DAY 60: The End
April 24, 2011
10:28 am
It’s over.
When I finished the audio program I’ve been recording for the past 60 Days I actually broke down and cried. Even though no one has ever heard these recordings, completing the process was very emotional for me. Maybe someday people will be listening to these recordings and appreciate the feeling which went into them. Today I go from receiver, as it were, to transmitter. After logging all the thoughts and ideas down, it’s now time to produce and broadcast them.
Over this weekend it became clearer to me what I wanted my life to be about. Everything I’m dedicated to - the television, audio and writing, even the workshops - boil down to one thing: overcoming depression. It’s becoming clear that I’ve been dealing with both depression and fantasy all my life. If I can say anything with conviction about this Quest, it’s that no matter how dark things get, these tools help bring others and myself out of the funk.
They say suffering is the result of unfulfilled desires. It’s dangerous to dream big; forget about what others will think about you, consider how painful it is when life doesn’t reach your own expectations!
I think about all of this - over and over. Recently I’ve been seriously considering making all these efforts part of a not-for-profit organization called Destiny Over Depression. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the biggest epidemic in our world is depression. I’ve learned through experience that depression can be treated by unblocking creativity and communication. My efforts have been to unblock someone’s creative and communicative potential. This is done through acting technique, assigning others to a mastermind group, and the video documentation is story that gives the growth process a structure.
Is this what I’ve come to the end of this Quest to discover? Is this why I really set a goal to make an annual income in 60 days? As I’ve documented earlier, I consider myself successful in this Quest but it wasn’t a definitive win.
But now, realizing the deeper motivations in my Quest, I sincerely have gotten more than I’ve bargained for. (Which of course is always promised when you take a Quest.)
So, thank you, for following me on this 60 Day Quest. I’m going to take a break from writing for a while. I have my first book to finish editing, audio programs to produce, and of course, the commencement of the video project. Even though it’s under construction, Destiny5.net is up in addition to Destiny5.tv. If anything you’ve read in these blogs have been useful to you, please contact me at
Once again I’m grateful for you.
Sincerely,
Michael Shoemanmike@destiny5.net.
LifeACT International
"What's your quest?" (Click on the LifeACT logo to be redirected to the National Mastermind Meetup Miracles group!)
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
DAY 59: 1 Day Left! (Winding Down)
DAY 59: 1 Day Left! (Winding Down)
April 22, 2011
10:06
It’s time to wind this down. I’ve been engaging in the activities of mini-quests this week. The rest of my wishes I think I’ll keep private.
Now is the time for rest and celebration. At the moment all my work efforts seem to be stagnant so I take
that as a message to slow down, let this quest die and come back to the moment.
What I’ve learned about myself throughout this entire experience is that I remain determined. I can create without fear of perfection. Well, I have a lot of fear, but I now know I do things in spite of that fear. It scares me that I make mistakes so very often but it’s either live as an imperfect being or die still hoping for perfection.
What has changed? I’m more in alignment with my values. My income will be self-generated and come from my talents - video production, story telling, coaching.
But something is still stopping me from choosing a new quest. I think it has something to do with listening to my wisdom. I’m fully aware of my shortcomings and would consider myself a fool if I remained blind to these shortcomings. People still imply to me I have no business doing what I’m doing. Yet I do it. Why? Because it gives me a story to tell. That’s what I do, I now write stories using a simple home camera.
I do what I do so I won’t be so self-absorbed. I truly enjoy the success of another’s story. Where most people seek to exploit and cash-in, I know I seek to empower and heal. Yet I don’t claim to be an expert or a healer, I’m just trying to find the answers myself.
It really is true, people do fear success. I’ve been given the opportunity to send my manuscript to a very powerful agent who is sincerely interested in reading it. Why do I hesitate? Because I do fear all my shortcomings, knowing I can’t do anything about my imperfections. I fear the world condemning me, cutting me down and acting out of harshness. My quest was successful but I guess I always feared the end would come. It reminds me that this world will destroy you if you let it. That’s the true Quest - living in spite of those who imply that you really should just lie down and die. All I want to do is inspire others to be their best, in spite of their shortcomings. You are always good enough and I love you for that!
How have I changed? I guess even though I’m still afraid to break a few eggs, it must be done. It’s journey, not the destination. Living up to one’s highest intention rarely brings a precise outcome, but the connection to life, the relationships enjoyed, make it all worth it.
Thank you so much for coming along on this journey with me. I appreciate you so much.
I’ll be back one more time.
Michael Shoeman
Pondering Unconscious Competence
April 22, 2011
10:06
It’s time to wind this down. I’ve been engaging in the activities of mini-quests this week. The rest of my wishes I think I’ll keep private.
Now is the time for rest and celebration. At the moment all my work efforts seem to be stagnant so I take
that as a message to slow down, let this quest die and come back to the moment.
What I’ve learned about myself throughout this entire experience is that I remain determined. I can create without fear of perfection. Well, I have a lot of fear, but I now know I do things in spite of that fear. It scares me that I make mistakes so very often but it’s either live as an imperfect being or die still hoping for perfection.
What has changed? I’m more in alignment with my values. My income will be self-generated and come from my talents - video production, story telling, coaching.
But something is still stopping me from choosing a new quest. I think it has something to do with listening to my wisdom. I’m fully aware of my shortcomings and would consider myself a fool if I remained blind to these shortcomings. People still imply to me I have no business doing what I’m doing. Yet I do it. Why? Because it gives me a story to tell. That’s what I do, I now write stories using a simple home camera.
I do what I do so I won’t be so self-absorbed. I truly enjoy the success of another’s story. Where most people seek to exploit and cash-in, I know I seek to empower and heal. Yet I don’t claim to be an expert or a healer, I’m just trying to find the answers myself.
It really is true, people do fear success. I’ve been given the opportunity to send my manuscript to a very powerful agent who is sincerely interested in reading it. Why do I hesitate? Because I do fear all my shortcomings, knowing I can’t do anything about my imperfections. I fear the world condemning me, cutting me down and acting out of harshness. My quest was successful but I guess I always feared the end would come. It reminds me that this world will destroy you if you let it. That’s the true Quest - living in spite of those who imply that you really should just lie down and die. All I want to do is inspire others to be their best, in spite of their shortcomings. You are always good enough and I love you for that!
How have I changed? I guess even though I’m still afraid to break a few eggs, it must be done. It’s journey, not the destination. Living up to one’s highest intention rarely brings a precise outcome, but the connection to life, the relationships enjoyed, make it all worth it.
Thank you so much for coming along on this journey with me. I appreciate you so much.
I’ll be back one more time.
Michael Shoeman
Pondering Unconscious Competence
Thursday, April 21, 2011
DAY 58: Two Days Left! (Dreaming of a New Quest)
DAY 58: Two Days Left! (Dreaming of a New Quest)
April 21, 2011
7:47 am
It’s happening. The physical tools are in place to generate the annual income in 60 Days, and every 60 Day cycle, from here on out.
I’ve been restless these past few days. Images and sounds tumbling through my head of the last 60 Days, all nine phases, and wanting to jump right away into the next Quest.
But I know this would be unwise. This phase is meant for rest, rejuvenation and reflection.
I’ll look at my next wish and that is to travel the country and then the world doing what I love.
Wish #5: Travel
Phase 1: If I ruled the world I would be on the road today to teach in the next city.
If I ruled the world different cities would be demanding and bidding on the D5X.
I would have interpreters to translate the D5X into other languages while I ran the workshops.
I’d have a list of the top cities who would enjoy, embrace and be the most appreciative of this experience.
I would enjoy the uniqueness of the city and its people wherever I go. I’d stop and “smell the roses”.
Phase 2: What stands in my way?
ME: Time.
MY SHADOW: What happens next?
ME: I made the most of it by doing what I love in Philadelphia first.
MY SHADOW: No, you didn’t.
ME: I sent inquiry emails out to my next two cities.
MY SHADOW: No, you didn’t.
ME: I sent four gifts to potential partners in other cities.
MY SHADOW: What happens next?
ME: It opened up a conversation with leaders from each city.
MY SHADOW: What happens next?
ME: I cultivated relationships which meant the world to me.
Phase 3: What are my 3 talismans?
1 - My map. It inspires me to reach out across the country. My reality here in Philadelphia will not be my reality in other cities.
2 - A handshake. It reminds me how important relationships are in this field.
3 - The air. It reminds me to focus on my breathing and be in this moment.
Phase 4: What emotional state am I in?
Courage: Courage is reaching out to 10 people a day no matter the outcome.
Trust: I trust something is ending in order for a new life to begin.
Willingness: I’m willing to do my audio program and write emails.
Acceptance: I accept that I’ve done a lot of work in this past 60 days. It’s now time to use it.
Clarity: I’m clear that my past does not equal my future. I’m clear that no matter what, I will get to shoot the process.
Love: I love that I have free will to choose my destiny in every moment.
Joy: Joy is allowing this moment to be everything it can be!
Peace: I find peace in completing this Quest.
Enlightenment…
Phase 5: How will I have to change?
By accepting the fact that most people will be ignorant but I need to walk in faith.
Phase 6: What is my fear?
Fear:
I see my broken down car.
I hear the voices from the disappointed emails sent to me.
I feel the way I do right now, a weakening in my back.
Joy:
I see a packed room full of people in Los Angeles and Orlando.
I hear the motor humming effortlessly in the rental car that was lent to me through a sponsorship deal.
I feel my feet stomping up and down in a joyous tizzy in the new car I’m driving.
Phase 7: What is the most important question to ask yourself in this moment?
Q1: Why do I feel so overwhelmed with moments of depression?
A1: Because your efforts and techniques do work. You will be called upon to help others overcome depression and you’re fine tuning the skills to be able to do that.
Q2: Am I losing focus and power with my work?
A2: No, you’re becoming stronger in your conviction. Your highest values are being realized: you want to work with the television media and your highest gifts lie in helping others cope, deal and overcome depression.
Q3: What will I do with this knowledge in regard to traveling?
A3: It will become a major part of your national platform.
Q4: What’s important right now to move me forward?
A4: Keep doing what you’re doing. Wait for your new site to be posted then start sending press releases.
Phase 8: 8 Details from this mini-quest…
In regards to travel I know that my Quest today and everyday is to be here and now right where I’m at. This mini-quest has taught me that cultivating relationships is the most important aspect to all of this national tour effort. My desire is to travel because I sense a different reality on the road than what I experience here in Philadelphia; I have to find out if this will be true. The joy will be the video documentation of my national travel. I’ve also learned that though people may be ignorant, through relationships I see that I too am ignorant. We all need each other. I wish to have sponsorships to provide for travel, room and board expenses. And finally I’ve learned the true meaning behind this Quest is to address the problem of depression.
Phase 9: Aftermath of the Mini-Quest
The general feeling after doing this is one of exhaustion. I’m ready to end this in 2 days.
I’m tired and ready to dream of a new Quest.
Michael Shoeman
Would-Be Road Warrior
April 21, 2011
7:47 am
It’s happening. The physical tools are in place to generate the annual income in 60 Days, and every 60 Day cycle, from here on out.
I’ve been restless these past few days. Images and sounds tumbling through my head of the last 60 Days, all nine phases, and wanting to jump right away into the next Quest.
But I know this would be unwise. This phase is meant for rest, rejuvenation and reflection.
I’ll look at my next wish and that is to travel the country and then the world doing what I love.
Wish #5: Travel
Phase 1: If I ruled the world I would be on the road today to teach in the next city.
If I ruled the world different cities would be demanding and bidding on the D5X.
I would have interpreters to translate the D5X into other languages while I ran the workshops.
I’d have a list of the top cities who would enjoy, embrace and be the most appreciative of this experience.
I would enjoy the uniqueness of the city and its people wherever I go. I’d stop and “smell the roses”.
Phase 2: What stands in my way?
ME: Time.
MY SHADOW: What happens next?
ME: I made the most of it by doing what I love in Philadelphia first.
MY SHADOW: No, you didn’t.
ME: I sent inquiry emails out to my next two cities.
MY SHADOW: No, you didn’t.
ME: I sent four gifts to potential partners in other cities.
MY SHADOW: What happens next?
ME: It opened up a conversation with leaders from each city.
MY SHADOW: What happens next?
ME: I cultivated relationships which meant the world to me.
Phase 3: What are my 3 talismans?
1 - My map. It inspires me to reach out across the country. My reality here in Philadelphia will not be my reality in other cities.
2 - A handshake. It reminds me how important relationships are in this field.
3 - The air. It reminds me to focus on my breathing and be in this moment.
Phase 4: What emotional state am I in?
Courage: Courage is reaching out to 10 people a day no matter the outcome.
Trust: I trust something is ending in order for a new life to begin.
Willingness: I’m willing to do my audio program and write emails.
Acceptance: I accept that I’ve done a lot of work in this past 60 days. It’s now time to use it.
Clarity: I’m clear that my past does not equal my future. I’m clear that no matter what, I will get to shoot the process.
Love: I love that I have free will to choose my destiny in every moment.
Joy: Joy is allowing this moment to be everything it can be!
Peace: I find peace in completing this Quest.
Enlightenment…
Phase 5: How will I have to change?
By accepting the fact that most people will be ignorant but I need to walk in faith.
Phase 6: What is my fear?
Fear:
I see my broken down car.
I hear the voices from the disappointed emails sent to me.
I feel the way I do right now, a weakening in my back.
Joy:
I see a packed room full of people in Los Angeles and Orlando.
I hear the motor humming effortlessly in the rental car that was lent to me through a sponsorship deal.
I feel my feet stomping up and down in a joyous tizzy in the new car I’m driving.
Phase 7: What is the most important question to ask yourself in this moment?
Q1: Why do I feel so overwhelmed with moments of depression?
A1: Because your efforts and techniques do work. You will be called upon to help others overcome depression and you’re fine tuning the skills to be able to do that.
Q2: Am I losing focus and power with my work?
A2: No, you’re becoming stronger in your conviction. Your highest values are being realized: you want to work with the television media and your highest gifts lie in helping others cope, deal and overcome depression.
Q3: What will I do with this knowledge in regard to traveling?
A3: It will become a major part of your national platform.
Q4: What’s important right now to move me forward?
A4: Keep doing what you’re doing. Wait for your new site to be posted then start sending press releases.
Phase 8: 8 Details from this mini-quest…
In regards to travel I know that my Quest today and everyday is to be here and now right where I’m at. This mini-quest has taught me that cultivating relationships is the most important aspect to all of this national tour effort. My desire is to travel because I sense a different reality on the road than what I experience here in Philadelphia; I have to find out if this will be true. The joy will be the video documentation of my national travel. I’ve also learned that though people may be ignorant, through relationships I see that I too am ignorant. We all need each other. I wish to have sponsorships to provide for travel, room and board expenses. And finally I’ve learned the true meaning behind this Quest is to address the problem of depression.
Phase 9: Aftermath of the Mini-Quest
The general feeling after doing this is one of exhaustion. I’m ready to end this in 2 days.
I’m tired and ready to dream of a new Quest.
Michael Shoeman
Would-Be Road Warrior
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
DAY 57: 3 Days Left! (On Tangibles and Intangibles)
DAY 57: 3 Days Left! (On Tangibles and Intangibles)
April 20, 2011
7:53 am
Before going into today's blog, I have to acknowledge the creation of how these efforts are being monetized.
I’m sitting here. Very serenely. I’m reflecting on what the Quest is truly about.
