Happy Monday, PhilosophersNotes Tribe! Today we’ll be studying Do You! by Russell Simmons. Simmons was one of the founders of the hip hop movement and billed by USA Today as one of the top 25 most influential Americans of the decade. I got to attend a launch party for his book, Do You, and was amazed at how much he spoke about meditation and giving back to the community. This guy is truly bringing an aura of “coolness” to meditation, zen and philanthropy.
Do You! by Russell Simmons
“In the end, the overriding factor in whether or not you realize your dreams is going to be you. Not the world. YOU.”
~ Russell Simmons from Do You!
And some words from Brian:
“The New York Times calls Russell Simmons one of “the most innovative and influential figures in modern American business and culture.” He’s a hip-hop mogul (affectionately known as the Godfather of hip-hop, in fact), producer, entrepreneur and all around rock star. AND, he’s a yogi, vegan and deeply spiritual guy. I like that combo. And I love his book. (It kinda makes me imagine Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits written by a hip hop mogul for the 21st century. 
In this PhilosophersNote, we’ll explore a bunch of the best Big Ideas from Do You!: from how to create a vision for your life, to using mantras to shape your mind and, of course, always “doing you!”
You’ll definitely be inspired and empowered to turn your life up a notch!”
And as always, what’s your BIGGEST Aha! moment from this Note and how are you going to implement the wisdom from today into your life? Drop a comment and let the discussions roll!And twitter users, don’t forget the #50days Also, because lots of people are joining in on the Challenge a few days late and in case you miss a day or two, check out this page » We’ve listed every Note that will be discussed (on which day) along with links to the discussion posts.
Can’t wait to get the discussion going on today’s Note. Talk to you guys tomorrow and if you haven’t got your 100 PhilosophersNotes yet, you can grab them here »
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Hi Team
That starting quote “In the end, the overriding factor in whether or not you realize your dreams is going to be you” says it all really.
I also resonate with “In my experience, there’s only one thing that will always steer you toward success: That’s to have a vision and to stick with it.” Having the balls to do that is my issue.
The sheer scale of the vision scares the me to my core.
To build a set of machines, and program them to build an identical set, is without doubt the most complex engineering project ever attempted.
To create systems that will extend the lifespan of individuals indefinitely is even more complex. The number of cells in the human body is roughly 10,000 times the number of people on the planet, and every one of the will require a replacement of the DNA, yet retain the epigenetic modifiers that make that cell what it is. The creation of those nanoscale machines, and the systems to coordinate them — is, dauntingly difficult; yet I know it is achievable, but not by one man — no one mind is that powerful.
Mantras are powerful, and I have used many, and I love “Getting your mind in shape is nothing less than the key to sustainable success in the world.”
I find it true — “When I start my day by reflecting on all the things I have to be grateful for, I’ll have a much more rewarding day.”
I don’t do God, and if we are less than we know ourselves to be capable of, that is hard to live with. Trying and failing teaches us lessons, and that is very different from not trying at all.
“The pain that’s created by avoiding hard work is actually much worse than any pain created from the actual work itself.” Boy do I know that one!!!!
Tapas — “By working our hardest and happily enduring the hardships of life we are able to create a sense of peace and clarity in ourselves” works for me.
“Age ain’t nothing but a number.” That is soooo true. At 54 I am fitter and more capable than at 40, and have had so many more lessons. Who knows what the future will bring???
“Whatever obstacles appear in your path, put your head down and get past them”. I got this in my bones when out cycle training one day, after 4 hours I was headed home, sore, and very tired, and still 15 miles from home, and going up a steep hill, and I really wanted to stop. Then I just looked at the road, and selected a pebble about 2 inches in front of the wheel, and thought, I can make that. Then selected another one, and another. And suddenly I was at the top of the hill, and home didn’t seem so far away any more, and I got there, without stopping.
“If you really want to get ahead, you’ve got to keep your eyes focused on the path.” To which I would add, not just on the path, but as far ahead as you can, to anticipate anything that may impede your progress.
“Instead of asking for a blessing, he should have practiced being a blessing.” This works for me.
As a biologist this one really works for me: “The Science of Success: Plant the Good Seeds.”
“Always Do You” — yep — listen to the depth of the holographic associations that your deepest systems are supplying us. They do, in fact, relate us to everything in our experience, and through that to everything in existence. Easy to see how overpowering and overwhelming that experience could be to anyone not used to dealing with the mathematical realm of infinities, and how difficult to understand if not used to dealing with “holographic” concepts, and for anyone lacking a solid grounding in systems theory and history.
Thanks Brian and Vishen.
Great note.
“That’s to have a vision and to stick with it.” Having the balls to do that is my issue.” My take on it too, Ted. There are times…heck, it’s been ALL the time, that my dream has been so daunting that I just figured it’d be by a stroke of good fortune or a miracle that I would ever get it done. It’s just way too daunting to do it alone. Yet, seeing all the emphasis on taking small steps…any steps…toward that dream will eventually get me there. Like Kiyosaki says, “Just look at how you make progress walking.”
I second that praise of small steps. Things are daunting. Small steps rule.
Hadn’t read this book, loved it, just bought it to read!! Lots of repetition from previous notes but it’s how an author explains the principles and the metaphors and terms they use that makes each one unique.
