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.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Eckhart Tolle - What is Enlightenment?
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
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
Saturday, August 23, 2008
New Beta Site for "The Inner Process"
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
RG
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The Oceans Depth
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."
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."
Friday, July 04, 2008
To Be Continued...
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.
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.
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