Trust yourself. Create the kind of life you will be
happy to live with all your life. Make the most of
yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility
into the flames of achievement.
Foster C. McClellan
"The day that Yogi Raman shared his mystical little fable with me,
high atop the Himalayas, was actually quite similar to this day in
many respects," said Julian.
"Really?"
"Our meeting began in the evening and carried on well into the
night. There was such a chemistry between the two of us that the
air seemed to crackle with electricity. As I mentioned to you
earlier, from the first moment I met Raman, I felt as if he was the
brother I never had. Tonight, sitting here with you and enjoying
the look of intrigue on your face, I feel the same energy and bond.
I will also tell you that I have always thought of you as my little
brother since we became friends, I'll tell you the truth, I saw a lot
of myself in you."
"You were an amazing litigator, Julian. I will never forget your
effectiveness."
It was obvious that he had no interest in exploring the
museum of his past .
"John, I'd like to continue to share the elements of Yogi
Raman's fable with you, but before I do this, I must confirm
something. Already you have learned a number of highly
effective strategies for personal change which will do wonders
for you if you apply them consistently. I will open my heart to you
tonight and reveal everything I know, as it is my duty to do. I just
want to make sure that you fully understand how important it is
that you, in turn , pass this wisdom on to all those who are
searching for such guidance. We are living in a very troubled
world. Negativity pervades it and many in our society are
floating like ships without rudders , weary souls searching for a
lighthouse that will keep them from crashing against the rocky
shores. You must serve as a captain of sorts . I'm placing my trust
in you to take the message of the Sages of Sivana to all those who
need it."
After consideration, I promised Julian with conviction that I
would accept this assignment. He then continued passionately.
"The beauty of the whole exercise is that as you strive to improve
the lives of others, your own life will be elevated into its highest
dimensions. This truth is based on an ancient paradigm for
extraordinary living."
"I'm all ears. "
"Basically, the sages of the Himalayas guided their lives by a
simple rule : he who serves the most, reaps the most, emotionally,
physically, mentally and spiritually. This is the way to inner peace
and outer fulfillment."
I once read that people who study others are wise but those
who study themselves are enlightened. Here, perhaps for the first
time, I saw a man who truly knew himself, perhaps his highest self.
In his austere clothing, with the half-smile of a youthful Buddha
gracing his supple face, Julian Mantle appeared to have it all: ideal
health, happiness and an overriding sense of his role in the
kaleidoscope of the universe. Yet, he owned nothing.
"This brings me to the lighthouse," said Julian, remaining
focused on the task at hand.
"I was wondering how that fit into Yogi Raman's fable."
"I'll try to explain," he responded, sounding more like a well-
schooled professor than a lawyer turned monk who had renounced
the sensual world. "You have now learned that the mind is like a
fertile garden and for it to flourish, you must nurture it daily.
Never let the weeds of impure thought and action take the garden
of your mind. Stand guard at the gateway of your mind. Keep it
healthy and strong — it will work miracles in your life if you will
only let it."
"You will recall that in the middle of the garden stood a
magnificent lighthouse. This symbol will remind you of yet another
ancient principle for enlightened living: the purpose of life is a life
of purpose. Those who are truly enlightened know what they want
out of life, emotionally, materially, physically and spiritually.
Clearly defined priorities and goals for every aspect of your life
will serve a role similar to that played by a lighthouse, offering you
guidance and refuge when the seas become rough. You see, John,
anyone can revolutionize their lives once they revolutionize the
direction in which they are moving. But if you don't even know
where you are going, how will you ever know when you get there? "
Julian transported me back to the time when Yogi Raman
examined this principle with him. He recalled the sage's exact
words. "Life is funny," observed Yogi Raman. "One would think
that the less one worked the more one would have the chance to
experience happiness. However, the real source of happiness can
be stated in a word: achievement. Lasting happiness comes from
steadily working to accomplish your goals and advancing
confidently in the direction of your life's purpose. This is the secret
to kindling the inner fire that lurks within you. I do understand
that it might seem more than a little ironic that you have travelled
thousands of miles from your achievement-oriented society to
speak to a cluster of mystical sages living high in the Himalayas
only to learn that another eternal secret of happiness can be found
in achievement, but it is true. "
"Workaholic monks?" I suggested playfully.