Everything comes back to living in the moment. Here, at the intersection where one Quest is dying in order for a new one to be born, I’m reminded of the fact that joy is here and now - and no where else. Joy is the true boon of the Quest.
Now I explore my next wish…
Wish 4: The wish to have “playtime”, or creative time, for myself.
Phase 1: If I Ruled the World…
I would acknowledge the journey is more fun than actually getting there.
I’d know I wouldn’t have to rule the world to enjoy each moment.
I’d be doing exactly what I am now - writing, making videos and helping people.
Time becomes a non-factor.
I’d let go of the need to rule the world.
Phase 2: What stands in your way?
ME: Nothing.
MY SHADOW: No, it doesn’t.
ME: Out of nothing comes my own ego.
MY SHADOW: What happens next?
ME: I enjoy my wonderful yogurt and fruit at this moment.
MY SHADOW: What happens next?
ME: I enjoy an exhilarating game of “What Happens Next?”
MY SHADOW: No, you don’t…
ME: I enjoy an amusing game of “What Happens Next?”
MY SHADOW: No, you don’t…
ME: I realize I can enjoy this moment regardless if the coin shows “Heads” or “Tails”.
Phase 3: Helping Hands
Talisman 1: My yogurt and fruit. (Because I’m in the moment nothing has ever tasted so good.)
Talisman 2: The new penny I found. (When I dropped my dime playing “What Happens Next?” I bent over to pick it up and found a new penny. This tells me to love the unexpected.)
Talisman 3: My water. (It’s raining out, it’s in my cup. But I’m drinking it. Like love, my water is all around.)
Phase 4: Calibrations
Clarity: Being in the moment immediately brings you “Clarity”.
Love: I feel Love as an emotion in my chest and throat. I’m grateful to be writing this.
Joy: Joy is knowing I don’t have to start a charity to be charitable and giving.
Peace: Is where mastery of the Quest leads.
Enlightenment…
Phase 5: Cue Cards
I write this journal entry because I enjoy to write. I’m living this wish because it is time for “me”. Even though I share this blog with others it is an exercise in doing what I love to do. (CC1: Plot Twist) The plot twist is that I should be dedicated to this more often but I’ve been so “Quest” driven. As a plot twist to my life I’ve found that things truly do come to me in this state. My plot twist is that I’ve created a fun journey. (Card down.) When I feel like I have to censor myself or “craft” a work, I’m stuck; it ceases to be fun. But I know now that I’m not trying to please anyone but myself. Read this, choose not to read this, it doesn’t matter. Those who will be served by these words will find me. (CC2: Strife.) Strife doesn’t exist to the peaceful mind. When one is fully engaged in the moment, then one is experiencing a “flowing” mind. Even now, I’m conscious of my fingers grazing effortlessly across the keyboard. (Card down.) This wish is always fulfilled whether I’m making money or not, whether I’m traveling or not, because of this feeling. I’m not concerned about whether or not this work is “perfect”, I’m merely creating and engaging in that flow. (CC3: Ultimate Joy.) Ultimate Joy is knowing I’m already there. Ultimate Joy is the journey and that’s what I offer to someone. Win, lose or draw - the Quest represents the journey.
Phase 6: Sense Memory/Perception
Fear: I see nothing.
I hear nothing.
I feel nothing.
Joy: I see what’s in front of me. The wood finish in the chairs. The green pattern upholstery in the booths where I’m sitting.
I hear what’s here. A child talking, coffee machines working in the background. Soft conversations here in the café.
I feel the air going in and out of my lungs. I feel my fingertips on the keyboard. I feel calm and relaxed.
Phase 7: Question Council
Q1: How have I changed through this mini-Quest?
A1: I’ve changed in the sense that I have a deeper appreciation for being here, being happy.
Q2: Will “being here, being happy” assist in your effectiveness in future Quests?
A2: I believe it will yet considering my effectiveness in future Quests limits my abilities in the now.
Q3: What are you doing right now to bring you joy through effectiveness?
A3: I’m creating with a true presence of mind. I provide the space for others to find the same truth through their own stories.
Q4: What’s different now that you describe yourself as having “true” presence of mind?
A4: I’m appreciating what I do have. I’m appreciating that there are those few who are very devoted to what I offer.
Phase 8: The Moment Speech
“Power in this moment is coming from the desire to be here, connected to my own life the way it is! Therefore, every conscious moment is ‘fun’, full of happiness and considered ‘me’ time. I’ve earned the right, as all people have, to enjoy the journey. This is a fascinating story, after all! Why diminish any moment of that by wishing for something that I perceive will bring me happiness? My life is joyful right now! I’m writing! No, I’m not a famous writer but nothing makes me happier than sharing my thoughts. No, I’m not a famous television personality, but I make stories captured on video! Instead of wishing I could do something, I simply go out and do it.”
Phase 9: The Mini-Quest Concluded
I’ve learned that all roads lead here to the center. By engaging in this “Mini-Quest” process every day for 7-9 days, I’m learning that the Quest ultimately leads to being in the moment. If that is cultivated, appreciated and made a habit then joy is always available to you. All the 9 phases of the Quest become a “real-life” play or production. We engage in playing a part because it’s enjoyable, enlightening and helps us become the master of two worlds.
Michael Shoeman
Enjoying the Silence Between All Sound
Before going into today's blog, I have to acknowledge the creation of how these efforts are being monetized. At this moment I’m about to upload and broadcast 15-20 hours of my audio program. My website selling these programs are almost up and running. My joint ventures are developing nicely, my new relationships with the media are budding, and I have video product to show for all my efforts. This is the manifestation, or materialization, of everything this Quest has represented for me.
April 20, 2011
7:53 am
Before going into today's blog, I have to acknowledge the creation of how these efforts are being monetized.
I’m sitting here. Very serenely. I’m reflecting on what the Quest is truly about.
Everything comes back to living in the moment. Here, at the intersection where one Quest is dying in order for a new one to be born, I’m reminded of the fact that joy is here and now - and no where else. Joy is the true boon of the Quest.
Now I explore my next wish…
Wish 4: The wish to have “playtime”, or creative time, for myself.
Phase 1: If I Ruled the World…
I would acknowledge the journey is more fun than actually getting there.
I’d know I wouldn’t have to rule the world to enjoy each moment.
I’d be doing exactly what I am now - writing, making videos and helping people.
Time becomes a non-factor.
I’d let go of the need to rule the world.
Phase 2: What stands in your way?
ME: Nothing.
MY SHADOW: No, it doesn’t.
ME: Out of nothing comes my own ego.
MY SHADOW: What happens next?
ME: I enjoy my wonderful yogurt and fruit at this moment.
MY SHADOW: What happens next?
ME: I enjoy an exhilarating game of “What Happens Next?”
MY SHADOW: No, you don’t…
ME: I enjoy an amusing game of “What Happens Next?”
MY SHADOW: No, you don’t…
ME: I realize I can enjoy this moment regardless if the coin shows “Heads” or “Tails”.
Phase 3: Helping Hands
Talisman 1: My yogurt and fruit. (Because I’m in the moment nothing has ever tasted so good.)
Talisman 2: The new penny I found. (When I dropped my dime playing “What Happens Next?” I bent over to pick it up and found a new penny. This tells me to love the unexpected.)
Talisman 3: My water. (It’s raining out, it’s in my cup. But I’m drinking it. Like love, my water is all around.)
Phase 4: Calibrations
Clarity: Being in the moment immediately brings you “Clarity”.
Love: I feel Love as an emotion in my chest and throat. I’m grateful to be writing this.
Joy: Joy is knowing I don’t have to start a charity to be charitable and giving.
Peace: Is where mastery of the Quest leads.
Enlightenment…
Phase 5: Cue Cards
I write this journal entry because I enjoy to write. I’m living this wish because it is time for “me”. Even though I share this blog with others it is an exercise in doing what I love to do. (CC1: Plot Twist) The plot twist is that I should be dedicated to this more often but I’ve been so “Quest” driven. As a plot twist to my life I’ve found that things truly do come to me in this state. My plot twist is that I’ve created a fun journey. (Card down.) When I feel like I have to censor myself or “craft” a work, I’m stuck; it ceases to be fun. But I know now that I’m not trying to please anyone but myself. Read this, choose not to read this, it doesn’t matter. Those who will be served by these words will find me. (CC2: Strife.) Strife doesn’t exist to the peaceful mind. When one is fully engaged in the moment, then one is experiencing a “flowing” mind. Even now, I’m conscious of my fingers grazing effortlessly across the keyboard. (Card down.) This wish is always fulfilled whether I’m making money or not, whether I’m traveling or not, because of this feeling. I’m not concerned about whether or not this work is “perfect”, I’m merely creating and engaging in that flow. (CC3: Ultimate Joy.) Ultimate Joy is knowing I’m already there. Ultimate Joy is the journey and that’s what I offer to someone. Win, lose or draw - the Quest represents the journey.
Phase 6: Sense Memory/Perception
Fear: I see nothing.
I hear nothing.
I feel nothing.
Joy: I see what’s in front of me. The wood finish in the chairs. The green pattern upholstery in the booths where I’m sitting.
I hear what’s here. A child talking, coffee machines working in the background. Soft conversations here in the café.
I feel the air going in and out of my lungs. I feel my fingertips on the keyboard. I feel calm and relaxed.
Phase 7: Question Council
Q1: How have I changed through this mini-Quest?
A1: I’ve changed in the sense that I have a deeper appreciation for being here, being happy.
Q2: Will “being here, being happy” assist in your effectiveness in future Quests?
A2: I believe it will yet considering my effectiveness in future Quests limits my abilities in the now.
Q3: What are you doing right now to bring you joy through effectiveness?
A3: I’m creating with a true presence of mind. I provide the space for others to find the same truth through their own stories.
Q4: What’s different now that you describe yourself as having “true” presence of mind?
A4: I’m appreciating what I do have. I’m appreciating that there are those few who are very devoted to what I offer.
Phase 8: The Moment Speech
“Power in this moment is coming from the desire to be here, connected to my own life the way it is! Therefore, every conscious moment is ‘fun’, full of happiness and considered ‘me’ time. I’ve earned the right, as all people have, to enjoy the journey. This is a fascinating story, after all! Why diminish any moment of that by wishing for something that I perceive will bring me happiness? My life is joyful right now! I’m writing! No, I’m not a famous writer but nothing makes me happier than sharing my thoughts. No, I’m not a famous television personality, but I make stories captured on video! Instead of wishing I could do something, I simply go out and do it.”
Phase 9: The Mini-Quest Concluded
I’ve learned that all roads lead here to the center. By engaging in this “Mini-Quest” process every day for 7-9 days, I’m learning that the Quest ultimately leads to being in the moment. If that is cultivated, appreciated and made a habit then joy is always available to you. All the 9 phases of the Quest become a “real-life” play or production. We engage in playing a part because it’s enjoyable, enlightening and helps us become the master of two worlds.
Michael Shoeman
Enjoying the Silence Between All Sound
Before going into today's blog, I have to acknowledge the creation of how these efforts are being monetized. At this moment I’m about to upload and broadcast 15-20 hours of my audio program. My website selling these programs are almost up and running. My joint ventures are developing nicely, my new relationships with the media are budding, and I have video product to show for all my efforts. This is the manifestation, or materialization, of everything this Quest has represented for me.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
DAY 56: 4 Days Left!/Putting the Pieces Together
DAY 56: 4 Days Left!
April 19, 2011
8:00 am
As I meander through these last few days, it does feel like a ceremonial death. I’m ready to let go of this Quest and give birth to a new one.
All of my nine wishes are still relevant to my life. I won’t post all nine of them here but I’ll continue my mini-quests until DAY 60.
Wish 3: I wish to travel the country (and later the world) bringing the Destiny 5 Experience everywhere I go.
Phase 1: If I Ruled the World…
Travel would effortless and I would visit the cities I most want to see first.
Every Destiny 5 episode will have a customized “feel” pertaining to each city where I shoot a television production.
I would have plenty of time to “play” in each city.
Opportunities to offer one-day, weekend and 60 Day coaching programs would present themselves.
Money grows exponentially abundant everywhere I go for everybody!
Phase 2: What Happens Next?
What’s standing in my way?
ME: Establishing Philadelphia first/finding a way to reliably build a platform from one city to another.
MY SHADOW: What happens next?
ME: I document every step of Philadelphia and allow the footage to demonstrate my work.
MY SHADOW: What happens next?
ME: I leverage the footage to gain sponsorships with airlines, car rentals and hotel housing.
MY SHADOW: What happens next?
ME: I keep moving forward with this plan.
MY SHADOW: No, you won’t.
ME: I keep moving forward responding honestly to the feedback I get.
MY SHADOW: What happens next?
ME: I don’t know.
Phase 3: Talismans
Talisman 1: My map to remind me of the cities where I wish to travel.
Talisman 2: A Key - to remind me of sponsorship opportunities to allow me to open the car, the hotel room and an airplane.
Talisman 3: My camera to remind me to document the stories along the way…making each city unique unto itself.
Phase 4: Calibrations
Trust: I trust in the direction I’m going and will continue to go in that direction.
Willingness: I’m willing to finish these mini-Quests and let this Quest die.
Acceptance/Forgiveness: I accept that I’m laying the groundwork for my future travels.
Clarity: I’m clear that the footage I take over the summer will win me support, sponsorships and a cast in the next city.
Love: I love considering where my travels will lead me. I love to imagine, create and support another.
Joy: Joy is immersing myself in this work.
Peace: Peace is truly bringing this Quest to its conclusion.
Enlightenment is…
Phase 5: Cue Cards
My Quest is now to take the Destiny 5 Experience to every major city in the US. I will stay for 9 weeks at a time to film a new season of the Destiny 5 Reality Television Experience and making one to two day stops for workshops. (CC1 - Los Angeles) In LA, I expect to shoot at Hollywood and the beaches. The Quest will probably take the form of actors, writers and movie makers making some great work during this time. I expect that after having Philly and Orlando under my belt my effort to find cast members will be easier. (Card down.) Eventually I’ll need to hire a camera crew and editing staff as we get rolling with this. However, I sincerely love editing footage. But will I be able to handle travel with editing? (CC2 - Orlando) In Orlando I really want to play and work. I can see myself editing new footage while sitting at one of the outdoor restaurants. I’d love to shoot footage at Disney World or the Magical World of Harry Potter. (Card down.) I guess I associate travel with meeting new people, experiencing new cultures and that really excites me. It’s the variety of people who will become major players in my life that truly excites me. (CC3 - Texas) My third stop, as the weather will still be cold in the Northern states, will be in Texas. I’ve never been there but I’ve done research that the spiritual aspect of what I do might be embraced. I expect an entirely different culture there and experiencing the unknown. (Card down.) I want to see if I can handle being a road warrior and traveling extensively. Will I be able to sustain focus while constantly traveling? What will the true demands of the job be? (CC4 - Toronto/NYC) I love the city of Toronto and have developed contacts in NYC. I would enjoy spending extended periods of time in Canada - making the Destiny 5 Experience an international one. I don’t know the stories that will be told but staying in NYC for 9 weeks both frightens and fascinates me.
Phase 6: Sense Memory/Projection
Fear:
I see myself overwhelmed with work between organizing the workshops, editing footage and marketing the next city.
I hear my brain pounding with a flood of voices asking me to get back to them!
I feel like a bridge is collapsing underneath me.
