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The Razor’s Edge Newsletter

For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

by Peter Ragnar

Roaring Lion Publishing


Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“How to Make Healthy Decisions”


by Peter Ragnar

When it comes to making major decisions in life, people


often feel out-of-sorts with themselves. Some just freeze
and do nothing. Others lunge forward blindly out of sheer
frustration.

To freeze and do nothing is an attempt to stop the action, to release the pressure of
decision-making. And to lunge forward blindly is just a different way of surrendering
to the pressure. Can you imagine the long-term effects this behavior can have on your
major life-altering decisions?

Ragnar’s Razor
“Major life altering decisions...” of the Day
An escape from the pressure created by two or more "The walls of the
alternatives is basically an escape from using our mind. comfort zone encase
To never venture out beyond the confines of our comfort
the soul in a straight
zone is simply another way to shrink our world. The walls
of the comfort zone encase the soul in a straight jacket jacket of confinement."
of confinement. Sadly, every so often we see the elderly
fearful of even leaving their room or apartment. The Points of Interest:
sheer terror of not being able to trust their mind Save!
has paralyzed decision-making. On Package Deals

Some people base decisions on feelings. Others agonize


over the smallest detail. One is a bouncing ball, the other
concrete. Neither one is productive.

Now you might object, “Some people have worldly


success and others do not. Didn’t the successful ones
make better decisions?” On the surface it appears so. But
consider the possibility of this true-ism; “nothing fails
like success.” To make a major life decision to enter The Longevity Package


a career that eats up your life force, and at the end of Points of Interest:
that career spits you out as a wrinkled skin bag of
wasted flesh, is indeed a suicidal decision. Whether you
decided on a whim to study medicine, high finance or
political science, or you methodically planned each step
from grade school matters little. The end results are
everything.

“So how do you make a decision?”

Toss a coin! No I’m not joking. If two things have equal


The Success Package
value it is a simple this or that decision. Not all decisions
are this easy to arrive at. Say, item one is heads and
item two is tails. When heads comes up—meaning
yes, go with this, and you feel strongly that it should
have been tails your sub-conscious has just exerted its
influence. Why? Because your major purpose or world
view is speaking. If you hold the preservation of life as
your highest value—go with tails—you’ll win every
time.

Now here’s a more analytical approach. Say, you want to


purchase a home. Give each benefit a percentile rating of
1 to 10; 10 being a strong benefit and 1 being of little or
no benefit. Let us say you’ve come up with 5 categories
of benefits you really want. Now simply tally up your
score with each house you consider buying. The one with
the highest score gets bought.

Here is an even simpler way to do it. Fold a piece


of paper in half. In column 1 list the benefits and
advantages of house number 1. In column 2, do likewise
for house number 2. Now, which column has the most?
You just made a decision.

Define your best interests, identify your highest values,


consciously re-state your passion for life, and you’ll be
astounded as your garden of blessings flower about you.

May you be blessed with great decisions!

Roaring Lion Publishing 800-491-7141 roaringlionpublishing.com 


All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“Creating a Lucky Personality”


by Peter Ragnar

Are you lucky? Well of course you are! How else would
this newsletter find you? As a lucky person, you attract
people, circumstances. and resources to you that
make your dreams come true! Many people falsely
believe that success is luck without realizing that success is actually the applied science
of luck. There are some specific personality traits that lucky people tend to express.
While not every lucky person exhibits all of these personality traits, and everyone has
a mixed bag of them, I would encourage you to develop as many of them as you can.
Think of this as your "Luck Makeover".

Ragnar’s Razor
Lucky Personality Traits... of the Day
• Having A Sense of Humor Lucky people don't take “When you start
themselves too seriously. Humorous people see the winning, you will
world differently from non-humorous people, and they
continue winning until
tend to have better luck precisely because of their
different viewpoint. They don't allow trivial events to you doubt the process.”
tense them up. Tension blinds us to opportunity.
A sense of personal playfulness is a ticket to good Points of Interest:
fortune.

• Positive Expectation A feeling of optimism is


a prerequisite for good fortune. I believe your
outer world is the material manifestation of your
inner world, a reflection of your honest internal
expectations. Expectations form attitudes, which
determine behaviors and thus choices. Right choices
result in luck.

• The Attitude of Gratitude Gratitude is a way of The Awesome


sincerely saying "thank you" for your good fortune. Science of Luck
As you look for the good things in life, you'll find Book and Free DVD!


them; as you find them, you'll realize you are blessed Points of Interest:
by them. Learning to say "thank you" is a way of
attracting good luck.

• Generosity The most successful people I know are


the most generous. Generosity is a major component
of becoming lucky because helping other people get
what they want is the premise upon which all success
rests.

• A Relaxed Sense of Urgency There is an inner sense 12,500 GAUSS


of eagerness that has a certain spontaneous quality. MAGNETIC
Lucky people have a hearty willingness and promptness THUNDERBALLS—5lb
to act on opportunity. Responding to an opportunity —used with The Art
is called luck! & Science of Physical
Invincibility
• Observant Naturally, before you can act, you must
be able to see. If you are mentally asleep, you'll be
blind to the countless opportunities passing you
each day. Many people have stopped seeing, looking,
or observing— they wait for someone else to point out
opportunities to them. Of course, by then it's too late—
some lucky observant soul has beaten them to the
prize.

• Immune to Rejection The luckiest people I know


are unaffected by the past and immune to rejection. 12,500 GAUSS
There are always some disenfranchised souls who will MAGNETIC
be ready to rain on your parade, if you let them; fearful THUNDERBALLS —2.5lb
little creatures whose only joy in life is tearing others —used with the Art
down and ripping up their dreams. All courageous and & Science of Physical
lucky souls must deal with the people in the dark who Invincilility
never venture beyond the fence of chance. They know
that good fortune will smile as long as they go forward
into the light of luminous possibilities.

I could tell you so many stories of incredible luck that it


would fill volumes. The point is this: Luck creates Luck.
When you start winning, you will continue winning until
you doubt the process.

Good luck to you! May you always be a winner!

Roaring Lion Publishing 800-491-7141 roaringlionpublishing.com 


All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“Your Mood Determines


What Happens To You”
by Peter Ragnar

What kind of life would you be enjoying if you always


stayed in a positive space? What if you could
always remain calm, cheerful, and optimistic in difficult
circumstances when those around you were losing it?
What if you could be the complete master of your moods? Do you think this might
vastly change the quality of every aspect of your life? You bet it would!

So, what might be the problem in accomplishing such a sublime state? Let me
provide you with a graphic example from the past. There was a period of my life
decades ago when I worked as an ironworker. You can just imagine what it might take
to walk a six-inch beam at dizzying heights without a safety net—the penalty for
failure was certain to be death! What qualities had to remain intact? These are the
very same qualities that you and I need in order to stay in a positive and prosperous
relationship with life. They are balance, concentration, and courage.

Balance, Concentration, Ragnar’s Razor


and Courage... of the Day
Balance means that you are not pulled off center to the “Concentration is
left or the right. Balance means holding a firm and the key you use to
steady course. In today’s world of instant information,
open the lock on the
we can feel inundated by the crashing waves of news. It
is so easy to overreact and lose balance. Suddenly, your treasure chest of life.”
mood changes. As it does, what happens to you makes
sense only too clearly. Your dominant mood will Points of Interest:
always predict your future. Negative moods always
reflect imbalanced positions. Lose your balance and
you’ll tumble to the ground. Maintain your balance by
not letting criticism or negative news distract you 3,950 GAUSS 1”
from your goals and you won’t fail or fall. Isn’t this MAGNETS —Powerful
the best position for you to take? Healing! right under
your feet!


Concentrate on what you want, not on what you don’t Points of Interest:
want. This means never, ever saying anything you do
not sincerely want to come true. I remember only
too well how much energy this vigil requires. It requires
that you become a constant witness of your thoughts,
emotions, and behavior. One thing is absolutely certain:
lose your concentration and you will fall and severely
hurt yourself. Maintain laser-like concentration and
you can ask this opulent reality for anything your
heart desires. Concentration is the key you use to open
the lock on the treasure chest of life. Doesn’t it make
good sense to use it?

Courage comes from the Latin root word cor, which


means heart. You’ve probably seen the hit movie Rocky.
In this movie, no matter what was thrown at the boxer, in
or out of the ring, he never gave up. We were inspired by
his heart and courage. Rocky’s heart was in his goals, and
he never gave up. I want you to be like Rocky and never, The Unveiled Mystery
ever surrender your goals. Never let your heart’s of Self-Mastery
passion, your fire, go out. Never allow your dreams to Discover the Keys to
be reduced to cold, dead ashes that blow away in Concentration
the wind. If you do, a part of you has just died.

Discouragement is literally a loss of heart. When your


heart is no longer in your dreams, hopes, and aspirations,
courage has gone away. Discord means away from
the heart (dis=away, cor=heart). Can you see why it’s so
important to stay in the right space? It just makes sense,
doesn’t it, to associate with people who can share
and support your high ideals and the quest for a lofty,
luminous life?

When you choose to associate with people who embrace


an opulent reality, their balance, concentration, and
courage reinforce your own commitment to excellence.
This prosperity mastermind alliance powerfully improves
your mood, and this potent positive charge commands The Magic Man
that only good things happen to you. Might this be a Wonderful stories about
beneficial subject to entertain more deeply? Just give "The Magic Man"
us a call or email us—we’re always happy to talk to you. written by friends
To Your Opulent Reality, of Peter.

P.S. I’m always here for you.


Roaring Lion Publishing 800-491-7141 roaringlionpublishing.com 
All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“Food, Friends, and Folly”


by Peter Ragnar

George Bernard Shaw stated in 1903, "There is no love


sincerer than the love of food." For some people food is
as tasty as a kiss. Come between a person and their
food and often the reaction will be as sound as coming
between a man and his wife.

That's one of the fastest ways to destroy a friendship.

None of us like to be told what to do— even if the advice is beneficial. Over the
years I've lost more friends over corrective suggestions than I have from any display
of my own personality flaws. Actually, giving advice can be a personality flaw
in itself. That's why being viewed as a teacher or mentor is a very dangerous role to
assume.

“We tend to dislike others Ragnar’s Razor


who don’t share our flaws... of the Day
"Friendship is seldom lasting but between equals, “Make appointments
or where the superiority on one side is reduced by
for others and you’re
some equivalent advantage on the other." wrote Samuel
Johnson way back in 1750. Well, the truth of Johnson's apt to find yourself
words still ring true today. As an example, pointing disappointed.”
out the damages of smoking or consuming junk food
immediately puts you in a position of superiority (if you
don't have those bad habits.) We tend to dislike people Points of Interest:
who don't share our flaws and congregate with those
who do— to our own folly.

Nobody likes a crusader or reformer no matter how


correct their views may be. The bottom line is: The
means do determine the ends. To coerce a friend to
adopt your way of living, your diet preferences, your
passion for health is often a way to lose that person as a
friend. Individuals must be respected for the decisions 12,500 Gauss Rare Earth
made of their own volition— never the ones forced Magnetic Headband
upon them. —Healing and ESP


While I've been a strong and vocal advocate for an
organic live food diet, I realize only too painfully
that my passion can alienate others. While folks will
give this diet a try for a while and then go back to their
old ways of eating— the feeling of failure and personal
rejection is often directed at the proponent of the diet.
Communication is severed and replaced by silence.
The coffin is sealed, and friendship is buried. Make
appointments for others and you're apt to find yourself
disappointed.

