense of overwhelming clarity at times.

During the time I've had since the April completion of book I, I've been busy training myself, upgrading myself, and essentially saturating myself with information. Things from Psychology, to NLP, to Hypnosis, to Kung Fu, to music, ... and my personal favourite, the combination of all of these that has enhanced my rapport and conversation skills.

Through my experiences at work, I've been able to utilize much of my above training, and have observed the results directly. The results have been fascinating. Many of the experiences that I've been harvesting will be embedded in some way shape or form within the next series of books.

Book II is looming, and is never far from my mind. Right now, I'm taking a bit of a break from the creative process, and allowing this rest period to mature me. When I feel ready to begin, I will. But until then, there's much work to be done.

Blackbird fly

2006-05-17T14:21:00.001-04:00

All your life... you were only waiting for this moment to arise.

In my life, the shared experiences with loved ones and friends has been the most influential and most valuable aspect of life that I'll take with me. Once you leave your home, and your family, and move out on your own, you'll discover something... the most obvious thing, yet the most important as well. That the shared experiences, the shared reality that you once existed within are now a memory. Now all of a sudden, to continue with the relationships, and to engage in further experiences of love, friendship, and family, you must make those relationships a priority.

Often times we underestimate what happens when we visit our roots, when we visit the personalities that created and shaped us into the people that we are today. When we view the bahaviours, the personalities, the problems and strife... the love and the laughter... it forces us to reflect on ourselves and the progression of our lives. What will come of us now? Now that the behaviours of our parents are so subtle and ingrained within ourselves. Where do we go? What is life all about?

Is it about finding a mate, and having kids. Providing a better life than I was provided? In my case, that's a tall order, because I couldn't have asked for anything more than this. Is life about death and taxes? Is life about supporting the hierarchy that we all exist within, getting a menial job... finding a mate to rub our pennies together and scrimp and save, in the hopes that we may be able to retire without eating cat food? Is this all there is?

I had a conversation with someone today who was down... yet another example of someone whose happiness is attached to some external event. And the event that he choose... of all things... is the rise and fall of the stock market. Because lately, the stock market has been going down, his happiness and mood has gone down. In hopes to snap him back into a more stable reality, I simply pointed out the absurdity of being happy only when stocks are up and on the rise... and if his happiness is tied to the rise and fall of stocks, and given the current trend, I remarked that he's in trouble. His response was... "money buys you options." My response was that no... your inner world is what provides you with options. You can be a pauper and have more options than the richest of men, it is all in how you look at it... it's all in how you construct your reality. This particular friend is someone who has stepped away from the transcendental as of late, and has fallen back into the illusion of material possessions and the supposed happiness they bring. I know that eventually, once he's dissatisfied with the lack of happiness, he may go back and walk the path again, but that is his choice, as it is everyone's. Unfortunately, the less people that are even aware of the path, the less chance we have to stablize our collective realities.

Imagine a world where everyone's happiness was tied to the stock market. Or the bonds market, or even more drastic, the rise and fall of commodities like gas or gold. Imagine how unstable our entire world would be. We would all be psychotic, simply because our emotions would control us all the time. We would be at the mercy of the external environment, with absolutely no control over how we feel. We would cause wars, commit crimes, cause misery, and pain for everyone around us. Sounds absurd doesn't it? Well perhaps it's a good time to realize that this is exactly what all of us do. All of our emotions are closely attached and linked to external events, circumstances, or objects. Some of us choose more stable things to be happy about, some of us don't. Some of us are just content to be with their families. Some of us are content that they have a nice collection of toys... electronics... music... etc. Some of us are content and happy when they are dating the "right" person.

None of us actually realize the absurdity of giving away our power and control of our emotions, but we do it constantly... and worse yet we don't even see the problem. Most don't even think it's a problem to begin with... it's simply the way they were raised... because the behaviour of their parents was similar, they too are only able to perceive happiness if external events magically line up and allow us the *blessing* of being happy. I say that is absurd, and as such I suggest that people begin to see and reclaim the power that they have over their internal world... and decouple that from our external world and the events that unfold around us. Then perhaps we will all stabilize around a more positive attitude bit by bit... one person at a time. Then perhaps peace will finally be upon us.