"Quite the opposite. While the sages were tremendously
productive people, their productivity was not of the frenetic type .
Instead, it was of the peaceful, focused, zen-like kind."
"How so?"
"Everything they did had a purpose. Though they were
removed from the modern world and lived a highly spiritual
existence, they were also highly effective. Some spent their days
polishing off philosophical treatises, others created fabulous,
richly textured poems which challenged their intellect and
renewed their creativity. Still others passed their time in the
silence of total contemplation, looking like illuminated statues
seated in the ancient lotus pose. The Sages of Sivana did not waste
time. Their collective conscience told them that their lives had a
purpose and they had a duty to fulfill.
"This is what Yogi Raman said to me : 'Here in Sivana where
time appears to stand still, you might wonder what a group of
simple, possessionless sages would ever need or hope to achieve.
But achievement need not be of the material sort . Personally, my
objectives are to attain peace of mind, self-mastery and
enlightenment. If I fail to accomplish these goals by the end of my
life, I am certain that I will die feeling unfulfilled and dissatisfied.'"
Julian told me that that was the first time he had heard any of
his teachers in Sivana speak of their own mortality. "And Yogi
Raman sensed this in my expression. 'You need not worry, my
friend. I have already lived past the age of one hundred and have
no plans for a quick exit. My point is simply that when you clearly
know what aims you wish to achieve over the course of your life, be
they material, emotional, physical or spiritual, and you spend your
days accomplishing them, you will ultimately find eternal joy. Your
life will be as delightful as mine — and you will come to know a
splendid reality. But you must know your life's aim and then
manifest this vision into reality by consistent action. We sages call
this Dharma, which is the Sanskrit word for life's purpose."
"Lifelong contentment will come from the fulfillment of my
Dharma?" I asked.
"Most certainly. From Dharma springs inner harmony and
lasting satisfaction. Dharma is based upon the ancient principle that
says every one of us has a heroic mission whilst we walk this Earth .
We have all been granted a unique set of gifts and talents that will
readily allow us to realize this lifework. The key is to discover them,
and in doing so, discover the main objective of your life."
I interrupted Julian, "It's sort of what you were saying earlier
about risk taking."
"Maybe yes, maybe no."
"I don't follow."
"Yes, it may seem as though you are forced to take a few risks
to discover what you are best at and the essence of your life's
purpose. Many people quit jobs that have stifled their progress
the moment they discover the true purpose of their existence.
There is always the apparent risk that comes with self-
examination and soul searching. But no, because there is never a
risk in discovering yourself and the mission of your life. Self-
knowledge is the DNA of self-enlightenment. It is a very good,
indeed essential thing."
"What is your Dharma, Julian?" I asked casually, attempting
to mask my burning curiosity.
"Mine is simple: to selflessly serve others . Remember, you will
not find true joy in sleeping, in relaxing or in spending your time
like an idler. As Benjamin Disraeli said: 'The secret of success is
constancy of purpose.' The happiness you are searching for comes
through reflecting on the worthy aims you are dedicated to
achieving and then taking action daily to advance them. This is a
direct application of the timeless philosophy which prescribes that
those things which are most important should never be sacrificed
to those things which are the least important. The lighthouse in
Yogi Raman's fable will always remind you of the power of setting
clearly defined, purposeful goals and, most importantly, of having
the character power to act on them."
Over the course of the next few hours, I learned from Julian
that all highly developed, fully actualized people understand the
importance of exploring their talents, uncovering their personal
purpose and then applying their human gifts in the direction of
this calling. Some people selflessly serve humanity as physicians,
others as artists . Some people discover that they are powerful
communicators and become wonderful teachers, whilst others
come to realize that their legacy will be in the form of innovations
in the field of business or science. The key is to have the discipline
and vision to see your heroic mission and to ensure that it serves
other people while you realize it.