Joy:
I see myself attracting partners with the precise expertise at just the precise time.
I hear the dialog on my computer from future Destiny 5 programs. Participants are laughing and crying with joy and I can relive these sounds any time I click on the episode.
I feel a swelling pride in my heart when I realize at the end of the tour 200 cast members lives have been touched and over a million viewers have experienced this phenomena online.
Phase 7: Question Council
Q1: How does this wish empower you in the day-to-day routines of this moment?
A1: Traveling inspires, empowers and enlightens me. Establishing Philadelphia as the first season, which is how I’m spending my day-to-day activities, is setting the groundwork for future cities. If we put together a strong Philadelphia cast and story, then the footage will help me to work softer in future cities.
Q2: What do you need to do today to establish Philadelphia?
A2: In my new website, after it is approved, I will add videos, historical shooting site locations, and the fact that anyone can join us whether they’re a cast member or observer.
Q3: How will this strengthen your pull?
A3: It becomes the basis of a new press release. One I will send out to 7-10 outlets a day. Video adds the power of credibility. The shooting site locations adds a sense of adventure. Inclusion of non-cast members preserves the spirit of a meetup.
Q4: What’s keeping you from sending out Press Releases today?
A4: The fact that I’ve gotten little to no response in the past.
Q5: How can you overcome this and make it enjoyable?
A5: By offering a gift to potential patrons: 7 Tips, a percentage of members who join, a chance to be on our network.
Phase 8: The Moment Speech (To be included in the Press Release)
I wish to offer you three gifts:
1. The 7 Keys to Unlocking the Most Memorable Meetup EVER!
2. 10% of any income we attract as a result of mentioning our personal empowerment television show.
3. If you choose to be a “cast member” on the series, your meetup, website or business will be mentioned on every episode you appear on. (Up to 14 episodes!)
Phase 9: The Mini Quest
On this Quest I’ve learned the Key to my national and world travels lie in establish relationships. I’m also beginning to perceive how all nine of my original wishes are tying in together to enhance new Quests. The nine wishes serve as a foundation, an “anchor” or a grounding, if you will, of the Destiny of your life. Wow!
Michael Shoeman
The Pieces Are Coming Together
April 19, 2011
8:00 am
As I meander through these last few days, it does feel like a ceremonial death. I’m ready to let go of this Quest and give birth to a new one.
All of my nine wishes are still relevant to my life. I won’t post all nine of them here but I’ll continue my mini-quests until DAY 60.
Wish 3: I wish to travel the country (and later the world) bringing the Destiny 5 Experience everywhere I go.
Phase 1: If I Ruled the World…
Travel would effortless and I would visit the cities I most want to see first.
Every Destiny 5 episode will have a customized “feel” pertaining to each city where I shoot a television production.
I would have plenty of time to “play” in each city.
Opportunities to offer one-day, weekend and 60 Day coaching programs would present themselves.
Money grows exponentially abundant everywhere I go for everybody!
Phase 2: What Happens Next?
What’s standing in my way?
ME: Establishing Philadelphia first/finding a way to reliably build a platform from one city to another.
MY SHADOW: What happens next?
ME: I document every step of Philadelphia and allow the footage to demonstrate my work.
MY SHADOW: What happens next?
ME: I leverage the footage to gain sponsorships with airlines, car rentals and hotel housing.
MY SHADOW: What happens next?
ME: I keep moving forward with this plan.
MY SHADOW: No, you won’t.
ME: I keep moving forward responding honestly to the feedback I get.
MY SHADOW: What happens next?
ME: I don’t know.
Phase 3: Talismans
Talisman 1: My map to remind me of the cities where I wish to travel.
Talisman 2: A Key - to remind me of sponsorship opportunities to allow me to open the car, the hotel room and an airplane.
Talisman 3: My camera to remind me to document the stories along the way…making each city unique unto itself.
Phase 4: Calibrations
Trust: I trust in the direction I’m going and will continue to go in that direction.
Willingness: I’m willing to finish these mini-Quests and let this Quest die.
Acceptance/Forgiveness: I accept that I’m laying the groundwork for my future travels.
Clarity: I’m clear that the footage I take over the summer will win me support, sponsorships and a cast in the next city.
Love: I love considering where my travels will lead me. I love to imagine, create and support another.
Joy: Joy is immersing myself in this work.
Peace: Peace is truly bringing this Quest to its conclusion.
Enlightenment is…
Phase 5: Cue Cards
My Quest is now to take the Destiny 5 Experience to every major city in the US. I will stay for 9 weeks at a time to film a new season of the Destiny 5 Reality Television Experience and making one to two day stops for workshops. (CC1 - Los Angeles) In LA, I expect to shoot at Hollywood and the beaches. The Quest will probably take the form of actors, writers and movie makers making some great work during this time. I expect that after having Philly and Orlando under my belt my effort to find cast members will be easier. (Card down.) Eventually I’ll need to hire a camera crew and editing staff as we get rolling with this. However, I sincerely love editing footage. But will I be able to handle travel with editing? (CC2 - Orlando) In Orlando I really want to play and work. I can see myself editing new footage while sitting at one of the outdoor restaurants. I’d love to shoot footage at Disney World or the Magical World of Harry Potter. (Card down.) I guess I associate travel with meeting new people, experiencing new cultures and that really excites me. It’s the variety of people who will become major players in my life that truly excites me. (CC3 - Texas) My third stop, as the weather will still be cold in the Northern states, will be in Texas. I’ve never been there but I’ve done research that the spiritual aspect of what I do might be embraced. I expect an entirely different culture there and experiencing the unknown. (Card down.) I want to see if I can handle being a road warrior and traveling extensively. Will I be able to sustain focus while constantly traveling? What will the true demands of the job be? (CC4 - Toronto/NYC) I love the city of Toronto and have developed contacts in NYC. I would enjoy spending extended periods of time in Canada - making the Destiny 5 Experience an international one. I don’t know the stories that will be told but staying in NYC for 9 weeks both frightens and fascinates me.
Phase 6: Sense Memory/Projection
Fear:
I see myself overwhelmed with work between organizing the workshops, editing footage and marketing the next city.
I hear my brain pounding with a flood of voices asking me to get back to them!
I feel like a bridge is collapsing underneath me.
Joy:
I see myself attracting partners with the precise expertise at just the precise time.
I hear the dialog on my computer from future Destiny 5 programs. Participants are laughing and crying with joy and I can relive these sounds any time I click on the episode.
I feel a swelling pride in my heart when I realize at the end of the tour 200 cast members lives have been touched and over a million viewers have experienced this phenomena online.
Phase 7: Question Council
Q1: How does this wish empower you in the day-to-day routines of this moment?
A1: Traveling inspires, empowers and enlightens me. Establishing Philadelphia as the first season, which is how I’m spending my day-to-day activities, is setting the groundwork for future cities. If we put together a strong Philadelphia cast and story, then the footage will help me to work softer in future cities.
Q2: What do you need to do today to establish Philadelphia?
A2: In my new website, after it is approved, I will add videos, historical shooting site locations, and the fact that anyone can join us whether they’re a cast member or observer.
Q3: How will this strengthen your pull?
A3: It becomes the basis of a new press release. One I will send out to 7-10 outlets a day. Video adds the power of credibility. The shooting site locations adds a sense of adventure. Inclusion of non-cast members preserves the spirit of a meetup.
Q4: What’s keeping you from sending out Press Releases today?
A4: The fact that I’ve gotten little to no response in the past.
Q5: How can you overcome this and make it enjoyable?
A5: By offering a gift to potential patrons: 7 Tips, a percentage of members who join, a chance to be on our network.
Phase 8: The Moment Speech (To be included in the Press Release)
I wish to offer you three gifts:
1. The 7 Keys to Unlocking the Most Memorable Meetup EVER!
2. 10% of any income we attract as a result of mentioning our personal empowerment television show.
3. If you choose to be a “cast member” on the series, your meetup, website or business will be mentioned on every episode you appear on. (Up to 14 episodes!)
Phase 9: The Mini Quest
On this Quest I’ve learned the Key to my national and world travels lie in establish relationships. I’m also beginning to perceive how all nine of my original wishes are tying in together to enhance new Quests. The nine wishes serve as a foundation, an “anchor” or a grounding, if you will, of the Destiny of your life. Wow!
Michael Shoeman
The Pieces Are Coming Together
Monday, April 18, 2011
DAY 56: 4 Days Left! (The Art of Letting Go)
DAY 56: 4 Days Left!
April 18, 2011
4:34 pm
I’m trying to let this Quest go. I’ve accepted the fact that I’ve succeeded and moving on. These “mini-quests” feel like a ritual in finding my next Quest.
Wish/Mini Quest # 2:
The television show of Destiny 5 becoming a national phenomenon.
Phase 1:
If I ruled the world…
The new website I post will generate 200 people overnight.
I’d have to turn people away for the first season to be shot in Philadelphia.
There will be equipment donated to me.
I would have sponsors competing to supply my room, board, airline and car rental travel.
The editing process will be nothing but fun and enjoyable!
Phase 2: What stands in my way?
ME: Simply getting the work done so that I have something to show people.
MY SHADOW: What happens next?
ME: I posted a wonderful meetup site today which will include my new documentary.
MY SHADOW: No, you didn’t.
ME: I posted a phenomenal site today which included my doc and the shoot locations for Philadelphia!
MY SHADOW: What happens next?
ME: I followed up with my contacts in a week.
MY SHADOW: No, you didn’t!
ME: I started following up with my media contacts today.
MY SHADOW: No, you didn’t!
ME: I followed up when it felt right.
Phase 3: What are my helping hands?
Talisman 1: The new website.
Talisman 2: The documentary.
Talisman 3: The historical Philadelphia shoot locations.
Phase 4: What emotions do I feel?
Trust: I trust that now that I have all these tools people will respond and show interest.
Willingness: I’m willing to post the website today.
Acceptance/Forgiveness: I accept that resources come from different sources.
Clarity: I’m clear about adding resources: M3 Site + Destiny 5 sites + press releases = the correct turnout.
Love: I love that I’m planning on writing my own career.
Joy: Joy is letting go and allowing something more powerful to take over…then witnessing the miracles.
Peace: Peace is submission.
Enlightenment is…
Phase 5: Cue Cards…
This Quest is about getting something down on video. I already have the ball rolling by starting a meetup dedicated to the Quest. Now it’s a matter of taping the process. (CC1: Confidence) I’m now confident that the process is valuable and worth every moment. I’m confident about people’s response to the D5 program. Most of all, I’m confident about how to direct and lead people to act. (Card down.) I keep working toward my desired outcome and using the technology available to me. I keep using all my knowledge to reach out to others. My time is spent making personal connections. (CC2: Producer) As a producer, my role is find the setting, shoot locations, craft the story, shoot and edit the story. I am a one-man storyteller but in a way I like it like that. It feels authentically mine. Not to say I wouldn’t accept more help if it came my way. (Card down.) Once I have material up and running, I have something to show people. This material will take me to other cities and attract more resources. With more resources come higher production values and more sway with the industry. (CC3: New York) I’m beginning to get a very nice following in New York City and may want to consider going there earlier than anticipated. If I split my time between NY and another city like Toronto it could be bearable. Between radio, tv and magazine I could develop a formidable cast. (Card down.) I’m really ready to post this next Philadelphia website and move on. Yet I know posting this blog is part of the completion of my current Quest. (CC4: Teacher) I’m very excited about starting a career and being paid for teaching mythology, drama, television production, and life coaching. It’s one of the greatest professions there is, a Teacher. I believe any teacher can leverage their skills to make an annual income in 60 Days or less!
Phase 6: What do I fear?
Fear:
I see myself in the same place, doing the same thing.
I hear the same phrase: “I’ll believe it when I see it. When are you going to get paid for what you do?”
I feel angry, explosive and destructive.
Joy:
I see new rental cars provided to me by sponsors on a sunny day in the new city where I’m shooting Destiny 5.
I hear applause from cast members as I step onto a location.
I feel light, like I’m walking on air.
Phase 7: Question Council
Q1:What needs to be done?
A1: I need to start the new website now.
Q2: Why aren’t you doing it?
A2: I’m logging this entry.
Q3: What are you logging this entry instead of launching the new site?
A3: Because taking a Quest is about commitment. I’ve committed to 60 Days and I’m finishing what I started by blogging.
Q4: Why is it important to finish what you start?
A4: So my readers realize completing things is the reason why you start them. We live in a world where we start things, maintain things, but are afraid to complete things because it represents “death”.
Phase 8: The Moment Speech
“Destiny5.TV represents emotionally intelligent media! My views and philosophies are in every episode. There’s an instinct, an order, that requires us to take our own Quests. Up until now, we’ve been living vicariously through the lack of modern day mythology. We’ve been giving power away to our film, literature, television and music industry when the same impulse is inherent within us. Destiny5.Tv is the call to say “yes” to our own Quest!
Phase 9: The Mini-Quest
What I’ve learned through today’s mini-quest is that completion is important. I’m proud of “going through the motions” of journaling today because it demonstrates my commitment to finish what I’ve started. (Even though my real desire is to start a new Quest by launching this new website.) There is a “death” process going on here and letting go is writing these last few blog entries.
In peace,
Michael Shoeman
Letting Go
April 18, 2011
4:34 pm
I’m trying to let this Quest go. I’ve accepted the fact that I’ve succeeded and moving on. These “mini-quests” feel like a ritual in finding my next Quest.
Wish/Mini Quest # 2:
The television show of Destiny 5 becoming a national phenomenon.
Phase 1:
If I ruled the world…
The new website I post will generate 200 people overnight.
I’d have to turn people away for the first season to be shot in Philadelphia.
There will be equipment donated to me.
I would have sponsors competing to supply my room, board, airline and car rental travel.
The editing process will be nothing but fun and enjoyable!
Phase 2: What stands in my way?
ME: Simply getting the work done so that I have something to show people.
MY SHADOW: What happens next?
ME: I posted a wonderful meetup site today which will include my new documentary.
MY SHADOW: No, you didn’t.
ME: I posted a phenomenal site today which included my doc and the shoot locations for Philadelphia!
MY SHADOW: What happens next?
ME: I followed up with my contacts in a week.
MY SHADOW: No, you didn’t!
ME: I started following up with my media contacts today.
MY SHADOW: No, you didn’t!
ME: I followed up when it felt right.
Phase 3: What are my helping hands?
Talisman 1: The new website.
Talisman 2: The documentary.
Talisman 3: The historical Philadelphia shoot locations.
Phase 4: What emotions do I feel?
Trust: I trust that now that I have all these tools people will respond and show interest.
Willingness: I’m willing to post the website today.
Acceptance/Forgiveness: I accept that resources come from different sources.
Clarity: I’m clear about adding resources: M3 Site + Destiny 5 sites + press releases = the correct turnout.
Love: I love that I’m planning on writing my own career.
Joy: Joy is letting go and allowing something more powerful to take over…then witnessing the miracles.
Peace: Peace is submission.
