People who have been reading my books and articles can probably tell that I try to approach my writing on world affairs from a spiritual perspective. Not that I am any more “spiritual” than anyone else, because I believe that in our core we are all One with God. Rather I have always felt that action in the world is a duty for at least some of those who strive for enlightenment. I guess one term for this is “Karma Yoga.”
In the field of economics, for instance, I believe that the purpose of business is not to “get rich quick” but to perform an honest and useful service for our fellow human beings while earning a fair recompense to support ourselves and our loved ones. This is why Dividend Economics and a Basic Income Guarantee are such important concepts for me, because they show the way to provide everyone in the world with a decent living.
But for me to maintain this vision has required periods of withdrawal. So for many years I have meditated every day, have met many spiritual teachers, and have attended various spiritual groups and gatherings. I also got a great deal from my retreat last winter and plan to continue periodic retreats. And I respect those who sincerely practice any organized religion that embraces the inner search and values the fellowship of all people.
In the last couple of years I have come into contact with several teachings that have meant a lot to me and that I would recommend to others to investigate. One is the Infinite Way as practiced and taught by the late American spiritual teacher Joel Goldsmith. Recently I have been reading the writings of Eckhart Tolle, including his book The Power of Now. I am also working closely with Australian mystic Omna Last, who has a page now on my website. Omna has sent me a shipment of his book The LITE in the Heart which is due to arrive any day and will be available through my website and on Amazon.
Finally, I have always wanted to be part of a community of people who combine their inner search with service in the world, including political and social action. I have never felt comfortable among those who feel that spirituality places them “above” such endeavors. I feel it is noble to want to help the Earth become a better place to live for human beings and others of Mother Nature’s creation.
Retirement from my career job gives me a lot more freedom than I used to have, so I have been engaged with friends in seeking a place in the Appalachian Mountains where such an endeavor might bear abundant fruit. In following this inner impulse, we are trying to “turn it over” to the Spirit to show the way. But we feel we are getting some hints about when and where to make the move. If this happens, there may be interest among the many people I have gotten to know through my writings, so we’ll keep you informed. Please stay tuned!
Richard C. Cook is a former federal analyst, now a writer and consultant on public policy issues. His new book is We Hold These Truths: the Hope of Monetary Reform. His website is www.richardccook.com. He recently made a series of six videos that will be available soon on Google and DVD. The title: Credit as a Public Utility: The Solution to the Economic Crisis. He will also be appearing in a new feature-length documentary Future for Sale directed by award-winning European filmmaker Maja Borg. See http://futureblog.net/wordpress/.