“Once I have a vision for a new venture, I’m going to ride that vision until the wheels come off” — this is a biggy for me. My company was 10 years old last Tuesday and I always said I’d grow it and then sell it so I can focus on my writing. I need to remember this vision, create an exit strategy and get on with the business of selling the business!
Mantra — I’ve got a mantra I say when I remember (!) but I’m thinking I need a new one! Will give this some thought.
Mantra. “A tool of thought.” .…. or a “thinking tool” .…. I liked that one too! .… Have a great day!
Jayne,
Could you talk about how you know that the universe wants you to write? I feel the same way, but I’m really curious how it is for another person. What are the “symptoms”?
Hi SomaSoma, I guess it all started at school when I took my English ‘O’ level a year earlier than everyone else and my English teacher told me I was a good writer. I didn’t follow my passion for writing and several years later, a boss told me I could write well (business plans) but my reports lacked logical flow. This killed my belief that I could write a book so I gave up my dream. When I started my business 10 years ago I had this voice inside me telling me to write a book but I didn’t. Now everyday this voice yells ‘WRITE’ inside my head. Many of my clients are in the entertainment field and I’m a total bookworm — I can’t walk passed a book shop without buying a book!
I guess these are all signs from the Universe — all the pieces of the puzzle have been presented to me in a fragmented way over the years and I’ve listened now. So a writer I shall be!
How about you SomaSoma — how does the Universe tell you that you should write?
Rotting Fish — this links with my first point. I know the Universe wants me to write. I won’t just give up my business though because it would be 10 years of hard work for nothing. Thanks to the PN notes, I am now clear on what I must do.
Tapas — love it! Will be consciously aware of when I need Tapas.
“Age ain’t nothing but a number” — I’m always referring to my age to clients and I know that it’s my way of validating my credibility. I don’t look my age so I use it as a shield to prove that I know what I’m talking about!! How mad is that! So from now on, I’m 33!!
Karma Economics — love this term — it works for me!
Happy week everyone!
LEARNINGS
Good morning, all! I have many learnings from this this morning’s note. It’s really stirring in me the importance of having a still meditation practice. I don’t formally sit, get still, and meditate. Instead, I have gotten to this still, present, quiet place through early morning reading and reflection and journaling (like write now) and through my brand of walking meditation, which I recently recommenced. It’s becoming apparent to me though this series of notes, through my experiments, through the examples of the authors, and you all why it might be valuable to commit to a quieter more refined form of meditation. This note and my further investigations of Russell Simmons have really driven this home for me.
I have very eclectic music tastes, but I’ve never gotten really excited about rap music. Mostly because of the gangster/cop killer vibe and I couldn’t imagine (in my usual contexts) referring to any woman as a “ho” or a “bitch.” When I saw Russell Simmons’ picture on a self-help book cover at the book store, I secretly thought to myself “Sure … DO YOU and pollute the minds of millions of young kids by promoting violence, materialism, etc. I should pay you to learn that?” So much for the flexible Tom
Today’s note instantly drew me in, especially:
“When I talk about Doing You, I’m really just asking you to listen to that voice of God inside of you again.” And, “What’s your voice telling you?”
My aha was that I haven’t really been listening each and every day to what that still, small voice inside is telling me. Again, I’m discovering this in this challenge. Incidentally, I found out that Russell Simmons is a big TM guy. He’s joined forces with one of my favorite filmmakers (David Lynch) to promote meditation in our school systems. It’s fascinating to me that both of these guys would be into TM. I have the same attraction/repulsion to each. Lynch’s films, to me, combine breathtaking cinematography with fascinatingly quirky characters and juxtapose that with some of the darkest, ugliest aspects of our humanity. It’s kind of the same thing for me with Russell Simmons.
EXPERIMENT
I’m going begin adding silent meditation to my daily routine. I’ll start with 5 minutes today and add a minute every week. I’ll re-evaluate my commitment when I reach 30 minutes of meditation.
If you’re wanting to learn a little more about Russell Simmons, here’s an exploration that I found helpful and interesting. Type into the YouTube search box each of the following titles and watch them order. I believe this shows the power of meditation as a transformative tool. The first clip is a very refined Simmons, the next is Simmons the meditator, the third is Simmons the reforming ghetto dude, and finally the last is Simmons the balanced business man. It was really fascinating to see this transformation through video.
Russell Simmons on his vegan diet, Obama and yoga
Russell Simmons: What is cool?
The ruthless Russell Simmons
Kelvin Boston with Russell Simmons
The best to you all! ~ Tom
Awesome videos Tom! Thanks for the tip! Have a great day!
Hi Peter. You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed the videos — me too! ~ Tom
I’m right there with you on the sitting meditation Tom. It’s always been really hard for me as well. If you’re interested in an approach that might help calm the mind for just such practices, I recommend that you look into brain sync type mediations. You can purchase programs, or even find videos on youtube that utilize brain wave technologies. They have been a great asset to me and may help you as well. It must be in the air for us all to begin meditation, as I have only bean it myself in the last week. Cheers to all of us for working towards our dreams and goals.
Hey, I just used holosync from a friend this weekend. I listened to it while I was journaling and wow! I came up with so much info on a project I’m working on. I’m trying to organize a new autism support class and was freezing on some direction. It was really cool watching the ideas flow from my fingertips as I was listening to the “rain and bells” pound down on the cd.