This is why I say— you don't have to be a 100%


raw foodist. Simply do the best you can to improve
your diet— even if all you do is take baby steps. It is
YOUR LIFE isn't it? I don't make food a religion— I
only look for results that benefit the love and passion
I have for life. If you voluntarily conclude that your life
is worth living, that you as person are worth improving,
and you have a passion for presenting to the world one
improved human unit— then please call me your
friend.

William Cobbett said, "All men seek the society of those


who think and act somewhat like themselves." I realize
only too poignantly how small the circle can be for the
seeker of human excellence— yet this is a circle
without walls and all are welcome within its protection.

In our mutual pursuit of excellence,

Roaring Lion Publishing 800-491-7141 roaringlionpublishing.com 


All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“How Psychic Are You?”


by Peter Ragnar

If you are psychic and still have problems, just how


psychic are you? Naturally, we all grow in installments.
We have both natural perceptions and trained
perceptions. However, as with gifted athletes, natural
propensity or talent doesn’t eliminate the need for training. Even an untalented athlete
who trains very hard can beat an athlete who, despite natural talent, refuses to train.
Bear in mind that the drive is the talent!

“You can train yourself to Ragnar’s Razor


spot opportunities...” of the Day
You can train yourself to spot opportunities. People “What you want wants
who avail themselves of a beneficial opportunity are you, and is rushing
always deemed lucky by others. In fact, I’m always
to meet you.”
astounded by how some people appear to be blind to
opportunity.
Points of Interest:
Take two people walking down the street. One person
sees a five-dollar bill lying on the sidewalk; the other
person blindly walks right past it. What was the defining
quality that allowed one person to be lucky and the
other person to miss? Perception.

The actual difference between the two people is not


as much in the ability to see as it is in expectation.
Lucky people expect fortuitous events to take place.

Don’t you think that your perceptive ability will be


heightened if you expect to be lucky? Yes, your Magneurol6-S /
powers of observation will be keener. Remember, Improved memory,
observation is heightened by expectation. Faster thinking,
Clearer thought!

In my Opulent Reality Symposium and Prosperity
ESP Events that we hold across the country, I share
these insights with my friends. They are known as the
Prosperity Mastermind Alliance.

Goal setting is clear seeing, or clairvoyance. As you


set goals, you create an intention to receive your
desired result. The more clearly you can picture your
goal, the faster it will manifest.

Like I’ve said many times before, “What you want wants
you, and it is rushing to meet you.”

Much Love and Success,

Roaring Lion Publishing 800-491-7141 roaringlionpublishing.com 


All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“Don't Allow Others to Rain


On Your Parade”
by Peter Ragnar

Did you ever have a dream, a secret goal? Let's say the
deepest desire of your heart was perhaps to write
a book, play on stage, or maybe sail your own sailboat
around the world. I suppose the actual description isn't as important as the fact that
this was your goal, your desire, your dream. It is one you formulated to fit you and
your psychological makeup. But, now the moment you openly express your white
fire hot passion to pursue your dream some officious and fastidious soul slaps you with
a cold towel.

With your enthusiasm dampened you actually begin to wonder if you should be more
cautious. "Maybe I'm not capable enough. Maybe I don't posses enough knowledge.
Maybe I don't have the needed courage. Maybe I should play it safe. After all I could
fail, make a mistake, and then the whole world would laugh at me! " Take it from me:
The world is just too busy to notice and if they did, it really wouldn't matter
anyway.

“Are You Brave Enough to Ragnar’s Razor


Bare Your Soul?” of the Day
What just happened? The critic armed with a quiver “If I had listened to
of sharp arrows just shot down your dream. If you my critics, I would
listened to all the critics in your life—you’d never run a
have never had the
race, play a game, strive for a promotion, sing in public,
change your job, move, or fall in love! And there are courage to openly
10,000 other things you wouldn’t attempt. dance, laugh, and cry
authentically from the
And don’t think I don’t know about the pain of failure like core of my being .”
everyone else. Yes, it stings. And believe me—I have
critics shooting at me every day—pointing out errors
in speech, production, writing or its content. However,
since this is all a very natural behavioral process of the


animals in the human jungle, I take it all in stride and Points of Interest:
see what I can learn from it.

If I can in some way spare you the misfortune of


seeing your dreams crash and burn by listening to the
caviling, carping, niggling critic who just shot your
hopes out of the sky—then in some self-satisfying way I
can say touché.

Actually I must sheepishly admit—if I were aware of all


I didn’t know about the English language, I probably
would have never written a book, a poem, or a song.
In fact—if I’d listened to my English teachers (who to
my knowledge never wrote a book, a poem, or a song,)
I’d be trapped in the same quagmire of convention by
which millions of people have allowed themselves to
be imprisoned. Gnarled Tree Ancient
Shade:
If I had listened to my critics, I would have never Musings On The Way
had the courage to openly dance, laugh, and cry
authentically from the core of my being. Or for that
matter to experience contrition without being destroyed
by it. Are you brave enough to bare your soul?
When the eggs of your dreams hatch, your hopes and
desires are exposed to the light of day. Protect them,
but don’t hide them. Now it’s time for your dreams to
interact with those of others.

You may find this poem relevant. (Included in my book


Gnarled Tree, Ancient Shade)

“Said the flower to the butterfly (a case much like you


and I)” Yes, I know it should be you and me, not you
and I. But, damnit it doesn’t rhyme with butterfly.
Anyway...

Said the flower


to the butterfly
(a case much like
you and I)
If I spread my petals wide
will you be gentle
with what you find inside


Well, the answer is probably “no”, not in today’s jaded,
hubristic, backbiting society. So what? It’s you who
count! Your dreams, your desires, your goals, your high
ideals, your visions, your adventures, after all whose
life is it anyway? Listen, no one can live it any better
for you than you! So, grab your life by the horns and
direct it where you want it to go. Take a deep gulp of
courage and move forward! And never let anyone
rain on your parade!

As Emerson once wrote, “Do the thing and you shall


have the power.”

Love and courage,

Roaring Lion Publishing 800-491-7141 roaringlionpublishing.com 


All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“This Word Will Determine


Your Future”
This is the most powerful word I know that determines
your success or failure. Once you truly get a grasp of its
potency you’ll think of your every thought and action in
light of its definition.

“The word is alacrity.”

You may not have ever heard the word before unless you’re an English major or
possess a proclivity for vocabulary. Even so, it’s the application of the definition that
becomes the determinant of your personal level of achievement.

Alacrity is defined as a cheerful readiness, eagerness, a prompt response. This


is an inner energy that springs from your heart spontaneously as if an alarm had gone
off. In this sense alacrity and alarm carry the same sense of action.

If you want more alacrity in your life practice saying, “I’d love to” as a
response to any responsibility you undertake. Say it with me a few times and see
how it makes you feel. How does it sound to your ears when I say it? Well, it sounds
the same way to the people you work for—or to anyone else in fact. For 30 days, use
these three words as often as you can.

You may think this is too simplistic to be of any value. Would you believe that I know a
man who used those words and went from a temporary two-hour job as a day laborer
to overseeing $500 million of commercial construction in just a few short years?

“Hard to believe? Let me Ragnar’s Razor


tell you the story.” of the Day
Early one spring morning, five men went out to unload “I’d Love to!” For
a truckload of steel. It was one of the first really warm 30 days, use these
days of the season. One man peeled off his shirt,
three words as
stretched his arms, faced the early morning sun, took a
often as you can.


deep breath and smiled. “What a wonderful day it is to Points of Interest:
be alive!” he exclaimed. The other four just grumbled as
they dragged themselves along.

About then, the bridge company’s superintendent arrived.


A new construction trailer had been delivered to the
empty field to serve as a office. He came over and asked
the man, “Would you like to jump on the truck and hook
the steel chokers to the steel while the other men land it
in the field?”
Success Seeker's Guide
“I’d love to!” he replied. to the Opulent Reality

As the big crane lifted the last of the steel, the man
jumped down. All the workers were paid for the
unloading. As they started to leave, the superintendent
called to the happy man, “Say, if you’re not doing
anything, would you like to wash my pickup?”

The shirtless man replied, “I’d love to!”


When he finished washing the pickup, he looked at it with
great pride. The boss watched him from around the side
of the field trailer. “Say, if you’re finished, would you like
to clean the trailer? It got pretty grimy on the trip here.”

Again, he answered, “Why, I’d just love to,” smiling.

Later, the boss said, “How about some lunch?”

The same reply: “I’d love to.”

Well, to make a long story short, the man was asked to


return the next day and offered steady employment, to
which he replied, “I’d love to.” As the weeks passed
into months, the man was asked if he’d like to be the
foreman over the newly arrived crew, and what do you
think his answer was?

There were over 50 men and several foremen when


the happy man was called into the office trailer. The
superintendent said he was being called away to oversee
a job in another state. Would he like to accept the
responsibility of being the superintendent? The happy
man said...


As time went on, the company acquired contracts for Points of Interest:
several more bridges, a civic center, an airport renovation,
a hospital and a university extension. Would he like to be
the boss over the boss over the bosses? The happy man
said...

And one day, as could be expected, an opening came up


in the home office. So they asked the happy man, and
he replied, “I have this cabin in the woods where not a
human soul intrudes. With all this success, I’d like to take
a few years to be alone and think about it. So, you see,
I’d love to, but I won’t.”

They were shocked, dismayed and distraught. They


begged the happy man to stay, but to no avail. They said, The Secrets of Money
“Look, we’ll keep you on the payroll. Take whatever time Magic
you need.” One day, a few weeks later, they brought him a Now on CD & DVD!
gift of a new canoe, for they knew the happy man loved to
be alone on the water.

But soon after, the happy man demanded that they no


longer pay him. He seemed to disappear into thin air. He
was nowhere to be found.

However, the happy man vowed some day to share the


secrets of money magic. He is sharing them with you
now; I am that happy man!

The happy man asks no idiotic questions about the task at


hand, nor expects anyone else to do it. The happy man is
never out of work or out of opportunities. The world is in
one long, anxious search for the prompt reply “I’d love
to!”

Anything that one asks for is supplied. That one is


wanted in every city, town, or rural hamlet, in every
office, shop, store, factory, or field.
The world begs, pleads and cries out for such a person,
the person who cheerfully says, “I’d love to!”

Roaring Lion Publishing 800-491-7141 roaringlionpublishing.com 


All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“Calm, Fear, and Conspiracy”


by Peter Ragnar

Which might be a better subject of contemplation for


you—planning a wildflower garden or dwelling on the
prospect of the world coming to an end? One calms
your heart, the other doesn’t. What if the big quake hits
California, or an asteroid from space hits the earth, or we have a nuclear attack, or the
government packs us all into cattle cars... Enough now!

Despite all our fears and misgivings, so many of the grave calamities we were weaned
on never took place. And of course, others we had no advanced knowledge of did. So?