Enlightenment is…
Phase 5: Cue Cards…
This Quest is about getting something down on video. I already have the ball rolling by starting a meetup dedicated to the Quest. Now it’s a matter of taping the process. (CC1: Confidence) I’m now confident that the process is valuable and worth every moment. I’m confident about people’s response to the D5 program. Most of all, I’m confident about how to direct and lead people to act. (Card down.) I keep working toward my desired outcome and using the technology available to me. I keep using all my knowledge to reach out to others. My time is spent making personal connections. (CC2: Producer) As a producer, my role is find the setting, shoot locations, craft the story, shoot and edit the story. I am a one-man storyteller but in a way I like it like that. It feels authentically mine. Not to say I wouldn’t accept more help if it came my way. (Card down.) Once I have material up and running, I have something to show people. This material will take me to other cities and attract more resources. With more resources come higher production values and more sway with the industry. (CC3: New York) I’m beginning to get a very nice following in New York City and may want to consider going there earlier than anticipated. If I split my time between NY and another city like Toronto it could be bearable. Between radio, tv and magazine I could develop a formidable cast. (Card down.) I’m really ready to post this next Philadelphia website and move on. Yet I know posting this blog is part of the completion of my current Quest. (CC4: Teacher) I’m very excited about starting a career and being paid for teaching mythology, drama, television production, and life coaching. It’s one of the greatest professions there is, a Teacher. I believe any teacher can leverage their skills to make an annual income in 60 Days or less!
Phase 6: What do I fear?
Fear:
I see myself in the same place, doing the same thing.
I hear the same phrase: “I’ll believe it when I see it. When are you going to get paid for what you do?”
I feel angry, explosive and destructive.
Joy:
I see new rental cars provided to me by sponsors on a sunny day in the new city where I’m shooting Destiny 5.
I hear applause from cast members as I step onto a location.
I feel light, like I’m walking on air.
Phase 7: Question Council
Q1:What needs to be done?
A1: I need to start the new website now.
Q2: Why aren’t you doing it?
A2: I’m logging this entry.
Q3: What are you logging this entry instead of launching the new site?
A3: Because taking a Quest is about commitment. I’ve committed to 60 Days and I’m finishing what I started by blogging.
Q4: Why is it important to finish what you start?
A4: So my readers realize completing things is the reason why you start them. We live in a world where we start things, maintain things, but are afraid to complete things because it represents “death”.
Phase 8: The Moment Speech
“Destiny5.TV represents emotionally intelligent media! My views and philosophies are in every episode. There’s an instinct, an order, that requires us to take our own Quests. Up until now, we’ve been living vicariously through the lack of modern day mythology. We’ve been giving power away to our film, literature, television and music industry when the same impulse is inherent within us. Destiny5.Tv is the call to say “yes” to our own Quest!
Phase 9: The Mini-Quest
What I’ve learned through today’s mini-quest is that completion is important. I’m proud of “going through the motions” of journaling today because it demonstrates my commitment to finish what I’ve started. (Even though my real desire is to start a new Quest by launching this new website.) There is a “death” process going on here and letting go is writing these last few blog entries.
In peace,
Michael Shoeman
Letting Go
Sunday, April 17, 2011
DAY 55: 5 Days Left
DAY 55: 5 Days Left
April 17, 2011
10:40 am
5 days left.
Okay. So I stopped journaling for a few days. Between Florida, New York, recording my audio journal and making new contacts, I had to pause for a moment on these blogs.
My time in New York was a success! I have strong leads now to build a media platform for Destiny 5 in both New York and Philadelphia as well as establishing a relationship with four of the biggest day time shows in the country. In addition to that, some very powerful agents are interested in my book and television concept. I’d certainly call that a win!
Now I look at my intended outcome: To raise an annual income in 60 days. Was I successful now that the 60 days are coming to a close? My answer to this is “yes”. It’s not a win by knockout but rather by split decision. My intended outcome was to have a year’s worth of “committed” income by the Quest’s finale.
I’ve accepted that I didn’t receive the precise amount of money handed to me. But I did accomplish the following:
1. Established a program that will bring me a modest annual income every 60 Day cycle.
2. Created a 10 volume audio program that supplements the aforementioned program.
3. Wrote a second book documenting this journey.
4. Deepened my own experiential awareness about the effectiveness of this 60 Day Quest program.
5. Made media contacts all over the country.
6. Established my own online television network.
7. Created the tool for multiple steams of income to come in through the following outlets: Touring Programs, Joint Venture Programs, One Day-Weekend Workshops, Audio Programs, Book Sales and One-on-one Consultations.
When one takes a Quest, one usually returns with their boon but also more than they bargained for. I think that was certainly the case with me. During my three days in New York I had to change quite a bit. I’ll post more about that later.
The final phase of the Quest is what I call “Destiny”. It is the 9th phase and the number 9 is the combination of all the numbers. During this phase I encourage participants to make 9 wishes. These nine wishes will irrevocably come true in the participants’ lives and represent the foundation of new Quests. These wishes also serve as rewards for the participant having taken the Quest. Recently, past participants have been informing me how their 9 “Destiny” wishes have come true. For example, getting married, having another child. For me personally it was starting a business enterprise around the Destiny 5 Experience, traveling the country and starting my television show. (All of which are beginning to come true for me.) These 9 wishes represent once again playing “If I Ruled the World…” except it’s for real.
For my benefit, I’m going to take a “mini” Quest with each of wishes throughout the week.
1st Wish: Starting Up a Multi-Million Dollar Business Enterprise
Phase 1: If I Ruled the World…
I want to have the annual income “in hand” at the end of the next 60 Day cycle.
If I ruled the world every day in the next 60 Days will be enjoyable.
If I ruled the world new resources will come to me.
If I ruled the world things would get easier as they go.
If I ruled the world this Quest would become a new daily habit.
Phase 2: What Happens Next?
ME: What stands in my way now is following up and not being overwhelmed by all I have to do…
MY SHADOW: No, it’s not…
ME: What stands in my way is simply doing a little bit every day…
MY SHADOW: No, it’s not…
ME: Nothing stands in my way. I have a wonderful program and as I move forward it will “sell itself”…
MY SHADOW: What happens next?
ME: I finished this Quest allowing myself to succeed. I see that I’m always a successful work in progress…
MY SHADOW: No, you didn’t…
ME: I closed the critical gap by recognizing three talismans from the last Quest…
MY SHADOW: What happens next?
Phase 3: The Human Bridge
TALISMAN 1: The documentary video now serves as a calling card for new locations and new horizons.
TALISMAN 2: This new book now opens the door for new “Providers” who wish to take the Quest.
TALISMAN 3: A “flag” which represents the Publicity Summit with I just came from. I now have media contacts all over the country.
Phase 4: Emotional Calibrations
Willingness: I’m willing to allow this Quest to end in order to form a new Quest. I’m willing to use my 3 new talismans this week.
Acceptance/Forgiveness: I accept that we are always in a state of “becoming”, not necessary of “that which has become.” I forgive my own judgments of imperfections and embrace the journey.
Clarity: I’m clear about the core of my new business: the hero’s journey experience itself.
Love: I love my fellow man so much to share these gifts.
Joy: I’m immersed in joy every time I commit to sharing the Quest.
Peace: Peace is being in the center of Destiny.
Enlightenment…
Phase 5: Cue Cards
My new Quest will be having the cash “in hand” by summer’s end as I embark on a journey around the country…
(Cue Card 1 - “Orlando”) My first stop will be Orlando as I enjoy the easy benefit of showing the natives the footage from Philadelphia. I visit Disney World every week as I enjoy sponsorships from hotels, airlines and car rental facilities… (Card goes down.)
My Quest continues to be fueled by passive income from book and audio sales as well as one to two day workshops. I’m thoroughly enjoying my travels… (Cue Card 2 - “Anticipation”) There is great anticipation as sometimes I get frozen with all the many options I have on any given day. I have to anticipate something expected because the journey never quite turns out the way I expect. I am excited with anticipation because it fuels my passion… (Card goes down.) My Quest continues to satisfy me in that I understand the Quest journey on continuously deepening levels. It makes money because it gives the participants 3 things they’re longing for Emotional Commitment (through the acting exercises), Companionship (working with a mastermind group) and Structure (through 9 step hero’s journey process.) (Cue Card 3 - “New Media”) I realize my new connections with the national media is a relationship process. It isn’t a “quick fix” but rather a new path in deepening meaningful relationships with those who want to touch the world. The possibilities are endless and I know now to take one step at a time.
Phase 6: Sense Memory/Projection
Fear:
I see myself in the same place next year…I hear my loved ones saying “you gave up”, “I’ll believe it when I see it.”…I feel anger in my chest and an explosion in my belly!
Joy:
I use the same senses to see myself setting up the camera in warm locations like Orlando and Los Angeles. I see myself setting up the camera for scenes shot at the beach. I hear people saying how this continues to be the most powerful experience of their lives. I feel tingles in my hands and swelling feeling in my throat.
Phase 7: The Question Council
Question1: How is Mike going to deal with all of this explosive energy, infinite options, without having him stay stuck with the overwhelming feeling?
Answer1: Mike will stay focused one thing - having the money in hand by 60 Days end.
Question2: How will Mike stay focused on this?
Answer2: By perceiving the value of the 60 Day Quest program. He will allow others to “play” with it to get a full understanding of the experience.
Question3: What is the most powerful experience one can gain in a one-hour “brush” with Destiny 5?
Answer3: The experience of truly connecting with another persona and a team. Just keeping doing what I’ve been doing.
Phase 8: Michael Shoeman’s “Moment Speech”
“I solve the problem of the biggest epidemic in this world: Depression. Whether it manifests as a need to escape, a need for self loathing, or a need to destroy. The answer to dealing with depression is unblocking creativity and communication. I do this by giving people the highest prized profession that most teenager’s aspire to - Reality Television Star. I unblock creativity and communication by providing acting techniques to inspire emotional commitment; I further enhance communication by putting you in a powerful mastermind team; finally, I give you a structure to play out your Quest through the 9 phase hero’s journey.”
Phase 9: The Mini-Quest
By participating in this exercise I inspire myself to continue taking action. I’m still in that consciously competent phase but starting to understand how to become unconsciously competent - which is what I hope to aspire to. This ultimately is where the Quest, once taken over and over again, will eventually lead.
Today I’m inspired to do what I can to catch up. I’ve been away for over a week now and have much to follow up on. But in this moment I have to allow this Quest to “die”. There are so many things going through my head and I feel overwhelmed, yet I feel peaceful. It’s the same feeling I would imagine one has upon just passing away and seeing their entire life pass before their eyes.
Anyway, I’m rambling and still have an entire week to expand upon this “Destiny” phase.
Thanks for listening/reading,
Michael Shoeman
Standing in the Middle of All 9 Archetypes
April 17, 2011
10:40 am
5 days left.
Okay. So I stopped journaling for a few days. Between Florida, New York, recording my audio journal and making new contacts, I had to pause for a moment on these blogs.
My time in New York was a success! I have strong leads now to build a media platform for Destiny 5 in both New York and Philadelphia as well as establishing a relationship with four of the biggest day time shows in the country. In addition to that, some very powerful agents are interested in my book and television concept. I’d certainly call that a win!
Now I look at my intended outcome: To raise an annual income in 60 days. Was I successful now that the 60 days are coming to a close? My answer to this is “yes”. It’s not a win by knockout but rather by split decision. My intended outcome was to have a year’s worth of “committed” income by the Quest’s finale.
I’ve accepted that I didn’t receive the precise amount of money handed to me. But I did accomplish the following:
1. Established a program that will bring me a modest annual income every 60 Day cycle.
2. Created a 10 volume audio program that supplements the aforementioned program.
3. Wrote a second book documenting this journey.
4. Deepened my own experiential awareness about the effectiveness of this 60 Day Quest program.
5. Made media contacts all over the country.
6. Established my own online television network.
7. Created the tool for multiple steams of income to come in through the following outlets: Touring Programs, Joint Venture Programs, One Day-Weekend Workshops, Audio Programs, Book Sales and One-on-one Consultations.
When one takes a Quest, one usually returns with their boon but also more than they bargained for. I think that was certainly the case with me. During my three days in New York I had to change quite a bit. I’ll post more about that later.
The final phase of the Quest is what I call “Destiny”. It is the 9th phase and the number 9 is the combination of all the numbers. During this phase I encourage participants to make 9 wishes. These nine wishes will irrevocably come true in the participants’ lives and represent the foundation of new Quests. These wishes also serve as rewards for the participant having taken the Quest. Recently, past participants have been informing me how their 9 “Destiny” wishes have come true. For example, getting married, having another child. For me personally it was starting a business enterprise around the Destiny 5 Experience, traveling the country and starting my television show. (All of which are beginning to come true for me.) These 9 wishes represent once again playing “If I Ruled the World…” except it’s for real.
For my benefit, I’m going to take a “mini” Quest with each of wishes throughout the week.
1st Wish: Starting Up a Multi-Million Dollar Business Enterprise
Phase 1: If I Ruled the World…
I want to have the annual income “in hand” at the end of the next 60 Day cycle.
If I ruled the world every day in the next 60 Days will be enjoyable.
If I ruled the world new resources will come to me.
If I ruled the world things would get easier as they go.
If I ruled the world this Quest would become a new daily habit.
Phase 2: What Happens Next?
ME: What stands in my way now is following up and not being overwhelmed by all I have to do…
MY SHADOW: No, it’s not…
ME: What stands in my way is simply doing a little bit every day…
MY SHADOW: No, it’s not…
ME: Nothing stands in my way. I have a wonderful program and as I move forward it will “sell itself”…
MY SHADOW: What happens next?
ME: I finished this Quest allowing myself to succeed. I see that I’m always a successful work in progress…
MY SHADOW: No, you didn’t…
ME: I closed the critical gap by recognizing three talismans from the last Quest…
MY SHADOW: What happens next?
Phase 3: The Human Bridge
TALISMAN 1: The documentary video now serves as a calling card for new locations and new horizons.
TALISMAN 2: This new book now opens the door for new “Providers” who wish to take the Quest.
TALISMAN 3: A “flag” which represents the Publicity Summit with I just came from. I now have media contacts all over the country.
Phase 4: Emotional Calibrations
Willingness: I’m willing to allow this Quest to end in order to form a new Quest. I’m willing to use my 3 new talismans this week.
Acceptance/Forgiveness: I accept that we are always in a state of “becoming”, not necessary of “that which has become.” I forgive my own judgments of imperfections and embrace the journey.
Clarity: I’m clear about the core of my new business: the hero’s journey experience itself.
Love: I love my fellow man so much to share these gifts.
Joy: I’m immersed in joy every time I commit to sharing the Quest.
Peace: Peace is being in the center of Destiny.
Enlightenment…
Phase 5: Cue Cards
My new Quest will be having the cash “in hand” by summer’s end as I embark on a journey around the country…
(Cue Card 1 - “Orlando”) My first stop will be Orlando as I enjoy the easy benefit of showing the natives the footage from Philadelphia. I visit Disney World every week as I enjoy sponsorships from hotels, airlines and car rental facilities… (Card goes down.)
My Quest continues to be fueled by passive income from book and audio sales as well as one to two day workshops. I’m thoroughly enjoying my travels… (Cue Card 2 - “Anticipation”) There is great anticipation as sometimes I get frozen with all the many options I have on any given day. I have to anticipate something expected because the journey never quite turns out the way I expect. I am excited with anticipation because it fuels my passion… (Card goes down.) My Quest continues to satisfy me in that I understand the Quest journey on continuously deepening levels. It makes money because it gives the participants 3 things they’re longing for Emotional Commitment (through the acting exercises), Companionship (working with a mastermind group) and Structure (through 9 step hero’s journey process.) (Cue Card 3 - “New Media”) I realize my new connections with the national media is a relationship process. It isn’t a “quick fix” but rather a new path in deepening meaningful relationships with those who want to touch the world. The possibilities are endless and I know now to take one step at a time.
