July 4th, 2010 by rob white
I consider the level of ‘mastery’ to be when we have risen above the complications of that which we are mastering.
An athlete – that masters his sport – rises above the complications that are required to play the sport with superb skill. (A golfer who is considered a master, has risen above the complication of proper posture, balance swing etc).
A musician – that masters an instrument – rises above the complications required to play the instrument with superb skill. (A world-class concert pianist – considered a master – has risen above the complications of learning to play scales, chords, and arpeggios on the keyboard).
Now, let’s look at ‘mastering life’ … that would be someone who has risen above the complications of ‘making a living’. This person is fully alive! This person fully participates in life with no holding back. This person looks at life from a consciousness of prosperity of every nature. This person experiences enriching experiences in all domains of life: spiritually, mentally, physically, family, financially, socially and emotionally.
I love aspiring for more mastery in the different domains of living.
- spiritually – I see to it that I do something to help the needy at least once a week …. I score myself an 8 out of 10
- mentally – I read a lot and meditate daily …. I score myself a 9 out of 10
- physically – I exercise daily and eat properly (most of the time) … I score myself an 8 our of 10
- family – I see to it that I give valuable family time daily (expressing love) … I score myself an 8 out of 10
- financially – I’ve gone from debt to financially independent … I feel I’ve reached 10
- socially – I have loads of friends and a busy social calendar (I see to it that I always supports my friends with setting the bar higher and making the leap) … I feel I’ve reached 10
- emotionally – I am much more at peace with myself and with life than I was several years ago … I score myself a 7.5 out of 10
Who do you feel has mastered life (someone from the past or alive right now)?
Who do you feel has mastered a specific domain of life?
What domains of your life have you mastered (or are closing in on mastering)?
I love your feedback …….. thanks.
I think the Leonardo Da Vinci had mastered life. He was bigger than life itself in so many ways (especially for his times). I love this blog. I did not think to separate my life into several domains. It makes it easier to understand my life that way. I am suffereing in the financial domain. I am broke. I give myslf a 3 out of 10. I give myself a 10 out of 10 in the family domain. I am an excellent spouse and father. I am proud of that and put a lot of work into it.
It looks to me, Don, that you are rising above the complexities of many areas of your life, given the way you are able to look directly at your life and see the truth. Awareness is step one to our personal power (which enables us to make changes).
Interesting thoughts Rob….
I would wish to say what I think is “someone who has risen above the complications of ‘making a living’.” In my opinion, the pinnacle of life is a person who achieves everything, with almost no action. This is the ultimate state of consciousness.
Why do I think so? Because most people consider the ultimate development when the person with little steps achieve a certain goal.
For example, the webmaster with 10 years of experience, would create a new site in minutes, with a minimum of steps, and he would attracted a big visit for the month. For beginners, the same should be up to one year. And with many more steps. A person who is good at games, will considered “hard” level is easy. He will win “hard” level with little steps. The person who did not know much about games will considered “hard” level to be difficult. And he will need a lot of steps and time to win.
So the peak of human development is when you achive all, with doing nearly nothing. This is achieved by the Buddha, for example. This is my current belief.
You speak your belief well, marko. I appreciate that. Can you share how it works for you. That is where the learning takes place (not only for the sharer, but for those who he/she shares with). when I apply what I learn to myself … I know it. When I do not apply it to myself … I can often talk a good game but realize I have not yet acutalized it (which is how I absorb it deeply into my consciousness).
Hmm. I do not think that Leonardo da Vinci “mastered life” – he was the epitome of genius, he was above the human race. He was from a different planet. He was the one time true genius of our time.
What a thought-provoking post, Rob…..I sure have not mastered life in any way shape or form, I just enjoy so much the small progress I make each day. Small minutia of progress such as more patience, less judgment, more happiness, more peace, a better friend, a better daughter, inch by inch….I am a huge work in progress.
