First … please allow me to express gratitude to ‘the infinite’ for sending me four marvelous teachers while at the Miami International Book Fair:
(1) I want to thank Monica (a 16 year old girl) who shared that she would wake up in the morning feeling angry for no reason, and wondering why. We had a marvelous discussion about ‘the polarity of thinking’ and how to handle it. Such a young inquiring mind – what a gift to humanity
(2) I want to Thank Rhonda, (a woman in her early twenties) who insisted on paying for my book (180) when I tried to give her a free one. Rhonda was such a delight (and such wisdom at such a young age). She said that she would get no value from the book if she did not pay for it. Rhonda said, “I wouldn’t even be motivated to read it, if I am not willing to give something so I know it is worth something”. She affirmed one of the basic life principles; the inexorable principle of ‘sowing and reaping’.
(3) I want to thank Jeffrey (a young man around age 18), who was ‘set back’ when I offered him a free 180 book. He inquired, “What’s the gimmick?” I told him, “I believe in ‘The Law of Multiple Returns’, and if I cause a smile or give value, I receive a multiple of the same back from the infinite … there is no gimmick.” His facial expression changed and a wonderful smile came over him. This was a transformational moment for Jerome. It was a moment of shear delight for me.
(4) I want to thank John R. (a man in his forties), who exclaimed, “If you want me to buy a book from you … you are going to have to work for it – what is so valuable about your book?” What a gift! Michael got me off my duff. I explained what made my 180 book special. He proceeded to buy one for himself and one for his 12 year old son (who was with him). He said, “you cannot start too early, learning to train the mind” , as he gave the second book to his son. We had something else in common: he loves Dennis Waitley’s stuff (me too).
And now … I want to share with you a few insights that I had while meditating at the ocean’s edge at South Miami Beach (during the evenings of the book fair).
While meditating, I asked: 
(1) What is the prime purpose of animal life (to human beings)?
The answer came: animals teach us how to survive on this planet. They intuitively understand the rules of earthly living … and if we pay attention to them, we learn what we need to know to have nature cooperate with us.
(2) What is the prime purpose of apparent imperfection that human beings notice on earth (harsh weather, disease, earthquakes, tooth decay, and the likes)?
The answer came: The destructive forces found on planet earth are necessary to keep human beings on their toes (so they do not get too complacent). How else are we to exercise our superlatively creative skills and experience ourselves as the supreme beings that we are?
(3) What would it be like if earth was always a heavenly state?
The answer came: It would be like hell = BORING. What would be so much fun about living in a physical body and achieving your dreams in every instant? = NOTHING. There would be no exhilarating feeling of triumph, no sense of winning, no enjoyment of overcoming obstacles if our lives were always with no struggles.
Wow, this blog is chock full of wisdom and important life-lessons.Can you feeeel it?
Choose one illuminating bit of information that you’ve gleaned from this blog … and comment on it … please.
Perhaps you have a personal life-story to validate it?
Do it for you … because when you share with others – you cannot help but personally gain from it.
Thank you … and … blessings
See some pictures of rob and Mind Adventure at the Miami International Book Fair here.
P.S. We are back! This Thursday, 12/2 at 8:00PM EST rob will be hosting an Interactive Mastermind Alliance Webinar. This life transforming Webinar promises to be enlightening as well as empowering … and a lot of fun! To join this weeks event: http://vivu.tv/portal/Join?flow=253-203-1509
“Best Comment of the Week”. This weeks best comment comes from Sylvia. The runner up is Armen Shirvanian. See their comments here.
180 is on J.D. Meier’s list of “Insightful Leadership Books” on Sources of Insight
Hi Rob.
Great success there. How cool is it that you had your own booth set up like that~. This shows good signs for Mind Adventure.
Your discussions with those folks brought up some important messages. Rhonda’s message is quite accurate. When you don’t pay the price for something of value, you tend to not recognize its value, and so you most likely end up not acquiring its value. This didn’t make sense to me at a time long ago, but I understand it now.
Your message about life without struggles is quite valid. We sometimes want them to not be there, but without them, we would be purposeless.
Again, great job on the book and booth usage. You are an author.
Thank you, Armen, for declaring me ‘an author’. We believe in others more than we believe in ourselves (an interesting human phenomenon), and when others can see something in us … it makes it easier for us to see in in ourselves. blessings.
Rob – I’m glad you had a successful trip to Miami…but I’m glad you’re back!
This was a great blog post and I heard the light switch click after reading your second meditative question: imperfection on earth.
To this day, I’m often conflicted by the harsh environment that I grew up in and the nice environment that I currently reside.
