Greetings Peaceful Warriors:

Recently, given today’s political and economic climate, U.S. President Barack Obama is being described, deconstructed, and analyzed by columnists, politicians, pundits.

So it seems timely to offer a fresh view of Barack Obama based upon the Life Purpose System presented in my book, The Life You Were Born to Live (distilled in my newest book, The Four Purposes of Life).

The insights provided about President Obama (or any other human being) help us understand with compassion, recognizing that each human being has strengths and challenges, and their own particular mountain to climb.

Barack Obama (along with his wife, Michelle, as well as millions of other people) is working the 29/11 life path, one of 43 possible destiny paths for people living today — each expressing the strengths and hurdles of this path in their own unique way.

Potential strengths of the 29/11:

(2) Big-hearted: a drive to help and to support others

(9) Charisma, charm and “Pied Piper” energy; leads by example; demonstrates not only knowledge, but wisdom and integrity

(1) Creative energy – the potential ability to think out of the box and come up with fresh solutions.

Potential challenges of 29/11:

(2) Over-cooperating: taking responsibility for more than is appropriate

(9) Overly-sensitive to the opinions of others, making it more difficult to find one’s center and heed the counsel of one’s own heart.

(1) Insecurity: a need to prove oneself.

Most 29/11s show a blend of both strengths and challenges (as explained in more detail in The Life You Were Born to Live).

Getting more specific: Taking on the role, duties, and burdens of President of the United States is a form of voluntary adversity on a grand scale. Despite its privileges and possible insulation, few people are subjected to more pressure than in the rarified air of the oval office or situation room. For a spot-on satirical piece, see the short piece in The Onion titled, “Black Man Gets Worst Job in U.S.”

And talk about having to prove oneself! The saying comes to mind, “Be careful what you ask for . . .” His charm and charisma are clearly in the positive, and his manner of deeply contemplating complex issues, and seeking the counsel of sagacious experts in the field testifies to wisdom so needed today.

If you click on “Life Purpose” and put in President Obama’s date of birth — August 4, 1961 — it will show the life path number of 29/11 and a brief introductory paragraph that says:

Those on the 29/11 life path are here to combine creative energy with higher principles and integrity, finding ways to apply their creativity in service of others, aligned with higher wisdom. Such higher wisdom is revealed by spiritual laws, especially the laws 29/11s are here to live and learn. All 29/11s, along with other double 1s, have tremendous creative potential. But because their primary life purpose represents a kind of mountain to climb, they may not feel as creative as others who aren’t working 1 energy and who have few pressing issues or obstacles in that arena. Some 29/11s are still “stuck” working the 2 or 9 issues that precede the 11, which may block their awareness of the abundant energy available to them. Many 29/11s are extremely creative, but they have trouble handling the energy. Before 29/11s can open the floodgates of their inborn creative potential, they have to find themselves — their center, identity, balance, and boundaries. 29/11s display extraordinary potential; when they face their issues with awareness and commitment, they are among the most creative people on the planet. The energy of 2 entails a form of cooperation with others, and 29/11s are born to support humanity in ways both large and small. Whether businesspeople or healers, construction workers or hairdressers, mail clerks or athletes, they have the potential to bring the spark of creativity to life through their work, their hobbies, or their family life.

Bear in mind that the above summary material is not only about the 44th U.S. President — it describes millions of other people on that same life path — but Barack Obama is not millions of others; he is our president who was inaugurated in a time of nearly unprecedented difficulties — to use one metaphor, if our nation was a car, it was rapidly approaching a fatal abyss. He found himself an ambulance driver who picked up a critically-injured patient who was bleeding out, got that patient stabilized, and now slowly recovering in the hospital. A long recovery.

Coming up with creative solutions to the nation’s problems was never more need in the executive branch of our government. However, what we are here to do — fulfilling our life-path — is not what comes easiest. He, like so many other 29/11s, needs to overcome insecurity and willing to take the risk to be different, to stand out — not to fit in or be liked (or even re-elected), but to find the will to be different, to think outside the box, to be bold and strong and forthright, and to show integrity by example, to speak for the “common person” (whoever that may be).

In many ways, he has done an admirable job; in other ways, less so. There is still time for him to rise to the occasion; these first years, attempting to be conciliatory and bipartisan, have not reaped the results he might have (audaciously) hoped for.

The time for hope has passed. Now is time for decisive action, standing up for what he believes in (which is why he was elected). He is not here to be “Democrican” or “Republocrat” — he is here to apply his incisive intelligence to articulate what he stands for; not to timidly hoist a flag to see how many across the aisle are willing to salute it.

I once saw a video clip of a little boy asking the President, “Why do people hate you?” The clip didn’t include the President’s response, but from the expression on his face, that question seemed to hit him like a punch in the belly. There are few issues more difficult for a 29/11 than knowing that his every decision will bring the applause of some and the derision and anger of others.

No doubt the President wants to be liked and approved of (as do we all, but 29/11s all the more so), so this is a major hurdle he must overcome to achieve the integrity he is here to embody.

Whether or not one agrees with the decisions, priorities or policies of Barack Obama, remember Plato’s words, “Be kind, for every one of us is fighting his own battle.” We are all peaceful warriors in training, including our President.

I hope these brief comments lend insight into a few facets, challenges, and strengths of Barack Obama — the man and the President.

U.S. PRESIDENTS

There’s a poster on my office wall that says, Without music, life wouldn’t be fair — a creative and quirky idea, yet somehow it rings true. Music celebrates, for humans, not only the gift of sound, of vibration, but also its unique ability to resonate different chakras, or energy centers. There’s hard rock moving our third chakra of power, and some classical and modern music that resonates the fourth or heart chakra, and other music, like the mental creativity of jazz, that resonates the mind — and some “angelic” pieces in every musical genre that we never tire of, that can play up and down our spines and lives.