How would you rate yourself (1 to 10) as a daughter, Farnoosh … how about emotionally (how are you doing there)? … The process of mastery is a series of inch by inch progressive acts (as you mentioned) … sounds to me like you are doing just fine!
I’d rate myself a 100 of course as a daughter
!
Ok I do see the point then……My own scale of mastery.
Thank you Rob!
As a father I rate myself a 10. I’ve mastered that. I am one wonderful parent! Emotionally, I rate myself a 9. I really am an optimistic and happy person. Eveyone I know will tell you that. Financially I rate myself 4. I need work there. I make bad investments and bad business decisions more than I make good ones. My hero is Bobby Kennedy. I think he mastered life in many ways. He was a very compassionate person. I like this blog, it makes me think more about my life in sections, rather than one big blob.
I love your noticement, Sammy, that one’s life can be looked at in sections, rather than one big blob. Chunk it down into sections and it is manageable. See it as one big blob and it will bowl over you.
I once meant Lester Levinson (back in the 70′s). I’m old for most of you people! Lester was a man who had risen above the complexities of life. For him everything was easy. He never fret. Things always went his way for the most part. If they didn’t, it did not disturb his inner calm state of mind. That is a man in my lifetime that had mastered life. I personally have mastered parts of life. Physically I am vital and pain free – mastered it. Family-wise I am a very happy husband, parent and grandparent and my family would say the same about me – mastered it. I never got the money-thing down, and have given up on that one – rate myself a 5 out of 10.
Thanks for the mention of Lester Levinson, Jim. You were privileged to meet an individuall of his mastery calibre. Indeed, there are stories of him from others that say his inner peace was a gift to anyone in his presence. It was so powerful that others could sense it (at least for a brief moment). Peace of mind is most definitely a characteristic of life-mastery.
Do you know what I like about this blog? It makes me think about my life. Do you know what I don’t like about this blog? It makes me think about my life. I tend to think more about my house repairs or my lawn work than about my house. I am glad you jogged me back to what is most important – my life. I rate myself an overall 5 for mastering my life. I still struggle in many of those domains you mentioned. My past example of someone who mastered life is Buddha. My present-time example would be Meryl Streep. She has it all and yet she is still a kind and gentle woman.
I love your zen opening, Marie. you like and you dislike this blog because it makes you think about your life. I find that what I don’t want to think about, is probably somethin that I should give it some thought to … with the question in mind, “what can I learn from this?” Thanks for the insight, Marie.
Rob,
What a terrific topic to write about. I know for sure that I haven’t mastered life by any stretch of the imagination. The only area I find effortless is in the arena of intuition/extra sensory perception. Everything else in my life requires dedication and patience and work.
Everyday I strive to do my best in all things. I used to think I didn’t have to worry about money – but that’s changed too. So, I’m starting over from the bottom again…
I like to think of live as a daily adventure.
Thank you , Angela, I love your rigorous honesty. We all grow from it. Your extra sensory perception is a spiritual skill. I am glad you recognize it. Continue to delve in it. It can give you answers to even material matters, like how to attract more money into your life. Blessings!
Good topic choice Rob:
Who do you feel has mastered life (someone from the past or alive right now)?
Scott Robinson, a friend, and one of my life mentors. Recently god married, very financially, and very accomplished socially.
Who do you feel has mastered a specific domain of life?
Socially, I believe I really got that aspect down on “lock.” Are we allowed to nominate ourselves? lol
What domains of your life have you mastered (or are closing in on mastering)?
Aside from socializing with friends, I would also say in the past 3 years financially, and family.
I’m not surprised at all that you’re successful with so many areas, Rob. I’m pretty good at reading people over tha internet.. ha ha
Have a Happy 4th of July-!
I find you a pragmatic thinker, Parker Lee. If it ain’t practical, it ain’t spiritual. I think you have mastered the spiritual domain more than you may imagine. Thank you for your input. You help to make the blog clearer for others to understand.