There were times when I fail into the cyclical pull of the “streets”, but most often I fought it off enough to sit on the outer rim and witness the chaos.
Regardless of what relative point I sat at in at a particular time, I witnessed friends and experienced family loose their life or freedom to the harsh, imperfect realities of this world (drugs and criminal activity). I witnessed almost a new generation of men disown their responsibility of fatherhood by choice or by situation (again, the cyclical pull).
What this does for me today….
I know that I’m blessed and extremely fortunate to have all that I have. I love life and approach it with respect and reverence. I appreciate breath and health, and I value time. As age comes of me, I realize more and more what my purpose is, and my drive grows to fulfill my purpose. Most importantly, I’m totally dedicated to my family.
I know I’m the furtherest thing away from perfection. My imperfections are plentiful, but I’m willing to make corrections along the way.
I’ve been kept on my toes because of the power that lies behind imperfection. It has been a great gauge in my life, allowing me to witness what I don’t want, which directly provided guidance to achieve beyond what statistics have proven over and over in my neighbor”hood”.
One last thing. I spoke to my uncle on Thanksgiving who recently was released from Pelican Bay Prison. He apologized for not ever really being around, and when he was not being a role model. I told him that he was the best role model I could have ever had…it was him that painted the exact picture of what I DIDN’T want to be. Although he was imperfect, he set a mental tone in my head that helped me see and push for the other side.
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180 is great, by the way! I purchased a copy for my brother and I’ll be giving it to him as a xmas gift.
This comment to my blog should be the introduction to your own book, Jk. It is moving. It is filled with thoughts of wisdom. It is marvelously well written. I love your thanksgiving = giving ‘thanks in advance for the life you intend to live’. That is what you have done here, Jk. Therein lies one’s power to create (your power to create), my friend. blessings
I second what Rob said.
I was so moved as I read your comment.
“I love life, and I approach it with respect and reverence.”
That is something we should all strive for!
Rob,
Welcome back – the book fair sounds (and looks!) like it was a wonderful moment in your life…and in the lives of many others.
I’m drawn to your story of Jeffrey today – and this thought about your offer being a gimmick. I’ve been there – thinking “what’s the catch”. Is it because we’ve become conditioned to think that there’s no such thing as a “free lunch” (or book, in this case…grin). What has brought us to this place where we have to think there’s a catch? And perhaps if more of us (i.e. me) find opportunities to freely give, we CAN start a shift in thinking – a shift toward a more loving, caring society (which I truly believe is at the core of who we are as human beings).
Rob, thanks so much for sharing all of this, and for taking me further in my own journey – toward a place within that touches more deeply on the compassion and love that IS possible…within all of us.
You have touched my heart with this comment, Lance. Such honesty. Such transparency. You are a gift to humanity. Your personal good is always available to you in spirit. Loving expression (like you have demonstrated here) gives it to the world. Thank you.
I saw you on CSpan at the Miami Book Fair. That was a trip! I love the lesson that John R offered you: we are never too young to begin training our mind to think as we want it to think, and we are never to old to quit training it. The fact that John is still training his mind, and that he wants his son to begin doing it is a great lesson for me.
Indeed, Don, the ‘mind-training’ business can never begin too early and never needs to end. Nice noticement. Thank you. rob
I really enjoyed this post Rob! Especially your questions. I can remember saying to my Mum when I was just a kid, that I didn’t really think that I liked the idea of going to Heaven when I died because it sounds boring!
I too think that we could learn how to live from watching the animals and nature. Even the things that seem harsh and cruel in the natural world serve a divine purpose that always leads to new life! We have to work hard to remember that.
Thank you for this, and for your wonderful book too!
Thank you, Jenny Ann. Just the way you rephrased statements in the blog make it easier for others to understand. Nice job. blessings
Thanks for sharing this Rob. I especially enjoyed your lesson from John R. It shows we can all fall back every now and again and get a bit complacent. But we have to be able to recognize our own tendencies so we can step up and breakthrough them. When I took a good look at habits that kept me from growing I was able to be aware when they reared their ugly heads. They no longer had power to completely hold me back.
I love the way that you have restated what I was pointing to, Salty. Powerful! Nice job. I thank you.
