Introduction
Wholeness is an ephemeral thing. For most people, it seems to be an unreachable goal, something best discussed as a philosophical concept as opposed to an achievable reality. Given the continuing effort that approaching wholeness entails, most people choose to settle for “average.” And the world suffers because of this choice.
You have decided to find an alternative to average, to settling, to simply getting by. Over the next 52 weeks, you will have opportunities to think deeply, to focus both inward and outward, to evaluate your choices and to broaden your horizons.
I would not, for a moment, suggest that this work will be easy. There will be moments when you will feel like giving up, putting this book aside, thinking, “This may work for other people, but not for me.” Let me assure you, this is a normal, predictable response.
When this happens, stop. Allow the feelings associated with stopping the process to wash over you. Then, write them down. Think about them. Notice what story you are telling yourself—how you are stopping yourself. Turn to page 96 and read “Making Tea.” In the pause, as the drama dials back, clarity will occur, and you will choose to continue.
Working your way through this book represents a new beginning on a life-long journey. If you are wise, you will repeat this reflective process, in some form or another, for the rest of your life. This is either a delightful challenge or not, depending upon your perspective.
As to the way this book works: Each week is a separate chapter and begins with a thought for the week. These thought pages might suggest some form of writing, observing, or data gathering. You then turn to the day page. Each day contains a “Word from Uncle Wayne,” and a “Task for the Day.” Both are intended to keep you focused, moving along and aware.
I suppose you could use the spaces provided in this book as a place for shopping lists, appointments and the like. This is not the intention of the spaces. The spaces are there for writing—to contain your reflections on the topic at hand. It is not enough simply to read. You must actively participate, by writing.
To get the most benefit from this work, you will need an additional pad of paper or a spiral notebook. Use the blank pages there to work through the questions raised in the thought for the week—always found on the left-hand page. As you distil your answer down, write the condensed version in the blank space on the left-hand page.
Let us begin, then, by simply being open to the possibility of change. Let us walk together, with our eyes, ears, and minds open, available, and present.
