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LeapFog
The LeapFog trilogy shows many pictures depending upon what the reader is focusing on. It shows the development of the ability to look within and hear words from wise teachers. It shows how each of us can find our own answers from within. It shows how we can change the direction and focus of our lives and not be afraid of the twists and turns changing directions bring. It shows us how to develop self confidence, courage in adversity and greater perceptions of love and happiness that grow within us, rather than come to us.
I want to know where I come from, why I am here and where I will go when I die. Because of this focus I am aware that both Life and Death teach me. LeapFog is a story of change brought about by my desire to discover truth through the wisdom of spiritual worlds so Life is my main teacher and it touches on all aspects of life. The second book has the same goal but Death is my main teacher. Death travels on the Path of Hope and is as inspiring as Life so both still weave their wisdom together. The third book is subject orientated e.g. Simplicity, Pursuit of Happiness, Gift of Life. All is written in simple clear language so anyone can apply what they read to their daily lives.
Why did you decide on the name for the book?
We have to take a series of leaps to reach beyond the fog of our busy minds that relate only to ourselves. It takes many leaps to reach the philosophy that shows the way through the troubles, uncertainties and confusion about life that all people on earth face in these times. Hence LeapFog.
What is a spirit for those who don't know?
Spirit is life. It animates the physical body which dies when the spirit leaves on its continuing journey through life. All that is good within us is the spirit. When we feel full of life we are full of spirit. We say, You are in good spirits. It is seen in heroic acts like the courageous firemen who died in the Twin Towers trying to save people. It radiates beauty even in those whose physical features are plain. It speaks from the heart.
You have a large family, so do you try and pass your teachings onto them?
When I began this journey the children were quite young. Sometimes we would sit quietly with eyes closed for about five minutes and I would write what they experienced. This was infrequent over the years because they were very active and not very interested. Spiritual Teachings are about how you live not what you know so I did my best to pass on their values and their integrity without forcing them upon anyone. Everyone needs to find their own way in life so I tend to only answer questions when asked.
You now work as an acupuncturist and a Tik Dah bonesetter, so what is a normal day like in your world?
My normal day is simple. Tik Dah Bonesetting takes a lot of energy and because I write now, treatment has become less. Life is more sedentary and this suits my age. I love being at home. I love solitude as much as I love happy people. I like to incorporate everything each day when possible. Correspondence, writing, Tai Chi Chuen exercise or a walk, treat a patient, lunch out either alone or with a friend, TV. I am happy that I live in New Zealand. Within 15 minutes I can go the city, have a ferry ride or go to the country. Each day there is always the opportunity for spontaneity because I rarely make plans.
Who have you taken most inspiration from in your life?
I have always taken inspiration from the events and people of my life, continually looking for a deeper meaning for all that is said and all that happens. Because of this everything and everyone has inspired me in some way. Some word or events can trigger a major change of direction when necessary. The person who truly inspired me for the twenty years of our association was my Sifu Master and the last chapter of LeapFog talks about this time. He taught me Tik Dah Bonesetting and shared his extra-ordinary wisdom and vision of life throughout these years, encouraging me to continue to maintain strength and independence in all areas of life.
How can teachings from spiritual worlds bring happiness and joy and laughter?
We can look within and find whatever we want. I only want the wisdom of truth about life so I only want evolved teachers. When we are in the presence of someone wiser and more evolved than us we always feel loved, understood and supported. When we are shown a way to live that does no harm and increases our confidence and belief in ourselves the result can only be joyful. We learn to face every aspect of ourselves and replace what we do not want with what we want. We learn about the creative nature of thoughts and through them we create lives that are fulfilling. When we draw the people and events to us that fulfil us we can only laugh. We are learning the discipline of happiness.
Who are your favourite reads?
I never read spiritual books in case I recycle what I read. My favourite reads are thrillers and action like Dick Frances, Agatha Christie and Eric Von Lustbader. They take me outside myself into a world that is opposite to the life I lead.
What is next for you?
Many years ago I had a vision of my life for the following twenty years. In LeapFog I wrote about this in The Sorrow of the Golden Dawn. Now I have no vision for the future. I have eased from school teaching into treatment. Now I have eased into the writing life. I am still observant about all that is said and done. We never know what can happen in life. Adventures may still be ahead.