You spoke of heart-mind thinking in an earlier blog. I can sense that this blog is a product of your heart-mind thinking, rob. It has a lot of loving emotion attached to it; at least I think so. I have an experience that validates how boring life can be if we do not feel the feeling of triumph when winning. I won an award at work, but it was given to me because I was the senior employee assigned to the project. This did not feel like a victory. I like it better when I work hard at something and actually feel like I accomplished something.
you are becoming a wise individual, Kara. your view of life has a much broader depth of perception these days. It feels good, doesn’t it. Thank you for you ‘real life’ story that validates a point in this blog. blessings
I met you at the book fair in Miami. I bought a book from you. You autographed it for me. I live on The Florida Keys. Do you remember me? I like how the book offers one short lesson each day. You called it, “drip, drip, drip, one thought at a time.” That stuck in my mind. I got your website address from the book. I just wanted to say thank you. I like this blog. It is interesting. This is all new to me.
That which is new to you now, Elaine, will become a magnificent obsession down the road. I remember you. Yes, I remember going over the ‘drip, drip, drip technique’ with you. Thank you for being you. blessings
Rob,
Welcome back.
I appreciate your answer to the question “What is the prime purpose of apparent imperfection that human beings…”
I also offer the following: It is humans who have developed a “perfection scale.” Meaning what we consider has “perfection” may not be shared by nature. The harsh weather, disease and even tooth decay is simply nature moving from one state and to another – perhaps perfectly, in its own way.
The lens we see the world may be keeping us from seeing clearly, or perfectly.
Alex
Excellent addition to the blog, Alex. Your wisdom offers depth to the message. You are a gift to this website. Thank you
Hi Rob,
Very nice post my friend. I like what you said to Jeffrey that you believe in the law of multiple returns. This is so true my friend, when we help someone in some way, we get multiples of what we gave. It is such a wonderful feeling to help others. Nice photos my friend at the book fair
Thanks for sharing
Thank you for considering me your friend, Dia. I love your warm attitude. it is like a magnificent ray of sunshine. Your validation of the truth helps us spread the truth. Thank you
Sounds like the Book Fair was a great success for you. I do lots of trade shows and know how exhausting it can be. Great job. You never know who you will meet out there. When you stay open and optimistic strangers can be amazing teachers. I can relate to all those cool interactions you had to some degree. My very first trade show I had a “Guardian Angel” like John R. who gave me some great tips and tricks of the trade. I now make it a point to help people starting out with any tips I have learned in 20 + years in business.
You are someone who loves life, and life loves you back, Carol Anne. This is very apparent to me. the world is always a mirror – reflecting back to us all that we project outward into it. Nice job! blessings
I Like #2. I agree with this. It is survival of the fittest out there and not every one can come out on top. ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE!!! This is the way I approach life and is why I consistently stay a head of the WOLF PACK!! AWOOOO! Peace out ROBBB!
I cannot figure out whether you are marvelously out of your mind, Magic Marc … or are just playing with me. You make me smile. thank you
Love the specificity of your words Rob. Being thankful is the best way to start the day. keep going at the fair, knock um dead. ( not literally) lol.
The truth always directs the individual who wants to find the way, jonathan. I suspect that you are s ‘truth-seeker’. This is a gift that you offer humanity (being one of the few). blessings
> animals teach us how to survive on this planet
Good stuff.
I always thought it was cool how some Kung-Fu styles model after animals and animal techniques … there are always models all around us to learn from.
I like your example of how some martial arts ‘fighting styles’ model themselves after animals – that is a keen insight. Thank you for that. blessings
Thats an interesting idea about “What would it be like if earth was always a heavenly state?”I am always striving for that day in my life when I have NO problems AT ALL. I find I am always trying to get to a perfect balance….. like “I will be happy when I finally pay off my mortgage” or when “I find a nice woman and get married” and so on. I’d rather be bored that have to worry about that stuff
. But I think you are right…..we always need new challenges.
I remember when I was small; I couldn’t wait to grow up so I could make large bowls of whipped cream and eat them every night. I tried it for two weeks – BORING (the heavenly thought became a hellish experience). We are always seeking newness, aren’t we Alan. Thank you for your input.
Yes, yes. Animals have so much to teach us. That is why I keep pets around. I have a 2 cats a dog and pet spider (a Tarantula named Tito!) I learn so much from them. They are all very different but they all have that same ability to get along peacefully and innocently.
I love your attitude toward your pets, Rus. Tell me; what has your pet spider taught you? I mean it; I am really curious because I know he is in your presence to teach you something. blessings
My Tarantula has taught me not to toss and turn at night when we go to bed. HaHA Just kidding!
I think having Tito has taught me to see people for who they really are. Tarantulas are not scary beasts out to bite you, but instead, incredibly agile creatures capable of some of the animal kingdoms most astonishing feats. We all carry preconceived notions of others that are often erroneous.
