Jeweled Highway - Ralph White Ep.0037

I'm sure that today's show will bring you many reflections. Our guest Ralph White is the author of the memoir, The Jeweled Highway: On the Quest for a Life of Meaning, which is the first memoir I have read in my life. This interviews gives you an more in-depth look into this man's life, the state of the world, conscious movements and how all of this relates with your life and how you can live with a purpose that is fulfilling.

As soon as I read the back of the book and the first few pages I was totally drawn in. I found life story and message compelling and extremely relevant to us at The Spiritual Voice. Living a rich life and accomplishing a mission that is bigger than us is a seed that I feel is in each of us, including you.

Our culture is deeply damaging our souls and the biosphere in the Western industrial civilization. We need to have an alternative through holistic ways of life. Ralph gives insights on the emerging Conscious Movement.

Ralph talks about the different challenges and struggles as well as poverty that he faced while moving towards fulfilling his life mission. He made the pursue of mystical truth the priority of his life which is what fueled his choices. Our guest contrasts the current landscape to that of the era of 70s and 80s. The start of Esalen, the Omega Institute and other opportunities which were simply sprouting as well as dismissed as junk during those pioneering time.

When Ralph started the New York Open Center in 1983 everyone thought that it would never work. He relates with everyone that is starting something which can feel as if it will never look at its inception. Although today we face more challenging financial obstacles as well as competition, the world and people in general are much more receptive of holistic projects.

Ralph held the belief that we must transform our culture. Once he came to this realization he pondered on the best strategy to accomplish this. He paints a picture that we are in a time for the struggle of the soul of humanity.

Together we discuss the possibilities for you to access sources of transcendence in the context of our urban landscape. Simply glancing outside of your window to contemplate the sunset can give you access to beauty in our world. The key is to find work that takes you into flow which will bring you completely present in the moment.

Change tends to come from outside of the mainstream culture by individuals that are not burdened by the taboos of religious, philosophical or scientific worldviews. These people follow their vision of what they believe to be important to regardless of the obstacles on their path. Individuals coming into an awakening within themselves will bring meaningful change into the world. Once you start getting responses from other people you get fueled to pursue your vision. Fulfilling work is about the number of lives that you can impact rather than the accumulation of wealth.

Ralph discusses meeting several allies and supporters on his path which may seem like perfect synchronicity. Although from a lived experience the connections could take several years to sprout. There was a lot of unknown when he pursued new paths, friendships, connections and projects. In the moment you really don't know how everything will unfold. 

The conversation evolves into ways we can seize opportunities and the path of truth. Listen to this exciting interview to reflect on your own existential questions.

 

'Havens Above' theme music taken from 'Aural Architecture' by alucidnation. www.alucidnation.co.uk / www.fabermusic.com / www.interchill.com .

 

If you're interested in buying CDs and/or digital then you could use the 'gift' facility via BandCamp:http://alucidnation.bandcamp.com/album/aural-architecture .

 

To learn more about The Spiritual Voice and our global community visit www.thespiritualvoice.com . You will also find all the show notes and our guest's contact information.