After graduating from an innovative law school program, I found the answers to many life-long questions in the then active "Summit Organization," an accredited effectiveness training program. Being passionately interested in why people are the way they are—and why I am the way I am—I did everything I could do there. Every course, every program, every form of service—and I have the plaques to prove it! Ever the over achiever, I was recognized for significant achievements in leadership. In many ways, these were the best days of my life!

Finally, I began reading Jungian authors and participating in two Jung clubs in Southern California. When my law practice gave way to consulting—much less stressful—I began writing all the things that had been in my head forever. I was a writer! Imagine that!

Now, I have been published in Jung Club publications, a poetry book, a magazine for South American explorers, an electronics organization news letter, and world wide web. Oh -- and in "Soul Moments" an essay collection on synchronicity by Phil Cousineau, where I told the story of my mother's death and its meaning for me.

Many books changed my life during this process. “Healing Words, the Power of Prayer and the Practice of Medicine,” by Larry Dossey: “Anatomy of Spirit, the Seven Stages of Power and Healing,” by Caroline Myss, and most recenty; “Aikido: Life Lessons form an American Sensei” by George Leonard.

This last resonated so deeply with me that I incorporated these values into my personal mission statement:

1. I am a Modern Samurai who takes full responsibility for my actions:

2. I pursue self mastery though will, patience, and practice;

3. I respect and value individuals and the entire web of life

4. Service to others is the highest good

5. I seek the inner freedom that comes from the study of ancient wisdom, art, and culture;

6. I aim to achieve control so I can act with abandon;

7. I am willing to take calculated risks for a higher purpose;

8. I realize that being a warrior means risking and failing, as long as I live

9. I cherish life, and thus am always prepared for death.

Last, I wish to point out to those who think there is only one option when someone pushes you– to push back—that the principles of Aikido demonstrate that pushing back is only one of almost limitless options which appear when one is committed to do battle ONLY FOR A HIGHER PURPOSE.