I remember as a child, and maybe you do as well, being ushered under our desks
during civil defense drills. So, here you are under a wooden desk in an old brick
classroom with your hands over your head to protect yourself from an atomic bomb
attack!

“Despite all our fears Ragnar’s Razor


and misgivings...” of the Day
Is there something about all this fear mongering “Calmness is not
that doesn't make sense? achieved in peaceful
valleys but on the
When I finally got to go to the newly built Junior High,
I actually missed the old squeaky wood floors as well mountain peak
as the oily and sour scents. The new building was where you can taste
steel, glass, concrete, and sterile. And then we had the the lightning.”
mandatory fire drills—as if you could find anything
in the whole school that could burn, save but a few
textbooks and note pads. Yep, them books could burn
down the whole school—Hmm...

And as I remember, we didn't even get sex education in


health class. I guess some things have to be ignited on
their own—like our passions.

Well, I guess the only thing most of us had to fear was Points of Interest:
the school bully. You know, the man-child with the 5
o'clock shadow.

Of course, if you were black, brown, yellow or


different—there were always those adults who enjoyed
putting the fear of God into you. I haven't yet
figured out why they burn crosses, have you? I
guess I could always write the president.

Despite all the promises, prophecies, and assurances


that the end of the world was upon us; I suppose I
got a little bored as a child. In fact, I'll confess (now
there's an interesting word) the only world I was
concerned about ending was my own.
Alive and Well with Wild
I figured that was the only one I really needed to get Foods—A Raw Food
in order. So, then I naturally stopped trying to save Survival Guide
the rest of the world—to the anger of my religious
supervisors.

Jonathan Swift wrote, "We have just enough religion


to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one
another." Yeah, but what about all those "evil-doers?"
Someone wrote, "Bad people do bad things and good
people do good things. But for good people to do
bad things, that takes religion."

By that I mean any kind of personal philosophy that


incites fear and distrust of others. I don't know about
you, but I refuse to allow others with their baskets
of fears and misgivings to rent space in my head.

Today I'm going to do everything in my power to


make the world, well at least my world, as beautiful
as I can. That means—Oh holy horrors—I'll smile at
strangers, give a helping hand to those in need, try
not to be shocked by unexpected circumstances, be
detached when attacked by emails or words from
those who consider me a heretic, refuse to fall into a
fever of impatience or panic if my world doesn't obey
my commands.


One thing I do know, even if I'm not perfect in the above Points of Interest:
list, is that calmness is not achieved in peaceful valleys
but on the mountain peak where you can taste the
lightning. It is here that your magnetism and luminous
radiation transform you into a being of light. And that's
why I write.

May you never let your light grow dim nor let your
music die within!

P.S. And plant some wildflowers for me as I recall


the words to, "Where Have All The Flowers Gone?"
How Long Do You
Choose To Live? FREE
Book Plus 4 DVD Set
P.P.S. Do I prepare? I never get caught with my
Almost 8 Hours of DVD
pantry down. Preparedness is wisdom in advance!
Action.

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All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“The Virtue of Patience”


by Peter Ragnar

I try to avoid shopping in those large, multi-national,


discount chains. No, not so much because of the
allegations of child labor, although I hate to see children
abused right before my very eyes. Certainly I'm appalled
by the slavery of children confined to Indian and Asian sweatshops.

But let's face it, not so much is made in America anymore —except babies from
stressed out parents working several jobs to make ends meet. So where do they shop?
I don't blame the kids. I can remember as a little tot being pulled around a maze
of aisles packed with stuff I was too short to see. Like a lot of kids, I heard the holy
command, "Be patient!" and the divine threat of retribution if I wasn't. So, I often
ended up on the receiving end, if you know what I mean.

“Positive application Ragnar’s Razor


of patience...” of the Day
No, I’m not kidding about the “divine threat.” After all, “Patience will
religious parents are ordered to administer corporal always reveal new
punishment. Sort of makes your mind wander with
opportunities and
images of the CIA and secret prisons. “Spare the rod
and spoil the child!” Ah, now I know how they get little allow swift action.”
children to work for pennies. Well anyway, I was very
glad my parents didn’t take that too seriously. Points of Interest:
I still don’t understand why it’s considered a virtue to not
be able to receive everything you want. I know some of
the things a person wants might not be good for them.
Putting that aside, the positive application of patience
says, “Yes, you can get everything you want if you’re
willing to give it some time.”

For instance, I witnessed a woman screaming and Swing Master /Swing


slapping her child because of his impatience—I think all Massager
he wanted to do is pee. She was the one who lacked

patience. Had she been patient, she could have better Points of Interest:
understood the needs of her child instead of resorting to
violence.

The word patient comes from the Latin word patientem,


meaning to bear or endure without complaint. If you’re
sick, you learn to bear or endure the pain as calmly as
you can. Getting upset, becoming a bad patient, will
only acidify the ailment more and cause even greater
discomfort. This is a good lesson for parents as well.
The Chi Vitalizer / Swing
John Greenleaf Whittier wrote in “The Hero” in 1853, Massager
“Peace hath higher tests of manhood than battle ever
knew.” Peace comes only out of patience. Patience
grows persistence that allows us to carry on despite
our personal failings. Patience is a special wisdom
that carries a hidden success because patience is
concentrated expectancy. Patience is an electromagnetic
steady current that makes you physically glow. I say
steady current because it is a state of moral stability.
If you want success in any area of your life, avoid
impatient people because they never allow things to
come to completion. All things have their times and
cycles, even children and nations.

Teach patience by example and your children will grow


up like cats watching a canary. Only patience can
safeguard a nation and give birth to peace. Patience will
always reveal new opportunities and allow swift action.
This is the virtue of patience.

Much Love and Success,

Roaring Lion Publishing 800-491-7141 roaringlionpublishing.com 


All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“The Flow vs. Definite Purpose”


by Peter Ragnar

Purpose is evolution, and flow is its effortless


accommodation. This may be your own internal drive
that compels you toward a certain accomplishment such
as in music, art, drama, or literature—or it may launch
you into some enterprise. The inner force you experience is like some mystical, cosmic
finger etching in stone your major purpose in life.

How do you know what you should be doing with your life? The first sparks of inner
knowing flare up to attract your notice. You feel an unexplainable pleasure and
excitement with those thoughts. As your enthusiasm increases, your passion grows.
Passion is purpose, and not resisting your passion is the flow. It is purpose
which defines flow just as the walls of the canyon define the river.

Ragnar’s Razor
“The river is your lifeblood...” of the Day
...it is carving your purpose to make a concrete “Passion is purpose,
statement of your presence. Your presence is identified and not resisting your
by your purpose. Once your purpose, your major reason
passion is the flow."
for existing, is established—your spirit must be released
from the dam to flow free and create.
Points of Interest:
We often hear of some people identified as “free spirits,”
moving about capriciously, whimsically, without any
rhyme or reason. These types of free flowing souls are
much like a floodwater that fills the lower recesses of
whatever it approaches. This is quite the opposite of the
persistent, purposeful roar of a mighty and free flowing
river whose power with intelligence and creativity might
be harnessed for the benefit of millions.

One leaves only mud and mess in its wake, the other Magnetic Qi Gong
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
The difference between destruction and creation is our Points of Interest:
defining purpose for being. Once your purpose is clearly
established, your spirit must be released to give life to it.
It must have free flow for you to evolve in the direction
of growth and life.

Why would one remain undefined as a wandering


generality, opposed to making a powerful statement
with your life? Like electricity requires a conduit and
your nerves a myelin sheath, your spirit requires the
pipe of purpose to concentrate it to full intensity. It is
a definiteness of purpose that defines and cultivates
personal greatness. I realize only too well that many
people have set a goal to become a zero, a nobody, a
nothing and hold as their highest ambition to blow out
the candle flame of life.
Just Ten Minutes is an
Amazing Workout!
In the words of one of my favorite poets, Robert Service,
“...Just have one more try. It’s dead easy to die.
It’s the keeping-on-living that’s hard.” And you
can’t do that without a major purpose for being. Listen,
it’s better to die on your feet than to live on your knees!
You owe no one an apology for following your own
dreams, hopes, and aspirations. Define yourself by
something much larger than simply taking up space and
air. Live with passion, purpose, and courage! Fire all the
negative people from your life and live! Whose life is it
anyway?

Much Love and Success,


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OF PHYSICAL
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All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“Do you know the dangers


of chronic irritation?”
by Peter Ragnar

What is irritation? You may have just experienced it


as a result of a phone call, the current news on TV, a
comment by a co-worker or spouse. Irritation can even
manifest around a sore, skin rash, or insect bite. Irritation is a stimulation of a sore
(mental or physical) to excessive sensitivity.

Did scratching your poison ivy ever make it go away faster? No! Did scratching it make
you feel good? Yes, but just temporarily. Sadly, however, you’ve just increased its
sensitivity, making you apt to irritate it more. Who enjoys seeing the festering, oozing
wound and its resultant scab?

“Mental irritation results Ragnar’s Razor


in like manner.” of the Day
People with fragile egos are easily irritated over the “Take your mind off the
silliest and most trivial of issues, often issues that things you don’t want
haven’t a thing to do with them. There’s a term used
and focus on what you
for people like that, and I’ll bet you know someone right
now who fits the description of being “thin skinned.” do. Look for the beauty
in life and in others.”
Am I right? That’s the person who’s always at issue
over something. They’re quick to criticize, raise Points of Interest:
frivolous objections, point out petty flaws, and complain
unnecessarily. In other words, they nitpick, carp, and
quibble. And then they bleed all over anybody that’s so
unfortunate as to be in the same room with them.

What this “thin skinned” person doesn’t understand are


the dangers of chronic irritation. To say in a figurative
sense that “things get under my skin” is actually a Zen, Christianity and a
biological event. Chronic irritation often manifests lot of BULL
symptomatically as a more serious internal disorder.

Let me give you a simple illustration of this: chronic Points of Interest:
mental irritation changes the pH level of the body to
acidic. How many acid-tongued people do you know who
have heartburn, skin problems, or continuing dental
issues? These common ailments are all a result of acid.
Mental irritation is an acidic condition. But, even more
serious, chronic irritation is like taking a wire brush
to your soul. It defaces the wonderful person you are
at heart and marks you an outcast from decency. You
cannot heal if you continue to stimulate any sore, mental
or physical, to excessive sensitivity.
The Luminous Life: How
To Shine Like The Sun
A person who continues to smoke and suck irritants into
the tender bronchi, the airways that supply the lungs,
doesn’t realize this habit is responsible for 90% of the
cases of lung cancer. The person who remains in a
chronic state of irritation and feeds their mind a steady
diet of negative thoughts doesn’t realize this is more
than just a mental disease; it creates a ripe climate for
organic disease as well.

So, what can you do when faced with the irresistible urge
to scratch that itch? Refrain the best you can. Take your
mind off the things you don’t want and focus on what
you do. Remember, “no” never pushes anything away;
it is an attraction force. When faced with any irritation,
refocus and look elsewhere. Look for the beauty in life
and in others. Find something nice to say. Shut up,
smile, and seek peace. And remember, this is the first
day of the rest of your life. Vow to make it the best day
ever!

