My Macguffin: Business as a Spiritual Practice

Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction

PART ONE

Chapter 1   How Did I Get Here?

Chapter 2   Synchronicity and Collaboration

Chapter 3   Authentic Voice

Chapter 4   Values

Chapter 5   Letter to Myself

Chapter 6   Communication

Chapter 7   Bridges

Chapter 8   Relationships

Chapter 9   Boundaries

Chapter 10   Change

Chapter 11   Growth

Chapter 12   What Makes You Happy?

Chapter 13   As Above, So Below

PART TWO

Chapter 14   The Rant

Chapter 15   The Wall

Chapter 16   Forgiveness

Chapter 17   Receiving

Chapter 18   Time

Chapter 19   Summary

Chapter 20   Tools

Chapter 21   Compassion

Chapter 22   The Craft

Chapter 23   Your Chapter

Bonus!

Bibliography

About the Authors

Credits

Chapter Footnotes

Jayden:

For Adam and James. You have given me more than words can convey.

Through your eyes I gain a perspective I would otherwise be without.

I am blessed to have you as my sons. Thank you. I love you.

Michael:

For Shirley: a love so sweet and pure that it makes me cry.

Blessings to my children

and light-workers all around the world.

Preface

Jayden

We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.

Lord Darlington, Act III, Lady Windermere’s Fan (1892)

Oscar Wilde (1854-1900), playwright, poet, writer

Why does anyone write a book? For my own part this is something that I have had on my list of goals for almost twelve years, when I first made a public statement to that effect.

Since I was a child I wanted to communicate my thoughts, ideas and experiences to other people and share what I learned, often as I learned it. Somehow, I never quite found the voice I was looking for until my life got turned upside down a few years ago. At that point, I started journaling in earnest as I worked through my challenges and pulled together all the tools I already had at my disposal and those I could find which resonated with me.

As a serial entrepreneur who has worked in several different industries, as well as within the charity sector, I combine my business background and spiritual view of life with my desire to help people. I have enjoyed immensely, and continue to enjoy, offering support, guidance and mentoring to those who seek it from me. However, it was not until the fortuitous connection that was made between Michael and I, via the medium of Twitter, that the idea of writing collaboratively rather than as solitary authors, came to mind. After that, the book began to take shape quickly.

The business world is often fickle. Business has been built on selling people something and that frequently doesn’t sit well with the people who are doing the selling, let alone the ones who are being sold to. Oftentimes this is because the ‘seller’ of whatever the product or service is, cannot—for whatever reason—be their real self in that situation. That conflict of interest leaves all parties dissatisfied with both businesses and individuals suffering. Allowing the authentic self to shine in all situations—especially vital in business—is something I have had many years’ experience with and mentoring on.

Since school I have been fortunate enough to be someone who others around me have sought out for guidance, as a mentor or simply as an open ear connected to an open mind, who is willing to listen, reflect, question and advise without judging. I wanted to write a book to share some of these experiences and perspectives with others. Moreover, with whole life perspective, to openly examine certain experiences and potential routes to becoming confident in conducting one’s entire life as exactly who one truly is.

In many ways this book is not just about self-discovery or new personal or business perspectives. It is about character. The realisation, discovery, unveiling, acceptance, understanding and improvement of one’s personal character is also the foundation for any business.

Character is like a cut and polished jewel. It contains numerous facets that on their own may be beautiful, but combined, allow light (the essence of life) to dance around in glorious colour.

Wisdom and knowledge can be found via originality in creativity, ingenuity, curiosity, open-mindedness, perspective and love of learning.

Courage is found via acts of bravery, being persistent and persevering, having integrity and being enthusiastic.

Humanity is found through love, kindness, emotional and personal intelligence.

Justice is found via social responsibility, loyalty and teamwork, fairness and servant leadership (the gain for all via the group dynamic of ‘we’, rather than preoccupation solely with the rights of an individual ‘me’).

Temperance is found through forgiveness and compassion/mercy, humility, modesty, prudence and self-regulation.

Transcendence is gained through awe and wonder, appreciation of beauty and excellence, gratitude, optimism, hope, humour, faith and purpose.

Outstanding character is derived from such combination. Share of these facets freely and you shall give life to all.

Sharing is what brought Michael and I together and on our first meeting it was the discovery of our shared common ground that began our project. Whilst we have different backgrounds, we do share certain experiences, views, training and objectives. Fortunately, as we decided that this book should be something one can dip in and out of rather than only working as a linear offering, it fits perfectly with our differing writing styles and personalities and will at least allow the reader some respite from a solitary voice.

The titles of the chapters can be seen as a cheat-sheet of ingredients one requires for the recipe that is one’s life, save that one missing ingredient that would make something which tastes good, taste incredible; the MacGuffin.

It’s always wonderful to hear that something one has said or done has made a positive impact on another person, so I hope that in reading any part of or even this entire book, you will gain something of use in your own life.

