a 21 day manifesto
Introduction
This is book three in the Natural Mind Series by Alan Macmillan Orr.
This book takes the concepts of “the natural mind – waking up” to a new level, placing the individual as sole creator of all he perceives and experiences.
If you need to explore these concepts more deeply please return to book one, “The Natural Mind – Waking Up, which is a 250 topic, personal journey into being human.
This is the final book in the series. I hope you enjoy it, and you get as much insight from reading it, as I got from writing it.
Alan
Why 21 Days?
There’s nothing important about the number of days, it could be a one day, sixty, or a six hundred day manifesto; and if you search the web, there are people everywhere trying to sell you a book that tells you you can change a habit in 21 days. I am under no such delusion. For me change is timeless.
Change is instantaneous but the resistance to the change could take a lifetime.
For me, the 21 days suited the timing up to the end of the Mayan calendar on the 21st December 2012, nothing more. If you would like to change the way you think about something, then change. No need to wait for 21 days.
Why a manifesto? Isn’t that a political thing?
A manifesto is defined by the oxford english dictionary as “a public declaration of policy and aims, especially one issued before an election by a political party or candidate:” but it is also generally accepted to be “a written public declaration of the intentions, motives, or views of the issuer” (wikipedia).
For me, it is the right term to attach to statements which are personal to me. These are my words for me, which are made public only as a concept to help others think about the way they think, and to ultimately create their own public manifestos.
Why is it written in the first person?
As a manifesto is a public declaration of the intentions of the issuer, it makes sense that it is not written in the third person.
If you ever read life instructions, or life affirmations, they are always referring to “you,” e.g. “today be the best person you can be,” which always seems like someone telling me what to do, or how to live. When I read and write in the “I” form it is personal. My mind recognises it as an instruction I give to myself which I believe is more powerful than an instruction given by someone else.
Why do all the statements within the manifesto start with “Today…”?
Well, there’s no time like the present! In fact it’s the only time we can say is “real” as it is the only time we can directly experience.
Although we can think about the past and the future, today is the only time we exist, and even if we may believe that we may “exist” in all timelines, it makes sense to deal with the “present”. Well, for me anyway.
Why does each statement usually contain the words “begin to” or “start to”?
Whatever we may choose to believe about the nature of mind, and how long change takes, it seems to make sense to me to offer statements as possible future states of mind, not absolutes that must be dogmatically followed.
I see each statement as a seed, planted deep in my mind, ready to take root in any shape or form “I” see fit. Ready to be called to action when “I” see fit to let it.
Why should I follow your manifesto?
I have never sought followers, and in fact, I thoroughly discourage the use of my words for any individual. Rather, I see my work as a possible framework that helps you develop your own concepts and ideas.
LET US BEGIN ….