“There once was an oyster whose story I tell Who found


that some sand got under his shell. Just one little grain,
but it gave him a pain,

For oysters have feelings for all they’re so plain.

Now did he berate the workings of fate,


Which had led him to such a deplorable state?
Did he curse the government or cry for an election?
And cry that the seas should give him protection?

No! He said to himself as he lay on the shelf,


Since I cannot remove it then I’ll try to improve it!

The years rolled around as years always do, Points of Interest:
And he came to his ultimate destiny stew.
And the small grain of sand that bothered him so
Was a beautiful pearl all richly aglow.
The tale has a moral for isn’t it grand

What an oyster can do with a morsel of sand?


What couldn’t we do, if we’d only begin
With all of the things that get under our skin!”

My friend, there is a great and sublime joy in the victory


over irritation. I know you have it in you to rise to those
heights. And I applaud you for your efforts to make
today the best day ever.
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All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“The #1 Reason a
Person Fails in Life”
by Peter Ragnar

In 1861, President Abraham Lincoln addressed congress


with these words: “No men living are more worthy to
be trusted than those who toil up from poverty…”

Why does a person strive and struggle to cast off the curse of poverty? Because that
one realizes that poverty is rich in all the wrong things. Oh, how we have all been
admonished to extol the alleged virtues of that class of people referred to as “the salt
of the earth,” as if in some weird and strange way to confuse poverty with goodness.

I know only too well what “living life near the bone” as Thoreau would say
is like. It is not some peaceful acceptance or contentment–-mostly, it is a life of
resentment. The word money is one of the most negatively emotionally charged words
in the world. People show contempt for those who have it and praise those who don’t.
How can anyone rise from poverty to become someone they resent? How can anyone
rise from poverty when their equals celebrate with pride their misery? How can anyone
rise from poverty while secretly enjoying being one of the downtrodden viewing it as a
social identity, marching and rallying for justice?

“Lincoln said those who toil up from Ragnar’s Razor


poverty are the ones to be trusted most...” of the Day

...not those who remain in poverty! Poverty is not a “Every vibration


virtue but a self-induced crime rooted in the mind. becomes an attraction
Our minds have been poisoned against prosperity not
field, which returns
only by those who struggle in poverty but also by the
media, the movies, and television shows who bombard
similar vibrations as
us with portrayals of the rich being corrupt. objects, experiences,
and circumstances
"Remember: a lie told often enough becomes in your life. What
accepted as truth." are you vibrating?”


Yes, both the rich and poor think about money. However, Points of Interest:
here’s the big difference: the rich get warm and positive
feelings about it, and the poor get pangs of distress in
the pits of their stomachs as they agonize over their
lack. If money gives you a sick feeling due to needing
it and yet not having it, then this so called “evil” must
be condemned. What’s forgotten is that every feeling
becomes a vibration. Every vibration becomes an
attraction field, which returns similar vibrations as
objects, experiences, and circumstances in your life.
Right now as you’re reading these words, what are
you vibrating?

Oscar Wilde once said, “There is only one class in the


community that thinks more about money than the
rich, and that is the poor. The poor can think of
nothing else. That is the misery of being poor.”

Here’s the big trap: "Focusing on what you don’t


The Path to Mystic
want instead of what you do."
Mountain—Experiences
with a Modern-Day Sage
Attention and emotion on a “don’t want” only attracts
more of the same. The trick is to change the target.
Basically, if you’re not actively working at fixing the
problem, it shows you secretly want the problem. Do you
want the honest and brutal truth? If your life sucks,
it’s because you suck. How do I mean that? The
number one reason people fail in life (especially in a free
society) is failure to take personal responsibility for the
events and conditions of their lives. I have a personal
motto that I live by:

“If it’s to be, it’s up to me.”

I know that every condition and experience of my life,


both the good and the bad, are by my own making.
If you refuse to focus on good things you desire, that
void will be filled with the negative things you don’t
want. Once you’ve gotten into the addiction of carping,
condemning, and complaining (oh, and doesn’t it feel
good?), telling everyone how terrible it is and how the
world and others are doing it to you, what else can you
expect? You cannot be trusted until it has been proven
that you are bigger than your miserable past.


Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Today is
the only day available to begin to reach for a higher and
richer life. Today, at least if only in your mind’s eye,
create the conditions of blessedness and plenty.
Do not take your eyes off the prize of prosperity. Hold
steadfast to your vision and as surely as the sun rises it
shall be forthcoming!

Much Love and Success,

Roaring Lion Publishing 800-491-7141 roaringlionpublishing.com 


All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“The Golden Rule—Tarnished?”


by Peter Ragnar

Last Friday evening, I happened to see a viper of a


preacher spitting and spraying the air with the venom
of hate. With maniacal relish, he read aloud scripture
and verse of how God will bring on the battle of
Armageddon. He spewed about how God’s flock of Christians would be lifted up to
heaven, and the rest of us would burn in Hell. Then to cap off his sermon, he called for
his followers to encourage the White House to launch a pre-emptive nuclear strike on
Iran. Yikes!

It matters little the amount of exposure you’ve had to religion; in fact, it matters little
to which religion you’ve been exposed, you probably know some version of the Golden
Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” While many give lip
service to this wise observation and use it as a flag to fly, very few actually use it as a
rudder by which to steer.

It just makes you wonder...

“Has the golden rule Ragnar’s Razor


become tarnished?” of the Day
It seems to me, in my primitive way of thinking, that “Non-judgmental
our neighbors are much like countries. We can war with interest in others
them, or we can attempt to bridge differences and live
is how friendships
in peace with them. You know— do unto others and be
nice? History is replete with the dance of holy horrors are forged."
and the ugly boot print it has left upon this planetary raft
we share. If I told you why addictive negative behavior is
so hard to break, you’d probably be shocked. None-the-
less, the golden rule still makes sense.

The bottom line is we’re really not very interested


in others. Non-judgmental interest in others is how
friendships are forged. Once we can accept each other’s


differences, only then is it possible to reason with each Points of Interest:
other, to examine harmful and unproductive behavior,
and replace it with positive traits, such as having the
courage to be the first one to be the peacemaker. Smiles
and warmth say much more than all the preaching in the
world. It’s how we make friends, not enemies.

"The reason dogs have so many friends is because


they wag their tails and not their tongues."

Dale Carnegie said, “You can make more friends in two


months by becoming really interested in other people
than you can in two years by trying to get other people
interested in you.” You’ve probably heard it said, “To
have a friend you must be a friend first.” Once
again, you have just heard the essence of the Golden Moonlight Doesn’t Wet
Rule. If the Golden Rule works well between two people, the Water / The Search
do you think it can work well between ten or ten million for the Jade Spring
people? So if the Golden Rule makes so much sense, Immortal
why don’t we see it employed more often?

Just consider the case of a poor stray dog that has


been beaten and terrified many times over. It takes
an overwhelming degree of love and great persistence
to calm his fearful nature. Little by little, he will stop
attempting to bite you. Soon, the growling will cease;
and finally, if you don’t tire out, you’ll be able to pet him.
You might be asking yourself, “Why bother?” Well, it’s
actually about what YOU become in the process
that really matters.

So many people in the world have been beaten and


terrified by fanatical religious concepts. Sadly, it’s much
like the ancient Aztec who passionately believed the sun
would not rise that day if they failed to tear out a human
heart as a sacrifice to their vengeful and terrible God.
It appears we have destroyed untold human hearts,
not necessarily with cold steel, but with a primitive and
fearful view of the world, a world of our own making and
belief.

Someone once said, “A friend is the one who comes


in when the whole world has gone out.”


If one day we all discovered everyone had a case of
amnesia, lost were all religious tenants, beliefs, and holy
books; one very special element would still remain. You
see it’s indelibly etched into the moral fiber of the human
heart. You need no one to preach it; it speaks loudly on
its own if we but care to listen. It says, “Do unto others
as you would have them do unto you.”

Yes, the golden rule is a bit tarnished, but all it takes is


for you and me to polish it a little more.

Much Love and Success,

Roaring Lion Publishing 800-491-7141 roaringlionpublishing.com 


All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“Are you anchored by


regrets and criticism?”
by Peter Ragnar

Our regrets are usually the startling realization of our


lack of perfection, and it is the critic who loves to torture
us with that fact. The small minded and insecure launch
epithets until they have to pause for breath or experience writer’s cramp. I’m often
amused at how hard they work in an attempt to feed their hollow, self-righteous ghosts
and fragile egos.

Once a sage was assaulted by slanderous accusations. After the critic finally ran out of
things to say (a small miracle in itself), the sage remained silent and then asked, “If you
offer a person something and that person refuses to accept it, to whom does it belong?”

The critic answered, “It belongs, I guess, to the one who offered it.”

“Exactly…” said the sage as he turned to walk away. “I refuse to accept.”

“You should do likewise. Ragnar’s Razor


Refuse to accept. Why?” of the Day
Because you can’t do anything about them. Here’s where “Our regrets are
we come to regrets. Regrets are simply self-criticism. If usually the startling
you accept regrets and dwell on them, you will become
realization of our
that same little self-loathing critic. Now, instead of that
critic stalking you publicly, he or she now lives in your
lack of perfection,
head. At this point the critic’s mind is your own and is and it is the critic
amplified by each and every regret you allow yourself to who loves to torture
dwell upon. us with that fact. “

You must refuse to accept the offering of the


critic’s mind. Walk away from it and you will have left it
in the trash bin of regrets.


Here’s some wise advise from Mark Twain: Points of Interest:
“Keep away from people who try to belittle your
ambitions. Small people always do that, but the
really great make you feel that you, too, can
become great.”

The next time you’re attacked by your critics, keep in


mind the story of Colonel Geothal. He was constantly
being niggled by limited thinkers who relished the
prediction that he wouldn’t complete the project
entrusted to him of building the Panama Canal.

His friends asked, “Aren’t you going to answer these


critics?” Chi-Mendous Balls
Magnetic Chinese
Goethal replied, “When the time is right.” Medicine Balls

“Well, how and when will that be?”

Goethal calmly answered, “With the completed canal.”

In 1759 Samuel Johnson wrote, “Criticism is a study


by which men grow important and formidable at very
small expense.” They are generally as uneducated and
misinformed as the people who knew for certain in 1903
that a heavier-than-air machine could never fly, which
vindicates Disraeli’s statement, “It’s much easier to be
critical than to be correct.”

Every day our technological and scientific knowledge is


opening up new frontiers of discovery and opportunity.
Untold products and services become available while
an equal number become obsolete and useless. Don’t
let the critics discourage you from experimenting
and exploring. Keep in mind some things may work
while others will not—you be the judge and don’t rent
space in your head to others who don’t have your best
interests at heart. If you do, you’ll regret it.

Keep trying, keep exploring, keep seeking, and


you shall find.

The earth is no longer flat and you will not fall off into
the mouths of dragons. Be committed to truth and have


the courage to see what’s right and beautiful about the
world. Go on despite discouragement, drudgery, and
broken dreams. Go on beyond criticism and regret. Go
on because the world is still a beautiful place to be.