Should that not be the case, in the words of the late great Frankie Howerd, Please yourselves! ☺

Preface

Michael

Comfort the afflicted and disturb the comfortable.

Finlay Peter Dunne (1867-1936), political satirist

A preface could be construed as a rhetorical apology. Rhetoric itself is an ancient art, encompassing reasoned discourse, logos, moral philosophy, ethos and the emotional appeal of human triumph over suffering, pathos. My story is in keeping. Beyond mere exposition, it spans myth and tragedy, the arcane and profane, high adventure and epic fail.

Finley Peter Dunne was admired by President Roosevelt, a friend of Mark Twain and a wiser newspaperman than those involved in the recent News of the World phone-hacking scandal.¹ In homage to his strip-cartoon alter ego, Mr. Dooley, my leitmotif is as per Dunne’s disruptive exhort to journalists, paraphrased above. If you’re a faint-hearted initiate—in commerce, as well as in the context of spiritual principles—some of my scenes may disturb. Battle-scarred bodhisattva or nay, I trust that this book inspires you and, irrespective of your vocation and faith, that you relate to it more readily than many a monotonous business tome.

The universe first introduced me to Jayden in late 2009, via Twitter, the micro-blogging site. One week later, I similarly linked with the original third contributor to this book. It took a global ‘app’ to connect people living twenty miles apart. Despite personal and professional obstacles, we take heart that three contrasting personalities accomplished an incipient sixteen chapters in seventeen months, before our co-writer withdrew from the project. Consequently, the book comprises only Jayden’s and my own revised and additional content.

During the writing of it, our hurdles bore testimony to the general assertion that partnership is one of life’s greatest challenges, particularly that of spiritually inclined collaboration. Paid work, at its core, is a transaction between two or more people. The Latin word for business is transactionus. It means to ‘drive or carry through,’ from the root trānsigō: ‘settle, conclude.’ That implies a form of agreed transference, or exchange, of energy. With intent on lifting that to its highest ideal, then, it makes sense, generally speaking, to accept that one must make effort to understand other parties, in order for ongoing or completed exchange to be mutually beneficial. Focus on strengths rather than faults should enable harmonious progress. When communication breaks down, apportioning of blame is often by default. Ultimately, though, it is beyond merely a question of responsibility. There are energetic forces at work, attracting and repelling according to frequency and, in our realm, timing. Few, if any, could claim to have full understanding of how or why it works in certain ways. ‘Connection’ may arise for any number of reasons, bringing opportunity for experience and growth. As with everything else, partnerships transition at some stage. Yet, in respecting privacy, it is appropriate to acknowledge our former collaborator’s role at the outset.

As a ‘thank you’ for buying the book, here’s a further ‘behind-the-scenes’ peek at our processes. Just a snippet, mind. Think of it as the authorised out-take edition, complete with the official VIP backstage pass.

Jayden and I share a passion for the silver screen. Among his many achievements, Jayden can lay claim to being a multiple award-winning film-short producer. I still possess a beige plastic Super 8mm cine-camera, a treasured thirteenth birthday present that eventually led me to start my first business, in video production. Consequently, I was inspired to suggest that the book take its title from Alfred Hitchcock’s self-styled plot device. A ‘MacGuffin’ is a seemingly vital element—the contents of a briefcase, ‘top secret’ documents—never actually revealed to the audience yet intrinsic to the characters’ motivations. I correlate this with the quest to learn who we are, why we are here and where we are going. Many relate to the concept of ‘seeker’ while others conceive of ‘finding themselves’ as being more accessible. Reconciling opposing dynamics is key to the process. Even with prior experience, credence was lent to wider theory, both of us learning a great deal from events coinciding with the writing of the book.

Throughout, I also reference several actors and actresses, films as well as songs, musicians and musical genres, all to convey useful perspective. Business obviously includes the film and music industries. These evidence, perhaps better than almost any other sector or professional endeavour, the polarities of creative spiritual ideal versus commercial practice ‘evils.’ I once contemplated that if the gods and goddesses of old were to find themselves in our time, without assiduous chroniclers or disciples to spread the gospel, how would they get their message across to the masses? It seemed to me that with the lowest voting turnouts in living memory and—Diamond Jubilee year aside—royal patronage nowhere near as community inspiring as it once was, few pay attention to politicians or monarchies. Almost immediately I posed the thought in my mind, I was startled by ‘hearing’ a response, implying that various deities have already reappeared. Via the cinema, .mp3 downloads, radio, television and live performance in stadia around the world, their timeless message is being broadcast loud and clear: love one another, do no harm, correct the damage. There are a number of themes used to convey this. In the 19th century, the author Georges Polti claimed that there are thirty-six plots or dramatic situations.² You may be familiar with some of them: self-sacrifice for an ideal, obstacles to love, erroneous judgment, vengeance, pursuit and so on. I’m not sure that I could equally number business models. You may be in a career, working for a company or large organisation. Perhaps, you work for yourself or have a small business. You might have the title of manager, proprietor, partner or even Chief Executive Officer. Whatever one’s route to market, there is gain for all by creatively expressing oneself as a crewmember, producer and director of a spiritualised business.

