Lessons From Ron Lewison (1938-2008) (Blog)

[Savage]

Use this thread to discuss the following entry from Steve Pavlina's blog:

Lessons From Ron Lewison (1938-2008)

[Dan.Linehan]

Congrats on your induction Erin!

[Erin Pavlina]

Thank you, I gave my icebreaker speech last week and am looking forward to trying my hand with the big boys

[Holistic Star]

Wow - what an article - that was really powerful.

I've got tears running down my face from reading it.

Thank you.

[carenkh]

Thanks, Steve - I was very moved by how you helped him process what had happened to him.

Patti Digh writes a blog called 37 Days. She started it when her stepfather passed away, after being diagnosed with lung cancer 37 days prior to his death. She envisioned it as a collection of things written down for her daughters - advice on how to live consciously in the world. How would you spend your time if you knew you had only 37 days left to live?

Her essays are moving and funny and insightful. She's been writing the blog for several years now, and she just had a book published, called Life is a Verb, of 37 of the essays. In celebration of the publication, she's been posting some of her readers' answers to that question.

It's hard not to think of something like that question when someone close to you dies.

Thanks so much for sharing your story.

[Bud921]

Steve,

I am greatly sorry for your loss. This past year was very difficult for me as well, as I too lost a good friend. I saw him die before me after he was hit by a jet ski. I will never forget his body shaking and his eye's rolled to the back of is head, his body covered in blood, it looked like a over-the-top-action movie. I only knew Marco for a year but in that year I was able to build a connection with him, a connection in which it would normally take years and years to build. Marco was a fun loving guy. He never took life too seriously and was always out to have fun. I remember just after moving to Shanghai, my grades were not where they were supposed to be, and I would always share my worries with him, I can't do this, I won't be able to get into a good school etc. (I have since lost the habit of being negative in regards to my life accomplishments, because I no have no doubt in my mind I will be able to improve the life's of many through my writing.)

Death is a very interesting thing, and for me my friend's death actually sparked my personal development journey. Up and tell that time I pretty much went through the motions , expecting a lot while doing little, but after my friend's death a knew perspective formed. I have always been known to listen and have been known to help people through their problems and I can say honestly that nothing brings me more joy. I am in the process of starting up my own personal development site called aboundlessworld.com I currently have only the domain bought, but I am working to but that online very soon. ( I recently returned to China after a two month vacation in the United States.)

Steve, I can honestly say that your articles have changed my life tremendously and that you have inspired me to do more with my life. I know that I am only a Senior in high school, but I know from the bottom of my heart what I want to do with my life, and I have to give some credit too you, in regards too your articles making me think and fueling a desire to be a better person.

Marco's death was the first death of a friend that I had experienced in my life time and it really hit home. I remember my mother telling me that he had been pronounced dead, and feeling my body just give out beneath me. I began balling my eyes out and asking Why? Why? Why? Over time I came to a realization. That his death, had a PURPOSE. I like to relate his death to dropping a stone in a pond. He created a splash in which every one got wet, but his splash was able to bring hundreds and hundreds of people closer together. I began to love my mom a little more, my dad a little more, my brother a little more, my sister a little more, and through that I was able to see a "positive" in his death. Marco's death also taught me that you never know when it might be your "time" Just the day before me and my brother were out riding jet ski's with him, it could have just as easily been one of us.

About a week before the accident, I had a dream in which Marco got a 85 on his math test.

"Hey, Marco you got an 85 on your math test."

" Shows me his 85"
"Wow man you can predict the future"
" Can you tell me mine?"

"But what if I predict you die?, Ha don't worry you won't die any time soon."

I write this irony not to show that I could possibly have physic abilities ( Which I believe every one can have if they truly focus their intentions.)
but rather to show the ironies in every day life.

It was also interesting to know that the last song on his I-Pod was blood rush to my head- by cold play. He was hit on the head by the jet ski.