Thanks, Susieg. I’ve never used the holosync CDs. That must have been a neat experience to have an instant mind thaw after listening to the CD. Thank for sharing! ~ Tom
Hi threethrees, thank you. I’ve used some these tools — got a machine that uses binaural beats and a program for coordinating binaural beats to music. I’ve never used the holosync recordings though. Congrats on your commitment too. Please do share any secrets
Sending you good vibes from afar. Good on all of us!
Good points, Tom. I was, at first, hesitant to have much to do with Simmons, until I saw him on Twitter and started following him. I can’t stomach rap, and have a similar aversion to hip-hop. But it’s only a sideways step from things I do like…so flexibility is a must. If we shut out things because of the external “habits” we see, we’ll never know the person who sports them. I haven’t seen reference number one to rap in Russel’s tweets. I have gotten lots of information and usable bits (140 characters) of wisdom from him on a daily basis. Thanks for the Youtube tips…I’ll check them out.
Watched the videos. Thanks for sharing those, Tom. Interesting stuff. Would love to know when each one was recorded.
Wild how many “enlightened” celebrity videos I’ve been finding since PN Challenge started — Russell, Will Smith, Jim Carrey.
Hi AF, glad you enjoyed the videos. I really enjoyed seeing Russell change. Very cool. Like you, that will Smith video was pretty awesome. I hadn’t seen that either before the PN Challenge. Best to you, AF.
As you may have seen, if you read some recent comments/replies I have written, I meditate, and I have recently started meditating with my younger (7-year-old) daughter, and I am very inspired by the work of David Lynch regarding children and meditation. Right now the thing I am trying to work on is healthy school-lunch reform, but I think at some point I will need to see if I can bring in some of the work they are doing with meditation. Just wanted to add my two cents on the meditation thing…I think it is great that you will try 5 minutes a day and work up to 30 minutes. At some point around 10 years ago I knew that I needed meditation. I have tried holosync and other brain-wave CDs. I have tried TM. I have tried simply being still. It has all been a process that led me to the daily practice I have now. Just keep at it, and I believe you will see benefits and want more. Personally, I can not imagine my life without it.
Hi Stephanie, thanks for sharing your experience and for your encouragement. It’s neat to learn how you began to see benefits and wanted more. I’m looking forward to that. Thank you! ~ Tom
Tom,
I love how you are always doing these “EXPERIMENTS”. I’ve been thinking a lot about listening to that inner voice also, since finding PN. I’m coming to the conclusion that it’s not just something that you do or don’t do, it’s also a practice. So I keep trying to listen to that inner voice every day and my hope is that this muscle is getting stronger, that I am getting better at it. Same thing goes for “following your bliss.” It’s a practice.
About meditation — I’ve been meditating for several years and I think that your approach is an AWESOME way to start. When I started meditating I could only do 7 minutes at a time. Here’s a little list of ideas for the beginning meditator that I wish I knew when I began.
1. Meditation is hard. Before I start my meditation, every day, I make an “aspiration.” That is, I say to myself, “What I am about to do may be hard on the body and it may be hard on the mind. It is the way taught by the Buddha (or you can say the sages/the wise/the universe — whatever) that leads away from suffering and towards joy — may I persevere in this wonderful practice.
Making an aspiration like that gives you encouragement from the very beginning and you create a commitment to not quit.
2. It’s good to use a timer. Set it to 5 minutes. Meditation is all about consistency, not intensity.
3. The thoughts are not gonna go away — you are not doing anything wrong if you keep THINKING. That’s fine, don’t worry about it, THAT’S THE WAY IT’S SUPPOSED TO BE. I’m capitalizing that because I think that we always walk away from meditation saying, “I couldn’t make my mind perfectly still — I guess it’s not for me.” It’s not about your mind being perfectly still. It’s about sitting down, stopping moving around and training yourself in returning to the present moment.
4. It’s gonna hurt sometimes. Meditation hurts. At first, especially. When you experience pain, you can make that pain the object of your meditation. So, move attention away from your breathing and move it to the pain in your leg/back/all over your body.
5. It’s gonna suck sometimes. Sometimes it feels bad to sit and be still when your monkey mind is a raging hurricane. Our natural response is to stop, to move away from the pain, to do something else. Meditation is about rewiring our minds. Instead of moving away from pain/unpleasant sensations and always moving towards happiness/satisfaction, we are learning to be present to everything, to be curious about it. And we find that when we move towards that suckiness instead of moving away from it, when we acknowledge it, when we are kind to it, it eases up its hooks on us and, eventually, lets us go. Our minds move to something else.
6. Be kind to yourself. Meditation is all about kindness. Yes, you stay there even if it sucks or hurts. But you do it with a sense of gentleness, compassion and love toward yourself. When you start thinking, try to not think, “You idiot! How dare you have another thought — why do you suck so much? Don’t you realize you are supposed to be doing the SUBLIME ART OF MEDITATION?” Instead, say, “I am thinking. Now, I gently and compassionately return my attention to my breathing.”
