Bliss, Ecstasy and Ultimate Happiness

Having touched on Deeper Level of Connection, Primary Relationship (Heart), The Free State (Levenson), etc., let us dive into the subject of Bliss, Ecstasy and Ultimate Happiness (Nirvana).  My conviction is that these experiences have a common foundation and that it is easily accessed if we are more attentive to at least some of the characteristics I mentioned already.  The terms may sound foreign, but if patiently examined, reflecting one's own experiences, many if not all people may find the connection to what appears to me as miracle or wonder of LIFE.  (After all, all of us are from there to start with.)

In order for us to familiarize with such experience, let us first revisit Levenson, who said there are five elements that characterizes the free state.  They are: 1) imperturbability, 2) desirelessness, 3) effortlessness, 4) actionlessness, and 5) witnessing.  Some may already relate to such a description.  (Imperturbability and witnessing seem to correspond to what I call, "mirror mind.")

Next, let us review "indicative signs of being connected to Heart" I characterized from my experience in the post, Deeper Level of Connection;

-  Sense of being in present, here and now, choiceless observation, witnessing

-  Vivid sense of inner body sensation, aliveness, liveliness 

(cells jumping around as if very happily)

-  Calm, clear and quiet mind; beginner's mind, no mind, mirror mind

-  Soft eyes...see without seeing - very intuitive, third eye as if opening up a new channel

-  Body/muscle is totally relaxed; There is a sense of effortlessness; no strains felt

-  no ego/self; desirelessness, actionlessness

-  It is as if a new channel opens up by itself from deep within (a new sense of connection)
-  Feeling of all answers are already there (there is no doubt or question any more)

-  Mind and body are felt as one; no boundaries; I am you; I am one with the universe

-  Sense of serenity, peace, arriving/being at home, nothing is missing

-  Wisdom and compassion come naturally; delusions/sufferings/errors are nowhere to find

-  Sense of living truthfully (connection to the Law, the Way); sense of being absolute, imperturbability

-  Sense of Ki (Life energy) manifesting; Blissful sensation spreading over

-  Sense of connection to unconscious/infinite potential (connection of external and internal)

-  Sense of oneness; non-duality

-  Sense of mind and body being 'healthy' and 'genuine'
-  Sense of everything seen as vivid and alive (inside and outside)

-  Sense of love, bliss, and intimacy to all 

-  Sense of time distortion (as if time lost its meaning)

It is also felt as a totally natural state, since it happens on its own.  Yet, as mentioned before, "If you seek for it, you will not find it" (Yuima sutra, or Vimalakirti sutra), which connects to Levenson's desirelessness, effortlessness, and actionlessness. And because of that, when we have it, there is a sense of deep appreciation of arriving at home.  That is ultimate happiness, as Levenson calls it.  Note however, it does not sound like a short temporary state for him.


BTW, this term, "ultimate happiness" points to true, absolute happiness, but "not" the happiness that is transient.  Again, as paradoxical as it may seem, if we seek for it, ultimate happiness will not be found.  Daisetz Suzuki says, "It is Happiness that does not depend on anything." That is Levenson's "Free State."  

Meditating Miroku Bosatsu (Bodhisattva Maitreya) of Koryu-ji Temple, Nara, Japan

(World famous for his gentle compassionate "smile")

Reflecting on his spiritual experience, Eckhart Tolle said since then, there was 80 % reduction in his mind activities since then.  I see it points a long lasting "calm and quiet mind."  Or, this is what Krishnamurti called, "choice-less observation."  Then, the exhibit above indicates the state of body and muscles totally relaxed and mind very calm such that there is a genuine smile emanating from within.  If you remember the "state of centering" in Aikido (the list of ten items), you should see a definite connection there as well.