All realities are constructed from within, and that construct is what allows us to perceive the external world the way that we do. The good news is that our constructs of reality can change at anytime. But only if we want to... only if we first of all perceive that we actually *can* change or affect something... that we have some measure of control. Once that is realized, internally we make the decision that we have the power to change the event or circumstance or even object in question. We may even act at this point... perhaps the event irritates us and we desire change, or perhaps we see the opportunity for improvement and actually have the internal fortitude and gumption to change. Perhaps... maybe once in a life time... people may realize that the external world only changed because of the change within.

Once there was a way... to get back home. Where peace of mind is actualized and easily obtained... so peaceful is the mind that for the first time, we may realize the real intelligence beyond the illusion and chatter within consciousness. To be free of the cultures, the religions, the dogma, the judgments, the societal constructs that limit and condition us so well, so subtly that we're oblivious to it. But for now... sleep as you will... but know within you... that there will be a path... and we all will walk it.

All your life... you were only waiting for this moment to be free.

Life is what happens to you...

2006-05-16T10:43:00.001-04:00

When you're busy makin' other plans! Ok so let's try this again, as I wrote a huge article updating everyone on what's been happening with me lately, and what's new and exciting, but this wonderful blogging tool deleted my entire post, and left nothing behind save my own tears. And as irony would have it... life did happen to me while I was writing the article, which is why I couldn't save it in time, so here we go again!

Last night I had a great training session for NLP and Hypnosis, which are extremely valuable tools for motivating, and empowering others to peak performance levels. I myself underwent hypnosis yesterday, and I'll just answer the first question that everyone seems to have... right off the bat. Yes I am in control while under hypnosis, as all hypnosis is self induced. You can pull yourself out of it at anytime.

Some people ask, well why do people do crazy stuff while on stage if a hypnosis is performing? Well psychologically those individuals have already made an internal agreement that they'll be going onstage to make a fool of themselves, and so they do. That isn't what my training is about however, as I train to access the subconscious and unconscious mental processes, to suggest powerful thoughts at that level, which act as the catalyst to change within a persons life. The exercise I went through was a direct response to a question I had regarding the ripple effect that bad associations to life circumstances can have over time. The visualization that I went through was extremely focused, detailed, and revealed some interesting visual representations of my thoughts about myself and about my current life conditions.

In an amateur fashion, I have guided others through visualization over the years, so this training only serves to strengthen and enhance my skills and techniques. That way I can better serve the populace, and better integrate motivational concepts in my work. I've always said that for my stories to evolve, I must evolve, therefore I've placed myself into situations where intense training is required, and deeper thought must be given to fully comprehend what is being taught.

As I train NLP and Hypnosis, I've learned several motivational techniques, many ways to access the conscious, subconscious, and unconscious mind, all in an attempt to evolve my understanding of the inner workings of the human intellect. All hypnosis is self hypnosis... as I went under yesterday, I had full awareness and control over what was happening to me, and simply allowed my subconscious to populate my visual world, while being guided by the practitioner. This reveals very interesting aspects of yourself, especially as the experience I had was walking through a museum of my own life, with various pieces of art work, sculptures, and other objects which represented times in my life, aspects of my consciousness, and life circumstances I am faced with. This allowed me to quickly and easily see visual representation of the "problems", and to also visualize the solution as well. NLP + Hypnosis is based on Gestalt therapy, Family therapy, and Hypnosis, and serves to take the best models of what works, vs. what doesn't work.

What works vs. what doesn't work, seems to be a model of life which yields the highest results. Truth and Falsehood are far too subjective, as they require a personal point of view for real validation. What is true for you, may not be true for all people, in all times and places. So truth, very quickly, becomes a subjective reality. What works, vs what doesn't work seems to be far more objective, as it's results based. Does this work? Does this have a result that is quantifiable? Can I repeat this process, and obtain the same result? Notice how truth is an unnecessary judgment in that process.

In addition to this training, I continue with my Kung Fu, which serves to enhance my daily life in more ways that I can even articulate. From the reading of body language, to the understanding of memory and intellectual processes, to confidence, to the deeper comprehension of combat in general. Highly rewarding learning process, which has aided in my evolution, and the evolution of my books in many ways.