Finally, I think that when we are starting to meditate it’s good to think like this. “Most people who start this try it, pick it up, see that it’s hard and immediately drop it. I know that this is a danger, something that happens to almost everyone who tries. That’s not going to be the case with me. I commit to forming this as a part of my practice, because I want to be good to myself and I know that this practice has wonderful benefits.” Something to that effect, in your own words.
Ok! Hope that wasn’t too ranty — but just some tips that I wish I had when I began!
Hi SomaSoma, thank you for taking the time to kindly share some really sensible insights on meditation. Based on your suggestion, today I tried a very quiet, gentle quiet timer. Loved it! Yesterday I ended up nearly falling asleep and going at it for 20 minutes. I especially appreciate your thoughts on meditation being the “Sublime Art.” Thanks! ~ Tom
Tom,
Really glad you found the info useful. Yeah, I need to get me a gentle timer. My timer is my cell phone countdown and the sound is really intense and obnoxious!
Keep rocking that cushion,
A
I had heard of Russell Simmons but was not aware of his book — thanks for highligthing his work. I really like his comment about committing to your vision — “Once I have a vision for a new venture, I’m going to ride that vision until the wheels come off.” This is a great comment that I plan to adopt in my new venture. The van Gogh quote is also wonderful — “I dream my painting and paint my dream.” May we all succeed in painting our dream into reality. Namaste, PN Tribe
Hi Angela! Can’t ride the wheels off if they’re flat from sitting in one place for a long time, can ya? Lots of incentive in Russel’s words about keeping moving to avoid stagnation. Better to be a ship at sea than one in the harbour, collecting barnacles.
Re: Van Gogh…When I was in college, a visiting artist/professor in a painting class asked us each what we wanted to do with our degree. I answered, “Paint music”. That was in 1973. Look at technology and visualizations now. We never know when our dreams will materialize.
Thank you so much for today’s note and for the Philospher’s Notes Series. I am taking copious notes every day from the videos and find myself coming out of a 2 year stagnation. I especially love the reminder to “Ride the vision until the wheels come off.” I have to say that I have been on the verge of giving up a lifetime dream because it felt like I was going nowhere. I am getting back onto my vision now, pumping up the tires and riding again. And if the “wheels fall off”, I am going to put new wheels on and ride some more.
Many thanks for your inspiring series.
Rita
Hi! I found the following quotes in the “Do You” PhilosophersNote to be interesting!
Free from anxiety about results. Cool .… kind of like being in the “Flow”
“To completely immerse oneself in doing one’s best moment to moment” .…
“The awakened sages call a person wise when all his undertakings are free from anxiety about results.”
“Cause and effect, means and ends, seed and fruit, cannot be severed; for the effect already blooms in the cause, the end pre-exists in the means, the fruit in the seed.”
Amazing concepts .…. something for me to think about .…
Thanks for another awesome PhilosophersNote Brian! Have a great day All!
Thanks for these notes of yours, Peter. I want to go back and highlight a couple I missed the first time. Particularly the immersion one. There’s no better way to learn or completely enjoy the process of “doing”…particularly when what you’re doing is YOU. We’re seeing a lot of seeding here, aern’t we? Perhaps we can start a metaphorical garden club. =)
Hi Mark! “metaphorical garden club” Cool! On some level the human experience is like a metaphorical garden club! Every time we think we are “seeding” something. The notes and these posts are helping me become more aware of the process .…
Much like Brian says in the note, I knew Russell Simmon’s name but had no idea he wrote a book like “Do You!” This note left me in a very light, happy mood. Could be due to fact that I reviewed my notes from the prior 25 PNs yesterday. At this point all the big ideas are sounding like common sense I’ve always known – but haven’t always put into action.
I had a bit of a problem with his notion of not keeping your eyes on the prize as it felt contradictory to his 1st Law of See Your Vision and Stick With It. To me, the vision and the prize are one in the same. I certainly agree we have to enjoy the journey but keeping eyes focused only on the path doesn’t ring true for me.
Lots of great quotes I hadn’t heard before. These are two of my favorites:
Satchel Paige: “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?”
“It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are.” ~ E.E. Cummings
Hey Andy, I understand how you feel about that vision/goal discussion. I pondered a moment on it and came up with a conclusion. If you’re playing a game for the trophy and it’s there on the sidelines for the winning team, you can’t play the game while staring at the trophy. You know it’s there. In order to get to it, though, you need to give your best in the game and the prize will be there for you once you’re done. Does that make sense? It also correlates with enjoying the journey, smelling the roses and making the best of the trip while you’re on it…which hopefully is for a very long time. I never want to be completely DONE.
Hi Andy & Mark — had a similar issue there with the prize/journey, and Mark, that was how I worked through it, too. I am feeling very focused right now, but not so much as to be sidetrack from the journey…does that make sense?
Cool, Mark. Thanks. That does help.
That said, I think there are times when these teachers are suggesting that it may be beneficial to visualize the “prize”, that goal that you are going for. I think that there are times for both. We just need to have a flexible mind and see what kind of a thought is useful in that moment, what kind of an idea will inspire us to keep taking our steps.
Hello PN Tribe!
This is the feeling I thought I lost but I am back!!! Thanks! On to Do You!! Happy Monday!