Then, here are the characteristics of Saintliness summarized in "The Varieties of Religious Experiences" by William Games (p.216):

1) A feeling of being in a wider life..; and a conviction ...of the existence of an Ideal Power

2) A sense of the friendly continuity of the ideal power with our own life, and a willing self-surrender to its control

3) An immense elation and freedom, as the outlines of the confining selfhood meltdown

4) A shifting of the emotional center toward loving and harmonious affections, toward 'yes,yes' and away from 'no,' where the claims of the non-ego are concerned

Finally, here is Maslow's findings from Wikipedia.  Beyond the routine of needs fulfillment, Maslow envisioned moments of extraordinary experience, known as Peak Experiences, which are profound moments of love, understanding, happiness, or rapture, during which a person feels more whole, alive, self-sufficient and yet a part of the world, more aware of truth, justice, harmony, goodness, and so on.

 Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

(When self-actualized, however, my view is like that of Suzuki, the state of bliss, ecstasy and ultimate happiness may not depend on the condition we are in*)

According to Maslow, self-actualising people share the following qualities:

- Truth: honest, reality, beauty, pure, clean and unadulterated completeness

- Goodness: rightness, desirability, uprightness, benevolence, honesty

- Beauty: rightness, form, aliveness, simplicity, richness, wholeness, perfection, completion,

- Wholeness: unity, integration, tendency to oneness, interconnectedness, simplicity, organization, structure, order, not dissociated, synergy

- Dichotomy-transcendence: acceptance, resolution, integration, polarities, opposites, contradictions

- Aliveness: process, not-deadness, spontaneity, self-regulation, full-functioning

- Unique: idiosyncrasy, individuality, non comparability, novelty

- Perfection: nothing superfluous, nothing lacking, everything in its right place, just-rightness, suitability, justice

- Necessity: inevitability: it must be just that way, not changed in any slightest way

- Completion: ending, justice, fulfillment

- Justice: fairness, suitability, disinterestedness, non partiality,

- Order: lawfulness, rightness, perfectly arranged

- Simplicity: nakedness, abstract, essential skeletal, bluntness

- Richness: differentiation, complexity, intricacy, totality

- Effortlessness: ease; lack of strain, striving, or difficulty

- Playfulness: fun, joy, amusement

- Self-sufficiency: autonomy, independence, self-determining.

Personally, I can relate to most of these characterizations... As in Tolle's case, my spiritual experience seems to have contributed to heightened sense of such state.  And, I am further drawn into it as if these are confirmation of me moving on the right path, I call here the new hero's journey - following that bliss.

--

Note: Related to my comment to the exhibit on Maslow's hierarchy of needs, here is a Zen koan (puzzle):

Monk: I am new to this temple. Please give me any proper advice.

Joshu (Master): Have you finished your meal?

Monk: Yes, I have.

Joshu: OK, wash the dishes well.

(Hint: If you live by following the law, that is all you need to practice - practice this in all situations)

Symphony of Light - Joy of Life (Poem)

Here are some more of my poems from about ten years ago.  I found this in my old English home page (Net archive) where I posted Kabir's poem - my favorite one.

Symphony of Light

As if listening to the sound from afar.. 

There is a transparent state beyond the time-space dimension

where the whole nerve system

and all cells of body fully activate.

To the end of the universe,

and inside the mitochondria or DNA

of all cells

everyone enjoys the liberation.

As each performs the given role

and help with each other with no conflict,

there is the most natural state

of life expressing itself.

Without thinking of truth, enlightenment,

defilements or else,

Everyone dances

the dance of the universe.

Yes, by utilizing our whole senses as an artist

Letfs throw our whole existence into the ocean of this universeI

And covered by the spray of the universe over our whole body,

let us play the symphony of light!

It is as it is

As I listen to the stereo..
My body moves on its own
Covered by the vibration,
All cells of my body share the happiness.
My mind is transparent
while the whole world vibratesin happiness.
Yes, Right, in such a way
As birds sing,
Everyone dances.
The tribe men from Amazon,and those in Africa.
People may comment to see me being like this,"He must be demented!"
But, it's OK.
It is because I found the answer
to that question of "So what?"
It is simply
everything is as it is.

