I spend the first two hours of most mornings reading the New York Times. It’s a marvelous paper covering monstrous stories. In order to recover from the depressing pall of what’s happening in the world, I meditate for 30 minutes to ground myself in the current reality and to experience the boundlessness that mediation brings. It’s a marvelous way to deal with whatever monsters are still lurking in my mind from the morning news. I then prepare to face the day by playing my guitar and singing Bob Dylan, John Denver and Leonard Cohen songs. Don’t think Twice is my favorite even though I spend a lot of time sitting and wondering why.
What I’ve been wondering about lately is how difficult it is to achieve a balance between bemoaning the monstrous things happening in our life and celebrating all the marvels unfolding in front of us. Yes, I acknowledge the luxury of not only having time to read, meditate, and play but also the good fortune of having so many marvels in my life. I’m happily married, my children are healthy and thriving, my grandkids are an incredible source of joy and love in my life, and I’m financially secure. I understand that I’m writing this post from a position of ridiculous privilege.
And yet, the questions are real for everyone. How do we deal with the monstrous events happening in the world from pandemics, poverty, polarization violence, vigilantism, climate change and cultural wars? And, in spite of all these monsters, how do we still get in touch with the marvelous gifts of Nature’s sounds and sights, our personal connections with friends and family, our ability to find agency and harmony in our lives, and the plethora of possibilities that every moment brings? How do we find the strength to face the monstrous and the openness to experience the marvelous in our lives?
Over the past ten years, I have been serving as a sounding board and willing case study for Dr. Artie Vipperla, a Harvard educated polymath, psychologist, spiritual seeker, award-winning author, and Vietnam Vet in his attempt to answer these questions. On February 26, after a 50 year journey of deep exploration, Artie will publish his answers in the book Harmonizing All with All. I have been through the trenches with Artie – not only in Vietnam where we served together, but also in his dedicated attempts to get those answers right. Over this last decade, I have transcribed notes from training sessions designed to test ideas and refine methods; I have read through at least a dozen earlier versions of this book with different titles, chapters, and approaches; I have practiced the skills that have emerged from the writing and the practice; and, hopefully, I have shaped some of the thinking that went into this ground-breaking, game-changing book. I can unequivocally testify that the material in this book will enhance your practice, enlighten your path, enable productive patterns, and slow down your pace in life. For me, the work has helped to make the fundamental shift from Doing to Welcoming thus enabling me to quiet my monsters and revel in the marvels in my life. In this post, I will share how I have applied the 12 steps contained in Artie’s book to find more harmony and to have more gratitude for the marvelous.
First, let me be clear that I’m writing this not as a disciple but as a friend. Both of us were traumatized by the monstrosity of the American War in Vietnam; and both of us were transformed by the graciousness of the Vietnamese people and the beauty of the Buddhist culture. Since then, we have both looked for ways to recover individually and to facilitate the shift from dehumanizing policies to reharmonizing practices. I have worked on my own path over the past 50 years and have incorporated many sources of wisdom into my practice: QiGong, Fourth Way, Kundalini Yoga, and volumes of readings on spiritual and emotional growth. Like Artie, I still have monsters with whom I do battle, and I’m constantly searching for new marvels to brighten and lighten my life. Our monsters and marvels are different, but even though we are on divergent paths, we are both seeking to find more harmony in our lives and in our world. I am so grateful for this offering that Artie has given to me and offers now to the world. Here is how I have applied the 12 steps he details in his book:
Every morning, I TURN to what’s most important in my life. I remember my purpose is to help others achieve their dreams and aspirations. I welcome whatever forces pull me in that direction.
I TUNE into what’s going on in my life – my thoughts, feelings, and sensations. I welcome whatever sources clue me into what’s happening in my body, heart and brain and in the lives of my loved ones and in the world.
I READ what I’m seeing and hearing with curiosity and openness. I welcome whatever discernment helps me to deeply understand my experience and others’ experiences.
I CARE for myself by reading, meditating, exercising, and connecting with loved ones. I welcome being loved by family, friends, and colleagues.
I GROW by noticing my thoughts and feelings, opening up to see them accurately, understanding the causes, and shifting my energy to productive and peaceful action. I welcome opportunities for tiny transformations.
I BLOOM by taking risks and making myself vulnerable. When I notice myself shriveling or numbing, I consciously open up to new possibilities. I welcome the blossoming of flowers, family and friends in uniquely beautiful ways.
I REACH out to others to offer connection, conversation, comfort, and constructive perspective. I welcome and appreciate others efforts to reach out to me.
I GREET people I meet enthusiastically and try to be fully present when we interact. I try to empty myself of ego-centric needs. I welcome warm greetings from others.
I JOIN with causes that speak to my heart and stimulate my mind. My work in conservation and community development give me great joy. I welcome others who want to join with me to make a difference.
I SHARE whatever gifts I may be able to bring to the world. I find my ability to respond accurately and genuinely to others’ experiences is valued. I welcome others’ willingness to share their gifts with me.
I SPEAK up and SPEAK out on issues that matter to me. I try to have my voice heard in my community, and I have certainly spoken out on this blog – 270 posts to be exact. I welcome whatever sources of wisdom are amplified through me.
I GLOW in moments of enlightenment and deep connection. I experience my energy radiating when I’m in a harmonious flow. I welcome the light that Nature and Nurture bring to me.
Those steps have helped me tame my monsters and embrace the marvels in my life. It seems to me that being able to harmonize all with all may be the most critical challenge we face in the world given the monstrous polarization and plundering going on all around us. It also seems reasonable that you may want to take a look at Artie’s new book http://harmonizeallofyouwithall.com/ I think you will find it marvelous in many ways. May it be so.
Also published on Medium.
Such a friend, blood and soul brother! You’ve done all you said and more, including a decade worth of supportive weekly phone calls, emails often in multiples weekly, and most of all the loving spirit of acknowledgement and appreciation that have sustained me through gestating this baby.
Now, let me relieve your readers: YOU, Rick, do 12 moves daily, but the main revelation I have to share is one, single, seamless fusion of meditation, yoga, energy healing and prayer, that’s doable in minutes, sitting, anytime, anywhere. This brings you to Harmonize All of You with All, in a way that cleanses, balances, and exponentially expands subtle energies in minutes.
And anyone can sign in for a free 10 min basic video at my website: HarmonizeAllofYouwithAll.com As for the book, due on my 77th bday Feb 26, 2022, I’ll have a link posted on the Book & Course tab of my site when the time comes (I’m writing this on Feb 1), or anyone can go to Amazon and search for me or that title.
As for how this practice can aid in creating a world without war, yes, read the book, but most of all: practice, reap the benefits, and grow into realizing the Divine cosmic uniquely invaluable Heavenly messenger you are. Then follow how you are called to join in if you’re not already fully engaged.
And to give a hand with that I’ll be launching soon a 60-day course, Harmonize Essentials, with a 10 min video and a page of text coming to you daily, and other ways to follow up. Again, check the Book & Course tab on my webite.
Oh, and be sure to keep up with your good sense in coming to dip into this well of inspiration that Rick offers, pouring out his amazing heart and soul in service to the greater good of us all.
Loving blessings,
Artie Vipperla, PhD
What harmonizing all with all means to me is to honor all the sources of love, wisdom, power and joy who have enriched and enlightened your life and to welcome their manifestation in your presence moment to moment
Thank you Ricky