Marco's death although the most difficult thing I have ever had to deal with, taught me so much about the world and how life works. Marco's death brought the expat community so close and touched so many people's life's, but unfortunately life continues to move on. Not a day goes by with out my thinking about Marco, and how it was his death that caused me to begin my personal development journey. No matter how bad things may seem, their is always a purpose behind it, and it is up to us as human beings to find it. We must live each day to the best of our abilities, all the while not taking life to seriously because with in a split second your "world" can change. Don't take things for granted. Don't wait to utter the word's "I love you". Get up and do it now.

[raji]

Very loving and inspiring. Just what I needed today. Thank you Steve.

[wulph]

Thank you for sharing a unique portrait of your friend's life, Steve. I especially enjoyed reading about how his influence helped catapult you to success. I will think of him and the lessons you've shared as I work on my courage to complete Toastmasters this time.

[RRR]

I've noticed a lot of your posts have struck a lot of people deeply lately, myself included. I've had tangible reactions to reading them..an odd "this is written just for you" feeling. Also I've had objective improvements, my emotions improve, my gratitude improves, my zest for life is ignited. I've noticed its the articles that feel different seem like they are coming from the heart, ones that feel like you really care about the people you are writing for. This post nearly made me cry, I remember being touched deeply by feeling blessed, the purpose of life, earn your first love dollar, what if I have many interests.., tolerance is resistance to love...And the mention of the joy of sadness put my own life in perspective as I read this post.

I feel I want to contribute here though. I LOVE your articles that feel this way, I take steps towards growth, I have profound realizations, but some of your other articles don't touch me this way. The money ones don't feel loving at all, they feel hurtful or as if you are projecting a lot of negativity.. The "yet another" raw foods update was negative right from the start. I feel really let down when I read these, as if you just aren't feeling the good vibes when you write them.

Perhaps it is my inclination towards love/purpose articles, but I felt much more inspired and they seemed much more eloquent and from the heart. It feels a lot of the time your articles about Skill/productivity/optimization don't have the same heartfelt eloquence. They are textbook, they don't inspire emotion; I can read them an analyze them logically, but I don't feel them. And I feel a lot of the power behind the message in them is lost when I don't feel the love the other articles contain. I consider the life of purpose article recently written a great example of an article I felt a strong connection towards which also had practical application towards monetary development.

Has anyone else felt this way? Is there a way we can help Steve contribute beyond posting our opinions on each article?

[zicitron]

Steve, I'm a loyal reader of your blogs since a few weeks. You write very well; no doubt about that. Your writings are very inspirational and it has helped me a lot in my personal life but I don't know whether I should voice out my feelings publicly after reading your story about connecting with Mr Lewinson. After all, I think I should since it has disturbed me a bit. I will say it plainly: I don't believe what you narrated. I do believe in God, in angels and in evil but I think you are taking us for a ride with this "connecting with the dead" thingy. Not meaning to be harsh here but I, as a loyal reader to your blog, I think you could have spared us that lengthy paragraph about Mr Lewinson coaching the dead! I do hope he drops that idea and may his soul rest in peace! I am just asking myself if I need to keep on reading your blog; if you are really serious at times; if you are really that sane! I know your die-hard fans will jump at my throat after reading this post. But again, I do not want to create any tension here; that piece of blog just disturbed me somewhat. Ok, you did say that those who don't believe shouldn't go on reading that part but you see, you did also subtly say that those "who won't read it" are not open-minded. If that's not an insult to those who do not believe in these so-called spiritual meetings, then what is it? Some cursed tongues would even say that there seem to be a marketing disguise for Erin's daytime job in that piece of writing!

[mncz]

Nooooo, that was the part that inspired me the most!