Much Love and Success,

Roaring Lion Publishing 800-491-7141 roaringlionpublishing.com 


All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“Are You a Loyal Friend?”


by Peter Ragnar

Back in 1857, Henry Thoreau stated in his journal, “A


man cannot be said to succeed in this life who does
not satisfy one friend.” How do you actually “satisfy”
a friend? A friendship is often signified by a sigh of
great relief. When your friend is with you, both of you can breathe freely. A friend is
someone with whom you dare to be yourself.

Do you want to know what determines whether a relationship will be successful or


not? You don’t have to be on guard. In fact, you feel like a prisoner who has just been
found innocent. You don’t have to put on airs. And with all your personal positives and
negatives, you can relax and be yourself. You can act silly and even make a fool of
yourself, and you will still be loved.

“How many people in your life Ragnar’s Razor


do you feel this at ease with?” of the Day
I have to be very candid with you: these people “Friendships require
are your only friends. You’ll be very blessed indeed if openness and
you can count your husband or wife among this number.
honesty, tenderness
You may share a lifetime of experience and memory with
a mate, and yet if you feel you need to be careful and and understanding
cautious— in your most honest of hearts, you’ll know you in order to grow.”
don’t have a friend.
Points of Interest:
Clarence Francis wrote, “You can buy people’s time;
you can buy their physical presence at a given
place; you can even buy a measured number of
their skilled muscular motions per hour. But you
cannot buy enthusiasm… You cannot buy loyalty…
You cannot buy the devotion of hearts, minds, or
souls. You must earn these.” Shower Magnets
—Natural Water
Conditioner

So how do you earn these beautiful attributes? As an
old saying goes, “Treat your friends as you do your
paintings—place them in the best light.” Then you’ll
earn their loyalty and love. As Shakespeare wrote in As
You Like It… "go on, and I will follow thee, to the last
gasp, with truth and loyalty.” Of course, even if loyalty is
blind, it can never be lame.

So, are you a loyal friend? In light of the foregoing,


friendship is much more than familiarity. Do you allow
others to breathe easy in your presence? Or are you full
of complaints and criticism? Do you place others in the
best light or are you always blowing your own horn?
Friendships require openness and honesty, tenderness
and understanding in order to grow. Harsh judgment
of another will leave you friendless and alone. No
one will want to be around you. So please cultivate
friendships and you’ll have undying loyalty as well.

Once a reporter approached a farmer who was hunting


quail in a field. He had an old rheumatoid afflicted dog by
his side. The dog would run and point. The farmer would
then fire into the air. This went on several times, but the
reporter saw no birds fly up. So he asked the old farmer
for an explanation.

“Heck,” the smiling old man said, “I knew there ain’t no


birds in that grass. Rover’s nose ain’t what it used to be.
But him and me have years of wonderful times together.
He does the best he can for his age—and it’d be mighty
mean for me to say it ain’t so, when he thinks there’s a
bird in the grass.”

Seeing how much loyalty can bond a friendship, doesn’t


it make you want to work a bit harder to improve the
friendships you’ve already made? It sure does for me.

Much Love and Success,

Roaring Lion Publishing 800-491-7141 roaringlionpublishing.com 


All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“Is Compassion Necessary?”


by Peter Ragnar

How often have we been exhorted to show compassion?


The call has been shouted from the pulpit and urged
upon us by teary-eyed social reformers since the dawn of
time. Yet it appears that our beastly nature overshadows
any light the word contains. It’s as if the whole world asks, “Is compassion
necessary?”

The pious and self-righteous who conduct brutal inquisitions of accused “evildoers”
have answered the question in the negative by their very acts and judgments. The
word “compassion,” like so many other hollow nouns, implies a lack of action:
it has been set upon an altar to be worshipped but never used.

“I suppose I should be Ragnar’s Razor


considered an infidel...” of the Day
...for actually believing not only that compassion is “Only those who
necessary, but that it is what marks us as human. The are truly human can
term “humanity” cannot accurately be used to describe
experience the pangs
dimwitted humanoids whose pre-frontal cortexes failed
to develop. of grief that are the
energized characteristic
Is compassion necessary? Only if you see it as
of compassion."
more than a word.

Compassion is composed of two Latin root words. Points of Interest:


Com means “with” and passio means “suffering.”
Passio translated into English is “passion.” Passion, like
compassion, is more than a word: it’s an active emotion,
laden with intense feeling. In the proper context of
compassion, the sight of any living creature suffering
should cause us acute pain.
AirWise - Air Purifers -
From 350 ~ 1500 Sq
Feet


Whenever you experience pain, do you not seek relief? Points of Interest:
If we are pained at heart over the suffering of another,
do we not seek to relieve it? Only if we are human. A
person who does no more with this precious opportunity
called life than eat, reproduce, and wage war with
all who disagree has not climbed high enough on the
evolutionary ladder to be human.

Only those who are truly human can experience


the pangs of grief that are the energized
characteristic of compassion.

Humanity is not simply appearing human, but being


humane. We do not become powerful by the weapons Waterwise Model 8800
we display or the fear we instill in others. We become Distiller
powerful by our active compassion and our dedication
to human welfare. I wholeheartedly agree with Horace
Mann, who wrote...

“Be ashamed to die until you have won some


victory for humanity.”

The victory for humanity is one nurtured soul becoming


humane and unafraid to look the world in the face with
moisture in his or her eyes.

Once on a foggy day at sunrise, I was walking past a


farmer’s cornfield and heard an animal’s painful cry at
the edge of a corn row. As I climbed the barbed-wire
fence, I saw a terrified fox frantically pulling on the steel
trap that held his leg. I moved slowly toward the poor
creature, and he froze as our eyes locked together. A
teardrop rolled down my cheek as I spoke to his heart
with mine. I explained what I had to do and that if he bit
me out of fear or ignorance, it would be okay. His plight
was a thorn in my heart that could only be removed if I
released his leg from the trap.

I stepped on the spring of the trap to open the steel


jaws. For a moment, the fox didn’t move; then, in a
blinding blur, he jumped out and ran away. After that,
the oddest occurrence took place. The fox came back to
within several feet of me and looked up into my face with
an expression I shall never forget. He pulled the thorn
from my heart and set me free.


Now I’m trying to do the same thing with you, and
I really don’t mind if I get bitten sometimes.

It’s all simply a part of compassion. Is compassion


necessary? If compassion is emotional oxygen, then yes.

Much Love and Success,

Roaring Lion Publishing 800-491-7141 roaringlionpublishing.com 


All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“Simplicity for Survival”


by Peter Ragnar

Someone said, “You can’t do much about the length of


your life, but you can do a lot about its depth and width.”
I disagree with the first part; however, if you have the
last part—the depth and width—your life will be rich with
an enduring quality, like that of a well-rooted plant. That rich, enduring quality will add
life to your years and years to your life. So, yes, in a sense, you can add to the length
of your life.

I see my life as I do my garden. There are just a few basic essentials: good soil,
sunshine, and rain. In our speed-driven society, it appears that few are capable of
establishing strong roots in an enriching environment. How many folks do you know
who warm you with the sunshine of their smiles? And when the rains come, as they
must, how many of us can find a seed of equivalent benefit in the storms of life?

“These simple elements can Ragnar’s Razor


produce a fruitful life.” of the Day
Frustrated, the farmer’s son said, “Goodbye, Dad, I’m “Those who long
off to the big city so my talents can flower.” The farmer, to live, from my
stroking his chin, replied, “Son, that’s the same reason
observations, are the
the corn stays here.” Overlooking my garden, I have
a sundial with an inscription from the poet Robert people who choose
Browning: “Grow old along with me; the best is yet to to live deliberately,
be.” Funny—as the seasons pass and calendar pages are purposefully, simply,
torn from the wall, my simple life seems to flower more. and slowly. This
The ticking clock has nothing to do with the richness of
appears to be the
the hours I spend cultivating my life. As with any grand
and noble endeavor, I don’t expect to be done anytime
secret to survival.”
soon. Might the saying be true that the people who live
long are those who long to live?

Those who long to live, from my observations, are the


people who choose to live deliberately, purposefully,

simply, and slowly. This appears to be the secret to Points of Interest:
survival. When we burn our energy slowly, our rate
of aging is slowed. This was the belief of German
physiologist Max Rubner, who established his rate of
living theory relating our metabolic rate to longevity.
However, the theory was propagated in many forms by
Qi Gong practitioners and hatha yogis long before him.

Most adults I know are like grown-up children, captivated by


shiny objects that spin and whirl. Once we attach our hearts
to them, like kites on a string, we run over hill and dale in hot
pursuit. How do I know? I’m wearing a guilty smile. But over
the years, I’ve learned to reel my heart back in. It’s now at
peace in its proper place—one of simple elegance. This means
a life of dignified richness and grace. How Long Do You
Choose To Live?
If you flow from event to event gracefully without getting A Question Of A
clumsy or losing your dignity when you encounter unexpected Lifetime
obstacles, you can call that elegance. When you know that
what you are is of more value than what you possess,
glittering externals mean less. Simplicity is the survival of
sanity.

Like I’ve often said, what you value, you place in the
best light.

We decorate what we honor—not with tinsel, please; you’re not


a Christmas tree, hollow of meaning, but a living seed. Plant
and root yourself in beauty, for in beauty we find love, and in
love there is always beauty. Live with a reeled-in heart so you
may enjoy the wonder before your eyes right now.

Live below your means, but also decorate your value in


simple elegance.

Delight yourself in childlike amusement with spring rains,


autumn leaves, and snowflakes in the air. Take time to smell
the earth; take long walks with the one you love; share
poetry before an open fire; say “Thank you” often. Smile with
your eyes. Love life. Simplify.

Much Love and Success,

Roaring Lion Publishing 800-491-7141 roaringlionpublishing.com 


All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“You Can’t Have Rainbows


Without the Rain”
by Peter Ragnar

The richness and satisfaction that come to a person in


life so often come through adversity. I’ve found that the
most rewarding degree is the one you receive from the
University of Hard Knocks.

Recalling how we were at age 15 is a bit embarrassing for most of us. Gary was just
15 when I came into his life, and I didn’t think he liked me very much. I tried a lot to
get a smile from him, but it rarely worked. To my dismay, he soon dropped out of high
school. It appeared that all he wanted to do was hang out and play rock music with
kids who….well, I’ll say it politely, weren’t the best influence. Isn’t it true that patience
is a bitter plant that produces sweet fruit? I learned this with Gary.

If you plant seeds of love in another’s heart and water with care, when those buds
blossom you’ll have perfume in the air. The sweet joy of loving relationships with others
often arrives after enduring adversities. It only punctuates the fact that rainbows are
both sun and rain together, waiting patiently and always looking upward.

I’ve known Gary for 25 years, and last Father’s Day he wrote me this very personal
letter that I’d like to share with his permission.

Ragnar’s Razor
“Dear Peter...” of the Day
Father’s Day brings the opportunity to express my love “People of inspiration,
and gratitude towards you. I want you to know what kinder and more
a special place you have in my life and what a special
empathetic people, are
influence you have had on me, either by teaching,
sharing, or simply showing by example. often forged by adversity.
Remember to be patient
You have taught me that the world gives what I ask of with others, for you
it, as well as the importance of being conscious of what I can’t have the rainbows
ask for. You’ve also taught me to be still enough to what
without the rain.”
the world is telling me.


