Currently Reading: Sacred Journey of the Peaceful Warrior

I’m currently reading “Sacred Journey of the Peaceful Warrior”, by Dan Millman, the sequel to “Way of the Peaceful Warrior”.  Although it is referred to by the publisher as the sequel, it’s really more like a ‘midquel’.  Let me explain via a quote from the book’s preface:

“Sacred Journey stands alone, and it can be read independent of Way of the Peaceful Warrior.  However, you should understand that this story takes place not after, but within Peaceful Warrior.  In other words, you could read Way of the Peaceful Warrior to page 184, then read Sacred Journey in it’s entirety, and then read the rest of Way of the Peaceful Warrior.  That’s how the saga actually unfolds in chronological order.  It is not necessary to read them this way, but at least now you understand where this story fits within the larger picture.”

So, you see why I call it a ‘midquel’.  After I’ve finished reading it, I’ll make a post in my Notes & Quotes category.

Okay, okay, yes, I admit it…I’m on a Dan Millman kick.  What can I say?  I loved the movie Peaceful Warrior, and his writing really speaks to me on a very personal level.  Here’s an example from Sacred Journey:

“…so why do I feel like I’ve done nothing?  I have this sense that there’s something else I’m supposed to be doing.  It drives me crazy.  And even after my training with Socrates, my life feels like it’s falling apart.  I used to believe that if I learned enough, if I made all the right moves, that life was going to get easier, more under control, but now it only feels worse – like something  slipping away and I don’t know how to stop it.  It’s like I got lost along the way.  I know there are people a lot worse off than I am.  I’m not being victimized by anyone; I’m not living in poverty or hunger or oppression.  I guess it sounds like I’m whining or complaining, but I’m not feeling sorry for myself – I just want it to stop.”

I’m also currently reading “Everyday Enlightenment: The Twelve Gateways to Personal Growth”, by Dan Millman.  I’ll be reading this book not cover to cover in however long that would take, but rather one Gateway a week, as mentioned in the first chapter, Preparation:

“The Twelve-Week Program for Everyday Enlightenment: We learn best by concentrating on one element at a time.  Applying this principle to your life, you can create your own twelve-week program by focusing on one gateway each week as you go about the business of everyday life.  View each day that week through the lens of that gateway.  Reread one chapter.  Do the exercises.  Apply the principles that stand out for you.  Make a few notes each evening in a weekly gateways journal.  At the end of twelve weeks—one season of the year—you will have completed all the gateways and created a whole-life make-over.  If you repeat the cycle, you will find yourself writing new insights, going deeper, seeing new changes in your journal.”

Another quote: “Thus, the higher purpose of each gateway is to free your attention so that you become capable of seeing Spirit everywhere, every day, in everyone, and in everything, leading to everyday enlightenment.” p. 6

So, I will be updating my blog from time to time with comments & excerpts from my own gateways journal.

Also, I recently ordered the DVD “The Peaceful Warrior Workout”, you can find a video intro and video preview on the product page on Dan Millman’s site.  My plan is to learn the workout, then add the simple strength training exercises mentioned here.  More to come on that later in my Notes & Quotes category.