Chapter by chapter, I attempt various ploys to aid your arrival at what I intend to be ‘aha!’ moments. Of course, readers are perfectly capable of finding their own by themselves. Indeed, I am sure that you will derive insight that I haven’t considered, which is the best way. But where’s the fun for me in that? My contribution is intended to be an optimistic prognosis, increasing numbers of light-workers making a difference in employed positions and business ownership, aiding clientele to integrate spiritual practice in the workplace.

I make no apology for my belief in spiritual principles, at least, as I define them. Even without fully comprehending that which lies beyond empirical evidence, conceptually, spirituality offers me a more complete explanation for a unified meaning of life and unconditional experience than any single philosophy or faith. This is because I believe that spirituality is more than the sum of all ‘truths’ contained in every ideology and in each of the world’s religions, without necessarily negating any of them. For me, spirituality is self-empowering. I prefer to manifest divinity from inner planes, testing each theory for myself rather than blindly accepting externally imposed dogmas, doctrines and aggrandised hierarchies. I believe that we are more than our physical bodies and that there is more to life than the obvious. I’m of the view that in a world of inequality, we each have equal opportunity to choose to make the best, or worst, of a situation, consequences determining the extent of free will that may be exercised in any given moment. I favour both creationism and evolution. I would argue that they’re not mutually exclusive and wisdom espouses virtue in the transcendence of duality. I subscribe to the notion that the only guarantees in life are change and the ‘dichotomy paradox.’ In other words, I see myself as, simply, a good old-fashioned heretic.

However, it is entirely probable that beliefs making more sense to me may well replace current ones. I do not specify all of my beliefs here. My contribution to the book might seem apocryphal, but it allows for multiple interpretations. I am certainly not attempting to impose my values and beliefs onto you or anyone else. The incredible variety of vocations that people pursue is indicative of the myriad ways to the highest forms of self-realisation. For some, it is a path of beauty, perhaps in the arts. A few gravitate towards understanding the building blocks of life in a scientific discipline. One person may find their purpose in destroying the status quo: another in uplifting the afflicted.

Whether one spends a life dwelling alone in a cave or opts to make use of enlightened thinking via human interaction, I firmly believe that, even with insight, everyone is still hampered by a blind side, probably installed prior to shipping from the factory gates. Devoted service certainly also allows one to gain others’ keener perspective on improving oneself. Even Buddha figured that out. Needless to say, almost, but whilst Jayden and I hope that you may gain at least one piece of beneficial information or insight from our writing, feel free to ignore anything in the book that you do not resonate with. I’ve released many limiting beliefs—forced to let go of, on occasion—so, although disconcertingly attached to a few things, I venture that it is wiser not to speak in absolutes.

Spirituality can be a serious business. Some people are attuned from childhood. I didn’t ‘awaken’ until my mid-thirties. I should have been mature enough to get a handle on it. After an initial phase serving as a loose cannon—an excerpt of which forms my opening chapter—I went to the other extreme, inadvertently keeping things so tightly within, no safecracker could pick them. It took me a few years to realise that my fondness for gravitas conspired to hide my MacGuffin just as well as my prior blinkered view of life. I eventually found the key to my own safe, by expressing humour. I do not claim comedic talent. I write to amuse myself, surprisingly finding favour with others. Quite a few people regard me as crazy. Learning to laugh at spirituality and the nonsense of business can be beneficial. However, it also opened a hitherto unnoticed inner door, enabling steps closer to the one behind which my MacGuffin lies. Taking myself less seriously is unlocking who I AM and, in the process, allowing divine expression.

I always pass on good advice. It is the only thing to do with it. It is never of any use to oneself.

Lord Goring, An Ideal Husband, Act I (1895)

Oscar Wilde

Advisors, are expected to be ‘sorted.’ Ancient high priests and grand viziers were virtually unimpeachable. That mindset is, sadly, still prevalent, not only in the scientific community but among self-styled gurus and self-professed business experts. We expect clients to take responsibility for action but accountability works both ways. Much as it applies in any vocation, I see it as pre-requisite to acknowledge that we are far from perfect. We make up for it in experience, mostly via mistakes. No one becomes successful without making many mistakes and ‘success’ is a relative term, depending on the starting point and what one is trying to achieve.

