Customer Reviews

The Life We Are Given (Inner Workbook)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

People have been writing manuals for transformation for millenia. One only needs to pick up a copy of the Dhammapada or the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali to find instructions for self-transformation that go back as far as civilized man. A trip to the bookstore can show you that this certainly hasn't changed- self-help books on the shelves today range from the practical ("Achieve Optimal Health in Eight Weeks!") to the unlikely ("Pick Winning Lotto Numbers Every Time!") to the downright wacky ("Awaken your Gerbil's Psychic Powers!"). Many of these books promise change and transformation in a short period of time... a few days or weeks. Instant enlightenment.

Michael Murphy and George Leonard have been watching and inspiring the human potential movement (the fountainhead for the "instant enlightenment" approach) for decades- in fact, they gave the movement it's name. And, in the four decades that have passed since Murphy founded his world-famous Esalen Institute, they've learned an important lesson: there is no quick fix. No instant moksha, no express nirvana, no overnight transformation. Real change takes years or decades of intensive work. To this end, they have founded a new kind of practice for a real new age: Integral Transformational Practice, or ITP- which is introduced in "The Life We Are Given".

ITP is not a seminar, it's not a weekend retreat. You have to be willing to give up, evolve, and let the chips fall where they may. Moreover, you have to be willing to engage in intensive practice over long periods of time- years, at least. Combining a set of physical exercises based upon akaido, tai chi, and yoga, an aerobic and weightlifting regimen, a simple vegetarian diet, meditation, affirmations, visualization, philosophical and spiritual study, and community work, ITP practitioners can make changes in their lives that they never thought possible. Physical changes, improvements in health and fitness, reversing diseases and age-related ailments, improving emotional health and learning ability, and attaining spiritual states of mind are all possible for a practitioner who is willing to work dilligently and intelligently at the practice. Whole new worlds of opportunity are availiable by living the balanced yet aggressively evolutionary lifestyle proposed in "The Life We Are Given".

Recommended as companion volumes to tLwaG are Ken Wilber's "Sex, Ecology, Spirituality" (an important text on evolutionary psychology and philosophy with a focus on transformation), George Leonard's "Mastery", and Michael Murphy's "The Future of the Body". They are all excellent guides to the integral paradigm.

Good luck, and good journeys!

Despite all of the respect I have for Leonard and Murphy with their theoretical work in various fields and their other books, I found "The Life We are Given" to be two things: a simple, and somewhat effective practice, and prematurely self-congratulatory.

Before reading on, if you are someone who is looking for a way to transform your life and to create new and healthy habits--if you don't already have a practice of your own--I DO recommend this book. The program is simple, logical and very encouraging. Not to mention it's simply a great place to start.

The book is basically a concoction of meditation, Yoga, fitness, affirmations, and a healthy diet. Obviously these are things you can practice on your own, seperately, but I suppose the ITP is a convenient way to combine these if you're unfamiliar with them otherwise.

Now for my problems with the book.

1) Despite having an acute interest in transpersonal practice, meditation, yoga, and other "spiritual" disciplines, my "New Age" radar goes off a few times during this book. Even though things like visualization and affirmations can be effective, they're just as effective in different mental forms...i.e., not so sugar-coated. I may be splitting hairs here, but I prefer my practice to be described to me in terms that will make sense beyond "your hand cares for your heart."

2) The other qualm is the self-congratulatory tone of the book. Murphy and Leonard are amazing men, who have contributed a lot, but they seem to stand on a pedestal here as if they've stumbled across something groundbreaking, when its not. The ITP is simply a recipe of practices that already exist on their own and that CAN be practiced on their own. And at the risk of sounding a bit pompous, it doesn't take a genius to decide they want to engage in healthy growth in mind, body and soul on their own.

So I reiterate, if you are looking for a positive change in your life (body, mind, and soul), and are not currently practicing anything and know very little about these practices, then this is a relevant book. Otherwise, the book says nothing that hasn't been said before. On top of that, the authors sound like they think it's never been said before, which is obnoxious.