A Life in Resonance with Dhamma

As if a butterfly shows up from somewhere when flowers start to bloom,

when birds sing their song, I find my body covered with Dhamma Piti*.

Yes, there is something here to point that

the wisdom of nature is unfathomable.

As much as women putting a make-up to become attractive,

or anyone trying to win the sports game or win in philosophical debate,

or being attracted to make money or to become famous,

there is something similar in all of these orientations.

That is the sense of oneness that everyone seeks for,

to find at the core of us the pleasure of resonating with the infinite.

The same is true for sex, isnft it?  To grasp that moment to discover the infinite,

we want to have our body and mind melted in the ecstasy.

Then, we find the comedies and tragedies performed all around.

So, stop now and ask what is really going on!

What if we do not know that

seeking for happiness iscnot finding one?

 How sad it is to search for IT afarcIt is like in the middle of waterc

yet crying out in thirst,h so Hakuin said.

But look!  I hear the sound of wind chimec  chirping of the birds c.

And, the guitar of Segovia continuing while the cool breeze passes through the room.

Without seeking, but realizing whatfs going onc

what if we live with the sharpened senses

at all of our mind-body cells and DNAs,

and discover the vibration of the universe?

* Piti: emotion of joy, delight, zest, exuberance

(7/15/03)

(Courtesy: Debmalya Mukherjee)

A Joy of Life

For no reason, but perhaps a sound may trigger it.

Perhaps a butterfly in the air,

The innocent flower in the sunc

Perhaps, Segoviafs guitar..

These bring joy to me, with reason but no apparent reason.

It is a joy of life

For the life to experience life as it is.

I feel all through my bodyc

From the top of my head to the bottom of my solec

And throughout my whole body.

Covered by the shivering sense,

All cells of my body breathe the breath of universe

Interconnected with each other

to the end of the universe,

vibrating and expressing as they are meant.

With tears, I remember someone once said,

This world is nirvana as it is.

Whatever that may mean,

It is my cells that know it,

And expressing what it is as it is.

So, may I say simply; have a good day, and a good life!

(7/11/03)

Art, Life and True Love

Here is an e-mail correspondence with my Aikido friend - first about Art and then what I call "True love," or primary relationship, the connection I discussed in the previous post:

==
(From Laura)

I have been sculpting for 2or 3 years now.
Well, aikido is a martial ART, is it not? A movement art.
So what does being artful mean? To me it means staying in the
moment and allowing  your experience of subtle dimensions to take shape in physical form.
To describe peace or beauty in form or action. To act from the void, see how it comes through you.
A lot of people call personal expression art, describing neurosis (Throwing up on a canvas)
and expecting the viewer to appreciate you for your creativity!! I don't call that art. Art is to teach!
To have the viewer (or experiencer) appreciate something beyond himself.
So aikido is a movement art. We try to stay centered and open to peace coming through KI
(energy) and guiding our actions, so that the viewer or partner, is changed by joining with you in the interaction.
Form follows energy which follows thought. The creation of anything comes from the idea or vision forming
the blueprint for the next denser dimension of energy (behavior,action, ki) to move and the densest form
rides or takes the shape of the action.

Here is another movement art I am involved in. You're going to laugh.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34CivLRIbpo

==

Well.. if so,,,, we can say that our life is itself an art, right?  Of
course!! You will agree!!!!

Yet, may I hear your view on LIFE if I may?

==
(From Laura)

Oh boy! Don't get me started!  Of course life is an artistic event.
I am the medium. WHO IS THE ARTIST?

I don't have time for writing poetry. I play cello and garden also.
I told E that, If I beg for cooking lessons, to tell me NO.

I do love poetry. My favorite poet is Rumi:

Today, like every other day, we wake up empty and frightened.
Don't open the door to the study and begin reading. Take down 
a musical instrument. Let the beauty we love be what we do.
There are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the earth.



I would love to kiss you.
The price of kissing is your life!
Now my love is running toward my life shouting,
What a bargain, let's buy it!