You have shown me to be strong but kind, determined, Points of Interest:
yet accepting, emotional, but centered; that balance
is the key. You’ve instructed me to set goals and work
diligently towards them, to push my own limits and find
a way, to believe in myself, pursue my dreams and never
accept “impossible” as an option.

You have instilled upon me the importance of health,


of friendship, of love, of living life to its fullest. You’ve
shown that sometimes “fullest” is simpler than I might
think. You have emphasized to focus on the future, but
not at the expense of the present.
The Luminous Life: How
To Shine Like The Sun
Your input has been a supporting focus behind my
success in music, in business, in my relationships with
friends and family, in my marriage, and in my life in
general.

And, in addition to the guidance and friendship you have


given me, you’ve also been there as a good friend and
companion for my mother as well, for so many years and
in so many ways. You have watched over her, laughed
with her, shared with her, and helped make her life fuller,
healthier, and happier.

All of those things and more have made you a wonderful


father figure to me. I wanted to take this opportunity to
say thank you.

Happy Father’s Day with much love,


Gary

It’s my fondest wish that you too will be honored with


a letter like that—that you will work on yourself and
make a commitment to present yourself as an improved
human unit, and that you will inspire the people around
you to do the same. It’s a richness and satisfaction
beyond measure. And then they return to inspire you!

So, how’s Gary doing? You’ve got to be saying to yourself


after hearing his letter to me, “Pretty darn good!” He
decided on his own, after a few turbulent years, to get
his GED. Then he went on to study music with honors
at North Texas State. Putting his music career on hold,

he became a general contractor in Florida and now has
a healthy seven-figure net worth. Interestingly, the
house he owns was featured on Lifestyles of the Rich and
Famous. Yet his greatest riches are what he has become
as a person and his ability to inspire others—namely, me.

Mildred Stevens wrote, “A clay pot sitting in the sun


will always be a clay pot. It has to go though the white
heat of the furnace to become porcelain.” People of
inspiration, kinder and more empathetic people, are
often forged by adversity. Remember to be patient with
others, for you can’t have the rainbows without the rain.

Much Love and Success,

Roaring Lion Publishing 800-491-7141 roaringlionpublishing.com 


All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“The Pinnacle of Courage”


by Peter Ragnar

The world is filled with adventurous and daring souls,


yet among them all, it is rare to find a courageous being.
Does that surprise you?

People may go to the moon, travel to the depths of the


sea, sail around the world on the water or in the air, or dash across battlefields with
hearts pounding and adrenaline pumping while swallowing their fears, and still not
know courage.

Indeed, we applaud such heroic acts. With swelling hearts and moistened eyes, we
shout, “Hurrah!” for they are the exceptions to our flock mentality. But what of the one
with true courage?

What of the one whose heart has met the refiner’s fire, not once, not twice, but 10,000
times and yet again? The one who willingly jumps into the crucible that glows like
Gehenna, and sheds his dross like a beggar abandoning his rags? The one who steps
forth from the fire with a radiance that dims the sun?

Ragnar’s Razor
“Who of humankind...” of the Day
...can step confidently toward such a challenge with “To go naked and alone
no fear that his heart might harbor some crevice of into your own internal
darkness and be found wanting? Who would find a
wilderness is indeed
heart so pure that the dross of fear has left to find
another abode? A heart that does not suffer doubt or the pinnacle of
desperation, a heart that knows no separation, for it courage."
knows that it encompasses all things.

The fabric of fear is woven from threads of anticipated


loss. To fear losing that which does not exist is to fear
an illusion. However, to gain that which does not exist
requires great courage. To go naked and alone into


your own internal wilderness is indeed the pinnacle of Points of Interest:
courage. To throw all you believe you are into the fire as
gracefully as you might place a garland of flowers around
the neck of a noble guest, requires the supreme act of
courage. How can one who belongs to a flock and herd
know of such things?

To jump from a moral precipice may be daring, but


to climb a moral cliff-face is courageous. In ordinary
daily affairs we see two people employed by the same
company. The first takes some of his employer’s goods
in the presence of the second. Daring? Indeed! This
person has jumped from a moral precipice believing in
the delusion that karmic rocks do not await him below. The Unveiled Mystery of
What would you do if you were the witness? Would you Self-Mastery
mind your own business and attempt to disguise the
cowardice of your conscience with the rationalization
that another has committed the crime and not you? If
you would choose this action, you are oblivious to the
obvious—which is your passive partnership in the karma
of the crime, earned by your silent approval. In such a
case, both of you would incur the same karmic debt.

Now, let’s change the scenario. Let’s imagine the second


person has courage enough to climb a moral precipice.
With no fear of reprisal and no greed for reward, but
with a deep compassion like that of a parent rushing to
stop a child from touching a hot stove, this co-worker
confronts the thief without hesitation. The would-be
thief acknowledges the error with shame, and the day is
saved for both protagonists.

Now, let’s consider the stolen item is something


intangible like time. Each employer measures the time
for which he pays his employees in dollars. To be lazy
and deliberately waste time is the same as stealing
tangible goods from the office or factory. They both
cost your employer money. It matters not which one
you steal because the penalty is the same by the laws
of the universe. To gossip about others is another
intangible way you steal—you rob them of their good
name and devalue them in the esteem of their peers and
employers.


Just by considering these examples—none of which take Points of Interest:
super-human strength to resolve—we gain a glimpse
of what is required to reach the sunlit peaks I spoke of
previously. Courage comes from the word "Cor” which
means heart. The degree of heart-wood or cor-age
determines our inner strength. If we are strong, we will
endure testing and grow spiritually. If we are not, we will
be broken by the storms of life.

Consider the stalwart forest giant with branches that


scrape the sky. The winds continually test its aging 12,500 Gauss Rare Earth
core, just like life constantly tests all of us. We must Magnetic Headband -
consistently strengthen our heartwood, or fall at the Healing and ESP
hands of the smallest storms.

Yes, you may travel the globe engaged in countless


daring exploits and still be blind to the rarest of
opportunities. The real challenge in life is to take our
crude minds and foolish hearts, persist in refining
them in the ceaseless fires of daily moral dilemma, and
ultimately transform them to the purest of gold. This is
truly just the beginning of the most courageous of all the
adventures this life has to offer.

May you be blessed with true courage so that you


may live.

Much Love and Success,

Roaring Lion Publishing 800-491-7141 roaringlionpublishing.com 


All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“Are you Committed


or About to Be?”
by Peter Ragnar

One means dedicated, loyal, and involved, while the


other means imprisonment. Over years of experience
and personal observation of human behavior, I’ve noticed
strikingly few humans exhibit loyalty. When our commitments to both ourselves and
others fail to be honored that void is always filled with confusion.

Mental wards are routinely populated by the confused, apathetic, and detached. While
it is certainly true that you can be faithful, steadfast, trustworthy, and loyal to the
wrong causes, militant religious movements, or social organizations and clubs—this
isn’t the commitment of which I speak or write about. I’m addressing the issue
of commitment you have (or haven’t) made to your personal growth and
development—additionally, your commitment in honoring your loyalties with your
friends and teachers.

It’s so easy to accuse others of being disloyal to you if you haven’t honored your
friendship with them. The best way to receive loyalty is to give it. Here, I’m not
referring to making oaths; oaths are words, not deeds. Mark Twain wrote, “Loyalty to
petrified opinion never broke a chain or freed a human soul.” And I might add,
no oath has ever saved a marriage or friendship, or stopped oppression. Only deeds,
not words, have that power.

“The actions we take show how Ragnar’s Razor


much commitment we have.” of the Day
It is in the LACK of actions that we show how much “We can either make
confusion we have. People who are confused are always loyal commitments and
too busy for the commitment to work on themselves.
decisions on which we
Lack of commitment leads to confusion, and confusion
creates the hesitation which steals time and life. We can act upon or wander in
either make loyal commitments and decisions on which confusion searching the
we act upon or wander in confusion searching the world world for a teacher who
for a teacher who will make decisions for us. Now, which will make decisions for us.”
of the above sounds saner to you?

Once upon a time there was a wise sage who lived on Points of Interest:
a mountain. Most often he could be found sitting in
a swing under a huge old oak tree or working in his Peter has created what’s
garden. Every now and then a seeker would happen by
come to be know as his
and ask a question. In fact, no matter how it is disguised
“Master Course.” It is only
or worded, it is always the very same question, “How
should I live my life?” for the sincere seeker
of personal excellence.
To which the old man would counter, “How would For more information
you like it to be?” and walk off toward his garden. please call: 800-491-7141
Invariably, the seeker would follow, pressing him for or email:
a more substantial answer. The old man, now bending
tony@roaringlionpublishing.com
over, would reply, “If your life were a garden, how would
you like it to be?” The seeker speaks up, somewhat
irritated as he utters the obvious answer, “Why beautiful
and bountiful, of course!”

“Then,” the old man pulls another weed, “you must be


committed to weeding.” The frustrated seeker now
retorts, “Surely there are better teachers that can give
me a better answer, where might one be found?”

“It is said…” the old man strokes his chin and looks
higher towards the distant mountains. “He lives on a
mountain. Most often he can be found sitting in a swing
under a huge old oak tree or working in his garden. How
would you like it to be?”

Don’t kid yourself— you’ll always require a teacher until


you can replace them. So, how would you like it to be?
When Kahlil Gibran wrote about the passing of a wise
sage in The Voice of the Master, he tells the story of the
master’s committed and loyal disciple: Almuhtada was
alone in this world, but loneliness never possessed his
heart, for the voice of the master always resounded in
his ears, urging him to carry on his work and sow the
words of the prophet in the hearts and minds of all who
would listen of their own free will. He spent many hours
alone in the garden meditating upon the scrolls the
master had bequeathed to him, and in which he had set
down his words of wisdom.

So Almuhtada left his seclusion and entered the


marketplace. He spoke,


“The tree of my heart is heavy with fruit. Come, Points of Interest:
ye hungry souls, gather, eat, and be satisfied.
My spirit overflows with aged wine. Come, oh ye
thirsty hearts, drink and quench your thirst…would
that I were a dry well, so people might throw
stones into my depths, for it is better to be an
empty well than a spring of pure water untouched
by thirsty lips.”

Almuhtada drank so deeply of the master’s words and


studied his scrolls until they became his own. The living Martial Arts Package
spirit of the master’s words transformed Almuhtada into Save a Bundle!
the master. He was faithful, true, steadfast, trustworthy,
dedicated, loyal, and involved. He held no confusion,
only a commitment in his heart. The path of his life was
clean and clear. No weeds, briars, or entanglements. Not
even a single doubt or question remained.

So, how should you live your life? How would you like it
to be?

Much Love and Success,

Roaring Lion Publishing 800-491-7141 roaringlionpublishing.com 


All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“The Magic of Generosity”


by Peter Ragnar

When generosity wanes, misfortune follows. A generous


soul seals his own success. A miserly soul suffocates any
good fortune he may have, by clutching it too tightly
while watching it decay.