Phase 6: Sense Memory/Projection
Fear:
I see myself in the same place next year…I hear my loved ones saying “you gave up”, “I’ll believe it when I see it.”…I feel anger in my chest and an explosion in my belly!
Joy:
I use the same senses to see myself setting up the camera in warm locations like Orlando and Los Angeles. I see myself setting up the camera for scenes shot at the beach. I hear people saying how this continues to be the most powerful experience of their lives. I feel tingles in my hands and swelling feeling in my throat.
Phase 7: The Question Council
Question1: How is Mike going to deal with all of this explosive energy, infinite options, without having him stay stuck with the overwhelming feeling?
Answer1: Mike will stay focused one thing - having the money in hand by 60 Days end.
Question2: How will Mike stay focused on this?
Answer2: By perceiving the value of the 60 Day Quest program. He will allow others to “play” with it to get a full understanding of the experience.
Question3: What is the most powerful experience one can gain in a one-hour “brush” with Destiny 5?
Answer3: The experience of truly connecting with another persona and a team. Just keeping doing what I’ve been doing.
Phase 8: Michael Shoeman’s “Moment Speech”
“I solve the problem of the biggest epidemic in this world: Depression. Whether it manifests as a need to escape, a need for self loathing, or a need to destroy. The answer to dealing with depression is unblocking creativity and communication. I do this by giving people the highest prized profession that most teenager’s aspire to - Reality Television Star. I unblock creativity and communication by providing acting techniques to inspire emotional commitment; I further enhance communication by putting you in a powerful mastermind team; finally, I give you a structure to play out your Quest through the 9 phase hero’s journey.”
Phase 9: The Mini-Quest
By participating in this exercise I inspire myself to continue taking action. I’m still in that consciously competent phase but starting to understand how to become unconsciously competent - which is what I hope to aspire to. This ultimately is where the Quest, once taken over and over again, will eventually lead.
Today I’m inspired to do what I can to catch up. I’ve been away for over a week now and have much to follow up on. But in this moment I have to allow this Quest to “die”. There are so many things going through my head and I feel overwhelmed, yet I feel peaceful. It’s the same feeling I would imagine one has upon just passing away and seeing their entire life pass before their eyes.
Anyway, I’m rambling and still have an entire week to expand upon this “Destiny” phase.
Thanks for listening/reading,
Michael Shoeman
Standing in the Middle of All 9 Archetypes
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Blog On Hold Until Monday 4/18
In preparation for my trip to New York which will bring this Quest to a successful completion, I'll be posting the final five days of my blog on Monday.
Friday, April 8, 2011
DAY 54: The Documentary is Done
DAY 54: The Documentary is Done
April 8, 2011
10:13 pm
I’ve allowed myself to take the day off. Taking the evening off, well, that’s another story.
I’m writing this blog entry while uploading my new documentary. This documentary represents my climax. It is a television production of my own creation that invites others to become a part of the story. This is how I intend to make my committed annual income in less than 60 days. The documentary will be the advertisement to allow others to join new meetups dedicated to this idea across the country. This documentary will be my calling card to all the media contacts next week when I trek up the New York City. This documentary proves that I’m dedicated to my Quest.
This evening I’ve also been dedicating myself to practicing my “elevator speech”. Every day for the next 10 days I’m dedicating rehearsing the following speech at least 10 times:
“I have a very serious question to ask you. Please answer this only if you’re brave enough for it represents the most important question of your life. In fact, the honest answer my come to define you. My question is this: if you could accomplish something that would surprise, astound and astonish you - bringing immense joy in the process - what would you want the outcome to be? The reason I ask you this is because I have the power and ability to put you in a reality television story today. If you were to dedicate yourself to the entire season, which lasts 60 days, I can guarantee you the successful completion of your outcome. Why can I promise you this? All my life I have been dedicated to one thing - the art of story telling. As an actor, acting teacher, director and television produce I have successfully helped others emotionally commit to fictional stories creating characters who’ve never existed. Today I use the exact same skills but instead now I successful guide others through their own stories of non-fiction, creating characters who WILL exist. And that character is you at the end of the successful completion of your Quest.”
That about sums it up.
Luck doesn’t happen by accident. It is the consequence of what happens when opportunity meets preparation. My job is to deliver this elevator speech in the key moments when it matters most.
It’s interesting, to me at least, that I’m repeating the last three phases of the Quest. Here in Florida I’m experiencing the “Apotheosis” or the “Sacrimentor” phase (as I call it.) It is a moment of rest, relaxation, retreat, complete bliss before I return to New York City for the Climax of my Quest.
Anyway, the new documentary can be viewed at Destiny5.tv.
6 Days Left!
Michael Shoeman
On The Intersection Where Opportunity Meets Preparation
April 8, 2011
10:13 pm
I’ve allowed myself to take the day off. Taking the evening off, well, that’s another story.
I’m writing this blog entry while uploading my new documentary. This documentary represents my climax. It is a television production of my own creation that invites others to become a part of the story. This is how I intend to make my committed annual income in less than 60 days. The documentary will be the advertisement to allow others to join new meetups dedicated to this idea across the country. This documentary will be my calling card to all the media contacts next week when I trek up the New York City. This documentary proves that I’m dedicated to my Quest.
This evening I’ve also been dedicating myself to practicing my “elevator speech”. Every day for the next 10 days I’m dedicating rehearsing the following speech at least 10 times:
“I have a very serious question to ask you. Please answer this only if you’re brave enough for it represents the most important question of your life. In fact, the honest answer my come to define you. My question is this: if you could accomplish something that would surprise, astound and astonish you - bringing immense joy in the process - what would you want the outcome to be? The reason I ask you this is because I have the power and ability to put you in a reality television story today. If you were to dedicate yourself to the entire season, which lasts 60 days, I can guarantee you the successful completion of your outcome. Why can I promise you this? All my life I have been dedicated to one thing - the art of story telling. As an actor, acting teacher, director and television produce I have successfully helped others emotionally commit to fictional stories creating characters who’ve never existed. Today I use the exact same skills but instead now I successful guide others through their own stories of non-fiction, creating characters who WILL exist. And that character is you at the end of the successful completion of your Quest.”
That about sums it up.
Luck doesn’t happen by accident. It is the consequence of what happens when opportunity meets preparation. My job is to deliver this elevator speech in the key moments when it matters most.
It’s interesting, to me at least, that I’m repeating the last three phases of the Quest. Here in Florida I’m experiencing the “Apotheosis” or the “Sacrimentor” phase (as I call it.) It is a moment of rest, relaxation, retreat, complete bliss before I return to New York City for the Climax of my Quest.
Anyway, the new documentary can be viewed at Destiny5.tv.
6 Days Left!
Michael Shoeman
On The Intersection Where Opportunity Meets Preparation
DAY 53: The Beach is Not a Bad Work Environment
DAY 53: The Beach is Not a Bad Work Environment
April 8, 2011
9:46 am
Arrived in Venice, Florida after a three hour delay in flight last night.
This is the place where I will complete the work which will earn me an annual income at the culmination of this Quest. I’m writing this entry during a beautiful sunny morning overlooking a fountain lake.
Yesterday game me a lot of time to think with the delay in travel plans. There are so many things for me to work on, even in a vacation atmosphere like this. I hope all my business partners know that I’m working as diligently as I can and still fulfill the commitments to myself in order to see my Quest become a reality.
Today I’m going to finish my documentary film. I believe it turned out as well as can be expected considering the circumstances. Considering I’m one person, have no special equipment, or even a second pair of eyes looking at the film, I’d have to say it still tells the story I’m wanting to tell.
Today I’m also committed to finishing my one-sheet pitch for when I return and report to New York City. My one-minute pitch is rehearsed and perfected every day, just like I’m rehearsing for the greatest performance in my life. It may not be a “performance” but I’m preparing as if it would be my greatest moment.
From a psychological perspective, being in the warm climate, the beach and surrounded by color I’m sensing new beginnings. There’s a chameleon scurrying up the screen door from where I’m seated. Let me look up the meaning of a chameleon’s appearance:
“Symbols of change and new beginnings. The chameleon is also a master of disguise and can blend into any background or environment it encounters. Qualities include: Intuition, shape-shifting, agility, prophetic dreams, prolific dreams, perception, objective detachment, ability to show emotions when desired and better perception with heightened sensitivity. One of the most influential of animal totems.” (Zahir Karbani)
Cool, just the abilities I'll need when finishing off my projects today.
7 Days Left!
April 8, 2011
9:46 am
Arrived in Venice, Florida after a three hour delay in flight last night.
This is the place where I will complete the work which will earn me an annual income at the culmination of this Quest. I’m writing this entry during a beautiful sunny morning overlooking a fountain lake.
Yesterday game me a lot of time to think with the delay in travel plans. There are so many things for me to work on, even in a vacation atmosphere like this. I hope all my business partners know that I’m working as diligently as I can and still fulfill the commitments to myself in order to see my Quest become a reality.
Today I’m going to finish my documentary film. I believe it turned out as well as can be expected considering the circumstances. Considering I’m one person, have no special equipment, or even a second pair of eyes looking at the film, I’d have to say it still tells the story I’m wanting to tell.
Today I’m also committed to finishing my one-sheet pitch for when I return and report to New York City. My one-minute pitch is rehearsed and perfected every day, just like I’m rehearsing for the greatest performance in my life. It may not be a “performance” but I’m preparing as if it would be my greatest moment.
From a psychological perspective, being in the warm climate, the beach and surrounded by color I’m sensing new beginnings. There’s a chameleon scurrying up the screen door from where I’m seated. Let me look up the meaning of a chameleon’s appearance:
“Symbols of change and new beginnings. The chameleon is also a master of disguise and can blend into any background or environment it encounters. Qualities include: Intuition, shape-shifting, agility, prophetic dreams, prolific dreams, perception, objective detachment, ability to show emotions when desired and better perception with heightened sensitivity. One of the most influential of animal totems.” (Zahir Karbani)
Cool, just the abilities I'll need when finishing off my projects today.
7 Days Left!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
DAY 52: Short, Simple and Sweet
DAY 52: Short, Simple and Sweet
April 6, 2011
8:09 am
Very busy today. The Climax is truly about action. I’m going to keep this journal entry short and sweet and stay focused on the priorities of the day. There are so many things to do I’ll have to use this blog just to get re-centered on them.
1. Finish the documentary
2. Pay my taxes and get to the bank
3. Record 2 days worth of audio journal
4. Touch base with my intern team
5. Work on my one-sheet pitch for next week when I’m in New York
6. Haircut before leaving for Florida tomorrow
7. Email my new meetup members
8. Follow up and thank my current partners for their patience with me these next two weeks
I’ll stop with eight things as “8” is the theme for this week.
The journal is still a very important aspect on the 60 Day Quest. It shows that you’re still focused on it. Even when one is busy, it is imperative to make a short entry even if you think you don’t have time for it.
8 Days Left!
Michael Shoeman
Riding the wave
April 6, 2011
8:09 am
Very busy today. The Climax is truly about action. I’m going to keep this journal entry short and sweet and stay focused on the priorities of the day. There are so many things to do I’ll have to use this blog just to get re-centered on them.
1. Finish the documentary
2. Pay my taxes and get to the bank
3. Record 2 days worth of audio journal
4. Touch base with my intern team
5. Work on my one-sheet pitch for next week when I’m in New York
6. Haircut before leaving for Florida tomorrow
7. Email my new meetup members
8. Follow up and thank my current partners for their patience with me these next two weeks
I’ll stop with eight things as “8” is the theme for this week.
The journal is still a very important aspect on the 60 Day Quest. It shows that you’re still focused on it. Even when one is busy, it is imperative to make a short entry even if you think you don’t have time for it.
8 Days Left!
Michael Shoeman
Riding the wave
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
DAY 51: The Real Life Storyteller
DAY 51:
April 5, 2011
8:09 am
Lot’s of activity today! Since this week represents the Climax it truly does feel like I’m sprinting toward the finish line. In preparations for the New York City event I’ve been editing a 15-20 minute documentary film. Also working on a one-sheet pitch proposal and the new website.
I’ve bought the rights to the domain name destiny5.tv and destiny5.net, so all the YouTube videos will be seen by looking up destiny5.tv! Plans are in the works to launch another meetup site for the reality television concept in the Philadelphia suburbs. After that and the release of the new documentary video I hope to generate the interest I’m looking to attract.
Was up late last night working on the documentary. The storyline will follow my walking the path of the hero’s journey. The commentary explains The Destiny 5 Reality Television Experience as I walk the path and relive some of the moments that contributed to the creation of Destiny 5. I’ve kept with the theme of the viewer first seeing the “screenplay” being typed out. From there the screenplay transfers to a still sketch, then a moving sketch animation to a “live film”. This represents the process of Thought-Emotion-Action-Manifestation.
Since this blog is for my benefit as much as for my readers, I’d like to detail the path which takes place in the short film.
Title Scene: This is where I rehearse my 90 second pitch within the voice over. It is intended to get to the point and draw in the audience.
Character Collage: The screen flips between Artist, Lover, Teacher, Provider and Every Man as I ask powerful questions to the audience.
Scene: The Path. We see the Destiny 5 Experience, or the Hero’s Journey, is a path. Sometimes it’s winding, sometimes it’s a straight line, sometimes it’s empty horizon. We come to a bench where I first appear to tell the audience I can put them in a real life movie.
Scene: The Preview. This now goes into an overview of the story. A previously released video shows three scenes of my teaching an acting class, trudging across a snowy terrain, and final hosting my own television show. The theme of this scene is that we’re a group of supportive people who no longer need permission to live our own story.
OVERVIEW OF ACT 1: The Concept Becomes Real
Scene: Origins. Again, I’m shown teaching an acting class while the narration talks about the difference between living virtual reality and using virtual reality. Mike talks about our inherent impulse to live a real Quest. When one becomes tired of vicariously living through a piece of fiction, then it’s time to take up the real life Quest.
Scene: Shadows/Crossroads. Here Mike is shown coming up to the path with the choice to go either to the left or to the right. During the commentary I explain how Hollywood rejected this concept because it didn’t deliberately encourage animosity. I had a choice to either compromise my vision or bring it directly to the people.
Scene: Helping Hands/The Story Board. Mike explains the five characters of Lover, Artist, Teacher, Provider and the Every Man/Every Woman. After explaining the five characters comprising the Destiny 5, Mike reveals how one team will be eliminated from the story.
OVERVIEW OF ACT 2: A Tale of 3 Teams
Scene: Deserts/Reminiscing. Mike continues down the path and reminisces about his theater career. The scene cuts back and forth between the path and the memory. The narration explains further about emotional commit. Later Mike explains how acting has become confused and misunderstood - it is not an art about pretending to be something you’re not, but rather to come in to the full power of everything you are. It is this element of the reality television concept which will make one successful in their chose Quest.
Scene: Plot Twists/Reflecting. It begins to snow as once again Mike crosses the terrain. This time he reflects on his television career - the good, the bad and the ugly. The narration explains how this Quest represents the modern day hero’s journey; it is full demonstration of our intellect, emotional power and manifestation abilities. When the camera comes back to Mike in the park he explains the power of story at work in our lives. The path now leads to a dark forest.