May I hear some of your poetry?

An Image of Art, Life, and True Love - i.e., New Hero's Journey

Oh Luara...Don't get me started....

I wrote many... but before that,  let me tell you my most favorite of all, Kabir - 17

http://www.oocities.org/capecanaveral/campus/4178/kabir17.html

and well....Here is one I wrote re: True Love

True Love

True love is unconditional

and accept everything as is

While in meditation, I re-discovered this unconditional love

and re-witnessed its miracle

When I meditate

simply observing what is going on...

there is that sensation in me that responds to my observation

Everywhere I observe, my body cells are happily jumping right then and there...

as if given an encouragement to play like children...

they are genuinely happy as they are

This is a joy of being touched by love... true love...

at the molecular levels, yet it extends to the end of the universe

In that sensation, I realize...

love is found and realized in total acceptance of what is happening

but, not like we may think of love...

as in the conventional manner

As we accept everything as it is and we are in tune with it...

everywhere, and unconditionally, love is prevailing

because it is simply a happening of absolute

Thy will be done.

We witness this as we meditate...

or whenever our mind is still

That sensation/power is universal

you, me and everyone, everywhere

When we witness that happening...

we realize that we are the Life itself –  fully alive!

and True Love is also realized...

as the foundation of life

With its compassionate and creative energy...

love heals everything, and create anew

Being one with Love

we realize that there is no single error in us

Floating in the swell of love,

we witness all sufferings and scars disappear!

In that sweet power of love,

nothing can resist but to surrender

And, as we surrender to love,

Love takes over

Ego is broken,

and the burdens we have carried explodes into a mist of speckles...

We see everything is connected, and melt into one, the absolute unity...

No duality, no good/bad, right/wrong, you/me, any more

Why?

Because it is as it is when love/absolute prevails as it should

How ridiculous, the mind may speak...

but, in that intimacy, such voice has no place to be!

So, you, me, the lucky ones...

simply float in that infinite swell of love, and witness the magic

being played out

Enjoy the taste of nectar called love

heal all the wounds, and be reborn as this magic takes over

--

When we realize True Love

All words lose their meaning, yet there is nothing missing any more!

After the healing and rebirth...

there is continued healing and rebirth...

--

Note: So, within what we think is love (called here as bilateral/horizontal

connection) is this True Love ready to emanate when the connection is

made in each individual.  Once, this is found, tested, and confirmed,

the sparks generated there may be found as most genuine - incomparable

to none.

This is the world of nirvana realized in the awakening of true love.

Yet, since we are as we are as humans, dusts accumulate and the

connection to the source may be weakened or lost.  So, the travelers

of life, be aware, find the right path, confirm the foundation, and

let True Love prevail!

==

(Note on Aikido terms:

-  uke: attacker with aggression

-  nage: one responding with aiki (do) - way of nature to harmonize all... with compassion)

==

Oh well done!

I should say well carried through, right?

I understand the difference between human love and divine love to be the absence or presence of a sense of separation from home.

Divine love being unity with the void, knowing where home is so securely that it overflows

in gratitude and love of life. Human love being a desperate grasping to be loved from another

because we feel separate from our source.Thus the human drama, the source of most of the

stories and movies and songs in pop culture.

The way we move and interact on the aikido mat is a moving meditation.

Since we are always filled with love, abundance and possibility, when we move in an

open full manner, every cell expressing confidence, higher power, KI, it feels like FLOATING..

When, as nage, we doubt the presence of ki, we squeeze for personal power, using our upper body and arms to manipulate uke.  When uke is treated like this, he has to defend himself with his own personal power, it ignites a fight. When the KI inside nage touches the KI inside uke, there is no separation. Only a sense of freedom.

Oh! Something natural is happening! It awakens uke to the source of power present throughout his whole body.

We're teaching as we touch and interact. Life long study! Same in any true art. Is there anything better to do in life?