I appreciate all music well done, every kind — and I celebrate musicians everywhere — those in the limelight and on stage, and unknown artists, in creative fevers in their room or garage forest meadow, writing, composing, listening to their muse, waiting for that perfect chord or riff, that auditory gift of inspiration, the music of the spheres.

Many musicians have enjoyed my work, as I enjoy theirs. And while it is not my intention to single out only one of so many gemlike talents around the world, I happened to meet a new friend in Germany, who asked me to help with a piece he had conceived. So —

For those of you who enjoy inspiring music, I present my friend and musical visionary Ansgar Ueffink – producer and recording artist in Germany. Our little collaboration turned out nicely. Below you will find his letter, as well as links to… “Warriors” (and a 2-minute video interview he did with me).

My Encounter with Dan Millman

I’ve know Dan’s books for a long time, including his two gripping, semi-autobiographical books, Way of the Peaceful Warrior and Sacred Journey of the Peaceful Warrior.. They’ve always inspired me and helped me through various situations and had a great influence on my personal growth.

 

In October 2008 I learned that Dan was on a lecture tour throughout Europe. I was able to contact Dan and suggested we create a track based on the “Warriors” topic together. To my surprise, Dan agreed immediately. To achieve the most authentic result possible, I planned to ask him a number of questions in my studio, then to summarize the essence of his answers and weave them rhythmically and artistically into the “Warriors” track.

 

Our first meeting was tremendously enjoyable, as Dan (who, by the way, is also a former world trampoline champion) is as uncomplicated as you can get. Despite a sinus infection resulting from all his travel, he was ready to drive straight to the studio without even checking into his hotel first.

 

Having arrived at the studio, he gave everyone a friendly hello and took his time to chat with every person he met. Once again I noticed that Dan was honestly interested in everyone, giving them his undivided attention.

 

We recorded the interview as planned, which I later edited and fused with the track. Dan stayed another couple of days in Hamburg and I had more opportunities to spend some wonderful time with him. I’ve got to know a person who not only writes books that are helpful to millions, but who lives his teachings. He is now back home in Northern California, but we remain in contact. – And I am so gratified that he enjoys and supports Vargo.

 

Have fun discovering the Warrior!
All the best wishes and, as Dan says, Good journeys,
Ansgar

 

THE MUSIC: Video with Dan Millman & VARGO
This summer we dedicated ourselves intensely to our “Warriors” music. As a result, we have two new EPs which are infused with the warrior spirit. We are particularly happy about the collaboration with our friend Dan Millman. Not only did he inspire the song with his book Way of the Peaceful Warrior; he also lent his wonderful voice to the music.

 

EP #1: WARRIORS
Here are nine exciting interpretations of “Warriors”– one of our favourite tracks from the current album “Precious”. The song is a pulsating hymn to warriors for peace. What’s more, the EP has enriched by the work of a number of remixes, among them downbeat legend Afterlife (UK), the two winners of our remix contest – Softwaver (GER) and SLim Nasr from Egypt – as well as Ibiza’s electronic wiz Ohm-G and Progressive House duo “School of Light” from Hamburg. Have a look at iTunes or Amazon.

 

EP #2: WARRIORS IN THE MIX – Remix Contest Favourites
Ten tracks. Our favourite interpretations from the remix contest on one sublime compilation. In fact, so many outstanding remixes were submitted that we just had to release another ten of them. So we’re very happy (and a little proud to be honest) to present you with this surprise EP. Have a look at iTunes or Amazon.

 

“PRECIOUS” album finally released in the US
At last the “Precious” album is available in the USA. As of 3rd September, you will be able to download two versions from all online stores: the normal version and the Deluxe Bonus Video Version with a digital booklet.

 

Don’t miss the release date: you can pre-order it at iTunes.

This is Dan, reminding you that not only Ansgar and his VARGO team of artists, but all musicians benefit from our support. It is not an easy time for musicians (or so many others). But together, with mutual support, we can continue to . . . make beautiful music together.

Dan

Fifteen years ago, I was fairly compensated for the film rights to my book, Way of the Peaceful Warrior; beyond that, I have no direct financial connection to the movie. Yet I am actively supporting this film because I believe it will do some good in the world.

The Peaceful Warrior movie may turn out to be the first successful mainstream example of — dare I say it? — Personal Growth Cinema. As such, it represents a litmus (or Rorschach) test that distinguishes between those who value personal growth material and those who do not.

Although the film has won grand prize at several film festivals, and garnered high praise from some appreciative reviewers, most critics (who lean toward cynicism) have been less than kind. Audiences, however, love the film — and many are moved to applaud.

For those of us humble enough to acknowledge that we’re growing and learning, “Peaceful Warrior” reflects and expresses an unspoken yearning for higher wisdom. And the scope of this audience includes all human beings searching for a saner, more peaceful way of life for themselves, their nation, their world. We are only just beginning to grasp the size and significance of this awakening humanity.

It took a certain daring to make this movie, because it goes against the grain of old conventional movie wisdom expressed by Sam Goldwyn — “Want to send a message? Use Western Union” — which is why the movie offends those critics who cannot accept teaching and entertainment in the same package. This is indeed a teaching film, a message film, an entertaining and nourishing movie that will stay with audiences long after they leave the theater.

Every pioneering effort is met with resistance, but with a positive audience response and strong word of mouth, the movie will take on a life and momentum of its own that not even the cynics will be able to resist.

Dan Millman