No comment yet on Do You (about to listen to it after I post this) but wanted to share that I am feeling really good! I was in a bit of a funk these last few weeks and although I persisted through the notes and was working the positive mood/attitude like crazy I couldn’t get myself out of it. Well I’ve been slowing down, meditating and journaling and it has made a world of a difference. I mentioned this in a previous comment last week and well I haven been doing it daily since. Slowing down has been key for me in my progress. And something that I honestly would not have considered if it weren’t for the notes. I am so grateful that the notes have shed light on this for me and even better I feel like some goodness is on it’s way to me
Glad to hear that you are feeling good!
That rocks, Jeannette. Yeah, Brian also really clued me into the fact that it’s important for us to slow down. I love the quote he provides… Not slowing down and taking a look around, journaling, meditating, figuring out your path — that’s like seeing that your fuel gauge is on empty and refusing to pull over at a gas station… Great job.
Thanks everyone for your responses and encouragement. Slowing down and being ok with not being able to do everything has been a challenge for me but with each day it gets easier. I’ve been able to see how demanding I can be of myself, expecting myself to be Superwoman in an attempt to keep up with this independent woman facade I thought made me look like I was on top of my guy. In reality after years of keeping up with this facade has just made me tired! I am so grateful to admit to myself that I can’t and actually don’t want to keep up with it anymore since it doesn’t align with my divine self. It’s refreshing and feels fantastic
I am loving every step of this challenge!
Good for you, Jeannette! I write every day, so it’s become such a habit that journaling was a no-brainer. Now, structuring that journal and applying discipline to events around it may be another field of weeds…that needed mowed for a very long time. I hope you continue your ascent and I know I’ll be hangin’ in to join you at the finish line. Champagne?
Thanks Brian and Vishen for this amazing journey, were over half way and the lessons are priceless.
Russell has such a down to earth way of putting his ideas across and I have really enjoyed reading this note, Brian. I love how he continues to do so much in his life even though it has been a catalogue of achievements for him and as I approach a milestone age this year, I am in agreement with his sentiments of, “Age ain’t nothing but a number.” I have gained so much more clarity and confidence in recent years, so much more than I had 20 years ago, so I am in complete agreement. I have been a fan of Russell’s for decades, ever since the start of DefJam so I was so excited to see this note.
Thanks so much and brightest blessings for the year of the metal tiger!
“amazing journey” is a great way to describe the 50 Day Challenge!
I, like Brain, would have never guessed that Russel Simmons could be so profound. Yes, I knew he was the godfather of hip-hop, but without this note by Brian, I would have never known he had such great insights to share.
Meditate not medicate…lol i love that. I have never been so great at meditation, but over the last week or so, I have been doing some guided meditations with Kelly Howell which also use brain wave technology, and they are great! It’s always been pretty hard for me to keep my ind focused during meditation, but I highly recommend the brain wave technology, as it really allows me to stay focused. Meditating has really been a boost for me in this way.
Some of my favorite mantras are “I can”, “I will”, and “I am able”, very simple but very profound.
As far as being grateful every day, Glog is a great place to get your gratitude on as Brian would say. Not only do you have a specific place to go to every day, but it’s really nice to see what other people are being grateful for and it gives you a community of gratefullness to be grateful for.
I am living proof of what you don’t do giving you more problems than anything you could do. There have been plenty of times in my life where I have received some inspired insight and for oone reason or another, I have simply chosen not to act upon it. And every single one of those times, the cacophony that ensued in my mind has been so much worse than anything that could have come from me simply takign some steps towards it, regardless of how big or small the steps were. I’m happy to report that being a part of this challenge has given me great strength in taking those baby steps, in helping my score become a positive, rather than a negative one.
“In my opinion, his problem was that every day, he was waking up trying to figure out what he can get, instead of waking up trying to figure out what he can give. Instead of asking for a blessing, he should have practiced being a blessing.” Now there is a quote that really stood out for me today…what can you give and practice being a blessing…those are wise words.
As I said in the beginning of my comment, I would have never guessed that Russel Simmons was so deep and had so many great insights. This is another book that I think I will have to go get and read. Ok, off to post and read all of your comments as well. Happy Monday peeps.
Hiya 33s! I’ve been following “Uncle Rush” on Twitter for some time now, and he imparts a great deal of positivity and great directions daily. I, like you, have engendered far more problems in my life by either procrastinating or shying away from what I really should have been doing. Fortunately, since I do not consider age a factor, I can resume taking steps toward my dream here in midlife. Plenty of space and time now for focus, and a torrent of tapas in my toolbox. =)
“I am living proof of what you don’t do giving you more problems than anything you could do.” Me too, 333! It is incredibly painful to avoid what is coming from inside…and, I, too, have been babystepping, and sometimes taking a big leap here or there, to move forward.
I think that’s what makes PNotes so powerful. It’s opened my eyes to the fact that nearly EVERYONE is walking around having given up on their dreams and callings. However, as Maslow and other people say, when you give up on those inner urges, they come back to haunt you in the form of demons. It’s terrifying to think how many demons are floating around out there.
That’s why PNotes is such yummy, healthy food, such good medicine for the world. Because Brian focuses on looking at those “demons” head on, turning them into allies and pursuing our dreams.
Woo-hoo!!!
Hadn’t read this book, loved it, just bought it to read!! Lots of repetition from previous notes but it’s how an author explains the principles and the metaphors and terms they use that makes each one unique.
