Wisdom = “one mistake after another”

I receive so many letters from readers about Twelve by Twelve. Thank you for your feedback! Connecting soul-to-soul with you makes the three years I spent writing it seem entirely worth it. Here’s part of one very thoughtful note I received yesterday. It’s from John Reed, author of the book Elegant Simplicity. He said it was fine to share it. Thanks John.

Wisdom="one mistake after another"

“I have just finished Twelve by Twelve, and I very much enjoyed it. Your descriptions throughout the book of the transitions from a flat to a ‘soft’ world (and back) are sensitive, honest and beautifully written. There is not a trace of New Age self-indulgence. It struck me as a very true and humble account (among many other interesting elements) of the difficulty of maintaining ‘warrior presence’ in a world ravaged by human unconsciousness. Moments of Grace come to us like the touches of a wand but life would seem to unfold by our making ‘one mistake after another’, as a Zen sage once described his path to wisdom.

I loved your wise assessment of the true significance of ‘developed’ as opposed to ‘under-developed’ societies. Being born of a Brazilian mother (and British father) and having lived and traveled widely in Latin America (as you have) I, too, have long felt that we have it all upside down when it comes to recognizing the essential human quality of life (is there really any other?). The natural warmth, joy and generosity of being that one finds in those countries contrasts dramatically with a certain kind of aloof, well-meaning, decency that you find among  ‘privileged’ folks in the West, who, by and large, fail to experience those qualities in an authentic form.  ‘Friendliness’, cordiality and an unconvincing cheerfulness are far more common.  – But you put it all so well. As I was reading what you wrote, ‘saudades do meu Brasil’ besieged me!

A brief little book I have written entitled “Elegant Simplicity’ Reflections on an Alternative Way of Being’ was published in the U.K in April. In it I have attempted to relate the millenial wisdom teachings to current events in the world of politics, finance, art, health, climate change etc. – It is a fairly blunt, uncompromising ‘cri de coeur’ compared to the subtle wisdom of Jackie and your own personal, delicate and literary approach but not ultimately negative. I trust with all my heart in the redemptive qualities of mankind and believe, contrary to all apparant indications, that an era of a new consciousness beckons.With a warm ‘abraco’, John”