[DanielBrenton]

Originally Posted by zicitron

Steve, I'm a loyal reader of your blogs since a few weeks. You write very well; no doubt about that. Your writings are very inspirational and it has helped me a lot in my personal life but I don't know whether I should voice out my feelings publicly after reading your story about connecting with Mr Lewinson. After all, I think I should since it has disturbed me a bit. I will say it plainly: I don't believe what you narrated. I do believe in God, in angels and in evil but I think you are taking us for a ride with this "connecting with the dead" thingy. Not meaning to be harsh here but I, as a loyal reader to your blog, I think you could have spared us that lengthy paragraph about Mr Lewinson coaching the dead! I do hope he drops that idea and may his soul rest in peace! I am just asking myself if I need to keep on reading your blog; if you are really serious at times; if you are really that sane!

Dear Zicitron --

I'm sure that if Steve sees a need to "defend himself" he can do this more than adequately, but I don't just believe he is speaking truth here, I know he is speaking truth because I am one of his two Toastmaster friends who communicated with Mr. Lewison shortly after his passing. I confess I was hesitant to state this earlier in the thread, but in reflection I realize I've said things that are just as "out there" in the past on my own blog, so I think it's time I bellied up to the bar.

I should preface this in saying that I am nowhere as clear with this kind of thing as Steve and Erin are.

Honestly, Ron and I had had some friction in our relationship, so I hadn't invested any energy into it for about the last three years, and I had little exposure to him otherwise because I had backed away from the Toastmaster community here for a while to focus on writing and blogging.

The night he died, I felt Ron's presence very strongly, and all I could could think was "Ron, everything will be fine. Go into the Light."

I repeated that several times, and the energy I got back off of him was "Will you shut up and listen?"

Ron was a very strong presence to me at that point. This was a remarkable experience to me. I had never had this kind of communication with this kind of clarity before.

So I listened. And Ron told me he regretted that we had not worked through Judy Carter's Stand Up Comedy: The Book together, as he had suggested we do a few years ago. He had expressed to me, I think back in 2004, that he had a desire to be able to banter and "riff" off of a partner, and at the time he saw me as that partner.

In hindsight, I see now that Ron valued his relationship with me more than I realized. It was rare that he would talk about his personal feelings, and I guess I wasn't that good at reading between the lines with him, so I simply didn't pick up on it.

My priorities on speaking changed after the fall 2004 Toastmaster season, and Ron continued to get himself involved with the leadership side of the organization, so this effort went by the wayside.

Naturally, I wonder now if this may have been a choice that I should have followed, but "the hand has writ," as they say.

So, if you're questioning Steve's sanity, you'll have to question the sanity of this reader, too.

Welcome to the Nut House.

[Savage]

Originally Posted by DanielBrenton

I'm sure that if Steve sees a need to "defend himself" he can do this more than adequately, but I don't just believe he is speaking truth here, I know he is speaking truth because I am one of his two Toastmaster friends who communicated with Mr. Lewison shortly after his passing.

It's great to know that Ron is getting around.

I asked him yesterday why he keeps buzzing around me, and he said, "You're one of the few who can hear me." I think he'd like to reach out to even more people, but he's unable to get through to them because they aren't listening. It's like trying to talk to someone who's wearing earplugs.

Think of how many years of effort we invest in learning to use our senses like vision (shapes, colors, distance, object identification, hand-eye coordination), hearing (tones, volume, timbre, music, words, language), touch (temperature, texture, weight, volume), etc. Imagine how underdeveloped our physical senses would be without this training from a young age. We could stare at something and not even know what it is.

How many people bother to develop their inner/subtle senses to the same extent. Most people can't even lucid dream for goodness sakes. That's worse than being colorblind.

Concluding that psychic senses are bunk is like a deaf person picking up a guitar and saying, "This piece of junk does nothing for me." From your perspective you're absolutely right, but the guitar isn't the problem.

[supertom]

Thanks for the post steve and bruce.

How do you start off developing your physic abilities, whats the "learn to walk" in the physic world

[Savage]

Originally Posted by supertom

Thanks for the post steve and bruce.