My nights are busy these days... with guitar training tonight, and kung fu tomorrow... and a dinner on Thursday and Friday... my weeks are fairly packed. While all this is going on, my editor is working diligently and is moving at a fantastic pace. She's been editing 2 chapters per week, and at this rate, Part I of the story should be complete by next Monday. There are 21 chapters in the book, with an epilogue and prologue that also require editing, so we're well underway. Once the editing process is complete, I'll go back and accept or reject changes, and integrate portions of the various feedback I've received, and work towards polishing the book as much as possible. Then of course, I'll be working with my Marketing Guru associate, who is helping me prepare a proper Book proposal, which I will then send to various publishers. Very exciting times these days... and I'm extremely busy! But in the end... it'll all be worth it. Thanks for reading.

May - Book 1 update

2006-05-04T17:31:00.001-04:00

Ok Ok Ok... so it's not published yet... but give me a break! This isn't easy! Luckily things have continued to progress nicely for me however, as I now have 2 (possibly 3) reviews and edits happening right now.

I've hired a new editor who has already proven to be extremely valuable, and seems to have latched onto the story in the way I was hoping. It's difficult finding the right editor, simply because they may not be in the same zone in terms of your writing, which would then cause you to have conflicts and could spark an entire rewrite, or at the very least discourage the author unnecessarily. So far so good with this editor, and I'm very pleased with the responses I've received, and I feel this will be an incredible value add to the story, as she is doing a rough line / copy edit, along with the manuscript evaluation. This will be extremely valuable... simply because the main simple corrections will be done, and all that will remain is to properly integrate the feedback I've obtained from my various sources. This is all in an effort to get the best work possible before I put my heart out there and approach various publishing houses.

Initially I will approach the 6 major Sci-Fi / Fantasy publishing houses in the United States, and failing that, I will broaden my view and genre and approach various Fiction houses. If that doesn't work, then self publishing is the way to go. Regardless of how long it takes to get this project off the ground, it will get there. One way, or another. Of course, having a well known publishing house distribute your work is much better option for the casual, or transitioning author (meaning transitioning from a 9 - 5 job, to authorship).

Of course that is the goal, that authorship will be the final destination for me in terms of a career, which can branch off into teaching, coaching, or training others going forward. That comment will make much more sense after I've created book 4, which is a book based on the experiences of the main character, as he trains with several masters on various topics. That will be a detailed account of his journey and discovery as he fully realizes his abilities, and what he must do to defeat his opponents.

Timeline for this round of edits is roughly 8 - 10 weeks, but I feel that it will be finished sooner than that, as my goal for publishing this year is still going strong, and if I'm a month or two off, that's still pretty damn good... still more efficient than some of the Projects I've worked on during my day job! But we're getting there, so thank you to all who have shown interest, and have supported me with your thoughts and feedback, you've been invaluable in this process.

So what am I up to while the edits are going on? Well, for the books to evolve, I too must evolve, so I continue to train my art, research further topics of interest, and develop new methodologies to communicate our latent abilities to those who may be unaware of them, and to formulate new and more exciting plots and stories for future work. Is there anything better than creation?

Full Circle

2006-04-28T08:48:00.001-04:00

All things in life will come full circle. We are born, we are children wanting to be older, then adults wanting to be younger. We are born, we die (perhaps), and we're born again. A friendship begins with a handshake, a cycle ensues... and sometimes a friendship even ends with a handshake. Sometimes we reach a plateau in life, we then go out and learn, experience, and do many things to overcome that plateau, to change it... to live another way. Then after awhile, we end up right back where we started... the plateau. A different plateau, but a plateau nonetheless. We carve our path out in life, thinking that things will be better if I do something, or experience something new. Only to realize that the emotions we seek to envelop us have been within us all along.

There was nothing as powerful in my life experience, as the time I fully came to realize what happens when a cycle comes to an end... only to find that you've engaged in another cycle immediately. I have a close friend who brought out, and drew out experiences, confidence, and validation from within me. Without those exchanges of information and consciousness, without the validation that I received during those exchanges, I would be hard pressed to believe I'd be where I am today. Not to say that I am relinquishing my responsibility in getting here, it was my path. But the friendships I've forged along this path have exponentially aided my development. At a higher level, I drew these experiences to myself. At a granular level, I thank the individuals who helped me get here.

