Lifestyles – Robert Rabbin

Archive of ‘Lifestyles’ category

09
Apr
2016

The 5 Principles of Authentic Living

categories: Authentic Living, Lifestyles

I would like to share with you The 5 Principles of Authentic Living, which represent nearly 50 years of self-study and self-expression.

The first led to self-realization based on direct experience; the second led to unfettered forms of actualizing that realization in the world.

These five principles comprise 10 simple words: two words per principle. They are my scripture, the profoundly holy and profusely practical book I use to guide me along the pathless path of an authentic life. The value of this book isn’t so much in the reading of it (10 words, after all, doesn’t take long), but in the doing of it.

Embodiment. The value of these 10 words is in direct proportion to the degree we embody them. (more…)

22
Dec
2015

Here’s to a New Year Full of the Good Kind of Crazy

categories: Lifestyles, Society & Culture

I wrote this last year and posted it as we cruised into 2015. All things considered, I think I’ll offer this again. Here’s to the “good” kind of crazy. Lord knows, there’s too much of the “bad” kind of crazy.

I wanted to post something going into the New Year, something short and focused on a single relevant and meaningful theme, something to reflect an as-yet wordless feeling inside me that wanted to come out. Nothing saccharine or sentimental; rather, something with a bit of bite, an irregular edge. So, I began to wait for something to appear. Sometimes, when I’m in this receptive phase of composing, something from outside will appear, something that someone else has said or written, and it fills me with, “Yes, that’s it.” I figure I don’t always have to come up with the goods; as long as I can attract and appreciate the thing I would otherwise write. I like finding things that strike me as being profound in unexpected places. (more…)

25
Aug
2015

Comedienne Tig Notaro Gives A Masterclass In Speaking Truthfully

categories: Lifestyles, Social Transformation, Society & Culture, Speaking Truthfully, Speaking Truthfully AWARD

I have created the Speaking Truthfully Award to recognize and honor people who exemplify and embody Speaking Truthfully principles and practices.

I always do my best to embody essential principles of Speaking Truthfully; I have to. Otherwise, who would want to learn from me? But my embodiment is just one of myriad ways the Speaking Truthfully principles — including integrity, vulnerability, transparency, intimacy, connection, honesty — can be demonstrated. I am always on the lookout for other manifestations of these principles. Holy mother of god, did I find one.

Last night, Saturday, August 22, I watched comedienne Tig Notaro’s HBO special, “Boyish Girl Interrupted.” I cannot remember ever seeing a more startling display of vulnerability, courage, and, well — do yourself a favor and read about, here.

Click here to read more about Tig Notaro.

20
Aug
2015

The Village Where Men are Banned

categories: Lifestyles, People, Social Transformation, Society & Culture, Spirituality & Religion

In a recent interview with Larry King on Ora TV’s PoliticKing, the Dalai Lama, the face of Tibetan Buddhism and one of the planet’s most recognized spiritual leaders, said that the world is in need of more women as leaders.

“According to scientists, women have more sensitivity than men. Sometimes I really feel that more women should take responsibility in the leadership of our planet. It would mean less violence,” his Holiness Tenzin Gyatso, the 14^th Dalai Lama, said.

These words echoed in my mind as I read the following article on The Guardian by Julie Bindel, entitled “The Village Where Men are Banned.” (more…)

15
Jul
2015

How Privileged Are You?

categories: Lifestyles, Society & Culture

I often take my privilages for granted; in doing so, the filters through which I see the world are skewed. I don’t see as clearly as I might. And then I don’t see those people with less, or no, privileges as clearly as I might. My empathy shrivels. I risk not seeing what I should see; not doing what I should do.

I turn on the faucet, I get purified water. I flip a switch, I get light. My food is kept cold in my refrigerator. When I want more, I drive to the store. Maybe I get gas on the way. My oncologist is the director of oncology at a world-famous hospital. I do not worry about land mines, rockets, or drones as I walk along the street in my Beachwood Canyon neighborhood. The garbage collectors come every Friday morning. I am white and reasonably well educated; I’m not at high risk of being arrested or shot. I have high-speed internet and a landline and cell phone, all of which work all the time. (more…)

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