How do you start off developing your physic abilities, whats the "learn to walk" in the physic world

I recommend starting out by learning lucid dreaming. Belief-wise it's a mild step in the right direction that shouldn't create much resistance, but since it's experiential, it can be pretty powerful and eye-opening to take conscious control of your dreams. This is where I started.

A good place to begin is to read Dr. Stephen LaBerge's books on the subject. There are links to them on my recommended reading list.

[Bruce Achterberg]

Originally Posted by supertom

Thanks for the post steve and bruce.

How do you start off developing your physic abilities, whats the "learn to walk" in the physic world

Look out for Erin's lucid dreaming audio program, too. It's still in development, but I'd think it'd be a decent purchase.

I think the best thing you can do is start to "hang around" with people who are psychic. There are many ways to "hang out" with people, be it in person, online via a chat or email, via reading someone's writing on the internet or in print (i.e. books, articles), etc. Connect with their energy and you'll focus more on this phenomena. To the degree that you do, and to the degree you believe the law of attraction phenomena is possible, you'll start to see evidence.

I'm now able to think of something and within a few hours, have some sort of evidence that I was thinking about it. And it's very coincidental, consistent evidence, so I tend to not even bother questioning it--that wouldn't be congruent with my focus (although some people choose to manifest things like that, which is their choice).

I first learned a lot of psychic stuff from playing around with energy. My first insight into this world was from the book, The Celestine Prophecy--and I hadn't even finished reading it! (Only got around to finishing it years later; great, enjoyable book.)

Also, this may seem strange to you, but I found that physical training is very effective at increasing your psychic abilities. The more your energy develops and improves, the more sensitive and conductive you seem to become. Eventually you start to see the overlap between physical and psychic-type experiences, and that there is no real barrier--it's something we all have access to, we just need to develop it (just like some people develop strength by doing strength training).

The most valuable tool, I think, will be your intent. So start focusing on what it is you want. Ponder it.

[GreenTea]

Although you may not realize it now, the reason you posted this is that you aren't fully comfortable with your current beliefs about life and death. Since my post stirred up some of that discomfort, you're obligated to "shoot the messenger" as a coping method. That's very normal. But as an alternative, you could also turn around and look deeper into the source of that discomfort.

You see... people who are fully comfortable with their beliefs never post messages like the one you just did. You may disagree with me on that, but if you give it some thought, I think you'll realize it's true nevertheless.

The above quote really resonated with me. It reminds me of something I've heard Deepak Chopra say: "Belief is just a cover-up for insecurity--You don't have to believe in gravity, you experience it." Also, Abraham-Hicks says "A belief is just a thought you keep thinking."

[Bruce Achterberg]

Originally Posted by Steve Pavlina

It's great to know that Ron is getting around.

I asked him yesterday why he keeps buzzing around me, and he said, "You're one of the few who can hear me." I think he'd like to reach out to even more people, but he's unable to get through to them because they aren't listening. It's like trying to talk to someone who's wearing earplugs.

Think of how many years of effort we invest in learning to use our senses like vision (shapes, colors, distance, object identification, hand-eye coordination), hearing (tones, volume, timbre, music, words, language), touch (temperature, texture, weight, volume), etc. Imagine how underdeveloped our physical senses would be without this training from a young age. We could stare at something and not even know what it is.

It's terrible to think that a spirit (be it you or someone else) wouldn't be able to get through to someone. That must be uber frustrating.

Really makes me feel a responsibility for developing my intuitive abilities further. I've always had a pretty solid base, but was never really interested in opening myself up to the other side since, I guess, I feared what might come through.

I realise that's a suboptimal choice that, while it may protect me, it also blocks me from more positive guidance. Seems awfully wasteful, too (although I do put most of my intuitive abilities to good use; I love being able to sense things).

My challenge, however, isn't to really develop more abilities--it's to open up the door. As soon as I do that, I'm sure I'll get all I need.

Yep, I just know this is going to be an "interesting" experience, heh. First, I think, I need to come to terms with what I need to do with the messages that come through. There's also that pesky fear of me not being accurate in my delivery of such messages and how people may perceive that.