Rob,
This is a very important idea. It’s natural to focus on “mastering” tasks and our abilities, and easy to forget about “mastering” the life we are living everyday. Without having congruence between the many domains of our life we will always feel out of balance, like we are missing an important piece. I am continuing to grow in the spiritual domain and feel that this is one of the most valuable to long-term contentment and happiness.
Thank you for bringing up the BALANCE aspect of mastering life, Joe. That is huge! You got that by thinking beyond what the blog said. You are a thinker … I suspect you have the mental domain fairly mastered. Blessings.
Hi Rob, I only know a few people who have mastered life. Most people concentrate on one of those categories, not all of them. For me personally, I’ve mastered the “health” and “family” categories since I exercise 2 hours daily and make sure to spend quality time with my family. Thanks Rob for sharing.
Yes, Dia, most folks tend to zone in on one or two of the seven domains of life. As Joe mentioned (comment before yours) – balance is essential to mastering life. It’s that simple. Not easy … but that simple. Ha Ha. You have two of the seven mastered … you are moving forward nicely. Thank you.
Rob,
Wow you seemed to have achieved and reached a point in your life where everything just fits and feels right. I am working on some issues and other issues I think I am just getting it right; Here is my breakdown;
Spirituality: I am partially religious and spiritual, I try to do random act of kindness at least once a day (some days I miss but I try for everyday)
Mentally: I read and learn new things everyday either with my preschooler R or for myself. I am lifelong student.
Physically: I have lot to improve here, other than running after kids I am not able to join any gym or personal fitness regiment right now.
Family: Everything I do revolves around my kids and zenguy, so I feel good. Right now as kids are young, intensity with family is lot more for now.
Financially: I have come a long way from spending $20K in one month to just little on necessities without feeling deprived. I have not reached financial independence though.
Socially: We have cut down on our social gathering for status quo a lot. We do bare minimum with a few people, and that is on purpose and it fits well for now.
Emotionally: I feel lot mature compared to a few years ago and feel satisfied but I still go through many emotions which I am trying to handle better in future.
Thanks for letting me look in to various aspects of my life. Your posts always make me look inwards and think. Which is a good thing. Thank you.
I love your input with this blog, Preeti. You really went to town and took a look at the differrent areas of your life. There are areas in my life where I can still tend to try and put a square block in a round hole (make errors in my judgments), and I do make a point to try and learn something new very quickly after that. It’s a wonderful challenge – being fully alive in all domains of life. I can see you mean it when you say you look inward and think. Evolution relies on the likes of you, Preeti, Thank you.
Rob,
I always learn something new and inspirational here, which is a good thing.
Just wanted to say I finally heard your interview at Hulbert’s site, in my blogging with kids, sometimes I miss these cool posts but I finally heard and commented there. It is great to put post with face and voice now! It is amazing that you done so much and great knowing you more.
Hulbert is pro now at interviews! It is good to know more about people I admire and read daily.
I haven’t mastered life in any area but I feel good about where I’m at overall in terms of joy, contentment, handling adversity, etc. Each day is a new chance to learn and grow some more though. I need to step up my health practices though, as I could make some better choices there!
Yes, Jean, handling adversity is a big one for all of us, when it comes to mastering the different domains of our lives. ‘Adversity’ is the professor that works for the School of Hard Knocksthat (life enrolls us in that school at birth). Thank you for sharing that you could make better choices when it comes to your health. You are taking responsibility for your choices. Many folks do not. blessings.
The domain of life that most interests me is ‘spiritual’. I thought that if I get that one down pat, the rest will fall in place. Are you saying that I cannot depend upon this one domain to clean up the others?
Hi, Rob. No, I don’t feel as though I have mastered life. I do hope to come close by the end of my life here on earth, though, and I am glad to say I am further along now that I was 10-20 years ago
Through constant and never ending improvement, and by following my Creator’s lead closely, I hope to be better one month, six months, and one year from today.
