Tag: Emerson
Emerson Applied Today
Transcendentalism, an intellectual movement rooted in the early 19th century, championed by Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, continues to echo through the corridors of time, resonating with vibrant relevance in our modern era.
This philosophy, centered on the inherent goodness of both people and nature, advocates for individual intuition as a critical guide and emphasizes a deep, spiritual individual connection with the natural world.
In an age dominated by digital screens and fast-paced living, the transcendental principles offer a refreshing wellspring of wisdom for leading a more mindful, fulfilling life.
Let’s embark on a colorful journey to explore how Emerson and Thoreau’s transcendentalism can be practically applied today, illuminating paths towards personal growth, environmental stewardship, and social reform.
Self-Reliance and Personal Growth
At the heart of transcendentalism lies the concept of self-reliance, a powerful call to trust one’s inner voice and instincts.
In Emerson’s view, each individual is capable of discovering truth through personal intuition, rather than adhering strictly to societal norms or external authorities.
In today’s context, this principle encourages us to carve out our unique paths in life, embracing authenticity over conformity. It’s a call to cultivate our inner resources, fostering resilience and creativity in the face of challenges.
In practical terms, self-reliance can manifest through pursuing passions that resonate with our deepest selves, rather than following preordained career or life trajectories.
It’s about listening to our inner dialogues and honoring our feelings and thoughts as valid and important. This approach fosters a strong sense of self-worth and independence, vital for personal growth and happiness in our increasingly complex world.
Nature as a Source of Inspiration and Healing
Thoreau’s experiment in simple living at Walden Pond is a testament to the transcendentalist belief in nature as a sanctuary for spiritual and personal rejuvenation.
In modern times, this translates into a growing recognition of the therapeutic effects of spending time outdoors. Nature is not only a respite from the technological whirlwind of contemporary life but also a profound teacher, offering lessons in patience, resilience, and interconnectedness.
Engaging with the natural world can take numerous forms, from adopting a more sustainable lifestyle to protect our environment, to regular practices like forest bathing, gardening, or simply taking mindful walks in the park.
These activities ground us, helping to alleviate stress and enhancing our overall well-being. They remind us of our place within the larger web of life, fostering a sense of responsibility towards the preservation of our planet.
Civil Disobedience and Social Reform
Thoreau’s essay, “Civil Disobedience,” argues for nonviolent resistance to unjust laws, a concept that has inspired countless social reform movements throughout history.
Today, this principle is more relevant than ever, as individuals and communities stand up against social injustices, environmental degradation, and inequality.
Transcendentalism encourages us to question societal norms and laws that conflict with our moral compass and to take action in the pursuit of justice.
Practically, this can involve engaging in peaceful protests, advocating for policy changes, or supporting causes and organizations that align with our values.
It’s about using our voices and resources to effect change, whether by voting, volunteering, or raising awareness about critical issues. This aspect of transcendentalism underscores the power of collective action and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs in the face of adversity.
Education and the Cultivation of Free Thought
Transcendentalists valued education, not as a means to an end but as a lifelong process of intellectual and spiritual growth.
They advocated for an educational system that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and the development of each individual’s unique potential.
In today’s digital age, with information at our fingertips, the transcendental emphasis on independent thought and personal discovery is particularly poignant.
We can apply this philosophy by seeking diverse sources of information, engaging in lifelong learning, and fostering environments—at home, in schools, and in workplaces—that encourage curiosity and open-minded exploration.
It’s about valuing questions as much as answers and recognizing that education is not confined to classrooms but is an expansive, never-ending journey.
Embracing Minimalism and Simplifying Life
Thoreau’s experiment in minimalism at Walden Pond, where he sought to live deliberately and focus on the essentials of life, provides a blueprint for modern minimalism.
In an era of overconsumption and environmental crises, adopting a more minimalist lifestyle can lead to not only personal clarity and freedom but also a more sustainable existence on this planet.
This approach involves decluttering not just our physical spaces but also our schedules and digital lives, making room for what truly matters.
It’s a call to evaluate our consumption habits, reduce waste, and find joy in simplicity and experiences over material possessions.
By embracing minimalism, we align our lives with transcendental values, promoting a healthier, more mindful, and environmentally conscious lifestyle.
In conclusion, Emerson and Thoreau’s transcendentalism, with its rich tapestry of self-reliance, deep reverence for nature, commitment to social justice, and a holistic approach to education and simplicity, offers a vibrant philosophical framework for navigating the complexities of modern life.
By integrating these timeless principles into our daily lives, we can cultivate a deeper sense of purpose, connection, and harmony with the world around us.
The journey towards a transcendental-inspired life is both a personal quest and a collective endeavor, one that promises to enrich our lives and the fabric of our communities in profoundly beautiful ways.
Expect Miracles.
