Suggested Uses

People do things for different reasons. First there may be a foundation, then a building, then decorating. Each is a part of one work. The methods may change, even be adapted differently over time or due to changing needs or emphasis. Just as a structure can be used originally for one purpose and then another, so too with this work and its components

Originally used as a method for assistance and guidance of a small group of people, it was developed for use by many. This required re-ordering and selection. Later, explanation and extension toward function and process was needed; as was the correlation to various systems, terms, and descriptions. Now, later, both a harmonizing of the first two are needed as is a continuance in usage and expression of feeling, able to be touched or caught in another manner.

Thus we have the framework grow from particular to general; expanded; blended and continued. In all these cases, inspiration guided the work and correlated it. This was not so much a result of personal decisions, choices, or intents, as it was the one intent and being expressing through various forms using different methods or approaches, for one coordinated work.

There are thousands, practically limitless ways in which this work now can be approached. I will offer only one. If you do something different, I only ask that you attempt to do it as a result of real guidance rather than personal choice.

Use this work as a means to experience the perspective, realization, intent, and truth behind and through the words. Each person writing had experience. Attempt to catch the breath and feeling of each one. Then go further, using this as a stepping stone or ladder to the reality from which it came and to which it points. In the course of doing this, you will have the opportunity and process of both looking through these others' eyes and feeling through their heart. Lose "yourself" if you can in this being. Breath is the connection.

The way is this. Take some time in the morning to focus on - concentrate, contemplate, meditate - the Saying. Sometime in the middle of the day, read the saying again and then the Complement. Focus on the complement. In the evening, re-read both the saying and complement and then focus on the Harmony. Try to experience the reality of which all three refer - as great as you have capacity for. Finally, try to put into practice what you have gained. You will find, in many cases, that the writings themselves are practices or contain within them practices. Follow them as best you can.

There is then a question of where to start - especially if it is not January 1 when you first take on this practice. I suggest that for this purpose, start at January 1 anyway. These sayings are ordered in a manner that each tends to build upon the previous ones. Thus starting from the beginning will, in this usage, be generally more effective than starting in the middle - regardless of other benefits. This is why the sayings are numbered sequentially in addition to by date. Start at number 1 and go to the end. Finally, I would strongly suggest that you try to actually get through them all. Make it a practice for a year. You will have greater benefit from that, at least for this purpose, then approaching them or working with them piecemeal or by other means. I would suggest in this regard, that you will find it easier to do this if you establish some rhythm or harmony in time of day and possibly even place, that works regularly and easily for you.

Matt Lippa - 2004