YES, CANI (Constant and Never-Ending Improvement) is the way of the spiritual warrior. It sounds to me that you are taking on that role. By contemplation, your heart will draw directly from your soul precisely what it needs to support you with your aspiration. I support you with your aspiration.
Very thought provoking Rob. Have I mastered life – no – but I am getting massively better at living my life. If I master life though what would be left?
As new experiences arise I learn and grow. Life still has so much to show me.
I have a wonderful relationship with my husband. I never want it to be a 10 because I always want to be able to find new ways to keep it fresh and never take it for granted.
Thank you for your interpretation of what achieving a 10 would mean to you. For me to achieve 10 in any domain of life means that I close my mind to all untruths, destructive thoughts, false suspicions and harsh judgments that try to stop me from experiencing ecstacy in that domain. This state of mind opens me to myriad new possibilities. Life is able to show us more when we are able to open to more, Marion … and at level 10, the mind is wide open. Blessings.
What an interesting post, Rob. A virtuoso of life. Hmmm. It’s a great thing to aspire to and I appreciate how you define it as someone who has risen beyond “making a living”. I also enjoyed reading how you rate yourself in various aspects of life. Your self-awareness inspires me.
One person comes to mind. A dear friend who just paid me a visit in my office an hour ago. She built a successful business in Silicon Valley and gives huge chunks of contribution and time to organizations that she’s passionate about. She connects authentically with those she meets. Once you get close to her, she keeps you close. And she’s an absolute joy to have around.
I love meeting people like your friend, Belinda. Your friend is a beautiful example of what all of us are capable of achieving if we are willing to look for the extraordinary in everyone we meet (which is what it seems your friend does, either consciously or unconsciously). It also seems to me that you, too, look for what is extraordinary in others. Belinda. Can you see what is extraordinary in ‘you’?
This deserves to be shared, but I can’t find your Retweet button. Make it easy for me to share this with others, Rob
I don’t think anyone on Earth has ‘mastered’ life. We can always learn more and be better human beings.
Thanks,
Karen
Thank you, Karen, for letting me know that I make it difficult for someone to retweet my blog. I will look into that. I appreciate your opinion that no one on earth has mastered life. Do you mean ever, or do you mean that no one is alive right now who has mastered life. I am curious – do you think Krishna or Buddha or Jesus or Mohammed mastered life?
Hey Rob,
I’m using the TweetMeme Retweet plugin if that helps you.
Do *you* think Krishna or Buddha or Jesus or Mohammed mastered life? Or do you think if they were still alive that they would confirm that they were not perfect and had much to learn in life still?
An interesting discussion for sure,
Karen
Thanks you, karen,on making it easy for folks to retweet the blog. Also, I think we can master life (rise above the complications of life) AND we can still learn a lot from life. YES, I believe Jesus, Buddha and the likes still could learn things. I bet neither of them know how to bake a really delicious apple pie!
You know Rob, it’s late, I’ve had a long day of work so I’m winding down here and now after reading this, I’m deep in thought… ::sigh:: Heh. It’s all good tho. Seriously, I’m sitting here reflecting on what you’ve written and I think I see some areas for improvement (after all there’s always room for improvement right?).
YES, Ricardo, there is always room for improvement … if by ‘improvement’ you mean there is always more unrealized potential for Ricardo Bueno to actualize in his life (to realize in his experience). Your thinking tells me that you sense your unlimitedness, and you want to experience more of it. Good job, Ricardo!
Hi Rob,
An Inspiring, honest and open post there. Thank yo ufor that. It is nice when people open up themselves to help the learnings for others. You really gave me some good tips and tools to have a look at. Thanks
You are welcome Billy. I am willing to expose myself (my authentic-self and all of my miss-takes that go with trying to experience it) in order to help others learn more about themselves. Blessings.
I think we can never really master life. Just fail until we get the best results and never stop trying new things.
