Autobiographical writing

Starting in September of 2008, I spent an intensive year of research, writing, and clarification of my message, culminating in the writing of My Manifesto in October 2009. This has been, without a doubt, the most growthful thing that I have ever done. Autobiographical writing is the most powerful tool for personal development that I have ever found (with the possible exception of sexual intimacy . I write about my life as the exploration of consciousness and of pathways to enhanced states of perception, intuition and joy is what my life is about, and the chief subject of my research is myself.

As of now (November 2009), this intensive period of writing is over, and I have now turned my attention to business. As a historical record of my own development through this style of writing, however, I have summarized some of the key articles below.

If you feel called to try something similar for yourself, see Writing and blogging coach.

Selected articles (older articles first):

"If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
But if I am only for myself, who am I?
If not now, when?"

-- Hillel

"We can choose to make the success of all humanity our personal business. We can choose to be audacious enough to take responsibility for the entire human family. We can choose to make our love for the World what our lives are really about. Each of us now has the opportunity, the privilege to make a difference in creating a World that works for all of us. It will require courage, audacity and heart. It is much more radical than a revolution, it is the beginning of a transformation in the quality of life on our planet. You have the power to fire a shot heard around the World.

If not you, who? If not here, where? If not now, when?"

-- Werner Erhard, 1979

"The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet."

-- Frederich Buechner

"Describe the steps you would take, the gifts you would buy, the generosity you would bestow, the kindness you would offer, the enthusiasm you would have, the attention you would give, and anything else that appeals to you, if you were able to give yourself the things you want someone else to give to you.

NONE OF US WANTS TO GROW UP"

-- Cheri Huber

“This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one...being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap, being a force of nature, instead of a feverish selfish clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy… I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as i live it, it is a privilege to do whatever i can. i rejoice in life for its own sake… Life is no brief candle to me, but sort of a bright torch that i got hold of for a moment and i want to make it burn as brightly as possible, before handing it on to future generations"

-- George Bernard Shaw “Bright Torch”

"Participate joyfully in the sorrows of the world. We cannot cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy."

-- Joseph Campbell

"If your mind is on the right path, it doesn’t matter how fast you go. If you’re on the right path, you’ll get there. Commitment keeps you on the path."

-- Steve Chandler

Throw away
Your begging bowls at God’s door

For I have heard the Beloved
Prefers sweet threatening shouts,

Something on the order of:

Hey, Beloved,
My heart is a raging volcano
of love for you!

You better start kissing me –
Or else!"

-- Hafiz

"You don't need to get what you want if you can express what you want"

-- Strephon Kaplan-Williams

"The heart has its reasons that Reason knows not of."

-- Blaise Pascal