Be a Rock

Life in this world is inherently uncertain and unpredictable. Common sense and a little life experience make this clear to us all. Our jobs, our health, our finances, friends, marriages, and children do not come with any guarantees, at least any you can count on. While some of us may enjoy relative stability in our own personal lives, even those who are so fortunate would have to admit there are in fact problem areas, and the world we live in seems to be characterized by escalating turmoil, whether in the airwaves, in the streets, or in our own minds.

Unrest and conflict in the political, civic, economic, personal and ideological realms seems to be the new normal—especially in the U.S.A. Our senses are assaulted daily with this reality on the airwaves (TV, internet, social media). Who could fail to see that after the recent presidential election or Supreme Court hearings, as well as with virtually every other major issue of our time, regardless which side you favor? Many, it would seem, of our most valued relationships have been strained if not ruined by this ideological climate. There is also a general recognition of such rapid and important changes in our culture that, in general, people (mostly those who have been around long enough to remember the past) are becoming more alarmed, confused, or both, about the implications of these changes. I share their recognition of a profound shift in core societal values and norms since the early 60’s.

In the even shorter time I have been in medical practice, I have also seen an increasing proportion of people expressing or manifesting anxiety, depression and confusion, much of which I believe is a function of such changes in societal values and norms. There is also accumulating evidence of these disturbances on a societal level, as will be discussed further below.

The purpose of this book is to share how, regardless of the level of chaos, confusion and instability in our environment or in ourselves, it is possible for each of us to become a “rock” of genuine stability and substance. Doing so will enable us to live in a more noble and honorable way. Such rock-like character is inevitably accompanied by a level of internal confidence, clarity, peace and joy that is otherwise elusive. In fact, the joy and peace alone would be reason enough to take this information seriously, so great are the benefits to us. What we will be exploring is the fact that there is a rock-solid source for this stability and a basis for unfailing confidence in every area of life. This is not self-help, pop psychology, a gimmick or conventional wisdom. This is nothing less than an invitation to become a “rock” of integrity, stability and reliability for yourself and for everyone in your life. I am convinced now after many years of first-hand experience that it works — and not just for me, but for hundreds of millions of people throughout the entire world over millennia. In short, I would make a claim that may sound audacious: this may be the best and most important news you will ever hear (which you may or may not have heard before) which I am only passing along as one who has joined the ever-growing ranks of those who have discovered the same great truth which is, I am convinced, valid and applicable to everyone. And I doubt I need to convince you that having such qualities characterize your life is not only beneficial but, if you are like most of us, desperately needed — I know it certainly is for me.