The techniques and philosphy found in the Life We Are Given are simple, challenging and profound. After reading the book I was priviliged to join in the practice described in detail in the book with one of the authors, George Leonard at the Aikido Dojo he cofounded in Mill Valley. If you are serious about integrating spirit,mind and body while you are at work in our hyped up society, you will find this book to be invaluable.It is all about being purposeful in your personal growth. Leonard has created a video tape that makes the practice ( a combination of aikido, yoga, meditation, guided imagery)easy to learn and make your own. Now in his 70s, Leonard and his co author Murphy continue to be pioneers and leaders in helping people realize their full human potential.

First off I'm really sorry to rain on this parade of 5-star reviews only. As with any book, I say: "buy it if you want to, you can always send it back" - don't let my review put you off getting this book if you feel you want it.

I however, will be sending this book back. Why?

Because it's full of stuff I, and most likely everyone who has done some reading in the self-help and self-improvement section, already know(s).

Let me explain:

This is what "Integral Transformative Practice" (ITP) consists of:

1 - A simple routine (called "ITP Kata") of Tai Chi or Chi-kung like exercises and stretches, to be done 5 times a week or more.

2 - Affirmations

3 - Exercise (cardiovascular and strength)

4 - Healthy diet (low fat in this book :-) ) and

5 - Meditation

Now, as you can see you can most likely create your own little routine with books you already own.

There's a bit about the importance of doing this work within a group of dedicated ITP practitioners (nay for a loner like myself), and some info about energy work (ch'i if you prefer) and such.

It was a bit dissapointing because there are no grand promises, no new and exciting revelations. It's simply "Do this stuff and you'll be healthy and happy."

So, in conclusion: Good for beginners, bad (or at least boring) for your average hardcore self-help nut.

There are lots of books out there that offer hope for genuine transformation. This is one that actually works, because it doesn't pretend that transformation is instantaneous, easy, or without some physical and mental work. However, by applying some discipline, the changes that are possible by following the methods described in "The Life We Are Given" are truly astounding. One way to confirm this without reading anything is simply by being in Leonard's presence. He radiates an extraordinary, palpable vitality that just can't be faked.

If you really want a method that will lhelp you make changes to yourself and in your life, this book will point the way. After reading this book, and following the ITP as set forth in it, at the age of 60 I began running and 6 months later completed a marathon as my first road race (in the middle of my age group). I'm now 65 and have consistently followed the Integral Transformative Practice outlined in the book to work at making myself a healthier, more creative, loving, and wiser person. Be aware, however, that the ITP is WORK--but the method is highly effective.

This book is one of the most enlightening books I have ever read! It is a tremendous help for people who are ready and willing to make the painful but exhilarating transformation from a caterpillar travelling on two-dimensional land to a butterfly travelling in three-dimensional space. The type of growth discussed in this book involves a transformation of consciousness (perhaps we can call it spiritual growth). It explains what it truly means to grow and describes how the process works and what we can do to involve ourselves in the process. It is no quick fix and it may not make much sense to those of us who are not ready for it but it is a true gift for those of us who are. Another excellent book on this topic is, "The Ever-Transcending Spirit" by Toru Sato. It speaks to a wider audience and explains these things so clearly that it is pure joy to read. I am sure that all readers will enjoy these books when the time is right.

I just finished The Life We Are Given(TLWAG.) The examples and techniques are interesting, and I am incorporating the ideas in my schedule. We'll see if it has the desired final results.

Clearly the holistic approach to total fitness (sould, mind, body)should yield the best results.

My only complaint is regarding the anecdotal commentary, and reference to experiences of study groups, often going back 20 years. The authors could have spent more time on the meat and bones of methodology and less time saying which group experience what type of weight loss and so forth. TLWAG is valuable as an instructional book, but not as journal of past experiences.

Still, it is a good read, even with the extraneous commentary. I would strongly recommend the book.

The authors have been leaders in the human potential area for many years: Michael Murphy is the founder of the Esalen Institute, and George Leonard is author of a number of books. In this collaborative work, they present an overview of a course they developed at Esalen, described as an exploration of the twelve aspects of human functioning outlined in Murphy's book "The Future of the Body..."