“Once I have a vision for a new venture, I’m going to ride that vision until the wheels come off” — this is a biggy for me. My company was 10 years old last Tuesday and I always said I’d grow it and then sell it so I can focus on my writing. I need to remember this vision, create an exit strategy and get on with the business of selling the business!
Mantra — I’ve got a mantra I say when I remember (!) but I’m thinking I need a new one! Will give this some thought.
Rotting Fish — this links with my first point. I know the Universe wants me to write. I won’t just give up my business though because it would be 10 years of hard work for nothing. Thanks to the PN notes, I am now clear on what I must do.
Tapas — love it! Will be consciously aware of when I need Tapas.
“Age ain’t nothing but a number” — I’m always referring to my age to clients and I know that it’s my way of validating my credibility. I don’t look my age so I use it as a shield to prove that I know what I’m talking about!! How mad is that! So from now on, I’m 33!!
Karma Economics — love this term — it works for me!
Happy week everyone!
Day 26 Do You! 15 February 2010
Do YOU! On PURPOSE! Put it all together, get your head down and mind the PATH as you plow past obstacles that are purely manifestations of your mind, put there by G-d to test you. Whew! I feel like I’m going toward the wilderness through the desert and Sea of Reeds. Again. Uncle Rush has a very valid opinion on how it happens and I don’t doubt his perseverance for a moment. What I gather is that he reprises the focus viewpoint from our other PNotes, tells us distractions are divine tests and that we cannot hit the target by looking at it, but by knowing where it is and paying attention to where we are going until we get there. I really like the tapas…at first I thought it would be food (so much for false cognates). Heat, essential energy. Again we’re reminded that energy, and the flow thereof, is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of, no, PRACTICE of happiness. I do like the concept of dismissing age. Too many cede their lives to fate once they hit a certain number of years. What a waste of life!
I was one of those people who has been using age as an excuse…all my adult life! In my late 20s I thought it was too late?!?! I kept repeating that crazy mantra, until this year, at 43, I am back in school in an area of interest I have had for at least 20 years. I finally realized that if I didn’t do it now, I would be just as depressed at the age of 63, and wondering why I thought I was too old in my 40s.
That’s extremely inspiring, Steph.
Hi Mark
Yep — that’s what keeps me here, doing it — every day. Small steps in the right direction.
It is an unfortunate truism, that the first step in building courage is seeing where it is lacking, and that never feels like the good news it really is.
In a way, it’s pretty funny because I feel a bit like I have grown up (maybe in a 6-degrees-of-separation kind of way) with Russell Simmons. In the ‘80s (my late teens and early 20s), I was a fan of music from the DefJam label and attended a DefJam concert in Oakland, CA in 1987 (or was it ’88…hmm). In the early ‘90s I worked in fashion in NYC, and Simmons opened a clothing store in SoHo a block away from the studio/showroom where I worked. In the early part of this millennia, I would tune into HBO to watch DefJam Poetry, where Simmons would quietly, almost shyly, come out at the end and smile. And now, I sign up for PhilosphersNotes last fall and discover that he is not only an accomplished business man, but following a much deeper spiritual path. Yes, what a surprise! So much of this is resonating with me today, but I think the coolest takeaway for me is the idea of Tapas: “Tapas will burn away the negativity that separates us from God. By working our hardest and happily enduring the hardships of life we are able to create a sense of peace and clarity in ourselves.” Ahhh…yes!
and isnt it great to think of this man as a spiritual liver… i found that icing on the cake..
Hi folks
As a mathematician I liked the idea of the +1 when you step forward into growth, and –1 when you step back into fear. My children are on half term this week, so my usual morning routine of reading the notes has been delayed due to other activities. However, it’s 10pm and I haven’t chilled out in front of the tv., I’m reading the notes now instead. I guess that must mean I’m not too negative at the moment. It certainly does make you realise that we have so many opportunities daily to either grow, or step back.
Age ain’t nothing but a number. We have a nintendo wii, and one of my routines is to do a body test, daily if possible. One of the tests is to determine your “wii fit age” depending on how you perform in 2 separate exercises. Depending on how I’m feeling, my wii fit age has ranged from 20 to 55. I’m still the same person, but if I believed what it told me, I might feel a tad upset with the 55 (when I’m 10 years younger).
I don’t think my age holds me back. In the last couple of years, I’ve taken up iceskating, now tango, done a bit of trampolining in the garden, and taken part in an activity holiday in the bavarian alps last year with my kids. I’m well aware that I’m only a few years from 50, but I still don’t feel old.
“Whatever obstacles appear in your path, put your head down and get past them. Those obstacles aren’t real. They’re just God’s way of testing you. He’s asking you, “Do you want to make it or not?” I love this idea, I sure want to make it, as I’m bulldozing those obstacles from my path.
Maxine,
It’s funny, do you ever get the feeling that you don’t actually get older, even as your body changes with time? I do. There’s growth and there’s learning, but the spirit stays fresh and the number of questions just keeps growing.
For the longest time in my life, I listen to the nay sayers, when sharing my visions and they tell me that it is impossible it, is not for me, and many other such a comments. One day I finally realized who my enemy was, not the guy that try to rob me or cause harm to me, instead it’s the good friend that tell me “you can’t” or “ it’s not for you” or any other of those very helpful comment. Your best friend can be the dream s stiller. Second any one?