Scene: Dark Night/The Tunnel. On the path we see a black hole that evokes a sudden fear. In the narration Mike explains how his deepest fear is that people will see this video, think ‘WOW, this is a neat idea!’ but then forget all about it. Mike asks his audience to share this video with two people to help spread the word. After the narration, Mike explains how a second team will be eliminated going into Act 3.
OVERVIEW OF ACT 3: 10 Players in Search of a Destiny
Scene: Apotheosis/The Sun Shines Through. After coming out of the dark forest, Mike sees the sun shining bright over the horizon. It is here he realizes the power lies not with Hollywood, but in bringing the Destiny 5 concept to the public.
Scene: Climax/The Race Home. Mike now sprints on the path back to civilization, his life flashing before his eyes.
Scene: Destiny/The Television Show. Mike has now returned to civilization and begins production of this television concept. He invites viewers to attend the orientation in Philadelphia on May 15.
Okay, so Act 3 is my project for today. This is definitely the Climax for my generating that annual income. It’s time for me to get back to work.
9 Days Left!
Michael Shoeman
The Real Life Storyteller
April 5, 2011
8:09 am
Lot’s of activity today! Since this week represents the Climax it truly does feel like I’m sprinting toward the finish line. In preparations for the New York City event I’ve been editing a 15-20 minute documentary film. Also working on a one-sheet pitch proposal and the new website.
I’ve bought the rights to the domain name destiny5.tv and destiny5.net, so all the YouTube videos will be seen by looking up destiny5.tv! Plans are in the works to launch another meetup site for the reality television concept in the Philadelphia suburbs. After that and the release of the new documentary video I hope to generate the interest I’m looking to attract.
Was up late last night working on the documentary. The storyline will follow my walking the path of the hero’s journey. The commentary explains The Destiny 5 Reality Television Experience as I walk the path and relive some of the moments that contributed to the creation of Destiny 5. I’ve kept with the theme of the viewer first seeing the “screenplay” being typed out. From there the screenplay transfers to a still sketch, then a moving sketch animation to a “live film”. This represents the process of Thought-Emotion-Action-Manifestation.
Since this blog is for my benefit as much as for my readers, I’d like to detail the path which takes place in the short film.
Title Scene: This is where I rehearse my 90 second pitch within the voice over. It is intended to get to the point and draw in the audience.
Character Collage: The screen flips between Artist, Lover, Teacher, Provider and Every Man as I ask powerful questions to the audience.
Scene: The Path. We see the Destiny 5 Experience, or the Hero’s Journey, is a path. Sometimes it’s winding, sometimes it’s a straight line, sometimes it’s empty horizon. We come to a bench where I first appear to tell the audience I can put them in a real life movie.
Scene: The Preview. This now goes into an overview of the story. A previously released video shows three scenes of my teaching an acting class, trudging across a snowy terrain, and final hosting my own television show. The theme of this scene is that we’re a group of supportive people who no longer need permission to live our own story.
OVERVIEW OF ACT 1: The Concept Becomes Real
Scene: Origins. Again, I’m shown teaching an acting class while the narration talks about the difference between living virtual reality and using virtual reality. Mike talks about our inherent impulse to live a real Quest. When one becomes tired of vicariously living through a piece of fiction, then it’s time to take up the real life Quest.
Scene: Shadows/Crossroads. Here Mike is shown coming up to the path with the choice to go either to the left or to the right. During the commentary I explain how Hollywood rejected this concept because it didn’t deliberately encourage animosity. I had a choice to either compromise my vision or bring it directly to the people.
Scene: Helping Hands/The Story Board. Mike explains the five characters of Lover, Artist, Teacher, Provider and the Every Man/Every Woman. After explaining the five characters comprising the Destiny 5, Mike reveals how one team will be eliminated from the story.
OVERVIEW OF ACT 2: A Tale of 3 Teams
Scene: Deserts/Reminiscing. Mike continues down the path and reminisces about his theater career. The scene cuts back and forth between the path and the memory. The narration explains further about emotional commit. Later Mike explains how acting has become confused and misunderstood - it is not an art about pretending to be something you’re not, but rather to come in to the full power of everything you are. It is this element of the reality television concept which will make one successful in their chose Quest.
Scene: Plot Twists/Reflecting. It begins to snow as once again Mike crosses the terrain. This time he reflects on his television career - the good, the bad and the ugly. The narration explains how this Quest represents the modern day hero’s journey; it is full demonstration of our intellect, emotional power and manifestation abilities. When the camera comes back to Mike in the park he explains the power of story at work in our lives. The path now leads to a dark forest.
Scene: Dark Night/The Tunnel. On the path we see a black hole that evokes a sudden fear. In the narration Mike explains how his deepest fear is that people will see this video, think ‘WOW, this is a neat idea!’ but then forget all about it. Mike asks his audience to share this video with two people to help spread the word. After the narration, Mike explains how a second team will be eliminated going into Act 3.
OVERVIEW OF ACT 3: 10 Players in Search of a Destiny
Scene: Apotheosis/The Sun Shines Through. After coming out of the dark forest, Mike sees the sun shining bright over the horizon. It is here he realizes the power lies not with Hollywood, but in bringing the Destiny 5 concept to the public.
Scene: Climax/The Race Home. Mike now sprints on the path back to civilization, his life flashing before his eyes.
Scene: Destiny/The Television Show. Mike has now returned to civilization and begins production of this television concept. He invites viewers to attend the orientation in Philadelphia on May 15.
Okay, so Act 3 is my project for today. This is definitely the Climax for my generating that annual income. It’s time for me to get back to work.
9 Days Left!
Michael Shoeman
The Real Life Storyteller
Monday, April 4, 2011
DAY 50: The Final Countdown
DAY 50: The Final Countdown
April 4, 2011
7:59 am
I’ve skipped to DAY 50 as I was visiting my parents yesterday on DAY 49. So here’s DAY 49 - “Worked on my video and preparing for the New York City event. Had the 7th meetup in a series of 9 tonight.”
Okay, on to DAY 50:
A wonderful meetup last night. Diane, Pamela, Roberta, Marilyn, Erin, Ruth, Ricardo, Karen, Joshua, Melody-Rose and Mike W. were all in attendance. Diane Wing presented for the first hour about free will, introducing the group to tools like tarot and vocational astrology. Thank you, Diane, for such a wonderful discussion!
For the second hour we covered Phase 7 in the Quest named “Sacrimentor”. This is the moment in the story where the hero retreats for a moment. Some classic mythology scholars would call this phase “Apotheosis” when the hero either appears to have died or dies a ceremonial death. This is also the moment in stories like Star Wars, Lord of the Rings or the Harry Potter series where the old mentor sacrifices his life for the progression of the Quest. It is only then where the mentor’s message can be internalized so the hero may return to the story’s climax.
To experience this phase, we played a game called “Question Council”. This game asked us all to become “The Guru” in order for each of us to experience our own “Inner Guru”. I wanted to illustrate this game one final time before moving on to the Climax.
As I mentioned yesterday, the “Question Council” is also an activity you can play on your own. But first you must pose a question…
MIKE’S QUESTION: How on earth can you play “Question Council” by yourself? How does it allow you to answer ANY question you might have?
MICKEY MOUSE: A wonderful question, Mike! I’d be more than happy to answer that! You can write out a “script” of your Question Councils and appoint anybody to be on your question council. They can be fictional characters, figures from history, real life people or cartoon characters - like me! You can answer any question you want by going “seven layers deep” with your question.
(1st Layer Question.) What does it mean when I say “going seven layers deep” with a question?
BETTY BOOP: It simply means every time you answer a question, you let the question council member form their answer into a new question. Just like you did, Mickey. You do that seven times, which means you’ll ask seven questions to understand your original question on a more profound layer. Once you get to the “seventh layer”, you answer your own original question again! Boop boop boop be doop!
(2nd Layer Question.) What are the most effective questions someone might be able to ask, Popeye?
POPEYE: Woh! Blow me down! The best questions, Betty, will let you speak your truth more quickly. They inspire not only truth, but immediate action to your Quest. Other qualities of a great question is spoken using your partner’s same language, kept simple, and encourages forward moment.
(3rd Layer Question.) What the best question you can think of to demonstrate this point?
ELMO: Elmo say: “That’s probably the greatest question you could ask, Popeye, to demonstrate the point.” So Elmo will add another…
(4th Layer Question.) What is the most relevant question to Mike at the moment? YAY!
BUGS BUNNY: Nyeh…the most relevant question to Mike right now is, “How does this game really help you find your psychological center for completing the Quest?”
(5th Layer Question.) How does this game help you find that psychological center?
FRED FLINSTONE: It helps you develop the skill of being able to ask powerful questions. The universe doesn’t respond to your commands but by answering your questions. Asking the question takes the pressure off and opens up a space where information can flow into. The more powerful the questions you ask, the more powerful the answer. So the psychological center is the fact that this game is designed to let you focus on one issue, go seven layers deep with it, and review the information. If you play the “script” version, like the one Mike is playing now, it allows your subconscious to become conscious. You know how dreams can give you the right information because your mind is open? This game allows you that same commodity.
(6th Layer Question.) What does it say about you, Mike, that you chose cartoon characters to participate in today’s question council?
MIKE: You summed it up pretty nicely, Fred. Cartoon characters are a projection of our subconscious, or rather, our imagination. You guys represent a time when things were simpler, more emotionally driven, and you actually completed quests in a ten to thirty minute time frame! You also represent a fun place to be - like an amusement park. I like to be entertained when I’m finding my answers.
(7th Layer/Original Question.) How on earth can you play “Question Council” by yourself? How does it allow you to answer ANY question you might have?
Well, I think I demonstrated how to play this game solo. It answers all your questions for the following ways…
1. The “Question Council” allows you go deeper with an question. It goes beyond your conscious ego and touches on your emotional subconscious. THIS is where you find the ability and motivation to take action.
2. It’s a training mechanism to help you practice the art of asking better, more effective questions from your very powerful subconscious. That’s another reason ANY question can be answered.
3. It intensifies your focus by putting emphasis on the question. Once a good question is formed, the answers come easily. This will give you a confident “psychological center” to approach your Quest’s Climax.
4. Finally, it allows you to play either with partners and by yourself. By playing on your own, your asked to tap into different aspects, or archetypes, of yourself. You will get different perspectives from asking “wise” beings like a wizard or “innocent” beings like Mickey Mouse.
Wow, that’s a pretty thorough answer. Today is the first day of the Climax moments and I have 10 days left to prepare for New York. I’ll continue working on my one-sheet, a new video and my pitch. The final countdown is on!
10 Days Left!!!
Michael Shoeman
Gonna Fly Now
April 4, 2011
7:59 am
I’ve skipped to DAY 50 as I was visiting my parents yesterday on DAY 49. So here’s DAY 49 - “Worked on my video and preparing for the New York City event. Had the 7th meetup in a series of 9 tonight.”
Okay, on to DAY 50:
A wonderful meetup last night. Diane, Pamela, Roberta, Marilyn, Erin, Ruth, Ricardo, Karen, Joshua, Melody-Rose and Mike W. were all in attendance. Diane Wing presented for the first hour about free will, introducing the group to tools like tarot and vocational astrology. Thank you, Diane, for such a wonderful discussion!
For the second hour we covered Phase 7 in the Quest named “Sacrimentor”. This is the moment in the story where the hero retreats for a moment. Some classic mythology scholars would call this phase “Apotheosis” when the hero either appears to have died or dies a ceremonial death. This is also the moment in stories like Star Wars, Lord of the Rings or the Harry Potter series where the old mentor sacrifices his life for the progression of the Quest. It is only then where the mentor’s message can be internalized so the hero may return to the story’s climax.
To experience this phase, we played a game called “Question Council”. This game asked us all to become “The Guru” in order for each of us to experience our own “Inner Guru”. I wanted to illustrate this game one final time before moving on to the Climax.
As I mentioned yesterday, the “Question Council” is also an activity you can play on your own. But first you must pose a question…
MIKE’S QUESTION: How on earth can you play “Question Council” by yourself? How does it allow you to answer ANY question you might have?
MICKEY MOUSE: A wonderful question, Mike! I’d be more than happy to answer that! You can write out a “script” of your Question Councils and appoint anybody to be on your question council. They can be fictional characters, figures from history, real life people or cartoon characters - like me! You can answer any question you want by going “seven layers deep” with your question.
(1st Layer Question.) What does it mean when I say “going seven layers deep” with a question?
BETTY BOOP: It simply means every time you answer a question, you let the question council member form their answer into a new question. Just like you did, Mickey. You do that seven times, which means you’ll ask seven questions to understand your original question on a more profound layer. Once you get to the “seventh layer”, you answer your own original question again! Boop boop boop be doop!
(2nd Layer Question.) What are the most effective questions someone might be able to ask, Popeye?
POPEYE: Woh! Blow me down! The best questions, Betty, will let you speak your truth more quickly. They inspire not only truth, but immediate action to your Quest. Other qualities of a great question is spoken using your partner’s same language, kept simple, and encourages forward moment.
(3rd Layer Question.) What the best question you can think of to demonstrate this point?
ELMO: Elmo say: “That’s probably the greatest question you could ask, Popeye, to demonstrate the point.” So Elmo will add another…
(4th Layer Question.) What is the most relevant question to Mike at the moment? YAY!
BUGS BUNNY: Nyeh…the most relevant question to Mike right now is, “How does this game really help you find your psychological center for completing the Quest?”
(5th Layer Question.) How does this game help you find that psychological center?
FRED FLINSTONE: It helps you develop the skill of being able to ask powerful questions. The universe doesn’t respond to your commands but by answering your questions. Asking the question takes the pressure off and opens up a space where information can flow into. The more powerful the questions you ask, the more powerful the answer. So the psychological center is the fact that this game is designed to let you focus on one issue, go seven layers deep with it, and review the information. If you play the “script” version, like the one Mike is playing now, it allows your subconscious to become conscious. You know how dreams can give you the right information because your mind is open? This game allows you that same commodity.
(6th Layer Question.) What does it say about you, Mike, that you chose cartoon characters to participate in today’s question council?
MIKE: You summed it up pretty nicely, Fred. Cartoon characters are a projection of our subconscious, or rather, our imagination. You guys represent a time when things were simpler, more emotionally driven, and you actually completed quests in a ten to thirty minute time frame! You also represent a fun place to be - like an amusement park. I like to be entertained when I’m finding my answers.
(7th Layer/Original Question.) How on earth can you play “Question Council” by yourself? How does it allow you to answer ANY question you might have?
Well, I think I demonstrated how to play this game solo. It answers all your questions for the following ways…
1. The “Question Council” allows you go deeper with an question. It goes beyond your conscious ego and touches on your emotional subconscious. THIS is where you find the ability and motivation to take action.
2. It’s a training mechanism to help you practice the art of asking better, more effective questions from your very powerful subconscious. That’s another reason ANY question can be answered.
3. It intensifies your focus by putting emphasis on the question. Once a good question is formed, the answers come easily. This will give you a confident “psychological center” to approach your Quest’s Climax.
4. Finally, it allows you to play either with partners and by yourself. By playing on your own, your asked to tap into different aspects, or archetypes, of yourself. You will get different perspectives from asking “wise” beings like a wizard or “innocent” beings like Mickey Mouse.
Wow, that’s a pretty thorough answer. Today is the first day of the Climax moments and I have 10 days left to prepare for New York. I’ll continue working on my one-sheet, a new video and my pitch. The final countdown is on!