"Is this a form of goal-setting?"
"Goal-setting is the starting point. Mapping out your
objectives and your goals releases the creative juices which get
you on to the path of your purpose. Believe it or not, Yogi Raman
and the other sages were very hot on goals."
"You're kidding. Highly effective monks living deep in the
Himalayan mountains who meditate all night and set goals all day.
I love it!"
"John, always judge by results. Look at me. Sometimes I don't
even recognize myself when I look in the mirror. My once-
unfulfilling existence has been replaced by one rich with adventure,
mystery and excitement. I am young again and enjoy vibrant health.
I am truly happy. The wisdom I am sharing with you is so potent and
so important and so life-giving that you simply must stay open to it."
"I am Julian, I really am. Everything you have said makes
perfect sense, although some of the techniques do sound a little
odd. But I have promised to try them and I will. I agree that this
information is powerful."
"If I have seen farther than others, it is simply because I have
stood on the shoulders of great teachers," replied Julian with
humility. "Here's another example. Yogi Raman was an expert
archer, a tru e master . To illustrate his philosophy on the
importance of setting clearly defined objectives in every aspect of
one's life and fulfilling one's mission, he offered a demonstration I
will never forget.
"Near where we were sitting there was a magnificent oak tree .
The sage pulled one of the roses from the garland he habitually
wore and placed it on the center of the trunk . He then pulled three
objects from the large knapsack that was his constant companion
whenever he ventured to distant mountain climes such as the one
we were visiting. The first object was his favorite bow, made of a
wonderfully fragrant yet sturdy sandalwood. The second item was
an arrow. The third object was a lily-white handkerchief — the
kind I used to wear in the pocket of my expensive suits to impress
judge s and juries, " Julian added apologetically.
Yogi Raman then asked Julian to put the handkerchief over his
eyes as a blindfold.
"How far away from the rose am I? " Yogi Raman asked his
pupil.
"One hundred feet," Julian guessed.
"Have you ever observed me in my daily practice of this
ancient sport of archery?" the sage queried, in full knowledge of
the response that would come.
"I have seen you strike the bull's-eye from a mark almost
three hundred feet away and I cannot recall a time that you have
ever missed at your current distance," Julian noted dutifully.
Then, with his eyes covered by the cloth and his feet placed
securely in the earth, the teacher drew the bow with all his energy
and released the arrow — aiming directly at the rose hanging
from the tree . The arrow struck the large oak with a thud, missing
its mark by an embarrassingly large distance.
"I thought you were going to display more of your magical
abilities, Yogi Raman. What happened?"
"We have travelled to this isolated place for one reason only I
have agreed to reveal all my worldly wisdom to you. Today's
demonstration is meant to reinforce my advice on the importance
of setting clearly defined objectives in your life and knowing
precisely where you are going. What you just saw confirms the
most important principle for anyone seeking to attain their goals
and to fulfill their life's purpose : you will never be able to hit a
target that you cannot see. People spend their whole lives
dreaming of becoming happier, living with more vitality and having
an abundance of passion. Yet they do not see the importance of
taking even ten minutes a month to write out their goals and to
think deeply about the meaning of their lives, their Dharma. Goal-
setting will make your life magnificent. Your world will become
richer, more delightful and more magical."
"You see, Julian, our ancestors have taught us that setting
clearly defined objectives for what we desire in our mental,
physical and spiritual world is critical to their realization. In the
world you came from, people set financial and material goals.
There is nothing wrong with this, if this is what you value.