Out come my truth, love, and power tools. ("Powertools", get it? Ha ha... ha? )

[Bruce Achterberg]

Originally Posted by supertom

Hey, so how can I be totally OPEN, say when im reading, there might be greater truths that im blocking out. im rading abraham again and im seeing it totally differently this time, that 99% of people wont see

My other, less commonly known secret answer to this question is that you can use your subconscious to cover what your conscious mind isn't good at.

For example, if I see a movie, sometimes there are themes in there that I intuitively feel have greater truth for me. So I watch it again. And again. And again, if necessary. I watch until I feel I'm done with it, using my intuition to guide me (which is more about subconscious intuition). I always know when I'm done with something.

People would say this is a waste of time, but such people aren't well versed with the power of the subconscious (also known as the "unconscious", which is different to unconsciousness). For example, I know there's great value in asking or writing down questions that you don't answer consciously. I used to do this for years, but now when I do it in my journal, I can feel if it's subconsciously sound or not. It either feels like it has some "meat" the subconscious can grab onto or not. Without the meatiness there, you won't get a great answer. With it, and perhaps weeks or months later, you'll get an insight about the question you asked that blows your mind.

So repetition, especially when you practice the skill and properly channel it using your own internal feedback as a guide, can be very effective for "seeing" more. Developing my subconscious ability has been extremely helpful to me. I've used it to win two Toastmaster table topics contests and to fast-track my personal development. Now, instead of taking months get my bearings with certain issues, it takes me minutes, hours, or days (depending).

[Savage]

Originally Posted by zicitron

Steve, I'm a loyal reader of your blogs since a few weeks. You write very well; no doubt about that. Your writings are very inspirational and it has helped me a lot in my personal life but I don't know whether I should voice out my feelings publicly after reading your story about connecting with Mr Lewinson. After all, I think I should since it has disturbed me a bit. I will say it plainly: I don't believe what you narrated. I do believe in God, in angels and in evil but I think you are taking us for a ride with this "connecting with the dead" thingy. Not meaning to be harsh here but I, as a loyal reader to your blog, I think you could have spared us that lengthy paragraph about Mr Lewinson coaching the dead! I do hope he drops that idea and may his soul rest in peace! I am just asking myself if I need to keep on reading your blog; if you are really serious at times; if you are really that sane! I know your die-hard fans will jump at my throat after reading this post. But again, I do not want to create any tension here; that piece of blog just disturbed me somewhat. Ok, you did say that those who don't believe shouldn't go on reading that part but you see, you did also subtly say that those "who won't read it" are not open-minded. If that's not an insult to those who do not believe in these so-called spiritual meetings, then what is it? Some cursed tongues would even say that there seem to be a marketing disguise for Erin's daytime job in that piece of writing!

Glad to be of help. No insult intended.

If this sort of thing conflicts with your beliefs, then you should indeed be disturbed. That's actually a good thing because it means you're being challenged, and challenge induces growth.

It's not my intent to get you to agree with me or to be loyal in any way, but it is my intent to challenge you. Sometimes that means that I have to tug on the trust you may have with me in order to lead you to consider new ideas because those ideas could contain a lot of growth for you. If the end result is that you end up rejecting my work completely or concluding I'm deluded or insane, that's a risk I'm willing to take. You wouldn't be the first to go that route.

If being disturbed makes you run, then run. On the other hand, if you have the courage to go a bit deeper into this without running, you may find a rather fascinating growth experience ahead of you.

Although you may not realize it now, the reason you posted this is that you aren't fully comfortable with your current beliefs about life and death. Since my post stirred up some of that discomfort, you're obligated to "shoot the messenger" as a coping method. That's very normal. But as an alternative, you could also turn around and look deeper into the source of that discomfort.

You see... people who are fully comfortable with their beliefs never post messages like the one you just did. You may disagree with me on that, but if you give it some thought, I think you'll realize it's true nevertheless.