10 Days Left!!!
Michael Shoeman
Gonna Fly Now
Saturday, April 2, 2011
DAY 48: Is That Your Final Answer?
DAY 48: Is That Your Final Answer?
April 2, 2011
9:45 am
These last two to three weeks of the Quest always go by so quickly. Days 42 through 60 represent the culmination of everything the reason we took the Quest in the first place. How else can you find definitive answers in the first week, live a moment that defines your life in the second week, and then receive a truly meaningful reward on the third week? These are the moments we live for; again, the reason we take the Quest. I’ve never felt more alive and more competent then in these moments. I will need that feeling because on DAY 60 I will be asked to pull off something not “Impossible” but only realizable if I go in completely focused and committed to the highest outcome of my Quest.
This week, which I have called the phase of “Sacrimentor”, has certainly lived up to its promises: a mentor has come through for me in a big way. (And, believe me, I am eternally grateful for this person.) I’ve had to sacrifice my current path to prepare for what I’m now calling “The Big Moment” to come on DAY 60. This “Moment” has become both my psychological center and psychological “edge” as I near the completion of this Quest.
The Climax, which commences next week, is also known as “The Moment of Truth”. Either we go out and take a “big risk” or you can experience a phenomenon, like I have, where “dumb luck” seems to intervene. I don’t believe this to be dumb luck but the natural response of saying “yes” and being committed to the Quest. Had dumb luck intervened before I took this Quest I would not have been ready for the “Big Moment” to come. But now I may approach my own personal Moment of Truth with Conscious Competence.
I have my work cut out for me this week. Luckily, I’ll have a relaxing retreat in western Florida to prepare for my return and the Moment in New York. I have a very ambitious video to edit and produce, I’m designing a one-sheet pitch, and also “rehearsing” how to present my core message in one minute or less with confidence and conviction. I will need to prove, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that I’m ready to present the Destiny 5 Experience in front of 3 million people!
So now I’ll approach my seventh and final question thus concluding the “Sacrimentor” portion of this Quest. For today’s “Question Council” I’ll recruit the services of all the great mentors from fictional stories.
MIKE: How do I continue to have fun and experience enjoyment every day from here on out?
FIRST LAYER/FIRST QUESTION:
GANDALF: A fine question, my boy. It is a clear choice between fear and love. Love, as you know, leads to joy then peace then enlightenment. Since you’ve so expertly articulated the Quest’s development, all the stages, it becomes clear that the sheer knowledge can make it fun and enjoyable. It’s just like performing in a play. Just because you’re playing a character who is experiencing terror doesn’t make being an actor fun for you, correct? With every Dark Night period comes this Sacrimentor period. Knowing that on an emotional level can’t help but pierce the clouds of fear and uncertainty and bring the rays of joy you’re experiencing at this moment.
(First Layer Question.) Why does theater and drama seem to be the key piece of metaphor for you here, Mike? Oh, my apologies. I’ll let Master Yoda answer that question.
SECOND LAYER/SECOND QUESTION:
YODA: Wise question, that was, Master Gandalf. Goes back to one of Mike’s core message, it does. Translate my message from Yoda-ese to English, I will. The people of Earth escape through story - movies, television, fiction, music. It’s a powerful phenomena. How else but through the power of story can one go from desperation to inspiration? Movies and television (which is really theater that can be marketed, packaged and distributed) hold the key to unlocking our highest emotional, and therefore FUNCTIONAL, potential. Mike’s Quest, that is The 21st Century Hero’s Journey, represents turning that same power inward. Instead of giving away our money (and power) to artists giving us the vicarious experience of a story, Mike’s Quest represents giving power to the ACTUAL experience of living a story and having the tangible results to prove this path credible and reliable.
(Second Layer Question.) In what ways will Mike find this enjoyable?
THIRD LAYER/THIRD QUESTION:
DUMBLEDORE: It is enjoyable because it brings the myth to life! They say “myth” is the song of the universe! The tune that’s felt is the emotion the artist wants you to feel. As the artist, Mike wants the listener to experience extreme joy, accomplishment and personal enlightenment. Mike finds enjoyment through this because that’s the song he’s dedicated to playing! Even during the Shadows, Deserts and Dark Nights. It is through the Quest, the Hero’s Journey, the Monomyth that greater frequencies of joy and understanding can be experienced. Mike doesn’t have to create enjoyment, right now he is in the full experience of enjoyment. Why complicate that?
(Third Layer Question.) Why is it the mission of this council to complicate something as simple as joy? Why do we ponder this natural experience?
FOURTH LAYER/FOURTH QUESTION:
MORPHEUS: Because almost everyone in material creation is in a complicated story. It requires a complicated plot to fascinate these people. But the Climax the point of the story is the same: Let go. Allow yourself the fell the joy of creation. We need complicated plots, or mind games, to captivate the American consciousness. We require simplicity to lead them to what they ultimately truly want deep inside. The human being desires above all else to feel intelligent, competent, confidence and the center of their universe. The Quest gives them the experience of being all those things. What is required for true master, for ultimate intelligence and unconscious competence, is to let these egocentric factors go. But the Quest, the complicated story and plotline, serves to attract the human intellect.
(Fourth Layer Question.) What does knowing this information inspire Mike to do today? How does he make useful?
FIFTH LAYER/FIFTH QUESTION:
GLINDA: The fact that Mike shares this knowledge makes him feel good. He knows it doesn’t serve any purpose but the increase the strength and confidence in his own conviction. If these words are what a reader needs to take action, so be it. What it inspires Mike to do is share it with no expectations. He doesn’t expect anyone to read or care about these words until he has become a “public success” - but that doesn’t make these words more valuable. All this information does is allow Mike to have his psychological center as he performs the duties which he was going to do anyway. That will bring the successful conclusion of his Quest.
(Fifth Layer Question.) What does Mike imagine his reader will take from these words?
SIXTH LAYER/SIXTH QUESTION:
ASLAN: If the reader isn’t bored by all this perseverating, Mike would be very surprised. If the reader chooses to appreciate these words then that reader is a truly unique individual indeed. Many human beings have such a short attention span that true words of wisdom go unnoticed, unheeded and, in truth, non-existent in the hypnotized human’s world. These represent a quiet oasis to the initiated reader. Mike doesn’t expect anyone to find this oasis easily. But it is here where the hero experiences rest, rejuvenation and the will to embrace his or her destiny. Though the ego likes to create complicated mazes and labyrinths, the emotional path will always be clear and lead to the center. Even when the eyes deceive, the heart will show the way. Mike images the reader coming to this psychological center if the reader has come this far.
(Sixth Layer Question.) How do we end this chapter? Do we really want to leave this oasis?
SEVENTH LAYER/SEVENTH QUESTION:
MIKE: The answer is very much both ‘yes and no’. ‘No’ in the sense that this kind of wisdom informs me that it’s only pride that pushes me to the culmination of my Quest. My Quest is meaningless if it doesn’t inspire another to take his or her Quest. I always have the option to say ‘No’ because in this oasis, the world is but a half-remembered dream. Sometimes a nightmare, sometimes pleasant, but always fading. Regardless of whether I say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ I know I’m going to end up back here. If I say ‘yes’ I get to live in a moment where, at the Quest’s culmination, even all the horrors and disappointments become justified and part of a beautiful story because I know we’re destined to come back to this oasis.
(Seventh Layer/Original Question.) How do I continue to have fun and experience enjoyment every day from here on out?
I think if I simply go back and read DAY 48 in this journal blog, fun and enjoyment will find me. It’s a choice. I’ll quote one of my dearest life companions when I say, “We always have a choice. It’s when we forget this choice exists that we put our soul in danger.”
Michael Shoeman
Leaving the Council to Finish This Quest
April 2, 2011
9:45 am
These last two to three weeks of the Quest always go by so quickly. Days 42 through 60 represent the culmination of everything the reason we took the Quest in the first place. How else can you find definitive answers in the first week, live a moment that defines your life in the second week, and then receive a truly meaningful reward on the third week? These are the moments we live for; again, the reason we take the Quest. I’ve never felt more alive and more competent then in these moments. I will need that feeling because on DAY 60 I will be asked to pull off something not “Impossible” but only realizable if I go in completely focused and committed to the highest outcome of my Quest.
This week, which I have called the phase of “Sacrimentor”, has certainly lived up to its promises: a mentor has come through for me in a big way. (And, believe me, I am eternally grateful for this person.) I’ve had to sacrifice my current path to prepare for what I’m now calling “The Big Moment” to come on DAY 60. This “Moment” has become both my psychological center and psychological “edge” as I near the completion of this Quest.
The Climax, which commences next week, is also known as “The Moment of Truth”. Either we go out and take a “big risk” or you can experience a phenomenon, like I have, where “dumb luck” seems to intervene. I don’t believe this to be dumb luck but the natural response of saying “yes” and being committed to the Quest. Had dumb luck intervened before I took this Quest I would not have been ready for the “Big Moment” to come. But now I may approach my own personal Moment of Truth with Conscious Competence.
I have my work cut out for me this week. Luckily, I’ll have a relaxing retreat in western Florida to prepare for my return and the Moment in New York. I have a very ambitious video to edit and produce, I’m designing a one-sheet pitch, and also “rehearsing” how to present my core message in one minute or less with confidence and conviction. I will need to prove, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that I’m ready to present the Destiny 5 Experience in front of 3 million people!
So now I’ll approach my seventh and final question thus concluding the “Sacrimentor” portion of this Quest. For today’s “Question Council” I’ll recruit the services of all the great mentors from fictional stories.
MIKE: How do I continue to have fun and experience enjoyment every day from here on out?
FIRST LAYER/FIRST QUESTION:
GANDALF: A fine question, my boy. It is a clear choice between fear and love. Love, as you know, leads to joy then peace then enlightenment. Since you’ve so expertly articulated the Quest’s development, all the stages, it becomes clear that the sheer knowledge can make it fun and enjoyable. It’s just like performing in a play. Just because you’re playing a character who is experiencing terror doesn’t make being an actor fun for you, correct? With every Dark Night period comes this Sacrimentor period. Knowing that on an emotional level can’t help but pierce the clouds of fear and uncertainty and bring the rays of joy you’re experiencing at this moment.
(First Layer Question.) Why does theater and drama seem to be the key piece of metaphor for you here, Mike? Oh, my apologies. I’ll let Master Yoda answer that question.
SECOND LAYER/SECOND QUESTION:
YODA: Wise question, that was, Master Gandalf. Goes back to one of Mike’s core message, it does. Translate my message from Yoda-ese to English, I will. The people of Earth escape through story - movies, television, fiction, music. It’s a powerful phenomena. How else but through the power of story can one go from desperation to inspiration? Movies and television (which is really theater that can be marketed, packaged and distributed) hold the key to unlocking our highest emotional, and therefore FUNCTIONAL, potential. Mike’s Quest, that is The 21st Century Hero’s Journey, represents turning that same power inward. Instead of giving away our money (and power) to artists giving us the vicarious experience of a story, Mike’s Quest represents giving power to the ACTUAL experience of living a story and having the tangible results to prove this path credible and reliable.
(Second Layer Question.) In what ways will Mike find this enjoyable?
THIRD LAYER/THIRD QUESTION:
DUMBLEDORE: It is enjoyable because it brings the myth to life! They say “myth” is the song of the universe! The tune that’s felt is the emotion the artist wants you to feel. As the artist, Mike wants the listener to experience extreme joy, accomplishment and personal enlightenment. Mike finds enjoyment through this because that’s the song he’s dedicated to playing! Even during the Shadows, Deserts and Dark Nights. It is through the Quest, the Hero’s Journey, the Monomyth that greater frequencies of joy and understanding can be experienced. Mike doesn’t have to create enjoyment, right now he is in the full experience of enjoyment. Why complicate that?
(Third Layer Question.) Why is it the mission of this council to complicate something as simple as joy? Why do we ponder this natural experience?
FOURTH LAYER/FOURTH QUESTION:
MORPHEUS: Because almost everyone in material creation is in a complicated story. It requires a complicated plot to fascinate these people. But the Climax the point of the story is the same: Let go. Allow yourself the fell the joy of creation. We need complicated plots, or mind games, to captivate the American consciousness. We require simplicity to lead them to what they ultimately truly want deep inside. The human being desires above all else to feel intelligent, competent, confidence and the center of their universe. The Quest gives them the experience of being all those things. What is required for true master, for ultimate intelligence and unconscious competence, is to let these egocentric factors go. But the Quest, the complicated story and plotline, serves to attract the human intellect.
(Fourth Layer Question.) What does knowing this information inspire Mike to do today? How does he make useful?
FIFTH LAYER/FIFTH QUESTION:
GLINDA: The fact that Mike shares this knowledge makes him feel good. He knows it doesn’t serve any purpose but the increase the strength and confidence in his own conviction. If these words are what a reader needs to take action, so be it. What it inspires Mike to do is share it with no expectations. He doesn’t expect anyone to read or care about these words until he has become a “public success” - but that doesn’t make these words more valuable. All this information does is allow Mike to have his psychological center as he performs the duties which he was going to do anyway. That will bring the successful conclusion of his Quest.
(Fifth Layer Question.) What does Mike imagine his reader will take from these words?
SIXTH LAYER/SIXTH QUESTION:
ASLAN: If the reader isn’t bored by all this perseverating, Mike would be very surprised. If the reader chooses to appreciate these words then that reader is a truly unique individual indeed. Many human beings have such a short attention span that true words of wisdom go unnoticed, unheeded and, in truth, non-existent in the hypnotized human’s world. These represent a quiet oasis to the initiated reader. Mike doesn’t expect anyone to find this oasis easily. But it is here where the hero experiences rest, rejuvenation and the will to embrace his or her destiny. Though the ego likes to create complicated mazes and labyrinths, the emotional path will always be clear and lead to the center. Even when the eyes deceive, the heart will show the way. Mike images the reader coming to this psychological center if the reader has come this far.
(Sixth Layer Question.) How do we end this chapter? Do we really want to leave this oasis?
SEVENTH LAYER/SEVENTH QUESTION:
MIKE: The answer is very much both ‘yes and no’. ‘No’ in the sense that this kind of wisdom informs me that it’s only pride that pushes me to the culmination of my Quest. My Quest is meaningless if it doesn’t inspire another to take his or her Quest. I always have the option to say ‘No’ because in this oasis, the world is but a half-remembered dream. Sometimes a nightmare, sometimes pleasant, but always fading. Regardless of whether I say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ I know I’m going to end up back here. If I say ‘yes’ I get to live in a moment where, at the Quest’s culmination, even all the horrors and disappointments become justified and part of a beautiful story because I know we’re destined to come back to this oasis.
(Seventh Layer/Original Question.) How do I continue to have fun and experience enjoyment every day from here on out?
I think if I simply go back and read DAY 48 in this journal blog, fun and enjoyment will find me. It’s a choice. I’ll quote one of my dearest life companions when I say, “We always have a choice. It’s when we forget this choice exists that we put our soul in danger.”
Michael Shoeman
Leaving the Council to Finish This Quest
Friday, April 1, 2011
DAY 47: Who Would've Thought The Smurfs Would Have Such Good Advice?
DAY 47: Who Would've Thought The Smurfs Would Have Such Good Advice?
April 1st, 2011
8:46 am
There’s something I wish to disclose and remind my readers today. This blog is a public opening of my thoughts upon taking this Quest. It will appear eccentric - self-indulgent perhaps - but I wanted to provide a candidness into the psychology of a Quest taker. It is not my intention to be politically correct or even a “good writer” through this blog. Merely, I wish to let out the thoughts tumbling through my head as I’m about to reach the apex of this journey.