Here in Hertfordshire, the Hitchin branch of Starbucks also has a lot to answer for. It could have been Que Pasa, just across the square, in the old Corn Exchange building in Market Place, as the food and ambience is usually worthy of sample. However, we remained puzzled by the staff’s blitheness towards attracting footfall in a recession, such was their frequent inability to unlock the front door within reasonable proximity of the stated opening hour. I prioritised our book ahead of shopping a retailer. Two and a half years on from the day we first met for coffee, I still have a note on my desk reminding me to translate the brand name for the incumbent manager in ironic query, suggesting Mañana as more appropriate. Beloved reader, take heed if you wish to attract and retain clientele.

Via our Twitter exchanges—and peeks at respective websites—we already had an indication of business activities and personal interests. At our first ‘tweet-up,’ we explored ways that we could capitalise on both. By the end of the meeting, we were more excited by the idea of writing a book together. Without really knowing what it would be about, we were happy to trust to the process and our intent.

Although the book arose from professional acquaintance amid business objectives, monetisation was not our motivator. For a start, it’s a niche audience, not exactly J.K. Rowling territory. Second, Scott Adams cornered the market with the Dilbert® compilation I’m not anti-business, I’m anti-idiot.³ I’m also mindful of Gene Hackman’s quip, as the film producer Harry Zimm, in Get Shorty: ⁴

I once asked this literary agent what kind of writing pays the most and he said, ‘ransom notes.’

At our second meeting, this time at the splendidly named Quotidian—a bakery café that Jayden rightly recommended—he commented that very few spiritual books have been co-authored. Jayden mooted that different writing styles would add value for readers. The idea was embraced, with the concept of ‘value’ subsequently forming one of our chapters. My partner and I have a collection of over 300 spirituality/self-development titles, with a further 150 business books lining further shelves in a back bedroom-cum-study. We don’t own every such publication in Christendom, but as one keen to brush up in both camps, I can confirm Jayden’s assertion that, of the handful bridging the genres, none are written from the perspective of a shared journey or a journey shared.

Our self-imposed ‘chapter-a-fortnight’ deadlines—mostly achieved—were met with enthusiasm and angst. The debriefing venues varied, full use also made of Skype and Dropbox as accessible ‘wordsmith’ tools. We honoured the principle of not reading each other’s pieces until we had submitted respective chapters in our shared folder in the ‘cloud.’ We both quote Oscar Wilde, but beyond that, I must say that we were relieved to find only one further instance of duplication, in Chapter Thirteen. Given that particular topic, replicated viewpoint is not a bad thing. Also, bear in mind that, in actuality, As Above, So Below was the eighteenth chapter written sequentially, subsequently re-ordered, in accordance with a wise adage: a place for everything and everything in its place. It is hard to think of a facet of life and work that we haven’t touched on somewhere in the following pages, but we’re comfortable that readers may relate better to the style and content of one author in preference to the other. In real terms, it means that two for the price of one is a bargain.

Anyone who has ever written a book, published or not, non-fiction or otherwise, will know that creativity takes on a direction and a life of its own. What comes through a writer and on to the page is more powerful than the conscious mind can conceive of, or control in the moment. It can be immensely frustrating when one wishes to make a particular point. Not that I can claim to have stepped completely out of the way, but, by subjugating the ego and moving aside to let the words flow—much as a good manager does to encourage their staff to contribute, indeed when an advisor or coach is ‘channelling’ what comes through them—the outcome is often more conducive for the highest good of all. Consequently, at least in my case, our originally imposed word-count constraint was continually breached to the point of realisation that my muse was more used to a world and a time in which dialectic essays held sway. For what it’s worth, I stick with this defence, because parchment and quill replaced by keyboard and cloud apps aside, spirituality and business acumen concern timeless practices.

Let the mind be enlarged according to its capacity, to the grandeur of the mysteries and not the mysteries contracted to the narrowness of the mind.

Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626).

Write down the thoughts of the moment. Those that come unsought for are commonly the most valuable.

Sir Francis Bacon. Again.

If essays were choice means for the likes of him, they’re good enough for me. There are claims that Bacon wrote many works attributed to William Shakespeare. He also suffered disgrace during an illustrious career. Bacon had devout faith: paradox for a philosopher with interest in the occult. He was so rigorous with his experiments, that he is said to be the father of empiricism. Among many achievements as a scientist, statesman and author, Bacon wrote New Atlantis, published in 1627, the year following his death. It is a tale of utopia, perhaps based on the fabled continent itself, in which he heralded an enlightened society capable of balancing applied science with appreciation of the mysteries, untainted by dogma and superstition. In many ways, study of Bacon’s integration of spirituality in the workplace can serve well those who aspire to live peaceably in such social order as he envisaged.

A couple of years ago, a good friend, Pete, sent me a fascinating DVD: Thunderbolts of the Gods ⁵ by mythologist David Talbott and physicist Wallace Thornhill. They claim that gravity doesn’t govern existence, asserting instead that we occupy an electric universe. It is a compelling argument. Where electric energy—plasma—ultimately comes from, is more a matter of belief than knowledge. However, I was struck by the opening narration:

Scientific disciplines are taken as a triumph over superstition, while mythology is taken as fiction and untrue.