What is generosity? Is it not but another way to give to yourself?

Consider two men. The foolish man hoards his seed when he ought to plant, only to
discover how quickly the season of sowing has passed. The wise man, though seen
as a fool, scatters his seeds where he may never walk again. Some of his seeds are
consumed by crows. Some are borne away on the spring breezes. Some fall into the
babbling brook. The first man, bitter because he has no harvest, says to the second
man, “You are not better off than I!” The wise man replies, “Perhaps you misjudge the
situation. True, I have no garden plot to tend, but wherever I walk and find my day to
end, up the steep mountain trail or down to the brook where sweet willows bend, the
crow, the water, the wind, my friends, have planted my seeds and cared for my needs.
And wherever my path will end, 10,000 miles or around the next bend, my lot will be
in the garden plot of God.”

For the foolish man, calculation became the brakes on his giving and the unfavorable
season passed him by. The wise man on the other hand ,
held no reservation, expected no reward. With unshackled Ragnar’s Razor
heart and open hands his life became an open harvest. of the Day
“My experiments with money “For those with
have led to the conclusion that financial concerns
only generosity increases it.” and material lack,
For those with financial concerns and material lack, the solution is
the solution is simple. Become more generous and less simple. Become
greedy. You may protest, “I have but little to give.” But more generous
have you ever considered how much value that small
and less greedy."
portion has in relation to one who has vast treasures of
abundance?

Whether you give from your poverty or from your Points of Interest:
richness, however, only your heart’s intent will
determine the results.
All forced giving is phony. Let the gates of your tender
compassion open, and your heart’s river flood over its banks,
and it will carry your treasures atop the waters and scatter
blessings to everyone.

Is this practical? Surface appearances would not make


it seem so. Consider the business world for a moment.
Almost everywhere I go, businesspeople I encounter extend
unusual generosity, often going out of their way to give gifts
or supply services freely. It is not because I ask for it, it is
because I don’t ask.

I don’t quibble about their price. I don’t insult them


by saying I can get it cheaper elsewhere, for they are The Magic Man - Book
entitled to their profit. Even if I could find it cheaper Wonderful stories about
elsewhere, that would violate my code of loyalty... "The Magic Man" written
by friends of Peter.
My dignity would be soiled and I would have a hard time
looking them in the eye. They know that, and so they go
out of their way to reward me for my generous spirit, and
feel enriched when their generosity is accepted. And thus,
everybody wins.

In my travels, I have on many occasions been offered free


lodging at expensive resort locations, and extra services at
restaurants. “This one is on the house!” seems to be a familiar
call. Delivery people often literally will trek through rain and
snow on foot to deliver packages to our difficult location, and
the list goes on and on. I mention this simply to re-emphasize
the point. Generosity always results in richness. Cheapness
always results in lack.

A difficult life is an ungenerous life. But for those who give with
no thought of reward, who give as naturally as the honeysuckle
gives her perfume and the cherry tree her fruit, they become
the warm fires in a dark and stingy world that light the way so
others may follow. And that torch burns forever.

Much Love and Success,

Roaring Lion Publishing 800-491-7141 roaringlionpublishing.com 


All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“The Gift of Kindness”


by Peter Ragnar

The gift of kindness may seem small, but continued


acts of kindness are more powerful than you might
imagine. Kindnesses, like drops of water in a pail,
soon accumulate to overflowing. Continued acts of
kindness make the heart overflow.

During any holiday season you’ll find untold numbers of people rushing around to ready
themselves for celebrating with friends and family. Traffic delays, flight cancellations,
unpredictable weather, crowds, and often, short tempers are in season. I don’t know
if it was like that in 1843 when Charles Dickens published The Christmas Carol. Maybe
the world today is a bit too busy racing around and sleeping in airports.

I can still remember the first time I ever flew in a plane. It was a night flight on a TWA
propeller driven plane. The flight originated from La Guardia Field, NY and twelve hours
later landed in Los Angeles, CA. Much has changed in the world since 1947. Funny—I
don’t recall any crowds, flight delays, or security pat downs.

“Through my youthful eyes, the Ragnar’s Razor


whole world seemed filled with of the Day
wonder, courtesy, and kindness.” “Continued acts of
Maybe folks 60 years ago, at least a few, took Dickens’ kindness make the
words to heart: “No one is useless in this world who heart overflow.”
lightens a burden of another.” Of course not everything
was all right with the world. World War II had finally
ended and some children even saw their dads come back
alive. It was during this time that a man, the former
mayor of New York City, Fiorello La Guardia made an
impact on the city with his acts of kindness.
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Once, the city had a newspaper strike. That meant
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
Guardia took this condition into his own hands and read Points of Interest:
the comics aloud over the radio to entertain all the
youngsters until the strike ended. Fiorello, which means
“little flower,” always found ways of impacting little acts
of kindness.

One way he did this was he would fill in for employers


or department heads who needed to be off. One time
he presided over night court. It was a cold, bitter winter
night right out of a Charles Dickens story. Before the
court was a man accused of stealing a loaf of bread. The
man pled his terrible story about his starving family. It
sounds like today’s sub-prime mortgage mess where
hundreds of thousands are losing their homes.
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La Guardia sadly said, “I’ve got to uphold the law and ADVANCED
fine you for the offense. I fine you $10.” Next Fiorello OXYGENATION
reached into his own pocket and took out the money SYSTEM
and then tossed it into his own hat. “This will pay your
fine. However, in a great nation like ours, it ought to be
a crime for us to allow such a condition to develop that
would cause a man to steal bread for his family. For that
crime, I’m fining everyone in this courtroom 50 cents!”
The bailiff passed the hat around, and then the proceeds
were given to the defendant. The man with tears in
his eyes left night court with $47.50. That was a lot of
money back in the 1940’s.

So if this holiday season you just happen to find yourself


flying in or out of La Guardia Field in New York and your
plane is late or the traffic too heavy, remember the
gift of kindness. “You cannot do a kindness too soon,
because you never know how soon it will be too late.”

Oh, and one small favor. Please give that little blond
haired boy a good thought in your heart. You see he
never really grew up and I still think the world is a
beautiful place!

Much Love and Success,

Roaring Lion Publishing 800-491-7141 roaringlionpublishing.com 


All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“How Do I Fall In Love Again?”


by Peter Ragnar

Someone once joked that a relationship is like a bath.


Once you get in it, it’s not so hot anymore. However,
the secret to falling in love again is in once more
recreating the same conditions that allowed the
magic of first love to flower. Finding again that
mysterious vibration that carries you out from the world of calculations and obligations
into the lover’s world of dreams and intoxicating visions of blissfulness.

Do you remember that first kiss that was like a sip of addictive enchantment? Your
every waking moment trembled and filled you to the brim with an indescribable
ecstasy. If you’re still living with that special someone and the years seem to have
stolen the magic away, then the words of Kahlil Gibran will have special meaning for
you.

“My friend, be not like him Ragnar’s Razor


who sits by his fireside and of the Day
watches the fire go out...
“To fall in love with
...then blows vainly upon the dead ashes. Do not another we must first
give up hope or yield to despair because of that which forget ourselves. It
is passed, for to bewail the irretrievable is the worst
takes an ultimate leap
of human frailties.” Yes if the fire is cold and dead, go
on with your life. New life can be found if you haven’t of courage to fall in
been too scarred up by the past. But if you find the love, for now you’re
embers still aglow, please feed the fire for the sake of fully exposed.”
love.

Do you remember how after the taste of first love


the hours passed as if waking from a blissful dream?
Suddenly you discover a devouring flame in your heart
that burns the present to reveal ancient memories of
someone you swear that you knew before.


It isn’t so much falling as if it were an accident, Points of Interest:
but a sudden sprouting of love, a seed residing
within that was suddenly watered and warmed
with a special smile.

The secret all lovers reveal in embrace and forget as


the time erodes specialness into familiarity is this: To
fall in love with another we must first forget ourselves.

It is the ego with its iron wall of beliefs, opinions and


judgments that hides and guards the heart. All lovers
at least at first risk their hearts. The human heart,
much like an unguarded flower, can be easily crushed.
It takes an ultimate leap of courage to fall in love, for
now you’re fully exposed.
The Way Is Such Like
This: Poems by Peter
Includes a powerful
We live in a world awash in moral cowardice. The
guided meditation
world with its laws of convention and false morality
shuns the perceived “weakness” of the lover. Instead
it chooses to wall off human hearts in favor of war
and division. But love always wins in the end. Love is
a supreme light which before no darkness can stand.
But love will demand of you a greater strength than all
the passion that hate engenders. In the end Virgil was
right when he wrote, “Love conquers all.”

Why is that? Because love teaches us to believe the


impossible. But love must be consciously nurtured
every day, or just like the most beautiful rose it will
die without moisture. Love often dies in a relationship
well before any noticeable or visible rapture can
appear. Knowing this and fearing this the poet wrote:
“I would ask of you, my darling, a question soft and
low, that gives me many a heartache as the moments
come and go.

Your love I know is truthful, but the truest love


grows cold; it is this that I would ask you: Will
you love me when I’m old?”

You’ll only be able to answer in the affirmative if you


have first fallen in love with yourself. This is the sweet
soul you can only meet in silence. No other thoughts
or ideas can attend such a meeting. There, when you
are no longer a stranger to yourself can you have the

ability to enter another’s heart. This is the love that
cannot grow cold and will love even if you grow old.
That’s falling in love again for the first time.

Much Love and Success,

Roaring Lion Publishing 800-491-7141 roaringlionpublishing.com 


All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“Are You Content or Confused?”


by Peter Ragnar

When I was living in South Florida, there was an all-


you-can-eat restaurant on almost every corner. Every
evening at five o’clock looked like an AARP meeting.
There were long lines of seniors waiting to get in and
eat. Walkers and wheelchairs were the norm. What
always struck me were the aura of hopeless desperation and the sense of confusion.
(Now I’m not just picking on seniors—I’m a pre-baby boomer myself.)

"Confusion always implies difficulty in making choices..."


“Where should I park?” “Where should I sit?” “Should I have the Jell-O or the fruit
salad?” “Do I want coffee or iced tea?” “Where are Bill and Gracie?” “Mother, Gracie
died last year and Bill went back home to live with his children.” “Well, what am I doing
here? I’m not hungry. Is it time to take my pills? Where am I?”

“So I’ll take you back to my Ragnar’s Razor


original question: Are you of the Day
content or confused?”
“It’s been my
Confusion is the inability to make clear and meaningful
conclusion over a
choices. It doesn’t just sneak up on you in older
years. It’s a process, or maybe I should say a habit
lifetime of experience
pattern that establishes how your brain fires and and observation that
creates neural traces on your cortex. It’s much like those who won’t make
one of those handheld puzzles we used to play where decisions eventually
a BB races down a maze of plastic tunnels— you know, can’t make decisions."
while we sat in the backseat on those boring Sunday
drives with our parents. Okay, well maybe not that
boring if you had a brother or sister to fight with—I
didn’t so I played with the handheld puzzles and counted
license plates.