However, to attain self-mastery and inner enlightenment, you
must set concrete objectives in other areas as well. Would it
surprise you to know that I have clearly defined objectives with
respect to the peace of mind I desire, the energy I bring to each
day and the love that I offer to all those around me? Goal-setting
is not just for distinguished lawyers such as yourself who reside in
a world full of material attractions. Anyone who wishes to improve
the quality of their inner as well as their outer worlds would do
well to take out a piece of paper and start writing out their life
aims. At the very moment that this is done, natural forces will
come into play which start to transform these dreams into reality."
What I was hearing fascinated me . When I was a football
player in high school, my coach had constantly spoken of the
importance of knowing what we wanted from every game. "Know
your outcome," was his personal creed, and our team wouldn't
dream of stepping onto the playing field without a clear game plan
that would lead us to victory. I wondered why, as I had grown
older, I had never taken the time to develop a game plan for my
own life. Maybe Julian and Yogi Raman had something here .
"What is so special about taking out a sheet of paper and
writing out your goals? How could such a simple act make such a
difference?" I asked.
Julian was delighted. "Your obvious interest inspires me, John.
Enthusiasm is one of the key ingredients for a lifetime of successful
living and I am glad to see that you still have every ounce of yours.
Earlier I taught you that we each think about 60,000 thoughts on
an average day. By writing out your desires and goals on a piece of
paper, you send a red flag to your subconscious mind that these
thoughts are far more important than the remaining 59,999 other
ones. Your mind will then start to seek out all opportunities to
realize your destiny like a guided missile. It is really a very
scientific process. Most of us are simply not aware of it."
"A few of my partners are big on goal-setting. Come to think
of it, they are the most financially successful people I know. But I
don't think they are the most balanced," I observed.
"Perhaps they are not setting the right goals. You see, John,
life pretty much gives you what you ask from it. Most people want
to feel better, have more energy or live with greater satisfaction.
Yet, when you ask them to tell you precisely what it is they want,
they have no answer. You change your life the moment you set
your goals and start to seek out your Dharma," Julian said, his
eyes sparkling with the truth of his words.
"Have you ever met someone with a strange name and then
started to notice that name appearing everywhere : in newspapers,
on the television or at the office? Or have you ever become
interested in a new subject, let's say fly fishing, and then noticed
that you couldn't go anywhere without hearing about the wonders
of fly fishing? This is but one illustration of the ageless principle
Yogi Raman called joriki, which I have since learned means
'concentrated mind.' Concentrate every ounce of your mental
energy on self-discovery. Learn what you excel at and what makes
you happy. Maybe you are practicing law but are really meant to
be a school teacher, given your patience and love of teaching.
Perhaps you are a frustrated painter or sculptor. Whatever it is,
find your passion and then follow it."
"Now that I really think about it, it would be sad to reach the
end of my life without realizing that I had some special genius that
would have unlocked my potential and helped others — even in a
small way."
"That's right. So from this moment onwards, be acutely aware
of your aim in life. Awaken your mind to the abundance of
possibility around you. Start to live with more zest. The human
mind is the world's largest filtering device. When used properly it
filters out what you perceive as unimportant and gives you only
the information you are looking for at that time. At this very
moment, as we sit here in your living room, there are hundreds if
not thousands of things going on that we are not paying any
attention to. There is the sound of the lovers giggling as they stroll
along the boardwalk, the goldfish in the tank behind you, the cool
air being blown from the air conditioner and even the beat of my
own heart . The moment I decide to concentrate on my heartbeat,
I start to notice its rhythm and its qualities. Similarly, when you
decide to start concentrating your mind on your life's main aims,
your mind starts to filter out the unimportant and focus only on
the important."
"To tell you the truth , I think it's about time I discovered my
purpose," I said. "Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of great
things in my life. But it isn't as rewarding as I think it could be . If
I left this world today, I really can't say for sure that I've made
that big a difference."
"How does that make you feel?"
"Depressed," I offered with total honesty. "I know I have
talent. Actually, I was one heck of a good artist when I was
younger. That was until the legal profession beckoned with the
promise of a more stable life."
"Do you ever wish you had made painting your profession?"