One fine morn, we shook hands and it began. Over the course of a year and a half, we shared many validating experiences in terms of my own concepts of life, and how the energy systems work within the body, and a varied of other confirmations. Those experiences are now apart of me, I will look back to those and view them as apart of the foundation on which I stand. I've been fortunate to have validation throughout all of my life, which has allowed me to evolve my understanding on a daily basis. But certain key moments in time have unfolded which have prompted me to move forward much quicker. And as we both watched the world around us change, we came to realize something... that the work we had set out to do was complete. I had received and experienced what was needed to get me here... today, and he had experienced what he needed to get him where he is now.

One fine morn, we shook hands once again... with beams of light shining down through mirrored windows upon ourselves, signifying that our cycle of learning and development had come to a close. The relationship died that day, in a way that few will understand, only to give rise to new beginnings and a new kind of friendship that forged and sealed with the clasping of fists. We haven't seen much of each other since then, but we both know that the new cycle we've engaged in... will too come to a close, and we will once again come full circle. Right back to where we started... shaking hands, talking about life, and the possibilities of an even grander future that lies ahead for us all.

I AM NOT MY BODY

2006-04-27T08:37:00.001-04:00

This is how pain can be easily managed with mere thoughts received and processed by the human brain. With this concept in mind, pain becomes less of an issue, as you can more easily detach yourself from the physical experiences of the body.

Within Kung Fu, we learn that the BEING aspect of what / who you are, can be detached from the DOING aspect of what / who you are. On the outside, within a combat environment, we would be DOING violent, brutal, and perhaps deadly acts, however that does not mean that we are BEING violent, brutal, or wish death on anyone. We must disassociate ourselves and the DOING aspect, from the BEING aspect. Within a combat scenario, that is the only thing that will keep you alive, is your ability to simply and easily disconnect those two... seemingly married concepts.

Within life, we associate our doing with what we are. People ask you... what do you do for a living? The answer is... I'm a Process Analyst. When we witness that persons behaviours, we associate that behaviour with being a Process Analyst. The doing aspect, quickly becomes a synonym for what the individual is being. But this is not always the case. For those individuals that have the ability to run their BEING and DOING in parallel, they play by a different set of rules.

DOING is a physical experience, but BEING is a state of mind. I can be compassionate, generous, loving, while I'm in the midst of robbing you of your life within a combat scenario. Simply because my state of being is that way, however if you cross the line and you become violent towards me or my loved ones, and you begin to encroach on that space, then there will be consequences. It is in fact the BEING cool, calm, collected, and methodical aspects of mind, that allow the DOING to be executed so gracefully, so seamlessly and that which allows for adaptation, even amidst highly emotional, and violent behaviours coming at you from an opponent. But throughout all of my studies, it is only within Kung Fu that they have formally taught that a separation of DOING and BEING is a necessary requirement for proper advancement.

Applied to everyday life, you can DO just about anything as a profession, but within, you may BE anything you like. As that is your inner world, which no one can view, and that is the world with which you are able to create yourself anew each and everyday. In a newer, and grander version of who you are. You can create yourself within your own mind, as a writer, a poet, a martial artist, a musician, a philosopher, a wizard, a master, a sage, a guru, or my personal favourite... the humble teacher. Even though your DOING may be totally different than that... your state of BEING, and the emotions associated to that are very real... and your physical behaviours will eventually modify themselves (consciously or unconsciously) to align with your state of being, and it will permeate throughout all aspects of your life. But the proper knowledge, and execution of these concepts, and the wisdom to know when to do so, can be extremely valuable.

Book 1 - Update

2006-04-26T09:31:00.001-04:00

Well it's been awhile since I've actually given an update regarding my book. I've lost my editor at this point, as she had family issues which took priority over editing, which is of course very understandable. I am at a loss now without an editor, but she was kind enough to provide a reference to www.editors.ca which I've also posted under the Research section of my web links. This site allows you to search for editors in your area, which I've done. I've contacted several of them at this point, to gather some quotes, and some further knowledge about the process of writing and publishing. The information I've obtained thus far, just by having to contact these various editing companies has been invaluable. I've now learned the differences between Line editing, Copy editing, Structural editing, and the purpose of having an editor review your work prior to submission to publishers.