I must admit my head is spinning today. Without being able to divulge too many details at this time, I have the biggest day of my life coming up on DAY 60 of this Quest! If I succeed in my intentions, I will have national exposure, celebrity endorsements and the ability to run my Destiny 5 Reality Television Experience any where I want for little effort.
But this moment requires a lot from me: To prove that I’m ready to be in front of a national audience will demand my being especially articulate, confident and clear about what I intend to do with my program. That’s a tall order! I’ve been in similar positions before and it’s very easy for nerves to take over. Even after 20+ years of theater training, these moments give me the butterflies!
Why? Because it represents the true crossing in becoming something different. It is a death and rebirth and you feel your very life force pulsating.
Next week represents The Climax of the Quest. Although I won’t be living this Climax until DAYS 60-62, I will be confronting the emotional stakes all next week for my “moment”.
I admit this moment distracts me. I have lots of “everyday work” to accomplish and find that it becomes more difficult to follow through with the simple things I’ve been accustomed to these past 47 Days.
Okay, time to get on with my sixth question and do what must be done.
MIKE: What can I reliably duplicate in each venue to assure a successful turnout and outcome for all Destiny 5 reality television show projects in future cities?
I was enjoying a beautiful moment of childhood nostalgia yesterday. My favorite cartoon as a youngster was The Smurfs. Since I started a cartoon theme yesterday I’ll visit the Smurf village and consult with the high council of most excellent Smurfiness.
FIRST LAYER/FIRST QUESTON:
PAPA SMURF: Welcome, Michael, to our humble village. I would gladly answer your first question. I must say, if your “big moment” is successful then duplication and a successful turnout will happen easily and effortlessly. If it doesn’t work out to your expectations, you will continue to share your video and start meetup sites for an urban population and a suburban population. That’s the only way you can find out if what you’re planning is able to be duplicated.
(First Layer Question.) Our greatest concern is: what happens to you after the “big moment”? What is Mike learning about himself at this crucial point in the Quest?
SECOND LAYER/SECOND QUESTION:
SMURFETTE: Oooo, I’m so glad Mike is considering such profound, earth-shattering questions amongst us Smurfs! After Mike’s “big moment” he will have to return to the “real world”, regardless of the outcome. He has learned that this is the moment for him to have this moment. What he knows now that he couldn’t have known before is that an opportunity like this would have changed with for the worse. Mike wouldn’t have been ready for this moment before he decided to take this Quest. He knows he would have been selfish, irritable, distracted and corrupt had this opportunity fell in his lap before he chose to take this Quest. Unfortunately, he would’ve failed because of these overwhelming emotional factors. But today, because he had taken on this Quest, he is in full awareness of his limitations and vulnerabilities. This is who he is today: a man ready to take on the climatic moments because he is aware of who he could have turned into.
(Second Layer Question.) What will Mike do differently now that he knows this information?
THIRD LAYER/THIRD QUESTION:
BRAINY: The best advice comes from Brainy Smurf. And Brainy Smurf says that Mike will stay realistic about his limitations. Because of this information, Mike will prepare for his “big moment” as if he were rehearsing for a final performance. He knows that “repetition is the mother of skill” and that all aspects of the Quest now define him. He’s a child when it comes to dreaming. (Origins) Mike is sensitive and responsive to those forces which oppose him. (Shadows) He knows when to ask for help and how to give of himself with no selfish motives. (Helping Hands) Mike has trained himself to raise his emotions no matter what the circumstance (Desert) He knows the core power in his message is to show others how to raise an annual income in 60 days. (Plot Twist) Mike is reliable and trustworthy to be someone in their darkest hour. (Dark Night) Finally he can make sense of all this information (Sacrimentor) in order to meet one’s moment of truth. (Climax) What Mike will do differently now that he knows this information is prove himself through action. He knows that he’s crossed the threshold. This “big moment” is the proof of his Quest movement. It’s like a scene in a movie except the Final Take is for real.
(Third Layer Question.) How does this information come into play when Mike considers his upcoming national tour?
FOURTH LAYER/FOURTH QUESTION:
HEFTY: Mike has found his voice. Everything up until now should be considered “rehearsal”. All the writing in this blog, all the training up until this point, all of the amateurish efforts have culminated into one message: “I have the power to put you in a real-life movie today!” When you get past the diversions: the special effects, the big name stars, all the egos - the appeal of a movie is the characters who tell a compelling story. Mike has a program that represents the epitome of this. What works on the national tour will be the appeal of the “movie-making process” without the complications. No one can understand going through this rite of passage until you say “Yes” to the Quest. Mike has opened a very powerful door to one’s destiny. From now on, regardless of the “Big Moment” outcome, Mike can communicate the power of this Moment whenever he communicates to someone the details of his national tour.
(Fourth Layer Question.) In spite of all this power happening below the surface, why is Mike frustrated with the Quest’s results outside of this Big Moment?
FIFTH LAYER/FIFTH QUESTION
HANDY: Mike is realizing that he’s tired of playing small (even though he chose to visit the Smurf village today.) He has a big destiny to fulfill and only wants the answers that will accomplish this destiny. As the “Big Moment” approaches, he can no longer go back to the past; it no longer serves him. It is like a death, which is what the Sacrimentor phase also represents. Campbell described Apotheosis as the appearance of death, a time of rejuvenation, retreat and a state of spiritual bliss before the hero returns to attain the boon of the Quest. Mike is seeing there is bigger calling for him than even he anticipated. This is very much like a death because his “old life” will never be fulfilling. There’s only one way to go and that’s forward.
When people aren’t responding, showing up, or joining the meetups it represents to Mike that, on the whole, people aren’t playing for real. Mike wishes to die to his “small” self who had catered to people who don’t want to realize their fullest potential. He still wants to be a “nice guy” and help whomever he can, but not at the cost of his fullest, deepest and sincerest commitment to the “Big Moment”.
(Fifth Layer Question.) What must Mike do to fully embrace his calling?
SIXTH LAYER/SIXTH QUESTION:
DREAMY: There’s no way he can’t embrace it at this point. The ball is rolling and can’t be stopped. Throughout this Quest, Mike was pushing the round boulder up the mountain. He has reached the summit and the boulder is about to tip! Once it does the momentum will take Mike along with it. All he has to do now is say “Yes.”
MIKE: Yes.
(Sixth Layer Question.) How can Mike begin to be the master of two worlds knowing this?
SEVENTH LAYER/SEVENTH QUESTION:
MIKE: I can accomplish this by holding true to my Quest and being honest in my communications. I know my life hangs in the balance now and I’ve taken a bigger risk than I even wish to admit to myself. After considering the possibilities of what could happen on DAY 60, I’m never going to be the same again. It’s time to admit this to myself and be generous to myself with praise as I consider how I’m playing this game. And it is a game…just one played with all my creative essence.
(Seventh Layer/Original Question.)
What can I reliably duplicate in each venue to assure a successful turnout and outcome for all Destiny 5 reality television show projects in future cities?
Upon reflecting on this question I know DAY 60 will have to answer this for me. I’m ready mind, body and spirit to embody the power I will need to summon. DAY 60 could give me the simple answer - “Build it and they will come.” If DAY 60 doesn’t reach my expectations then the answer will be “Use this new found power to communicate your deeper message.” This doesn’t seem like a solid answer yet, but I know it’s the correct one as time will tell me the definitive answer.
I have to go. Jokey Smurf says he has a "surprise" for me. Whatever it is, I'm sure it will be "explosive".
Standing on the edge,
Michael Shoeman
April 1st, 2011
8:46 am
There’s something I wish to disclose and remind my readers today. This blog is a public opening of my thoughts upon taking this Quest. It will appear eccentric - self-indulgent perhaps - but I wanted to provide a candidness into the psychology of a Quest taker. It is not my intention to be politically correct or even a “good writer” through this blog. Merely, I wish to let out the thoughts tumbling through my head as I’m about to reach the apex of this journey.
I must admit my head is spinning today. Without being able to divulge too many details at this time, I have the biggest day of my life coming up on DAY 60 of this Quest! If I succeed in my intentions, I will have national exposure, celebrity endorsements and the ability to run my Destiny 5 Reality Television Experience any where I want for little effort.
But this moment requires a lot from me: To prove that I’m ready to be in front of a national audience will demand my being especially articulate, confident and clear about what I intend to do with my program. That’s a tall order! I’ve been in similar positions before and it’s very easy for nerves to take over. Even after 20+ years of theater training, these moments give me the butterflies!
Why? Because it represents the true crossing in becoming something different. It is a death and rebirth and you feel your very life force pulsating.
Next week represents The Climax of the Quest. Although I won’t be living this Climax until DAYS 60-62, I will be confronting the emotional stakes all next week for my “moment”.
I admit this moment distracts me. I have lots of “everyday work” to accomplish and find that it becomes more difficult to follow through with the simple things I’ve been accustomed to these past 47 Days.
Okay, time to get on with my sixth question and do what must be done.
MIKE: What can I reliably duplicate in each venue to assure a successful turnout and outcome for all Destiny 5 reality television show projects in future cities?
I was enjoying a beautiful moment of childhood nostalgia yesterday. My favorite cartoon as a youngster was The Smurfs. Since I started a cartoon theme yesterday I’ll visit the Smurf village and consult with the high council of most excellent Smurfiness.
FIRST LAYER/FIRST QUESTON:
PAPA SMURF: Welcome, Michael, to our humble village. I would gladly answer your first question. I must say, if your “big moment” is successful then duplication and a successful turnout will happen easily and effortlessly. If it doesn’t work out to your expectations, you will continue to share your video and start meetup sites for an urban population and a suburban population. That’s the only way you can find out if what you’re planning is able to be duplicated.
(First Layer Question.) Our greatest concern is: what happens to you after the “big moment”? What is Mike learning about himself at this crucial point in the Quest?
SECOND LAYER/SECOND QUESTION:
SMURFETTE: Oooo, I’m so glad Mike is considering such profound, earth-shattering questions amongst us Smurfs! After Mike’s “big moment” he will have to return to the “real world”, regardless of the outcome. He has learned that this is the moment for him to have this moment. What he knows now that he couldn’t have known before is that an opportunity like this would have changed with for the worse. Mike wouldn’t have been ready for this moment before he decided to take this Quest. He knows he would have been selfish, irritable, distracted and corrupt had this opportunity fell in his lap before he chose to take this Quest. Unfortunately, he would’ve failed because of these overwhelming emotional factors. But today, because he had taken on this Quest, he is in full awareness of his limitations and vulnerabilities. This is who he is today: a man ready to take on the climatic moments because he is aware of who he could have turned into.
(Second Layer Question.) What will Mike do differently now that he knows this information?
THIRD LAYER/THIRD QUESTION:
BRAINY: The best advice comes from Brainy Smurf. And Brainy Smurf says that Mike will stay realistic about his limitations. Because of this information, Mike will prepare for his “big moment” as if he were rehearsing for a final performance. He knows that “repetition is the mother of skill” and that all aspects of the Quest now define him. He’s a child when it comes to dreaming. (Origins) Mike is sensitive and responsive to those forces which oppose him. (Shadows) He knows when to ask for help and how to give of himself with no selfish motives. (Helping Hands) Mike has trained himself to raise his emotions no matter what the circumstance (Desert) He knows the core power in his message is to show others how to raise an annual income in 60 days. (Plot Twist) Mike is reliable and trustworthy to be someone in their darkest hour. (Dark Night) Finally he can make sense of all this information (Sacrimentor) in order to meet one’s moment of truth. (Climax) What Mike will do differently now that he knows this information is prove himself through action. He knows that he’s crossed the threshold. This “big moment” is the proof of his Quest movement. It’s like a scene in a movie except the Final Take is for real.
(Third Layer Question.) How does this information come into play when Mike considers his upcoming national tour?
FOURTH LAYER/FOURTH QUESTION:
HEFTY: Mike has found his voice. Everything up until now should be considered “rehearsal”. All the writing in this blog, all the training up until this point, all of the amateurish efforts have culminated into one message: “I have the power to put you in a real-life movie today!” When you get past the diversions: the special effects, the big name stars, all the egos - the appeal of a movie is the characters who tell a compelling story. Mike has a program that represents the epitome of this. What works on the national tour will be the appeal of the “movie-making process” without the complications. No one can understand going through this rite of passage until you say “Yes” to the Quest. Mike has opened a very powerful door to one’s destiny. From now on, regardless of the “Big Moment” outcome, Mike can communicate the power of this Moment whenever he communicates to someone the details of his national tour.
(Fourth Layer Question.) In spite of all this power happening below the surface, why is Mike frustrated with the Quest’s results outside of this Big Moment?
FIFTH LAYER/FIFTH QUESTION
HANDY: Mike is realizing that he’s tired of playing small (even though he chose to visit the Smurf village today.) He has a big destiny to fulfill and only wants the answers that will accomplish this destiny. As the “Big Moment” approaches, he can no longer go back to the past; it no longer serves him. It is like a death, which is what the Sacrimentor phase also represents. Campbell described Apotheosis as the appearance of death, a time of rejuvenation, retreat and a state of spiritual bliss before the hero returns to attain the boon of the Quest. Mike is seeing there is bigger calling for him than even he anticipated. This is very much like a death because his “old life” will never be fulfilling. There’s only one way to go and that’s forward.
When people aren’t responding, showing up, or joining the meetups it represents to Mike that, on the whole, people aren’t playing for real. Mike wishes to die to his “small” self who had catered to people who don’t want to realize their fullest potential. He still wants to be a “nice guy” and help whomever he can, but not at the cost of his fullest, deepest and sincerest commitment to the “Big Moment”.
(Fifth Layer Question.) What must Mike do to fully embrace his calling?
SIXTH LAYER/SIXTH QUESTION:
DREAMY: There’s no way he can’t embrace it at this point. The ball is rolling and can’t be stopped. Throughout this Quest, Mike was pushing the round boulder up the mountain. He has reached the summit and the boulder is about to tip! Once it does the momentum will take Mike along with it. All he has to do now is say “Yes.”
MIKE: Yes.
(Sixth Layer Question.) How can Mike begin to be the master of two worlds knowing this?
SEVENTH LAYER/SEVENTH QUESTION:
MIKE: I can accomplish this by holding true to my Quest and being honest in my communications. I know my life hangs in the balance now and I’ve taken a bigger risk than I even wish to admit to myself. After considering the possibilities of what could happen on DAY 60, I’m never going to be the same again. It’s time to admit this to myself and be generous to myself with praise as I consider how I’m playing this game. And it is a game…just one played with all my creative essence.
(Seventh Layer/Original Question.)
What can I reliably duplicate in each venue to assure a successful turnout and outcome for all Destiny 5 reality television show projects in future cities?
Upon reflecting on this question I know DAY 60 will have to answer this for me. I’m ready mind, body and spirit to embody the power I will need to summon. DAY 60 could give me the simple answer - “Build it and they will come.” If DAY 60 doesn’t reach my expectations then the answer will be “Use this new found power to communicate your deeper message.” This doesn’t seem like a solid answer yet, but I know it’s the correct one as time will tell me the definitive answer.
I have to go. Jokey Smurf says he has a "surprise" for me. Whatever it is, I'm sure it will be "explosive".
Standing on the edge,
Michael Shoeman
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