                                        Your friend,

                                                 Laura

Deeper Level of Connection and Communication

Previously, I said primary relationship was the relationship with True self, Heart, God (if I may use this term), Infinite potential, or the Law - as if to connect with the source of compassion and wisdom --- and to find peace, happiness and harmony.  This may sound funny but it is developing the connection with Heart which we already have.  In any case, we are here to explore ways to develop that relationship, i.e., how to develop the deeper level of connection as if to find a special communication channel.


Generally, we know communication is multifaceted. There is verbal, and there is nonverbal which appeals to five senses.   Yet, from old days, Oriental philosophers said that we have 'sixth sense' to detect the Law of nature on top of five senses.  (Note this is somewhat different from typically used sixth sense as in extrasensory perception or ESP)  We are not what we are as solely captured on the mind movement.  For example, Hypnotist Milton Erickson's observed people while he was immobilized with polio.  People's "yes" in word may be "no" in body language, he said.  We know this in our own experience.  And if so, there may be a conflict of communication within oneself.  Also, how may we detect and address it?  If this is the conflict we have with Heart, may we simply ignore it?


Previously, with posts such as; primary relationship, 50 CM Problem (Brain and Heart), Hypnosis and Aikido, we looked into the deeper level of our being and how our Heart, or True self, may be expressed.  Yes, easy to say, but we need to practice this while our living condition changes constantly - not just within ourselves but also to communicate with others in the most truthful manner.  Such is the nature of communication and connection I believe we should go after.


In business settings, I point to managers that if their mind is disturbed, reactionary, or negatively conditioned, the impact to their organization and the business results could be huge.  I also say, "the shop floor reflects the mind of managers." (The New Shop Floor Management)  In other words, manager's mind is reflected on how people at the shop floor behave.  It shows in people's motivation, the level of housekeeping, quality of products and services, and cost and timeliness of job.  "If the top water is muddy, it cascades down to the rest of the organization."  So, I conduct a short meditation session with managers to be more aware of having the quality of calm and quiet mind.  The situation is no different in any organization, e.g., family.


Many spiritual teachers emphasize, "You need to address yourself first before helping others."  And if we do this successfully always ourselves first, we should be able to bring out the insight and compassion naturally in our daily life.  The title of my book, "Results from the Heart" points this internal link being utmost important to get the results that have meaning.  Brain should communicate with Heart, not act independently.


Previously, I used the Cross of Jesus as reference, i.e., primary (Know Thyself) and secondary (Know Others).  If we see us functioning in these two dimensions, we may see our communication in a different fashion, orienting that, ultimately, everything needs to be aligned connected to the Heart.  This is the meaning of "Living Truthfully," in the post on Life Profile.

An Image of Communication and Connection at Deeper Level

So, how do we connect to the Heart and how do we know if we are actually connected?  Remember? This connection/communication refers the "sixth sense," Asian philosophers mentioned.  When we use that sense with "a calm and quiet mind.", we may be able to say we are living truthfully - connected to the Heart.  Of course, this connection is something each one of us to find.  My view is that there is liveliness or bliss we feel when we are connected, perhaps vibration as inner body sensation.  There is an intuitive feel to it.  More we experience this, we may connect and expand as if into this new dimension more often, like opening the third eye, .


Here are indicative signs of being connected to Heart as I see it, i.e., my experience;

-  Sense of being in present, here and now, choiceless observation, witnessing

-  Vivid sense of inner body sensation, aliveness, liveliness 

(cells jumping around as if very happily)

-  Calm, clear and quiet mind; beginner's mind, no mind, mirror mind

-  Soft eyes...see without seeing - very intuitive, third eye as if opening up a new channel

-  Body/muscle is totally relaxed; There is a sense of effortlessness; no strains felt

-  no ego/self; desirelessness, actionlessness

-  It is as if a new channel opens up by itself from deep within (a new sense of connection)
-  Feeling of all answers are already there (there is no doubt or question any more)

-  Mind and body are felt as one; no boundaries; I am you; I am one with the universe

