Six Words to Change Your Life

From Dan Millman, author of ‘Way of the Peaceful Warrior’

Photo by nappy at Pexels

Back in the 1990’s, Dan Millman’s book ‘Way of the Peaceful Warrior’ had a big impact on me. This inspirational and hugely influential book had been around since 1980 but they say you get what you need when you need it, so it was over ten years before I came across this gem and it helped change my life.

At the time, I was struggling with feelings of anger, rage, frustration and hopelessness. Dan’s message of gentle strength, peace and courage helped pick me up and turn me around.

Since then, Millman has penned sixteen other books, but it’s this first book, ‘Way of the Peaceful Warrior,’ which had the biggest influence on me.

To many, the term ‘peaceful warrior’ might seem like an oxymoron, but it refers to the archetypal ideal of one who embodies the fearless courage and indomitable determination of a warrior, coupled with a peaceful heart, relaxed outlook and an attitude of non-violence.

Over the years, I’ve strived to embody the qualities of a peaceful warrior. Many times, I’ve strayed off course and allowed anger, hatred or fear to control my mind and my actions.

But always, I come back to this peaceful warrior’s wisdom.

Just recently I came across a short video from Dan Millman in which he talks about a time when he met a young man in the street. This stranger recognised Dan, had read his book and, like me and thousands of others, had been touched and inspired by it.

He knew Dan did consultations to help people reach their fuller potential, but he was a poor college student with next to no spare cash. Boldly, he asked Millman to impart some small piece of wisdom in return for a dollar.

Graciously, Dan accepted the student’s dollar and gave him six words to live by.

“These six words could actually change your life,” said Dan.

What were the six words?

“Here and now, breath and relax”

That’s it. So simple, yet so life-changing.

The world is increasingly filled with more and more advice, techniques and methods, many of them contradicting each other…