Thank you for your opinion, jonathan. I appreciate the myriad points of view that are available to all of us. Mastering life (to me) is simply getting above the complication of daily living so I can express myself in ways that make me feel fully alive – that’s freedom ….. that’s mastery (for me).
Mastery. Hmm. So many ways to look at this great subject. I think two things I have mastered are these: I am persistent, if there is something I see that I need to do, or that is enjoyable and right for me to do I will persist at it until I do it. The other thing is being humble, willing to consider I made a mistake. I find mastery in this area can take a lot of heat out of life…and also, be a spur to growth.
It’s been a pleasure to touch in with you Rob. All the very best in your life journey (and thanks again for your comment on my post at Steven’s, much appreciated).
mastering the ‘fine art of persistence’ and mastering the ‘sacred mental position of humility’ – great stuff, Christopher. Thanks for looking at mastery from a different point of view, and offering it to those who are reading the comments on this blog.
Hi Rob,
I wouldn’t give myself a 10 anywhere because I continually grow. I need to climb the area in being more loving 24/7 and I get very fussy with who I have as my friends and maybe don’t give some people a chance.
I’ll give myself an 8+ on parenting because I finally within the last year have detached myself and allow my adult children to be where they are without wanting them to be or do something different. Because of this I can now do nothing but enjoy their presence. This was huge for me maybe I’ll increase it to a full blown 9! LOL
I love how you are willing to look directly at yourself, Tess, when sharing a bit of your life with us so tht we may learn more about ourselves. Some folks get real intellectual – they fear exposing themselves. T’is a fragile ego we can all have … I know!! Thankyou
Hey Rob,
I’d like to say I’m an 8 physically, working towards the most rockin and creative 10 me possible. Financially, I’m not sure. Externally people may give me a lower number but I know that I’m a match for at least a 9 and it feels good knowing that it’s coming my way!
However, like Tess, I’m hesitant to give myself a number because wherever I’m at, I’m grateful for it while still looking forward to the continuing awesomeness coming my way.
It’s inspiring to see you open to all 10′s in your life, Rob. Keep it up buddy!
Ben Weston, I like your stuff. You are one giant ball of positive energy. What a delight. I also love that ‘you get’ that it’s how you rate YOU that is important … not how others rate you. Compare yourself to your own growth (not to where others my be). Thanks, Ben
Hi Rob.
I’d say that no one has mastered life. In fact, I read somewhere that everyone is currently struggling with something, and I agree with that message. This is not to say that everyone is having what the worst-off person considers to be a hard time, but that each person has their own battle they wage during the day, and goals they have yet to reach. I don’t know anyone who is fully situated.
I like your scores. I have done well at nutrition and exercise for a long time. Those are areas where I have done well and I have seen many do very poorly. I have to maintain great health so that my energy stays high.
YES, Armen, the School of Hark Knocks (which is what we enroll in when we take on human form) will always offer us struggles of one kind or another. I believe it is how we look at our struggles that make a world of difference. I like how you are looking at the ‘good health domain’ of your life. I love feeling high energy. blessings
Ooooh, popular post. I find that I flit between feeling sorted and as if I’ve mastered things as per your list to feeling as if I’m not making progress as fast as I want to. Hehe, I suppose that’s the emotional side I need to work on but like you I feel as if I’m doing ok with the other things although there’s always room for improvement. I’ll never be perfect but that’s ok. What I do like is knowing my limitations and being able to delegate the things that I don’t enjoy to someone else who does or can do it better!
There is one thing that Annabel Candy can be perfect at – Annabel – and that is being perfectly ‘YOURSELF’ … which (I suspect) you do well at being. In other words – there is only one Annabel Candy in the entire universe … and if Annabel remains authentic to that expression … IT’S A GREAT GIFT TO THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE! I sense that is what you are about, Annabel. Thank you.
My big challenge is the emotional domain of living. I cab still blow off the handle at times, BUT I’M GETTING BETTER!
Funny, Salty … your name would indicate that you can blow off some steam at times.