[MissK]

Hi everybody, I am new to this forum, in fact this is my first post. I was not happy with my life and began consciously pursuing personal development about a year ago. I am very happy with the progress made so far i've come out of a deep depression and am greatly looking forward to the potential that i've been discovering inside myself and the world.

From the article..
Life is way too short to waste your precious time doing work you don’t love, enduring relationships you merely tolerate, and settling for limiting thoughts that hold you back. If you decide to waste this day, that’s the same as deciding to waste your life because your life is happening right now.

My question..

Is there an easier way to change beliefs and limiting thoughts??? Even with affirmations, visualization, etc, some negative beliefs are rooted so deeply within me when i try to reprogram them i never fully do because half of me believes i am lying to myself. Should i just continue to pursue the aforementioned methods and they will work after a longer period of time? or is there some secret i am missing about reprogramming my thoughts? Any response would be appreciated even if just a pointer to an article that really helps this. Lol sorry for the novice post. I'm sure you guys have already conquered this issue specifically and moved on.

[MissK]

Hi Steve,

I'd also like to say your articles are very touching and time specific. I see from reading some of the other posts they resonate with many others as deeply as they do with me. Keep up this great work of love. No doubt Ron was a great man who touched you and indeed your work touches as many lives as he did. Love can only create greater ripples of love. I can't wait to learn and grow and help others grow also. I have become so much more excited about my life and this journey!!

[Dan.Linehan]

Originally Posted by MissK

My question..

Is there an easier way to change beliefs and limiting thoughts??? Even with affirmations, visualization, etc, some negative beliefs are rooted so deeply within me when i try to reprogram them i never fully do because half of me believes i am lying to myself.

It sounds like these methods might be the "easy way." What are you trying to make yourself believe, specifically?

Originally Posted by MissK

Should i just continue to pursue the aforementioned methods and they will work after a longer period of time? or is there some secret i am missing about reprogramming my thoughts? Any response would be appreciated even if just a pointer to an article that really helps this. Lol sorry for the novice post. I'm sure you guys have already conquered this issue specifically and moved on.

I think of it as a process of challenging my assumptions, and making small improvements here and there that end up snowballing into bigger positive changes.

Here is a good article from Steve on Empowering Beliefs too.

Nice to meet you MissK!

[carenkh]

Originally Posted by MissK

Is there an easier way to change beliefs and limiting thoughts??? Even with affirmations, visualization, etc, some negative beliefs are rooted so deeply within me when i try to reprogram them i never fully do because half of me believes i am lying to myself. Should i just continue to pursue the aforementioned methods and they will work after a longer period of time? or is there some secret i am missing about reprogramming my thoughts? Any response would be appreciated even if just a pointer to an article that really helps this.

I've had some deep breakthroughs with Angela's coaching method. (She's a moderator on these forums) I can tell you, though - it's not easy. It has involved a lot of deep work and really facing those not-so-great parts of myself. I'm holding on to the belief that the freedom on the other side will be worth it!

The ability, too, to observe thoughts, and recognize YOU are NOT your thoughts is very beneficial. I get that through meditation, I'm sure there are other methods.

Originally Posted by MissK

sorry for the novice post. I'm sure you guys have already conquered this issue specifically and moved on.

You'll find folks all along the spectrum of personal development here! Welcome.

[trcoach]

Steve

I thought you would like this quote. its from Messiah's Handbook, Reminders for the Advanced Soul by Richard Bach

"Don't be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again.
And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends."

Tom

[JSpring]

Hi @ all,

I just read the artical and I must say it really moved me.
And becouse of the last Paragraph I have to post this link here:

YouTube - ‪The Cruxshadows Birthday Official‬‏

For those of you who do not like that kind of music: I am sorry just stop listening after some seconds, but the text really fits.

I only resently started reading on your Blog, which I found searching about Polyphasic Sleep, so I am not really up to date.
But I allready want to say
" Thanks a lot "

Greetings from Germany