"I really haven't given it much thought. But I will say one
thing. When I painted I was in Heaven."
"It really fired you up, didn't it?"
"Absolutely. I lost track of time when I was in the studio
painting. I would get lost in the canvas. It was a real release for
me. It was almost as if I transcended time and moved into another
dimension."
"John, this is the power of concentrating your mind on a
pursuit that you love. Goethe said that 'we are shaped and
fashioned by what we love.' Maybe your Dharma is to brighten the
world with lovely scenes. At least start spending a little time
painting every day."
"How about applying this philosophy to things less esoteric
than changing my life?" I asked with a grin.
"This should be good." Julian replied. "Like what?"
"Let's say one of my aims, although a minor one, was to drop the
spare tire I am carrying around my waist. Where would I start? "
"Don't be embarrassed. You master the art of goal-setting —
and goal getting — by starting off small."
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step?" I
asked intuitively.
"Precisely. And getting good at accomplishing little feats
prepares you for realizing the big ones. So, to answer your question
squarely, there is nothing wrong with mapping out a full range of
smaller goals in the process of planning your bigger ones."
Julian told me that the Sages of Sivana had created a five-step
method to reach their objectives and fulfill the purposes of their
lives. It was simple, practical and it worked. The first step was to
form a clear mental image of the outcome. If this was to lose
weight, Julian told me that every morning just after I woke up, I
was to envision myself as a lean, fit person, full of vitality and
boundless energy. The clearer this mental picture, the more
effective the process would be . He said that the mind was the
ultimate treasure house of power and this simple act of "picturing"
my goal would open the gateway to the actualization of this desire.
Step two was to get some positive pressure on myself
"The main reason people do not follow through on any
resolutions they make is that it is too easy to slip back into their
old ways. Pressure is not always a bad thing . Pressure can inspire
you to achieve great ends. People generally achieve magnificent
things when their backs are up against the wall and they are
forced to tap into the wellspring of human potential that lies
within them."
"How can I create this 'positive pressure' on myself?" I asked,
now thinking about the possibilities of applying this method to
everything from getting up earlier to being a more patient and
loving father.
"There are a whole host of ways to do this. One of the best is
the public pledge. Tell everyone you know that you will lose the
excess weight or write that novel or whatever your goal might be .
Once you make your goal known to the world, there will instantly
be pressure on you to work towards its fulfillment since no one
likes to look like a failure. In Sivana, my teachers used more
dramatic means to create this positive pressure I speak of. They
would declare to one another that if they did not follow through on
their commitments, such as fasting for a week or getting up daily
at 4:00 a.m. to meditate, they would go down to the icy waterfall
and stand under it until their arms and legs went numb. This is an
extreme illustration of the power that pressure can exert on the
building of good habits and the attainment of goals."
"'Extreme' might be an understatement, Julian. What a
bizarre ritual!"
"Extremely effective though. The point is simply that when
you train your mind to associate pleasure with good habits and
punishment with bad ones, your weaknesses will quickly fall by
the wayside."
"You said there were five steps to follow to make my desires
come true. " I said impatiently. "What are the remaining three? "
"Yes, John. Step one is to have a clear vision of your outcome.
Step two is to create positive pressure to keep you inspired. The
third step is a simple one: never set a goal without attaching a
timeline to it. To breathe life into a goal you must attach a precise
deadline to it. It's just like when you are preparing cases for court;
you always focus your attention on the ones the judge has
scheduled to be heard tomorrow rather than on the ones without
any court date .
"Oh, and by the way," explained Julian, "remember that a goal
that is not committed to paper is no goal at all. Go out and buy a
journa l — a cheap coil notepad will do. Call this your Dream Book
and fill it with all your desires, objectives and dreams . Get to know
yourself and what you are all about."
"Don't I already know myself?"
"Most people don't. They have never taken the time to know
their strengths, their weaknesses, their hopes, their dreams . The
Chinese define image in these terms : there are three mirrors that
form a person's reflection; the first is how you see yourself, the
second is how others see you and the third mirror reflects the
truth . Know yourself, John. Know the truth .