In the past few years I have come to realize that no dream is too big or too small, it is MY dream, MY goal and it is MY decision to keep it alive or let it go. And it is MY reward when it comes.
I also found that there isn’t a finish line, even before one goal is achieved another one is born most time rooted in the one I am working on. And it goes on and on and on and I will leave this life with at least one unfinished project. And that’s my life time goal.
I love the Mantra given in the notes today and add them to my collection. I use the thank you one all day long, it became a habit after I started being thankful for the day happenings. One day I realized that I was saying thank continuously during the day just about anything and everything, I felt real cool that day. I also use one from the Burt Goldman “everyday and in every way I get better and better” That actually comes from the Silva method.
I usually end my day with recording all that I am grateful for I like the idea of starting the day the same way. So here we go another habit to grow. And off course the rotting fish parable make a lot of sense to me. I did experienced in the past not sharing the gifts and it really does burn you out.
As far as stalling, I am more on the opposite, I feel I never do enough and always trying to find more, adding on to the existing work at hand. Somehow something inside is pushing to get more and more done and every so often, I found myself feeling ragged and drain, so balance for me id the word, I am not sure what it is that is pushing me and as I write this down I realize that I need to ponder on this and find a way to make peace about it. Yes indeed I need to always do more. Trying to prove something? Not sure.
Al around good notes very surprising to me, a book written by a hip hop star…. Mmmm there is some good one out there, goes to show I don’t know everything yet
Thank you Brian and Vishen for your Note and today’s book “DoYou”
To redo me will take the 3 C’s: Confrontation, Commitment, and Consistency.
I must identify and Confront the obstacles that prevent me from using my gift. Are they real or are they internal? By identifying and confronting these obstacles, I can decide whether to change or eliminate them to allow my gift to shine through.
I must Commit to listen to my still small voice to take my gift and put a handle on it to use as a tool or a weapon depending on the circumstances.
I must use my gift Consistantly until it becomes second nature for me to use on demand, not just when inspiration strikes.
Rolana
My biggest Take away has to be: Don’t Stall.
“The pain that’s created by avoiding hard work is actually much worse than any pain created from the actual work itself.”
This is totally true and I have experienced it many times. The best thing to do is jump into it. Just do it!
yea! it is painful indeed when we dont give what is inside of us..
so 1 2 3 JUMP!
The more Notes I read, the more I see repetition of the universal wisdom. From Sanskrit to Simmons! There’s so much to learn, to be inspired by, to remember. Russell Simmons’ book is like a slap on the side of the head. A (loving) wake up slap, like the kind the obstetrician gives the new born baby. I especially like the quote, “If you bring forth what is inside you, what you bring forth will save you. If you don’t bring forth what is inside you, what you don’t bring forth will destroy you.” That was Jesus talking. What I liked about it so much was that I took it as permission to continue to write my short plays every day…EVERY day. ‘Cause they’re inside me. I know they’re in there! That’s what I’ve got to give. Not for money. Or fame. But because that’s where the joy is. I think that’s what Jesus meant by ’ will save you.’ Correspondingly, ‘will destroy you,’ is a metaphor for all the joy will seep out of you.
hi misterzee… i am doing the same thing… inspired by the as you say “repetition of the universal wisdom“
and “If you bring forth what is inside you, what you bring forth will save you. If you don’t bring forth what is inside you, what you don’t bring forth will destroy you.”
PN has allowed me to realize the knowledge that i already own and use it with even more verve…
when so many sage ones have the same ideas and beliefs as i do i feel validated… so i am completing a writing project that i was inspired to write around 7 years ago…i feel productive and bringing forth what is inside of me…
you can too! and i wish you wonder…
by the way i bought a product called dragon naturally speaking and it it is a word recognition program…no typing you speak and it types ..perhaps it can help you as much as it has me…
let the joy begin.…
s
Key reminders “You have gifts to give to the world. GIve them. ” It reminds me that I need to strive to be my highest and best self, and give back from the enormous gifts I’ve gotten. One thing how to share PN?____Focusing on the path not the prize. Too easy to focus on the desired ends and overlook the work needed to get there. Also ties into the idea of “taking steps, even baby steps, always leads to success.” As a formula:__ — Objective (decide on one — and stretch your imagination — daily quotes from Abraham (via Jerry and Esther Hicks) “It is as easy to create a castle as a button. It’s just a matter of whether you’re focused on a castle or a button.:__ — Develop your plan / lay out your path (how will you get there)__ — Focus on the path (David Allen in Getting Things Done, talks about “what’s the next action?“__ — Execute__ — Repeat 3 and 4 .…____Inspiration from Brian — “Let’s wake up every morning striving to find more and more powerful ways to give ourselves to the world, shall we?”
Once I have a vision for a new venture, I’m going to ride that vision until the wheels come off. We’ve gotta have a vision that drives us!!
Use Mantra as tools that clear your mind of distractions. Mantra. “A tool of thought.”
A clear and focused mind will last a lifetime. Be grateful always to reward.
Your purpose is to act on the resources God gives you. Practice Tapas, burn negativity. Age ain’t nothing but a number!!