-  Sense of serenity, peace, arriving/being at home, nothing is missing

-  Wisdom and compassion come naturally; delusions/sufferings/errors are nowhere to find

-  Sense of living truthfully (connection to the Law, the Way); sense of being absolute, imperturbability

-  Sense of Ki (Life energy) manifesting; Blissful sensation spreading over

-  Sense of connection to unconscious/infinite potential (connection of external and internal)

-  Sense of oneness; non-duality

-  Sense of mind and body being 'healthy' and 'genuine'
-  Sense of everything seen as vivid and alive (inside and outside)

-  Sense of love, bliss, and intimacy to all 

-  Sense of time distortion (as if time lost its meaning)

Signs of benefits/awareness:
-  Brain and Heart find a connection
-  Heart to heart  communication between people is possible
-  This deeper level communication may be manifested as wisdom and compassion
-  Paradox of human existence is resolved (in oneness)
-  Bliss in various activities, e.g., work, hobby, relationship, health, and the sense of genuine security in any situation 
-  Discover new meaning of intimacy, e.g., sexual union, non-sexual relationship, Aikido, etc.  The list is infinite.
-  All of these corresponds to "living truthfully"


To sum up, however hard we may feel at times, and however is the thorny bush we may have to go through, the path we are taking as new heroes is precisely for its own good.  It should become more and more self evident as we move on.

Meaning of Spiritual Experiences: Lester Levenson

My Aikido friend shared with me his encounter with Lester Levenson.  I had no knowledge of Mr. Levenson, but after 30min of hearing this man's journey in life, I was quite amazed.  Later, I viewed youtube video (3 part series) and confirmed important discovery about he called as "Liberated State" or "ultimate happiness."  I am hopeful that this post may trigger some insight for our heroes on the journey.


Here is his brief background:  The late Lester Levenson after a serious heart attack nearly ended his life. Lester regained his health and attributed his renewed positive outlook to a process of self-inquiry. The process is taught as a practical technique called the Sedona Method, or also called Release Technique.  This is a self-help technique developed by him.

I like his simple message. For example;  "Thou aren't that... you are already that...so just take unnecessary stuff off - till you will find the full realization where there is no more thoughts.  All thoughts are motivated by the ego! Separation makes us do that.. which is desire /ego.  Let go of it."   (Note: My view on this is:  Thoughts has to come from within - as if flowing from the heart, not from ego)  Please also note it is told that Mr. Levenson took full time for four months to get to the core and to realize the above.  Right before that four month, he was given a death sentence by his doctor due to his seriously deteriorated mind and body condition. 

As if to summarize all, in part 4 of the video, he points five characteristics of "The Free State" namely,  Imperturbability, Desirelessness, Effortlessness, Actionlessness, and Witnessing!  He even says, "You won't be disturbed even if you are killed."  (Please note that these expression may be felt as counter intuitive. Yet also note, Tao Te Ching says, "The truth often sounds paradoxical" (78).)

My explanation for each of five are:

-  Imperturbability:  Pointing the core of our existence being absolute, nothing can affect that.  When we sense that (I am that), there we find the eternal peace.  (If we know that everything is impermanent, then "we" are at the point that "something" i.e., "I am" is realizing that!  That, I see, is what Imperturbability is about.)
-  Desirelessness:  Pointing to no self.  If we seek for anything, we cannot be one with what we are seeking for. In Tao te Ching: "Ever desireless, one can see the mystery." (1)
-  Effortlessness:  When nothing is sought (no seeking mind), you are liberated without any effort.  In Tao te Ching: "The Tao of the sage is work without effort." (81)
-  Actionlessness:  So, there is no need for action.  Let it be as it is. In Tao te Ching: "The sage goes about doing nothing." (2)
-  Witnessing:  Simply witness everything happening as it should.  No need to interfere.  Witness however has to be so only with calm and quiet mind.  Or, you can call it as "choiceless observation" (Krishnamurti).  This leads to "I am" or "Imperturbability" as mentioned above.