I have never considered that heaven would/could be boring. My idea of this is that here, we are physical, and that “I am” is honored by accomplishments. The process of challenge, learning, and success builds my self esteem. For me heaven is when I join the universe, the great “we are”. With so much brilliance and grace I don’t know how I would ever be bored. Boring is an interesting idea because while my choices, thoughts, actions, interests may not be interesting to you (therefore boring) They are always fascinating to me.
Thank you for your ‘take’ of heaven, Sylvia. Many religions see heaven as a struggle-free environment with only ‘good’ forever demonstrating itself. You see heaven as glorious challenges where you create labors-of-love to overcome those obstacles and experience sweet victory – NICE! blessings
Rob, love your stories – we all love true stories as we often see ourselves in them. I’m interested in Jeffrey and how he felt there was some trick or catch in being offered a free book. And that’s it – we are so used to having to ‘give to get’ these days that when someone offers something for free because they want to share or help or out of love, we are worried and doubtful. Why have we got to a place where paying and price is right but free and with devotion wrong? So I respect you Rob for your gift of sharing done with integrity and for giving without the need to receive. A noble soul my friend. May you convert many along the way on the giving road.
My goodness, John …. aren’t you the loving spirit in this comment! You have given generously of yourself with your heart-felt words. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Welcome back Rob. I’m not surprised the book fair was successful. I like to hear that you have teachers too. It shows you will do whatever it takes to spread your word and your book. What I learned from this blog is that teachers are always there. It is up to me to get the lesson. I wasted a lot of my life thinking I already knew it all. Now I’m learning to be dumb!
It is great to learn that we are ignorant (have ignored the truth), so that we may allow teaches to show us the truth. Nice, Roger. blessings
I am a mom of three boys. There are lessons that you are offering here that I can teach my boys so they have a good chance of living a good life. Thank you.
It is never too early to begin with the children, is it, Monica. Blessings
Its funny about people like Jeffrey. Most people are paranoid these days thinking that everyone is out to screw them. I used to have that same distrust about people. That’s the way my parents raised me: Everyone is trying to take advantage of you. I’ve had some good business partners that helped me to see otherwise. That’s how I started reading about all people like Napoleon Hill and now you. I’m lucky my partners didnt toss my negative butt out on the street!
Yes, indeed … GeorgieBoy … when we walk around with a chip on our shoulder – there is always someone who comes along and knocks it off (throws our negative butt out in the street). Nice noticement. Thank you
That Monica above is a very wise one! I used to just wake up angry and not even question it. I just thought that was the life was supposed to be. Not until much later did I even begin to realize that I can have mastery over my mood. I had to learn that when I wake up in a bad mood I can immediately question it and get to the source. Now I always wake up and spring out of bed loving life.
I love your attitude, Alicia. You cannot help but win at the game of life when you make it your mission to find what is beautiful in your day. You are a magnet; what shall you attract into your life next? NICE. blessings
Hi Rob, I agree with you about animals having so much to teach us about living in tune with nature. I’ll bet if they were in charge on Earth instead of us the planet wouldn’t be fighting for its life now! The other piece of wisdom that really resonates with me from your 3 questions in meditation is regarding the force that is nature!I don’t really know why but Ilove the craziness of nature when she is in a frenzy. Granted, as I live in Ireland I have never been subjected to the total destruction wreaked by an earthquake, tsunami, volcano or a major hurricane. But I have a recurring dream in which there is a huge tsunami rising up in front of me and it enthralls me every time. I adore the sheer magnificence of an electric storm or a gale force wind although it also strikes a chord with some primitive terror deep inside as well.Perhaps nature is telling us that not only have we become complacent but that we have gone too far…maybe we’ve lost our right to consider ourselves as ‘supreme beings’! I love your blog Rob…thanks for all your wisdom!
I love your comment, Rosemary. I can feel your love for life and your shear delight with nature’s playful (and sometimes rough) ways. Thank you, thank you.
When I asked life why life is hard it answered by laying me off from my job. Then I started asking “why me” and the only answer was “why not me.” As much as being unemployed stinks I have to admit it has gotten me to really take a good look at myself. The experience has gotten me on the road to self improvement (and little less angry.)
I like your attitude and your open-mindedness, Ramone … their is something for all of us to learn from that. thank you
What is our relationship with animals? What can we learn from animals? I think the biggest thing is authenticity and realism. The grey squirrel doesn’t think it would be prettier if it was black. It doesn’t spend it’s day worrying about how cold the winter will be, it just enjoys today’s rain or sunshine as the case may be. I don’t think it pouts or manipulates or schemes. It takes care of itself first and does not see sacrifice as noble. It listens to it’s “gut” and it recognises a threat…AND IT RUNS THE OTHER DIRECTION. It doesn’t try to help the threat or disarm it or rehabilitate it….you get it., It lives, from the gut, without pretense…it doesn’t have ego.
