Wisdom Hunter got in touch with Dan Millman, author of The Life You Were Born to Live and other popular books. Here's what he had to say about growing up without a clue, why self-help books give him that "been there, done that" feeling, and the new movie based on his book!
ABOUT HIS BOOKS
WH: How would you describe the common theme that runs through your books?
DM: Awareness, waking up, self-knowledge, head in the clouds but feet on the ground, mapping the territory of daily life, living with a peaceful heart and warrior spirit, living a more spiritual life in the material world, paradox, humor, and change.
WH: How would you describe your "mission" or "purpose" in writing?
DM: I found my calling as a teacher when still a young college gymnast. I realized that no matter how much I improved, only one person benefitted; but if I could influence others in a positive way, and effectively share what I had learned and embodied, that seemed a good way to spend my time. I've been doing that ever since.
WH: What book or themes from your books are you most proud of and why?
DM: Ask parents who have three or five or more children which child they are most proud of -- which they love more -- and they are likely to respond, "I love them equally, but each is different." It is the same with my books. Each book has a purpose and content distinct and different from the others.
There is no best book, or teacher, or path; only the best for a given person at a given time. My books serve different interests and needs.
However, since I am a teacher, you could say that my 12 books are the full course, so far, and that to understand the full scope of what I offer, one would have to at least perused most or all of them. Reading one or two is just a partial introduction.
WH: When you were researching and preparing your books, what sorts of things did you learn that surprised you?
DM: C. Day Lewis, father of actor Daniel-Day Lewis, once said, "I write not in order to be understood; I write in order to understand." Writing has taught me what I don't yet now, but mysteriously, at the same time, opens up new doorways of clarity. I'm both teacher and student, guide and discoverer. When I wrote stories, such as my newest book, The Journeys of Socrates, I'm amazed to see characters who didn't exist at breakfast come to life by dinner.
WH: What is the most memorable thing a reader has told you about how your work affected him or her?
DM: Questions about "most proud of" and "most memorable" don't resonate for me. I've received thousands of heartfelt letters and comments, and if I fully absorbed all the thanks I might explode in bliss. People have told me that they wouldn't be alive if they hadn't read a book -- that a child stopped using drugs, or a husband stopped drinking, got a job, and started studying martial arts -- it goes on and on. It's all memorable, and I'm so thankful to have been able to play a small but positive part in so many people's lives.
ABOUT THE GENRE
WH: What books or authors have been most helpful to you?
DM: I don't like to single out or recommend other books unless I personally know the person to whom I'm recommending. Books that sing for me may not for others. Nature, and life, has always been my primary teacher. I enjoy a wide variety of books. The truth is, though, that I rarely read books in the spiritual, self-help, or new age genre where I get shelved. Nothing wrong with these areas at all, but for the most part I get a "been there, done that" kind of sense.
WH: Are there any new ideas in personal development and spirituality that are evolving your views or that you especially like?
DM: There are no new ideas, only different ways of expressing them for new generations of readers, suitable to each time and place. Many current spiritual ideas about quantum theory followed by quantum leaps to unfounded conclusions, and wishful and magical thinking that seems to abound these days, has less appeal than simple, here-and-now practicality.
WH: Are there any books, other than your own, that you have referred other people to time and time again?
DM: Personally, I've enjoyed the writings of David K. Reynolds, author of Constructive Living and other books. He's realistic, down to earth.
WH: What other writers or experts have you collaborated with or would you most like to collaborate with?
DM: In a sense, all who take on the heartfelt role of communicator, teacher, or guide are colleagues in spirit, and collaborating in a broader sense. I've also collaborated with some experts in areas such as the martial arts. But the major challenge for me is not about collaborating, but about not getting scattered and drawn into too many of other people's callings -- making sure to focus on what I'm here to do.
WH: What is the biggest mistake most people make when it comes to personal development and spirituality – and how should we approach things differently?
DM: In one sense, there are no mistakes, only lessons. Every choice leads to wisdom; it's just that some paths may lead to illusions or dead ends. This too, leads to learning. But I can't address most people -- only a specific person or case, so I wouldn't know how some theoretical person should approach things differently. My sense is that we should be doing what we're doing and see where that leads, and learn from it, then move on.
WH: Aside from reading books like yours, what activities or practices would benefit your readers most?
DM: Getting regular, moderate exercise; eating a balanced diet; getting sufficient rest. That trinity would seem to benefit most anyone, helping them to gain more from reading or other practices they may choose, whether inner practices, like meditation, or outer practices, such as service, recreation, and work.
ABOUT HIMSELF
WH: What would you define as a turning point in your life?
DM: There have been many turning points. Meeting the man I called Socrates, and what followed, as described in my book Way of the Peaceful Warrior. Breaking my leg, which shook me up and opened me to bigger questions that led to answers. Another turning point may come after the release of the Peaceful Warrior movie. It could be said that there are an infinite number of potential turning points, or none at all, only the process we call life.
WH: Who or what has influenced you most?
DM: Beyond the primary lessons of the natural world, and other than Socrates, I've had four other primary human mentors. I'll relate these experiences, masters, and the lessons learned in a forthcoming book, My Search for Spirit.
WH: What stresses you out and how do you relax?
DM: The truth is, I don't get as stressed anymore by ups and downs, changes, coming and going, gain and loss. Or maybe I just accept stress as a part of life, and remember to breathe and relax. There is no "how to relax" -- just do it. We know how to tense our muscles and hold our breath; we also know how to breathe deeply, and let go. I happen to enjoy the human drama as depicted on TV, in the movies, and of course in daily life. I observe the drama in my own life and others' lives and generally find a degree of compassion and occasional amusement there as well.
WH: What global issues are you most passionate about?
DM: I fight battles I can win; not saving the earth, but perhaps picking up a piece of litter on the street.
Not feeding all the hungry, but helping a young man in Africa finish college; not creating world peace, but saying a kind word to a neighbor. Little things can make a big difference.
WH: As a child, what did you think you'd be doing as an adult? How close is it to what you are doing today?
DM: If ignorance is bliss, I've been pretty ecstatic much of my life. I was a pretty disoriented kid and youth. I hadn't a clue about what I might be doing as an adult. I pretty much handled what was in front of me. Towards the end of college I thought I might like to write something. It all took shape over time, in its own way. It's always been a mystery, and still is.
