Michael's Monthly Message - April 2008
Dear Family, Friends and Supporters:
Welcome to my monthly message for April 2008!
I hope everyone is doing ok this month. Boy, I figured April would be a boring month but it seems there are all kinds of things going on. Let's see from the democratic primary race heating up between Clinton and Obama, to people attacking the runners of the torch because China is hosting the Olympic Games, to American Airlines canceling hundreds of flights, and we can't forget the never ending challenges we face with the war in Iraq. Gosh---and I've only named a few. But even with everything that's going on, I want to share some information that might bring a little solace.
Yes, it's Eckhart Tolle's book "A New Earth." I would like to share some thoughts and make some comments even though I have not yet finished the book. I have been extremely busy with legal work so I have fallen behind in my reading. But when I saw Oprah's special on April 9th concerning people from all over the world who had life changing "wow" moments, I knew it was time to share with everyone who reads this message. I highly recommend this book unless you are not ready to learn about your true self. This book really makes you look at your inner self. If you think you don't have an ego problem you better prepare yourself for a real awakening. In addition check out Oprah's website too.
Seriously, this book is so amazing that it's like having your own personal guru. To me. it's incomprehensible that one individual has this much knowledge. I found myself constantly underlining and circling quotes and profound statements on every page. He states. "I didn't realize yet that thinking without awareness is the main dilemma of human existence." Yeah, it made me realize that most of the time our perception of things is wrong. Thinking without awareness---it's almost as though we are thinking without being conscious. Then I further read, "Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness." Well, I don't have to tell you how hard that was to swallow considering my situation. But then, I realized I was giving the ego control again so I read on further where Eckhart explained, "All that is required to become free of the ego is to be aware of it. Awareness is the power that is concealed within the present moment, the ultimate purpose of human existence, which is to say, your purpose, is to bring that power into the world." That's just three lines of one paragraph on one page.
I could go on and on, but as I mentioned earlier Oprah had a wonderful special about the book, and I was so touched by her guests who were from all over the world. They shared how the book gave them their "wow" moment.There was the soldier dealing with fighting in Iraq, to the young woman who is dealing with dying. To Billy Joel's wife and her Mother dealing with parent/child separation issues. That one in particular made me think about my daughters and how I am not in their lives. But hopefully someday they will know how much I love them. For now, in the present moment, I can only send them thoughts of peace and love. This reminds me of what Jenny McCarthy said on Oprah. She mentioned how everyone always wants peace, peace, peace, but she explained, "Achieving peace is about living in the present moment." When you think about it, how true that is. So I'm going to keep trying, and I hope some of you will join me.
Real quick on a different note, we are so close to raising enough funds for the second phase of the investigation that I'm asking everyone to please, please make a donation if you can. I know it's a sacrifice and many of you have already given, but I honestly believe we are blessed or rewarded on some level---Thank you so much.
My movie recommendation is going to be different once again. I'm recommending "Quantum of Solace" the next James Bond film with Daniel Craig. Unfortunately, it doesn't come out until November but from what I've read I think it's going to be quite good. He's basically trying to find comfort in the midst of turmoil, so I can relate pretty well. Plus I really like Daniel Craig in "Casino Royale."
My profound quote is: "Sometimes we search to hard for answers that are right in front of us (Demi Moore).
Until next month, take care and remember; "the answers to the mysteries of life hide in the pain of our most difficult experiences."
Love and light to all,
Michael