It can also be dinner. Not a big dinner, but I think as I look as my relationship with animals the idea of food source is real. My Dad used to hunt deer and explained that that had the most integrity of anything on the table because he had gone and looked the deer in the eye, and decided to feed his family. A little dramatic, but also real. There are real losses and loosers. What I am learning now is how much I have the ability to choose not to be the looser or suffer the losses.
Companionship is another relationship I have with animals. I have 3 kittens that play and grow and wrestle and jump who help me remember to have carefree joy in my life. To appreciate and be appreciated. Their purr is instant gratification and how much do I run around to please them.
The lessons and examples of how to live well are all around me. It doesn’t seem to have anything to do with being right.
You are quickly becoming a wise woman who has wonderful life-lessons to offer, sylvia. Clearly, you see the benefit of animals in our lives (beyond filling our bellies). NICE! blessings
Rob,
I like these stories you write about. I remember when I was working as marketing/sales manager, I enjoyed talking and interacting with people and I can see that with you.
Life sure answers when you are asking right questions and then listening for answers. I am glad life answered you.
Preeti
Indeed, Zegirl, when we ask … really seeking to find answers, the answers appear. Thank you for being you. blessings
South beach in November must be a great place to meditate! I could use a bit of that in my life right now. I’ve got plenty of challenges so life is certainly keeping me on my toes. Sometimes I want to run and hide but ultimately I love the thrill of facing new challenges and coming out on top.
There is that polarity showing itself, John; we all think about running and hiding when challenged. Successful folks let that ‘running and hiding thought’ pass through, and in the next moment they stand firm – accepting the challenge as a learning opportunity. thank you
Rob, I love the answers you rec’d re: why animals are on the planet, why the earth must go through her destructive phases, and about “heaven on earth.” I happen to think you’re 100% right about each of those topics!
Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom with us here.
You are fun to have on board, Angela. There is a pleasantness that always radiates from you. This is a gift that you offer humanity. Thank you
Well I can attest to that. I had a house fire about 10 years ago and that was one of the greatest things that ever happened to us in hindsight. My family became closer than ever. We lost some mementos but there was a strange feeling of being unburdened and free of all that physical “stuff”. My family has little attachment or value for a lot of things like big screen TVs or what have you… It is very freeing to not want all that stuff.
Indeed, Sharlene, when we realize that material stuff is the least of what makes us happy, life gets a lot more meaningful. Thank you for your personal sharing.
I love my cat. I learn so much from him. When things are going bad he looks at me and says “so what…” He puts everything in perspective for me.
Cats have a wonderful way of looking at us and saying ‘so what’, Manny. I forgot that; thank you for reminding me.
I just have to chime in again… I love cats! I have 2. They are so funny. Each one has there own personality. One is a “people cat” and the other is a “cat cat”. One says, “so what?” and the other says “I’m here for you”. It’s a great balance
I think life is filled with hazards, and you are making it sound easier to deal with than it is.
If you believe what you think, then what you think shall shape and form your future for you. there is nothing I can do to help you. If it is to be, it is up to thee! blessings
I agree with that last one. When my life gets boring inevitably some problem or crisis comes up. I’d rather not have it be so dramatic. I wish I could get my life to a point where I am just on a progressive upswing. no more drama, please!
The question is: ‘do you mean it’ Charlie? If you do, then changes will occur for you. blessings
Rob: So cool that you were able to go to this fair and your booth looked great. What this post really showed me is how important it is to always be on the lookout of the lessons that are always around you. A lot of people would have overlooked the 16 year old and been annoyed by the guy who told you that you were going to have to convince him to read your book. However, you showed us a very important lesson … there are always lessons to learn from everyone we come into contact with. Thanks for that.
Rob,
I clicked over to read your article as I was browsing another blog because your title grabbed my attention. “I asked…and Life answered” is so simple, yet beautifully true. I have never failed to get exactly what I needed when I’ve earnestly asked the universe out loud from a heart-centered place. I love it when I see other people affirm this too for themselves.
And I love what you said about life showing us it’s beauty through the challenges we face; THIS is what we all need to remember; truly, the best and brightest way out is through – there is clarity on the other side if we allow ourselves to see it.
It sounds like the Miami event was a wonderful, uplifting experience, with such terrific connections and wise, wise souls. Thanks for sharing!