In the introduction to this book, they write, "Every person on this planet can join in the process of transformative practice that began with our ancient ancestors." Chapters include specific instruction in various forms of affirmation, Katz (a series of body movements), mental imaging, meditation and other structured practices, and the authors note "many fine practices, many paths exist... Many, many activities can be considered practice. Even something as commonplace as gardening can be a practice if done for the sheer love of it, as an expression of the gardener's soul." The authors obviously have a commitment to helping advance, as they say, "the realization of every citizen's positive potential... inherent in every aspect of our lives, from the most common to the most extraordinary."

George Leonard is famous for, among other things, repeating the mantra: Practice, practice, practice. However true the wisdom of this mantra, and I am convinced both from reflections upon my greatest successes, and from my worst failures, as well as from my now-15-month-long daily practice of the Kata The Life We Are Given introduces: there is no substitute for regular practice for the few who are determined to achieve their very best. These practices are not for those who want a quick fix. Another George Leonard saying: There are no quick fixes that do the work we need doing. There are rip off artists in every corner of the world. This book and the practices herein are the genuine article.

But if you're not hungry for, and determined to work hard, daily, patiently, and into the foreseeable future to get what you want, and, along the way, deliver the gifts the universe has chosen you and only you to deliver into the world, then the book and the practice may not be for you.

I have a friend in Tulsa I met through these practices. After ten years practicing this daily, he likes to say that before we notice it, the Kata is working us. Indeed! He also pointed out to me that there is no place like the present. The past is gone; the future is only imagined; only the present is where we can ever be at any moment; and the present has more opportunities to offer than we can readily engage unless we are very practiced with being present in the moment with every breath. The more we practice being present, the more present we find ourselves being. And the more tranquil, the more calm, the more centered, the more confident because the confidence emerges from learning how to listen, look, taste, smell, feel, sense in every way more effectively, inside the present moment, inside our own center, than we've ever done before.

These practices will not likely get anyone present in the moment with every breath in a few weeks. But, depending upon the quality and the quantity and the regularity of our practices, the numbers tell the story: 88% those who do it daily within less than a year realize scientifically measurable, desired changes in their lives: changes is body, mind, heart, and soul. It may seem a new spirit is born in us; but the spirit has been here all along. We just were not earlier taught how to let this spirit emerge through us.

I could not have earlier imagined giving forty minutes a day to such a practice. Now I happily give an hour or more. I meditate more than the suggested ten minute minimum. Often several times daily. I now study meditation with a Buddhist Priest. I am more prayerful. My contemplative and reflective time is much more focused, and attuned to holding my attention in the center of the present moment.

After three months' practice, both of my grown daughters said, without being aware the other said it, something like, "Wow! Dad! What happened?!" They were obviously happy to see a dad they grew up with wearing far more residual combat stress than he could bear, now smiling, joking as well as but far more routinely and poignantly than he had ever done during their growing up. If I could get these practices into every veteran's heart the moment he steps back upon our American soil, or, better yet, before he or she departs, I would not hesitate to give my life to do so. Is there a more glorious honor? I would not have put it in writing were I unsure.

Committing to so much daily time is hardly to be easily sustained by any but the most patient, the most determined, and those who most readily find or create a local ITP (Integral Transformative Practice) group to check-in with and work routinely with. Living in a remote area of Northeast Oregon, I am creating the group I want here; I am amazed at all the surprised, happy faces when they read the book. Not everyone wants it - somewhat less than half to whom I mention the work. But, hey, practice, practice, practice.

And for those of us concerned about the seemingly all-private (if not outright narcissistic) approach: there is an all-permeating social-cultural dimension that arises slowly as we go along. I cannot tell you your priorities, your path, nor you mine. You are your own authority; I am mine. Can we work together to build something anew? To create a new authority we both love? Of course! Practice, practice, practice!

If you want a copy of the demonstration dvd, The Tao of Practice, by George Leonard, go to itp dash international dot org but leave out those spaces.

Every ITP group we create is a profoundly new and deeply sound community. Every member therein finds their own paths into the wider community, into delivering their social and cultural gifts for the wider community as well as for the ITP communities. We are rebuilding the world anew. As the poet, Dr. Willam Carlos Williams put it in Patterson: "we must rebrick up the words..../--in a hundred years, perhaps--/the syllables/(with genius)/ or perhaps/two lifetimes/Sometimes it takes longer....

Namaste'.