"Divide your Dream Book into separate sections for goals
relating to the different areas of your life. For example you might
have sections for your physical fitness goals, your financial goals,
your personal empowerment goals, your relationship and social
goals and, perhaps most importantly, your spiritual goals."
"Hey, that sounds like fun! I've never thought about doing
something as creative as that for myself I really should start
challenging myself more," I said.
"I agree . Another particularly effective technique I learned is
to fill your Dream Book with pictures of the things you desire and
images of people who have cultivated the abilities, talents and
qualities that you hope to emulate. Getting back to you and your
'spare tire,' if you want to lose weight and be in outstanding
physical shape, paste a picture of a marathon runner or an elite
athlete in your Dream Book. If you want to be the world's finest
husband, why not clip out a picture of someone who represents this
— perhaps your father — and put it into your journal in the
relationship section. If you are dreaming of a mansion by the sea
or a sports car, find an inspiring picture of these objects and use
them for your book of dreams . Then review this book daily, even
for a few minutes. Make it your friend. The results will startle you."
"This is pretty revolutionary stuff, Julian. I mean, though these
ideas have been around for centuries, everybody I know today
could improve the quality of their daily lives by applying even a few
of them. My wife would love to have a Dream Book. She'd probably
fill it with pictures of me without my notorious belly."
"It's really not that big," Julian suggested in a consoling tone.
"Then why does Jenny call me Mr. Donut?" I said, breaking
into a broad smile.
Julian started to laugh. I had to follow. Soon the two of us were
howling on the floor.
"I guess if you can't laugh at yourself who can you laugh at? "
I said, still giggling.
"Very true, my friend. When I was chained to my former
lifestyle, one of my main problems was that I took life too
seriously. Now I am much more playful and childlike. I enjoy all of
life's gifts, no matter how small they are."
"But I have digressed. I have so much to tell you and it is all
flowing out of me at once."
"Back to the five-step method to attain your aims and realize
your goals. Once you have formed a clear mental picture of your
outcome, created a little pressure behind it, set a deadline and
committed it to paper, the next step is to apply what Yogi Raman
called The Magic Rule of 21 . The learned men and women of his
world believed that, for new behavior to crystallize into a habit,
one had to perform the new activity for twenty-one days in a row."
"What's so special about twenty-one days?"
"The sages were absolute masters of creating new, more
rewarding habits which governed the conduct of their lives. Yogi
Raman once told me that a bad habit once acquired could never be
erased."
"But all evening you have been inspiring me to change the way
I live my life. How can I possibly do this if I can never erase any of
my bad habits?"
"I said that bad habits can never be erased. I did not say that
negative habits could not be replaced," Julian noted with precision.
"Oh Julian, you always were the King of Semantics. But I
think I see your point."
"The only way to permanently install a new habit is to direct so
much energy toward it that the old one slips away like an
unwelcome house guest. The installation is generally complete in
about twenty-one days, the time it takes to create a new neural
pathway."
"Say I wanted to start practicing the Heart of the Rose
technique to erase the worry habit and live at a more peaceful
pace. Do I have to do it at the same time every day?"
"Good question. The first thing I will tell you is that you never
have to do anything. Everything I am sharing with you tonight I
am offering as a friend who is genuinely interested in your growth
and development. Every strategy, tool and technique has been
tested over time for effectiveness and measurable results . This I
assure you. And though my heart tells me that I should implore
you to try all of the methods of the sages, my conscience tells me
to simply follow my duty and share the wisdom with you, leaving
its implementation up to you. My point is this : never do anything
because you have to . The only reason to do something is because
you want to and because you know it is the right thing for you to do."
"Sounds reasonable, Julian. Don't worry, I haven't felt for even
a moment that you were forcing any of this information down my
throat. Anyway, the only thing that could ever be forced down my
throat these days would be a box of donuts — and that wouldn't
take much," I quipped.