To characterize "Imperturbability and Witnessing," I coined the term "Mirror Mind" or in Vipassana, this is "Equanimity and Awareness."  I found Desirelessness, Effortlessness, and Actionlessness, support that but bring subtler nuances.  As noted above, only point I would like to add is, we can think but "thoughts has to come from within - as if flowing from the heart, not from our ego."  Yes, thoughts are limiting by its nature but we can use it.  Or, "Listen to the heart, but use the brain."  He is close to Advaida School whereas I seem to take Middle Way as suggested in Mahayana Buddhism although I view that the boundary is vague - as if where you put the emphasis.  Of course, we should be pragmatic and not academic and that the question is for each to answer - in conducting his life.

FYI, Here are some more of his quotes:

"All unhappiness is caused by our trying to be limited, to be an ego. The more we are our Self, the happier we are. We will never be completely happy until we are completely being our Self."

"Every problem is an ego problem. In order to have a problem there has to be an ego-frustration."

"Every time you feel miserable, there is present an excellent opportunity to make a big step forward."

"When one really loves, one can never be hurt"

"Peace is non resistance, complete acceptance, identification with the all, everyone, everything"

"whatever happens to us originates in the mind"

"Truth can be found by a process of eliminating wrong thoughts, which are thoughts of limitation. When all thoughts of limitation are eliminated, what remains is our natural, unlimited, Self."

"There's nothing bad; there's just making errors on the way back Home."

"Don't probe darkness to understand light. Don't dwell on sickness to be healthy. Don't indulge in thoughts of lack to have supply."

Life Profile - 2: How to Use the Tool

If we pay attention to all happenings in life, yet still have a balanced perspective, we may have a right outlook on our life. i.e., what is important and why. We can then learn to act accordingly, and see how we are doing so that we can navigate our life better in a balanced manner. Diligently living like this over time, we may realize how we are expressing who we are and what our life's journey is all about.

Such overall balance of life's activities is assessed by "Life Profile," in which I propose to look into six key items: i.e., work, hobby, relationship, health, finance and living truthfully. We then assess these items by rating Importance (1 to 10) and the level of satisfaction (1 to 10) for each item. (You may add or remove item or subdivide one as you find it fit.)

To move forward with this idea, we can utilize a well known concept called PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) used in Total Quality Management. The idea is to assure continuous improvement in what we do as situation changes. Although this is commonly called PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act), it should start with Check (i.e., check what is going on, or what have happened) then, Act (if OK, keep going, or if not, figure out the reason why). Then, the next step is Plan (develop plan according to the analysis of the situation). After implementation of the plan, which is Do, we check the outcome (Check), and this cycle of PDCA continues. (BTW, If we start with plan without checking what is going on, such plan may be like a dream without foundation. Not necessarily bad, but not recommended because such idea may not reflect bring out the intelligence we need to face the reality.

If you remember, this process may be seen as a sail boat aiming for a destiny with PDCA cycle done every so often (See the post, "Over the Hurdles, and Realize our Dream...") To illustrate what we discussed above, the table below shows an example of Life Profile. In this example, Relationship divided into two categories, i.e., with T (partner) and with others (family members, etc). Note that I used color coding to expose problem to catch our eyes, red indicates there is room for improvement, green is doing well (not shown here). The far right column indicates the relative balance among these items, which is, Importance rating multiplied by Satisfaction rating.

The exhibit below shows the same information shown in a chart form.  There are other ways to show the Life Profile.  For example, with historical trend, spider diagram, etc.  You may use such charts as you prefer or just start with the table.  The idea is to do this every month, three months or every year, but consistency is important.  Of course, what is also critical is to come up with Plans to address areas to improve the performance.  (I may come back to planning later)  For now, I suggest you to take 20-30 min. to do this exercise with calm and quiet mind, and find out how your life is balanced and moving forward.  Simply filling out the table may bring awareness as to how your life is balanced or not, and why (and what needs to be done).