Talbott and Thornhill have been vilified for taking on the status quo, subjected to personal attacks by the brightest of intellectual minds in the scientific community. So much for reasoned discourse. As advisors with certain beliefs, so too, are we at risk of similar disparagement by our peers.

The Law Commission recommended abolition of sedition and related libel laws in 1977. Existing since the 16th century, these weren’t repealed in England and Wales until January 2010. Perhaps serendipitously, in that same month we started work on the book. In terms of unfettered and eternal connection, disclaimer is practically irrelevant. Unfortunately, I’m obliged to cite one, as the litigious-inclined are yet to embrace such lofty ideal.

Without wishing to impose odious small print, a paragraph will do. Readers are responsible for their own actions, certainly as a consequence of reading our chapters. The content herein does not constitute legal advice, financial guidance or medical opinion. Readers should seek professional counsel, defer to a regulated independent financial advisor or consult a GP if one is in need of assistance with any respective issues.

Oh, and you are deemed to have read, understood and agreed to the (tongue-in-cheek) conditions as stated in my author’s note at the end of Chapter 14, The Rant.

Regrettably, I’ve been culpable of dubious proclivities. For the record, though, I haven’t ever incited anyone to take up against the authorities. Moreover, I’ve no plans to do so now nor at any time in the future. However, I can vouchsafe the adage that if one wishes to effect change in the world, then a good place to start is with oneself and one’s business, ensuring no harm to self, other sentient beings or to the environment.

I believe that I’ve made choices at higher levels than my conscious awareness—not always welcome I hasten to add—so I can’t claim to have lucked out with a rhetorical defence by accident of birth. My family tree hints ominously at kinship with one Ernesto Arturo Miranda, of Miranda v Arizona 1966 constitutional rights notoriety. I suspect that few criminals are aware that their legal right to remain silent is predated by the 1912 King’s Bench issue of the Judges Rules. If my late relative was actually such—incidentally, retried and convicted—Miranda unwittingly improved residual income for screenwriters of cop shows, via insertion of the now statutory ‘anything you say’ warning. Concerning my contribution to this manuscript, even if I can’t make bail, he provided ample opportunity for me to waive my rights to plea bargain.

My eclectic literary influences include Evan Hunter. Under the pseudonym Ed McBain, among others, he penned over a hundred books. Chief among them are the 87th Precinct ‘police procedural’ novels, inextricably involving Miranda of earlier mention. Both fictional and actual detectives’ modus operandi bear resemblance to that of a business advisor’s, my role being one of some seventeen years standing. The world is mostly comprised of undesirable symptoms, with love and money—or rather, lack thereof—frequently accessories before and after the fact. We look beyond a crime scene to those responsible, to ascertain how and why actions were perpetrated. The detective in me tries patiently to identify root causes, to uncover facts and bring them to light, to help prevent mayhem reoccurring. Immersed daily in an underworld, a detective is prepared to face a nemesis. So too, those of us on a spiritual path, encountering the ‘shadow’ part of ourselves, to be acknowledged and integrated. Every irritating client or sharp practice despised—whither an elderly homeowner defrauded by a plumber or tax evasion by multinational conglomerates—is, in my book, a reflection of self in some capacity. We are obliged to be rigorous in forensic investigation—know thyself—case closed only upon self-mastery. Outside professional tours of duty, my inner sleuth impatiently endeavours to discern my truth.

As for my attempt to articulate the integration of my spiritual beliefs with my business activities, I plead guilty to misdemeanours during school English lessons and a charge of quarrelling with my muse.

I express remorse for ill-conceived ways that I’ve communicated with others, loved ones especially. Apology is also proffered for the resemblance of certain passages to memoir, particularly for hurt felt or offence taken by those close to me. For the sake of privacy, client privilege and brevity—the latter not entirely a feature of my pieces (no doubt the editor has seen to that)—timescales have been condensed, names changed and detail omitted.

You may notice a preponderance of quotes by, reference to and case study of the masculine of the species. I didn’t set out with the idea. Indeed, I am influenced by and am in favour of women’s writing. I’m confident that my muse is in charge of the grown-up stuff. We need to sort out lunch and have that discussion, but as at the time of writing, we’re still struggling to find convenient dates in the diary. I think it’s to emphasise that, in a time when, rightly, we are in the process of leaving behind the worst traits of patriarchal societies and embracing the feminine principle, we mustn’t lose sight of the fact that there are men who are integrating and expressing the feminine to great effect. It also seemed—actually who am I kidding, there was nothing seeming about it—that as we wrote, synchronicities abounded and challenges immediately planted themselves in our paths, demanding that we align with our spiritual convictions. In heeding enlightened principles, redemption remains an unforgiving taskmaster.