Julian smiled gingerly. "Thanks pal. Now to answer your
question, my suggestion is that you try the Heart of the Rose
method at the same time every day and in the same place, every
day. There is tremendous power in a ritual. Sports stars who eat
the same meal or tie their shoes the same way before the big game
are tapping into the power of ritual. Members of a church who
perform the same rites, wear the same robes, are using the power
of ritual. Even business people who walk the same route or talk
the same talk before a big presentation are applying the power of
ritual. You see, when you insert any activity into your routine by
doing it the same way at the same time every day, it quickly grows
into a habit."
"For example, most people will do the same thing upon waking
up, without giving any thought to what they are doing. They open
their eyes, get out of bed, walk to the bathroom and start brushing
their teeth . So, staying with your goal for a period of twenty-one
days, and performing the new activity at the same time for each of
these days, will insert it into your routine. Soon you will be
performing the new habit, whether it is meditation, getting up
earlier or reading for an hour every day, with the same ease that
you feel while brushing your teeth. "
"The final step for attaining goals and advancing along the
path of purpose?"
"The final step in the sages' method is one that is equally
applicable as you advance along the path of your life."
"My cup is still empty," I said respectfully.
"Enjoy the process. The Sages of Sivana often spoke of this
philosophy. They truly believed that a day without laughter or a
day without love was a day without life."
"I'm not sure I follow you."
"All I'm saying is make sure that you have fun while you are
advancing along the path of your goals and purpose. Never forget
the importance of living with unbridled exhilaration. Never
neglect to see the exquisite beauty in all living things. Today and
this very moment that you and I are sharing is a gift. Remain
spirited, joyful and curious. Stay focused on your lifework and on
giving selfless service to others . The Universe will take care of
everything else. This is one of nature's truest laws."
"And never regret what has happened in the past?"
"Exactly. There is no chaos in this Universe. There is a
purpose for everything that has ever happened to you, and
everything that will happen to you. Remember what I told you,
John. Every experience offers lessons. So stop majoring in minor
things. Enjoy your life."
"Is that it?"
"I still have much wisdom to share with you. Are you tired?"
"Not in the least. Actually I feel pretty pumped up . You are
quite the motivator, Julian. Have you ever thought about an
infomercial?" I asked mischievously.
"I don't understand," he replied gently.
"Never mind. Just one of my feeble attempts at humor."
"Okay. Before we move along with Yogi Raman's fable, there is
one last point about reaching your goals and your dreams that I
would like to impress on you."
"Go for it."
"There is one word which the sages spoke of in almost
reverential terms. "
"Do tell."
"This simple word seemed to carry a depth of meaning for
them and it peppered their daily talk. The word I am speaking of is
passion , and it is a word you must constantly keep at the forefront
of your mind as you follow your mission and attain your goals. A
burning sense of passion is the most potent fuel for your dreams.
Here, in our society we have lost our passion. We do not do things
because we love to do them. We do things because we feel we have
to do them. This is a formula for misery. And I am not speaking of
romantic passion, although this is another ingredient for a
successful, inspired existence. What I am talking about is a passion
for life. Reclaim the joy of waking up every morning, full of energy
and exhilaration. Breathe the fire of passion into all that you do.
You will quickly reap great material, as well as spiritual, rewards."
"You make it sound so easy."
"It is. From tonight onwards, take complete control of your
life. Decide, once and for all, to be the master of your fate. Run
your own race . Discover your calling and you will start to
experience the ecstacy of an inspired life. Finally, always
remember that what lies behind you and what lies in front of you
is nothing when compared to what lies within you."
"Thanks Julian. I really needed to hear this. I never realized
all that was lacking in my life until tonight. I have been wandering
aimlessly through it, lacking a real purpose. Things are going to
change. I promise you. I am grateful for this."
"You're welcome, my friend. I'm simply fulfilling my purpose."
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