Obstacles God’s way of testing you. Keep your eyes focused on the path
Practice being a blessing. Science of Success: Plant the Good Seeds.
Listen to that voice of God inside of you!
Brilliant thoughts Brian, thank you to bringing this to open the visions of millions of people around.
Morning ….
I love this quote..
“when your faced with fear or anxiety, don’t medicate ‚Meditate instead.”
This may sound trivial but I colored my hair today, and well…it didn’t turn out like I had planned…
I must admit I was a bit undone…. But sooo much less than I ever would have been before..
When it came time for sleep..well… I couldn’t…my hair? Yes, I think so… but this time I got up from my bed and did the work.. I meditated, and quickly got to work knowing that though God wont fix my hair color…I am fixed through God….
I know I will move on, but better yet… I no longer walk the dark corridor for hours, now I open the door to the light and pass the test with flying colors with awareness and certainty without hesitation..
Now that’s BIG..
Here is another big idea…
God gives us resources … we need to distribute those resources so they wont waste away , “rot” , get lost or loose their power…
love it..
Come on guys lets use our resources today!
Stalling leads to sickness. But taking steps, even baby steps, always leads to success.”
“Always focus on your effort, instead of the results of that effort.”
“Age ain’t nothing but a number.”
I have copied the three things that struck me most while reading today’s notes. I think that I have already said that I intend to retire this year and sometimes I am afraid of stalling, staying at home, doing nothing, ageing.
These should be my morning mantras to persuade myself that retirement is not the end but the beginning of something new. I am really grateful for having the opportunity to read it.
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I really liked this note and need to recommend this book to my friends. I love hip hop as do a lot of my friends and I think it would serve incredible value for them to read such an awesom spiritual/go gettter book from a well recognized individual.
Loved the opening again as again it is a reminder to take responsibility for my life. As is the reminder to have a clear vision and stick to it. I’ve had so many moments where I just felt so unmotivated and confused and just couldn’t muster the enrgy to move forward. A few years back I would become a victim of this but over the years I have been able to gather my strength and push past it, which surprise surprise has allowed me to become more clear and dedicated to my vision. When you really want something all sorts of things will come up to make sure that you want it and well the vision I hold for myself is something I def want!
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And I believe that gratitude/appreciation is a fab way to start getting your mindset in shape. (I love how all this ideas in all this notes connect!)
I really liked the whole meaning of “mantra” and I am finding more that mantras are working for me with regards to staying in the present and taking it moment to moment. And I agree that getting your mind in shape is key!! I am always amazed how far I have come mentally over the years. I was so unhappy, filled with negative thoughts and now I randomly yell out “I Love My Life!”
My biggest takeaway was the idea on tantras. I can relate to this so much! I even mentioned it in the note on Trust Your Vibes. I have been stagnant in certain areas of my life and well all that accumulated unused creative energy is creating tapas! I KNOW I can burn through this and since day 1 of the PN challenge I have been building my resolve to so just that!
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And that taking action in one area is creating space for me take action in other areas where I felt I didn’t have the time or wasn’t ready. Love it! This helps me pay more attention to my efforts rather than results. By focusing on my efforts I am better able to see where I can change certain habits/ways of thinking and make my path towards the results that much smoother.
And need to end with Karma Economics! I so believe this and this is what motivates me to pay attention to how I show up in the world. I always remember my mom who says ‘What goes around comes around”. So very true!
Do You is very cool, starting with the importance of vision. I loved the statement “I,m going to ride that vision until the wheels come off”. Maybe this is a partial truth, in that our vision is a reflection of our selves and we are always learning and growing in terms of our knowledge, experience and maturity and our vision will grow in both scope and clarity as we continue to grow? We need to understand the importance of our contribution to the growth of others. Staying on course is importance but we must constantly strive to improve the map as we go. Lets be grateful for our ability to be compassionate to each other.
TAPAS, defenitly sticks out for me, constant distraction of SO much informations!! I GET SO MUCH help from my daily practice of yoga & meditation:) to recenter!!
I dream my painting and I paint my dream! Vincent THANK YOU for such a great one!!
I also need to get BIGGER on my “painting” ACTION!!!
I HAVE the Courage to get out there, and I AM overcoming my fears, YES!
I AM POWERFUL and CENTERED , I BELIEVE IN MYSELF and EVERYTHING THAT I NEED IS ALWAYS HERE FOR ME!!!!!!!!! AFFIRMATIONS YES!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
Do You — Russell Simmons
A clear and focused mind will last a lifetime. Getting your mind in shape is nothing less than the key to sustainable success in the world.
Act on the resources God gives you or they will rot.
The pain thats created by avoiding hard work is actually much worse than any pain created from the actual work itslef.
Being a blessing — Instead of asking for one — be one.
Great Note.
Thanks,
Christina
doing me hey.? thats real good because i always wanted to do things differently but thought it may be bad because everyone else doesnt do it that way.now i know its right.
my mantra is “ah-num” , it was kinda random but while reapeating it i decided that it meant thankyou.…and realised i was actually praying!!! i didnt know thankyou could be used as a mantra back then.
love this book.….cant believe he started def-jam.…and hip hop!!! lol…what ever happened to good old hip hop eh?