I had no such awareness fourteen years ago. Astrologically speaking, perhaps that coincides with Neptune’s fourteen-year stay in each sign. Although Neptune is assigned generational influence, its 1998-2012 Aquarian tour represented a significant, if mostly clueless, personal transformation for me. Following the previous materialistic Capricorn years, my experience throughout was characterised by new connections as well as inner re-connection, coinciding with the flourishing of the Internet. As I write, the veiled planet of redemption recently entered Pisces. As its ruler, Neptune is at home in Pisces. Given the nebulous qualities of the former and the ethereal nature of the latter, though, it will take a while before the confusion surrounding this ingress dissipates sufficiently for us to able to discern mist from fog. Neptune’s current 164-year swim around the zodiac will complete in 2026 (after a short dip into Aries in early 2025). In relation to historical events and personal milestones, study of such cycles can yield valuable insight. There are, of course, other energetic forces at work. Eventually, though, we’ll have the opportunity for greater degrees of clarity, depending on how well humanity manages to transcend its fears of the unknown, in order to embrace interrelatedness. Whether in deceiving myself or via celestial illusion, back then, without an iota of wherewithal, I could not conceive that my riches, my truth and my raison d’être—my MacGuffin—lay within. I was sensitive, certainly. Overly so, as those close to me would attest. Caught by disproportionate emote, pyroclastic currents consumed them as molten fury periodically erupted from my core. Conditioning has profound effects on everyone in formative years, my own a feature of the chapter on forgiveness. The cause, continuing to resurface at times, was fear.

I enjoy being around business owners because they express all of the reasons why they ‘can.’ Employees tend to possess more of a risk-averse mindset, explaining why they ‘can’t.’ This is not a good/bad issue, insofar as it is all about preferences. However, you can keep your handful of genuine ‘gung-ho’ entrepreneurs. Let me tell you that I’ve met and assisted thousands upon thousands of people who fight fear about whether they are good enough to do a job or be in business or start a family or move country, enduring criticism on a daily basis from people who say, I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Damn right. We are not they. Our success is standing in the face of it, fearing slightly less than we did yesterday. Those who have suffered because of their spiritual beliefs know this, too. I think that if there is such a thing, ultimate success might be the unconditional love of all whom, because of their own fears, are opposed to the light that shines through others. It’s not pre-requisite for those in support roles to be afflicted by fear especially. It’s more that one recognises that which is perceived as an affliction in one’s life, may be better construed as one’s greatest gift. We then attract clientele who may benefit from the wisdom derived, as we encourage people to move away from fear and towards love.

In time, I realised that through the larger lesson of forgetting oneself and serving others, one gains redemption, peace of mind and lasting happiness. I refer to this principle while working in schools with disaffected and/or disadvantaged students. In my experience, they make the best businesspeople, a claim that I substantiate in the book.

We cannot learn vicariously—or from advice—in an experiential world. However, empathy and experience shared in humour, as we do here, may lighten the weight of a borne cross.

Few are as aware of the truism that one tends to teach the lesson one has just learned—indeed the axiom ‘teacher, teach thyself’—than coaches and the like: wounded healers in suits. For my own part, I find it helpful to imagine that on the back of my nametag, it reads: professional hypocrite. I keep a spare in my casualwear, too: off-duty Pharisee. I believe that there is merit in the notion that we first have to experience what we are not—nurture and nature (conditioning and karma) playing their parts—before we can become ‘who we are.’ Vigilance is necessary for me to improve my less endearing traits, in order for me to align with the noblest of principles. Fortunately, a path of self-development, designed to keep one humble, invariably reflects progress via the behaviour and responses of people we know well and in those we attract. The mirror effect also reveals the dynamic of opposites. I’m a pedant with a penchant for the abstract. Unification—depicted in our chapter title illustrations—lends well to advisory and mediatory vocations. Many in such roles have aptitude for offering ‘big picture’ perspective with attention to the detail.

Images are very powerful. Words too, are symbolic. Etymological examples are referenced to encourage revelation of energy behind weird hand-written shapes, similarly formed by the mechanical and electronic typing of text.

To escape difficult childhood, I found peace in nature, escape in celluloid, transcendence in music and solace in reading. My love of words reflects Don Black’s interest. Not many people know that he wrote the lyrics for five James Bond film soundtracks and several songs for Frank Sinatra, among others. He described the London version of Manhattan’s Tin Pan Alley—an appropriated name for the Denmark Street music scene—as 200 yards of hokum. In a recent documentary, Black commented that his boyhood fascination with the structure of language arose via the original film version of The Fugitive, which his little sister mispronounced as fuh-gat-if. Likewise, few today have ever heard of the late Johnny Mercer. Enthralled with wordplay, he wrote some of the most memorable songs in history, subsequently founding Capitol Records. Think about some of the specialist words you use in your vocation. Contemplate too, how many cultures preserve hidden language and sacred texts. Ciphers, codes and sigils exist—gematria in Hebrew is a prime example—with letters and words masking deeper significance. Language evolves over time, sometimes used reverently, commonly abused. As professionals, we are attuned to what others say or write. By taking the time to choose our words with care and to listen intently on other levels, multi-layered meanings may offer insight, untold power activated in our lives and for the benefit of all as a consequence.