Love
Dr Joe
PS – Preorder my new book today wherever books are sold:
Note: When I was a kid wanting to be a writer, my father once told me, “People don’t care about great writing.” Was he right? Let’s see. I did not write this blog post. I prompted ChatGPT to write it for me. I changed one word in it, and adjusted the paragraph breaks, but otherwise left it as it was presented to me by AI. Why? Not because it’s great writing (it’s not) but because I wanted to run a test. The style is clearly not mine, but maybe my father was right; maybe people don’t care about great writing. I’m wondering if you noticed or suspected something was “off” with this blog post. If so, leave a comment.
Feel It Real
A secret to using the Law of Attraction to accelerate your results is to feel what you want to have, do, or be as already done.
Instead of seeing it off in the future, you feel it in your life right now.
In my books, such as The Attractor Factor, I called this technique a way to “Nevillize” your goal.
I coined the term (with the help of famed copywriter David Garfinkel) more than a decade ago, as a respectful nod to Neville Goddard, the mystical author of numerous books, about his innovative way to manifest.
Neville autograph
I love Neville. I have all of his books, and all of his audios. I have many autographed copies of his rare early editions. I have the original private lessons to a course he taught. I have all of his lectures transcribed in a twelve volume set of books.
Neville Goddard
I’ve written about him and talked about him, in public as well as private, on radio shows and at dinner parties.
And I even republished his first book, At Your Command, back in 2005, way before the movie The Secret.
Neville's first book
Obviously, I love the work of Neville Goddard. 🙂
It has greatly influenced me personally and professionally.
But here’s the best news of all —
I recently wrote a hypnotic song to communicate Neville’s core message.
It’s called “Feel It Real” and it will be on my forthcoming fifth singer-songwriter album, One More Day: Life Lessons in Hypnotic Song.
Self-Help Songs in 3 Minutes (or so)
The song is designed to teach you the Neville method – how to Nevillize – in about three minutes.
And to make the song as wonderful as I could, I brought in some of the best musicians on the planet, from Rock and Hall of Fame drummer Joe Vitale (yes, he has the same name as me), to bass man Glenn Fukunaga, to Guitar Monk Mathew Dixon, and producer Daniel Barrett.
AND I brought in Grammy nominated singer Ruthie Foster to add her soaring vocals.
Grammy nominated singer Ruthie Foster
The result is a song that is a joy to hear over and over again, that teaches you the Neville method, and that raises your vibration so you really can “Nevillize” your desires.
I’m proud and jubilant to bring you this new Hypnotic Song.
The song is loving homage to Neville, who (in 1969) said –
“Feel in depth, for what you feel deeply is more vital than what you think. Every day you can think about how wonderful it would be if – and never act. But if every day you would feel how wonderful it is now, it will become true.” – Neville
And –
“You must assume the feeling of the wish fulfilled until your assumption has all the sensory vividness of reality. You must imagine that you are already experiencing what you desire.” – Neville
My song “Feel It Real” reminds you of Neville’s message with these lyrics –
...the secret to life
is to feel it real
no need to wonder or worry
no need to visualize or delay
just feel what you want real
and feel it done today…
“Feel It Real,” along with nine other tracks, will be on the new album. I’m putting together a collectible, limited edition package, complete with audio CD containing all ten tracks, lyrics book with photos, which you can pr-eorder at an impressive discount right now by clicking right here.
Meanwhile, think of what you want, embody it as already completed, and “Feel It Real.”
Expect Miracles.
Ao Akua,
Joe
PS – Excerpts from the following books by Neville can be read online:
Awakened Imagination
Feeling is the Secret
Seedtime and Harvest
The Power of Awareness
Member BBB 2003 - 2015
My Illuminati Confession
Ever since my book, Attract Money Now, came out a few years ago, people sometimes write and ask if I am a member of the Illuminati.
The first time it happened confused me.
“Why do you think I am a member of the Illuminati?” I asked.
“Because of your belt buckle,” was the reply.
My belt buckle? Seriously?
I’m flattered that people were looking at my waistline but it also confused me.
I looked at the cover of my book and sure enough, I’m wearing a belt buckle with a symbol of a pyramid and eye.
Note the belt buckle
The thing is, the cool looking buckle was given to me about ten years ago by a fan who wanted to congratulate me on my weight loss.
There was and is no more meaning to it.
It’s a belt buckle.
I let it go and didn’t think much more about it until…
The other day I was checking email and watching reruns of Modern Family on television when I noticed yet another person asking — this time on this blog — if I was a member of the Illuminati.
That’s when I decided to tell the truth.
“I don’t even know what the Illuminati is,” I confessed.
Since I didn’t want to look completely uninformed, and since it appears that people were talking about me being a member on some discussion forums, I asked one of my assistants to explain the Illuminati to me.