Note:  Although I have not read yet, Clayton Christensen's book,"how will you measure your life?" became a recent best seller, perhaps pointing to the similar concern as I mentioned above.


Note: Since LP has much depth than what is described above, interested reader may explore this by actually applying this in life and gain insight (In conjunction with the idea of PDCA) as you live your life.  Repetition is mother of success.  As riding a bicycle, it takes few turns (few repeated trial) to start to get an idea and possibly a smooth ride.  (Note, any human will encounter many bumps in life.  What is needed is a good sensing/monitoring mechanism and willingness/ability to overcome these bumps so that you lead your life as the master of destiny.  Nobody will do this for you.  You are the master of your own life, you should not be the slave of the situation you are in.  

Life Profile 1: A Powerful Tool to Navigate Our Life

This simple tool, I call Life Profile (LP), will help guide our path while better utilizing our talent, enjoying and appreciating life.   Specifically, it will enable us to manage our life better in such areas as work, hobby, relationship, health, and finance, while orienting us to live truthfully.  Also, it helps us to balance various activities in life as if plant grows in an organic fashion given its setting, e.g., sun, wind, insect, water, etc.  Then, through engaging in various activities and relationships with LP as a tool, we engage our life toward new possibilities (New DNAs) with partner(s).  

Essentially, through the use of this tool, we start to realize how our life energy flows in a balanced manner even to find us engaging in the manifestation of dynamic energy flow of the whole universe.  So, we can call LP linked to primary relationship, connection to the heart, law of universe.  Or, if I use religious terms, this may correspond to Tao, following the order from heaven (ten-mei), live in the kingdom of heaven.  (Note: the concept of mini-company is a representation of such a dynamic process in a company setting to self-manage while LP is applied for each person to live as the master of destiny. We can do this by; listen to the heart, use our brain, and follow the bliss.  Or, live truthfully.  This is the hero's journey)

If there is a strategy to live our life to the fullest, LP is a tool to assist that.  It can help "monitor" what is happening and how the strategy is working.  Then, it will help "come up with insight", and "find the course" (or strategy) into the future so that we can chart our way in the direction that makes sense, perhaps, as we follow the bliss.

Now, let's take a look at where we are. Thanks to technology and marketing among others, many of us may have developed a habit of seeking for instant gratification, i.e.,quick for everything or blindly reacting to stimuli.  More this, more that; we develop a bad habit. Then, "quantity" become more important, e.g., money, fame, title (may I add sex here as well?). I remember one friend when he was in his thirties he was counting the number of sex he would have in the rest of his life. Fine. But what about quality, or genuine intimacy to "Life"? Without understanding the meaning are we to live as if being chased to do various tasks? If so, do we really feel "alive," appreciating each day, each moment?  Do we hear the song of a bird, see a flower blooming at the roadside, and discover all the miracles happening around us, even to realize that we are the miracle?!

Certainly, we need to have a clear and balanced perspective in life. If we are caught up with small stuff or swung by stimulation, we waste our energy, lose balance, and quality in life will deteriorate. More untruthful actions we take, more wired our brain will be with bad closed circuit. Eventually, we will have to pay it back. All action has consequences if our mind eyes are closed. But if so, what do we do? How do we live our life? I believe the answer is found by having a calm and quiet mind. In other words, with quality in our mind, and observing things as they really are and coming up with insight, we can lead a quality life. Without clear mind, we are blindfolded, unable to see what is going on, and what we are to do in an intelligent and compassionate manner.

If the above point is clear, then how do we use our mind?  Einstein said, "Ask the right question." I think one good question may be to ask, "What is going on?" or "So what? (What is the meaning?)" to get to the core and clarify the meaning. In other words, connect to the heart to find why we are here for (mission) and what we are to do. This is new hero's journey. Ultimately, it is a moment to moment practice. However, we can use LP as an important tool to orient us. More we use this tool, we can balance our life better and find the real meaning.

In the following post, we will look into the specifics of this tool, I call, Life Profile (LP).