Many people believe that time is speeding up. According to a good friend, also named Pete, Time is an illusion caused by movement, desire, worry and, in short, itchiness. Pursuant to Bovis Scale readings, our own and Earth’s vibrational frequency is rising at staggeringly high rates, indicating that massive changes are taking place. Assertion that quantum wave-motion has increased, rather than time itself, is, perhaps, responsible for such perception.

I purport that we are nearing greater integration of the higher self with the personality. I believe that the break-up of rigid structures and fixed mindsets corresponds with the merging of higher, finer and subtler energies, enabling our mental, emotional and physical bodies to align accordingly. It seems to correlate with the fall of economies and dictatorships on the world stage. Summer 2011 saw civil insurrection in UK cities; protests at policies and big business practice that serve outmoded models for the distribution of wealth and community influence. Record numbers of people are suffering from stress-related ailments and mental health concerns. Right now it feels like chaos. We’re inundated by ceaseless information, overwhelmed by opinion and overloaded—short-circuited almost—by daily friction, with more and more people struggling to cope.

In simple terms, I imagine that there is a ‘filter’ in the brain that ordinarily prevents our fragile conscious minds from being exposed to the unimaginable expanse of infinite paradigms in the subconscious, unconscious and super-conscious. The filter allows it through in tiny amounts so that we can deal with perceptions in a safe and gradual manner, a sort of spiritual veil, if you like. With the merging of frequencies, perhaps the filter is dissolving. I believe that growth arises from clearing the obstacles within us to allow our higher selves—an oversoul—to descend into our physical bodies, to anchor the light in the material in order to lift it to its highest ideal. The changes that we are witnessing in the world are rapid and the correspondences with omens, portent and timeless prophecies are too great to ignore.

So, what are we to do? We are conditioned to believe that we must do something. In my chapters, I cite examples of what worked, subsequently works and also what didn’t work: for myself and for others. I say worked: circumstances change and the methods must do so accordingly.

If you believe that life is one trip only, what are you doing about it? If you believe, instead, that we successively reincarnate for a variety of purposes, what are you doing about it? Specifically, how are you being, in order to manifest what you desire? Should we be fearful? Are we to consider our workplace activities as meaningless and irrelevant? Tempted to max out the credit cards and hope Armageddon arrives before next month’s bills?

I would advise to the contrary.

I’ve met a few people who claim to have once been some historical figure or another. My response tends to be: so what? I don’t dispute such assertions; I’ve even wondered about an uncanny correspondence of my own. Of greater relevance is the practical application of that supposition. Better that it relates to a present predicament or intention, to enable perspective for a meaningful course of action, rather than an end in itself. Andy Warhol’s ‘fifteen minutes’ prediction was frighteningly accurate. The media appear to be in league with big business, profiting from focusing consumer minds on outcomes synonymous with ‘fame.’ Celebrity entrepreneurialism is the new black. From the standpoint of an individual, perhaps it reflects the personality’s fear of passing this way but once in a lifetime, insignificant compared to the vastness of space and time. It wants to shout: I matter! The sense of attachment to identity is brought to the fore, which seems to run contrary to what most think spirituality teaches, insofar as the ego must be abandoned. In essence, we must find balance: subjugate the ego, not destroy it. Without it, the soul would have no vehicle for its learning and expression. We must satisfy the body’s basic needs via work. Ethical work, without attachment to fame, aligns with the soul’s purpose.

A simple way that one can apply a spiritual approach is to focus on the journey rather than the destination. Predominantly working with start-ups, I’ve assisted the forward progression of pretty much every known business idea: from ‘reality show’ formats to gender-reassignment products. A few clients have ventures that have traded for over a century, many less than a few weeks, most yet to begin in earnest. I remind passionate contenders that it is a marathon not a sprint. Marketing hyperbole has it that one’s purpose in business is to ‘win.’ Spirituality concerns itself with ‘being.’ In finding a balance, I’d say that the workplace remains a competitive arena in which victory is better measured by the highest realisation of self and being for the benefit of all.

Humanity is still mostly as three blind men studying an elephant: a closed-minded scientist at the trunk, the fanatical religious leader at the tail and an ungrounded mystic touching the belly, each insistent that the other is wrong. The defence of one’s beliefs appears to be killing us. The burden of our prejudices and emotional baggage weighs heavy at a time when we are being forced to lighten the load. It’s time to lay our crosses down.