Here’s what she said:
Illuminati is about mind control and aiming towards the New World Order in order to achieve world domination. The Illuminati wishes to enslave the whole world in a satanic plot for a one world government. Illuminati feels that it is their karmic duty to "Reveal and Conceal" -- meaning they use overt symbols in your face without revealing what the symbols are in order to hide their agendas while subliminally programming people's minds. The "all seeing eye" you have on cover of The Secret to Attracting Money audio course and the pyramid on your Attract Money Now belt buckle are part of the symbols they commonly use. Here's example: Katy Perry's music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KSOMA3QBU0 and then here's the conspiracy theory behind the video's meaning: http://www.prisonplanet.com/katy-perrys-dark-horse-one-big-children-friendly-tribute-to-the-illuminati.html
According to this type of paranoid thinking, virtually every celebrity or politician you name could be a member of the Illuminati.
One list includes —
- Jay Z
- Cypress Hill
- Chris Brown
- Celine Dion
- Halley Berry
- Eminem
- Rick Ross
- TB Joshua
- Charlie Boy
- Tonto Dikeh
- Davido
- Wizkid
- P-Square Twins
- Britney Spears
- Aaliyah
- Nicki Minaj
- Beyonce Knowles
- Alicia Keys
- David Bowie
- Madonna
- Paris Hilton
- Barack Obama
- Aretha Franklin
- Bob Marley
- Angelina Jolie
- Jim Carey
- Bob Dylan
- David Bowie
- Justin Bieber
- Kanye west
- Marilyn Manson
- Lady gaga
- Lil Wayne
- Rihanna
- P-Diddy
- Wiz Khalifa
- T-pain
- Rihanna
- Kim Kardashian
Jim Carey?
Really?
Bob Dylan?
Seriously?
And me? Joe Vitale?
Really?
I have no interest in government (just ask my wife) and certainly not in world domination.
I can barely handle a house of cats.
Have any of these speculators actually read my books?
Rather than just looking at my belt buckle, they might actually open the book and discover what I really think.
People who believe in conspiracy theories and world domination scenarios are coming from victimhood.
They feel powerless in their life.
They want an explanation for their struggle.
Rather than take full responsibility, and move into the Empowerment stage of awakening (which is what I write about in such books as The Awakening Course and At Zero) they want to blame others.
Super stars are easy targets.
The wealthy are easy, too.
After all, they must have “something” that you and I don’t have in order to be so mega-successful.
They must all belong to some secret organization which helps all members succeed and leaves the rest of us to struggle.
Right?
Wrong.
If such an organization exists, I’ve certainly never been invited to join it.
Sometimes I think people who complain and conspire have too much time on their hands.
“People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of their character.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
Rather than spending time expressing their life mission and following their passion, they use their hours to create conspiracy theories and projected scenarios that have nothing to do with reality.
Like me and my belt buckle.
But let’s see if we can learn something here.
I did a little research of my own about the pyramid and eye on my belt buckle — the same symbol, by the way, that is on the US dollar bill.
Here’s what I learned:
That famous symbol on the US dollar bill is called The Eye of Providence. It’s sometimes interpreted as the eye of God watching over all of us.
God watching over us?
That doesn’t sound bad at all.
According to the most relied on unreliable source, Wikepedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eye_of_Providence, the symbol is…
“The Eye of Providence is mistaken for the Illuminati symbol. The original Illuminati symbol is actually the Owl of Minerva”
Owl of Minerva?
No, I don’t know what that is, either.
And I’m not a member of some Owl of Minerva club.
But isn’t it curious that people looking at my belt buckle and assuming it’s a clue to me being in the Illuminati, don’t even know what the actual symbol of the Illuminati is?
I’m flattered that some people think I’m so rich and powerful that I might one day help run a world domineering government.
But when I look over the above list of alleged Illuminati members, I have to confess that I’ve never even met one of them, let alone worked in secret (or even in public) with any of them.
The truth is, I’m a regular guy who has worked hard and done well writing books for a living, was lucky enough to be invited to be in the hit movie “The Secret,” watches reruns of Modern Family on TV with his spouse, writes and records self-help healing music, smokes cigars to commune with the Divine, and is learning to play the saxophone.
Of course, some people think the saxophone is The Devil’s Horn.
They probably think the sax is a clue to something.
Well, I can’t please everyone.
And neither can you.
Please focus on expressing your life mission, no matter if people condemn, understand, complain or applaud.
It’s what you’re here to do.
Ao Akua,
PS — I wrote a song on my new album explaining how life is a reflection of what is in you. The song is called “Reflection.” The album is called Reflection. (Seemed like a no brainer.) It’s relevant to this blog post, as what people project about others is usually what they actually feel about themselves. Think about it…
What do you hear?