A great deal of interesting info came out of that tangent, such as the futility of actually editing your work before going to a publisher, who usually bears much of the editing costs. I was discouraged by an editor, to actually hire them for editing services, simply because that work is usually reserved for the publisher, who will undoubtedly change your work around, no matter how much you've previously paid professional editors. That is not only a cost savings idea, but it takes a great deal of pressure off of this whole process. But of course... and as usual, the work falls squarely back where it belongs. In my lap.

I have to go over and edit and polish what needs to be polished myself, before I submit to a publisher. I can't offload that work onto anyone else at this point. Which does allow me more creative control, and helps me avoid unnecessary criticism. One suggestion of theirs, which I'm still mulling over, is to pay for a Manuscript Evaluation. This is essentially, a "what works" vs. "what doesn't work" view of the book, without getting into the actual technical, or grammatical aspects of review. They mainly look at plot, characters, setting, continuity, and several other story driven structural anomalies that may need further work. I've already received good feedback from them, with the 2 chapters I've sent... so I am anxious to get further feedback from an accredited company. But of course, there is a large cost associated for their review. As I say, still mulling it over.

I have another editor who may be willing to engage by April 28th or May 1st, so that is also another option, and I have a friend who has also agreed to do a formal Manuscript Evaluation... so the feedback is coming. Now all that remains is for me to actually do the work! And integrate all of the feedback as pertinent.

Epilogue is still being written. I toyed with a couple different ideas, but then settled on my first thought... which will be better overall for the stories experience, but it does require more effort. I still have a ways to go, but I'm getting there. Every time I've put my word out there and said definitively that .. "The Epilogue will be done by X date", I've proven myself wrong. So instead, I'll just say.... it'll get done when it's done. Life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans.

Did you know...

2006-04-25T09:13:00.001-04:00

That everything you are experiencing right now in life, is something that you have brought to yourself for the purpose of evolution?

Did you know that everything you've ever experienced, be it good, bad, disgusting, vile, wretched, inhuman, blissful, wondrous, or hateful, you've brought to yourself for the purpose of learning who you are? You do this by taking the emotional wisdom from the experience, and storing it within your soul, where is can be drawn from at any time as a point of reference, a point of wisdom. Essentially, the emotional energy is stored within you, simply so you no longer will have the urge to experience that again. You can if you want to... because you may thoroughly enjoy the experience, but in that case... you really haven't had "enough" of the experience yet. Sex is a good example. Most people would need quite a lot of it before they could say... hmmm I've had enough of that in this life. But for other experiences, which aren't as pleasant, such as being abused. You may have the strength within to say, hmm I don't need that experience again. I know what it is to be oppressed. You may even know what it's like to be the oppressor. But you'll never understand the feelings from both perspectives, unless you've experienced both perspectives... the oppressed, and the oppressor. Sometimes we can cycle through these experiences quickly, learn from them, evolve, and move on to the next experience. Some of us, however, get stuck in a behavioural loop, where we constantly repeat the behaviour because of some insecurity, or emotional payoff.

Did you know that every life circumstance that you can identify right now... in your life today, is there because you have some issue... be it, spiritual, psychology, or physical... that needs to be worked through? And the circumstance has appeared conveniently in your life, to provide you with an opportunity to overcome that situation. For some... that is a tough pill to swallow. It's even tougher still... for those who are consciously aware of that fact, because then to take an inventory of the life circumstances in your life, with full awareness of why they are there... makes you wonder exactly how far you've really come on the path of evolution. Example... "Why am I still dealing with issues of loneliness?" or "Why am I still dealing with issues of physical weight?" A sobering thought. The attention that it takes to remove these blocks from our lives, is quite large, and requires thought, words, and deeds to do so. Not always a simple task, given the illustrious illusions that we are faced with each and everyday on top of this. Such as kids... work... bills... etc. But the faster we move through these things... these life circumstances, the faster we progress on our path to unlimitedness.

Did you know in a state of pure unlimitedness, that you are capable of absolutely anything? Of course... because you are unlimited! Does that mean you could fly... or move mountains with mere thoughts. YES! With only the faith of a mustard seed, you can do this. But do not underestimate the faith of a mustard seed. That seed knows... it doesn't guess... it doesn't doubt... it doesn't feel guilty that it isn't a mustard bush yet... it just knows... that it is now, and it will be a mustard bush. And it is. Do you have the same clarity of mind?