Part of the problem is latency. To be precise, lag between a thought, arising action and delayed observable outcome. Most people do not associate their thoughts with the long-term consequences thereof. Only when there is a problem do they want help. That is when clientele are ‘steered’ into our paths.

Part of the solution may be in the minds and actions of social entrepreneurs. With online and face-to-face networks at their disposal, I assert that they are joining the stage and screen celebrity personas as, to quote Robert Handy, new alchemists. To my mind, they are representatives of light who are illuminating and transforming one of the last bastions of darkness: the realm of commerce. Of the 4.5 million businesses in the UK, only around 100,000 are charitable or social enterprises. Most of them are making a difference at a local level and this is where I believe economic focus will return. Fundamental shifts are changing our priorities. While we have access to global communities, we must make the most of it, in order to help re-establish the principles that enabled local community enterprise to flourish for millennia prior to the Industrial Revolution.

I believe that changes on many levels are freeing us from self-imposed restrictions. This is something to be celebrated, representing opportunity for those of us in positions of responsibility. We are well placed in spheres of influence to empower those who seek our help. Increasing numbers of people will continue to be steered to our doors. We are messengers of, and ambassadors for, a new paradigm. We may not know exactly how things will turn out or precisely when the full effects of a shift will be experienced. With focus on the vision of a unified, harmonious world, mindful of past lessons while we remain present in the eternal ‘now,’ we will be as prepared as we can be.

Consider the path that I have recounted thus far. Love of the word befits those who communicate with diverse clientele. Love of written works allows us to acquire and share knowledge. Loving to ‘relate’ is the power of storytelling over mere ‘core competency’ imparting of fact. Helping others to love themselves and their work assuages one’s own pain. In short, these are not ‘person specification’ and ‘job description’ requirements of vocation: they characterise the nature of a ‘calling.’

A spiritual warrior is thought of as one free of worldly attachment, living nomadically and simply, the very antithesis of an existence driven by consumer aspiration. Businesspeople, burdened with the responsibilities of a job, perhaps for staff as well as a mortgage and family, appear to represent the opposite end of the spectrum. No wonder spirituality and business seem irreconcilable.

One of the principle tenets of spiritual wisdom is balance: the middle way. In my experience, many admirable qualities of a life given in devotion to others are valued more highly in realms other than this world. Yet, despite whatever doubts you and I have about our abilities, our weaknesses, our gifts, our roles and right timing, we are meant to be here with each other. It will be time, soon, for our elusive MacGuffins to be fully revealed.

I end my Preface but begin my contribution to the book with a monologue by special forces agent Lyn Cassady (George Clooney), speaking to a reporter (Ewan McGregor) in the 2009 film, The Men Who Stare At Goats.⁶ The screenplay was adapted from the 2004 book by Jon Ronson—based on research by John Seargeant—about the U.S. military’s hopes to harness paranormal powers. The film is prefaced with a title card: More of this is true than you would believe.

Optimum trajectory. Your life is like a river. If you’re always aiming at a goal that isn’t your destiny, you’re always going to be swimming against the current. Young Ghandi wants to be a stock car driver: it’s not gonna happen. Little Anne Frank wants to be a high school teacher: tough titty Anne, it’s not your destiny. But, you will go on to move the hearts and minds of millions. Find out what your destiny is and the river will carry you. Now, sometimes, events in life give an individual clues as to where their destiny lies, like those little doodles you just happen to draw? The Ajna chakra: the third eye, the symbol of the Jedi. I saw that you were drawing it. Well, the universe gives you clues like that, you don’t ignore it. You were meant to be here with me, Bob.

M.N.B,

Herts, England,

May 2012

Acknowledgments

Jayden

This is my first book. In view of the genre and content, many people have influenced it over the forty-eight years I have resided on earth. Influences have ranged from the obvious ones of family and friends, to colleagues, adversaries and very often people I have never met, but whose work or lives have influenced my own.

In no particular order I’d like to thank those I actually know or have known personally, for their positive influence. So, thank you to:

Adam, James, Helen, Myrna (Mum), Peter (Dad), Alan, Deirdre, Nyima Khadro, Robert Knight, David Armani, Jamie S. Walters, Yvonne Jacobs, Tony Pickard, Jenny Littlejohn, Kath Church, Jazz Singh, Ashley Goldson, Emma James, Erica Regis-Williams, Lascelles Lawrence and Christopher Witecki.

Also to Kate Capey: thank you for agreeing to be our editor and working so diligently.

I am certain I could thank many more people than I have for their input in my life, whether knowingly aiding me or not, but those mentioned above have without doubt had the greatest impact.

Lastly, I wish to thank Michael—Obi Wan K’Beardy—with whom the catalyst for this book was discovered on our very first meeting.

Acknowledgments

Michael

Apparently, it’s in vogue to keep ‘acknowledgements’ short,