Anyway, our habitual ways of dealing with life establishes


how our brains process information as well as our
inclination to act on that information. Our physical brains

can change based on what we mentally entertain. This is Points of Interest:
actually an act of neuropharmacology, since our thoughts
are electro-chemical in nature. Think of your thoughts
as a baton in a relay race. One racer hands it off to the
next runner as each neuron passes that electro-chemical
impulse to the next neuron and beyond. Once enough
repetitions of a certain thought pass, synapses connecting
all those neurons become strengthened, and your brain
locks you into certain behaviors.
21 Questions with Peter
It’s been my conclusion over a lifetime of experience Ragnar 3 CD Set!
and observation that those who won’t make
decisions eventually can’t make decisions.

The inability and/or refusal to choose are apt ways of


describing confusion. On the other hand, contentment is a
direct result of having the courage to know what we want
and making a decision to achieve it. Contentment is not a
destination but an after effect.

Every single one of us can enjoy a life of great happiness


and contentment if we only choose. The unhappiest people
I have ever encountered are the ones who feel they
cannot or will not choose the good things life has to offer.
Contentment is simply making up your mind to be happy
and learning to find pleasure in even the simple things of
life. Contentment lies in the confidence that you’ll always
make the best of your circumstances. Contentment
means you won’t take yourself too seriously; you’ll
just be yourself and understand you can’t nor need to
please everyone. Sorrows, regrets, and mistakes are
common to all, but the content soul refuses to give them
attention and makes better choices for the future.

While none of us know for certain what the future may


hold, we are content in knowing that our choices today will
define it. Establish high ideals and values; make conscious
choices in their favor, and you will never ask, “Am I
content or confused?”

Much Love and Success,

Roaring Lion Publishing 800-491-7141 roaringlionpublishing.com 


All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“All Else is Commentary…”


by Peter Ragnar

I remember as if it were yesterday, even though decades


have passed. The old muddy track did no favors for the
shiny new Lincoln Continental. Generally, I had to put my
truck into four-wheel drive. Never the less, the old man
was determined to see me. I guess he was curious as to
what compelled me to build my home in the forest so far away from other people.

He always had a smile for me. It may have been part amusement or part fascination.
I could hear him now—“You mean to say, you cut all those logs with an axe? How on
earth did you move 40 foot logs around, let alone raise them ten feet high on the
walls? Let’s see”…. He’d say as he stroked his chin, “I’d guess your place is close to
sixty feet long. That means the number of trees you cut by hand was…” After a bit
more contemplation he burst out with “ So how did you do it?” I replied “One log at a
time, all else is commentary.”

“The two old rocking chairs Ragnar’s Razor


squeaked as we gazed out over of the Day
the forested ridge tops...”
“Once you can mentally
“How did you do it?” I asked. “You are a very wealthy see your goal fulfilled,
man. Did you win big in the stock market or inherit you will activate the
a bundle?” I jestingly teased. “No, I always felt the
magical mechanism,
markets were a bit to risky for me,” he replied, “I can
still remember 1929. I might be wrong about it, some that automatically
folks make a bundle, but others lose as much. I did it corrects your course
just like you.” toward your target.”

“How’s that?” I questioned. I’m just an unemployed


construction worker. I’d only work to buy time. Once I
had enough money to live on for a year or so, I’d quit.”

“That’s just the point,” he stated. “You knew what you


wanted to accomplish. You had a goal and attacked it


passionately, like each log you cut and peeled. It was Points of Interest:
one log at a time that made your life rich.”

“We say when people amass a fortune they’re rich,


but in fact we become rich by being rewarded by our
accomplishments. But to answer your question, my
wealth was accumulated by way of the hour-glass
effect.” Then he went on to explain, “The time is going to
pass anyway. So like tiny grains of sand I let my money
accumulate while at the same time I cut my expenses to
only what I needed.”

He had my curiosity piqued, “So what made up those


tiny grains of sand?” What Is Enlightenment?
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“Well, every month I took 10% or more of my income
Magazine
The Interview of the
and bought a CD. Rates were pretty high then. Soon, it
Millennium!
was before I knew it, that’s the funny thing about time,
I had a CD with it’s compounded interest maturing every
month. In the mean time, I kept buying up vacant land,
which by the way the maturing CDs paid for. Some folks
will caution you about land and urge you to wait. Well,
I did it the other way around, I bought land and waited,
and guess what? When the new interstate came through
they paid me a bundle for the right of way. But better
yet, I still own the property at the interchange. And
what do folks build at exits? Gas stations, motels, and
restaurants. Some say I got lucky, but in reality I had
goals. Each dollar I invested was like the energy of each
swing of your axe. A strike might not seem like much
other than a lot of hard work, but all those strikes add
up like little grains of sand in the hour-glass.

He paused for a moment, got up and looked through the


windows at the huge stone fireplace. He then opened the
screen door looking into the kitchen at the handcrafted
cabinets and the hardwood floors that I had pegged with
black walnut pegs. He scratched his head as he looked
skyward. “How much money have you got in this?”

I replied, “Oh, maybe slightly over $2,000.”

“How much did you make last year?”


“Other than some firewood I sold, not much.” Points of Interest:
“Well just looking around your place, I’d say you’re
wrong. I’d say you made a small fortune by following a
dream.”

Like I said, that was decades ago and all else is


commentary. Thomas Carlyle penned this sagacious
quote “A man with half a volition goes back and forth
and makes no progress on even the smallest road,
whereas a person with full volition moves steadily no
matter how difficult the path.” In order for you to move
steadily forward you must have a dream to follow. You’ll
never have a dream without a way to make that dream
come true. For a dream to materialize it must first be SEVEN SECRETS TO THE
transformed into a visible, measurable goal. Once you
FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
THAT ANYONE CAN
can mentally see your goal fulfilled, you will activate
APPLY IN SEVEN
the magical mechanism, the goal seeking cybernetic
MINUTES OR LESS!
faculty that is the law of attraction that automatically
corrects your course toward your target. Do this and it
is impossible to fail! Success equals goals, and all else is
commentary!

Your goals are the rungs on the ladder of happiness.


As you plan for the new year, please make certain your
goals are solid, sound, and not higher than you can
reach. Remember, little things matter. By the inch it’s a
cinch, by the yard it’s hard. Today is the tomorrow you
hoped for yesterday—so don’t delay.

The great Genie of the Holographic Universe is standing


before you asking...

“And what is your wish?”

That’s it! Not how, not why, not when—just what


is your wish, what is your dearest most precious
dream, what is your goal? Success equals goals
and all else is commentary!

Much Love and Success,

Roaring Lion Publishing 800-491-7141 roaringlionpublishing.com 


All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“Forgive?—Hell—No!”
by Peter Ragnar

It was about ten years ago, as I remember. The sky


was a crisp blue. The leaves were fluttering in a gentle
breeze. The shafts of sunlight made them appear as
dancers in dresses of gold, red, orange, and green. The
day was peaceful and serene until I saw him.

When he saw me, he ran with gun in hand. I knew where he was headed so I took a
short cut and was waiting for him on the top of the rise. His breathing was labored and
loud as he climbed out of the brush. His face paled with fear when he saw me. Not so
much from my physical presence—for he appeared bigger, younger, and more muscular
than myself. He was afraid because he knew he was wrong.

There had been a number of dead bears found with their paws cut off, teeth pulled
out, and bellies cut open, just left rotting in the forest. These wasted bears had been
slaughtered just for their gall bladders and a few souvenirs. You can just imagine burly
men with yellow teeth bragging in a bar about their bear tooth necklace. However, no
one dared utter a word about the $2,500 they got for the gall bladder. It seems that
folks in China and elsewhere were willing to pay that much for what was believed to be
an aphrodisiac. There was a very dangerous black market at work—so dangerous that
these desperate men had shot at park rangers, game wardens, my wife, and me.

“You’ve got a might fast pair Ragnar’s Razor


of legs there young man....” of the Day
...I said as I extended my arm to help pull him up the “Forgiveness requires
hill. Suspicious, he hesitated for a moment. But he then total detachment from
cautiously accepted my hand.
negative past events.
“I was just seeing if I could spot some deer…” If you can step aside
from the failures of
I broke off his excuse, “Where is your gun?” others, you’ll walk
in the light of day."
“Oh, I don’t have any gun,” he replied.

I knew he must have hidden it. Now the game warden Points of Interest:
would be waiting and watching for his return to retrieve it,
which was highly unlikely now that I had caught him.

“You don’t need to explain your actions. Here, I would


like to share a story with you. Once, a man saw two mice
going down a path together. The odd thing was they were
both holding a straw, a single straw held between the
two of them in their mouths. Well, the man picked up a
rock and thoughtlessly hurled it at the mice. He ended up
killing just one."

Now, here’s the interesting part… Rare Interviews with


Peter Ragnar - Natural
As I touched the bear poacher on the shoulder I
Cures Encyclopedia
continued, “The surviving mouse began running in circles
while still holding the straw in its mouth. The man, now
curious about the strange behavior, picked up the mouse
and was shocked to tears at what he saw. The surviving
mouse was blind! At that moment, you could say in a
twinkling of an eye—the man was transformed.

What if someone, say a buddy of yours, shot and killed


one of your dogs? Would you forgive them?”

His face flushed as he blurted out, “Forgive? Hell no!”

“What if it was by accident,” I asked.

“Well, then it would be different.”

“Accidents happen when we don’t understand the


gravity of our actions. When we are unconscious of the
consequences of our behavior we harm living things.
Son—every bear, deer, and bird is as precious to me as
your dogs are to you. I hope I’m not wrong, but I do not
think you are a bad person anymore than the man who
killed the mouse. So, I forgive you for being here. Just
promise me you’ll think about my little story and not
return.”

He looked down at the ground. When he raised his head,


he shook my hand and softly said, “Thank you.”

Why did I forgive him? I first forgave him for myself.



Who of us enjoys a sleepless night, turning and twisting Points of Interest:
in restless resentment over a real or perceived wrong?
I choose forgiveness because I also choose mental and
physical health. It is the resentments, the anger, the
regrets, which become the cancer of the soul and body.
Cancer is a disease of anger and fearful imaginings.

All emotions that are not colored by love are toxic.

If you carry an unforgiving attitude to sleep with you,


you’re programming your subconscious to create disease.
It will poison an otherwise sweet disposition, ruin your
personality, and increase your rate of aging. So, from the
standpoint of rational self interest—cultivate forgiveness.
The Dirty Little Secret
The purpose of forgiveness is threefold.
Science & Religion Have
Kept From You
1. To create healthy human relationships
2. To bolster integrity and honesty of others
3. To alleviate negative subconscious

To become a noble human, to actually make a difference


with your life, to become that one improved human unit,
you must practice forgiveness. Forgiveness requires total
detachment from negative past events. If you can step
aside from the failures of others, you’ll walk in the light of
day.

I do not doubt the courage this takes. Nor do I doubt


the healing it creates.

Forgiveness isn’t easy when we want to cry, “Hell, no!” But


as I see it that is the price we pay to become human.

In the words of Mark Twain, “Let us endeavor so to live that


when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.”

Forgive? Yes—Forever!

Much Love and Success,

Roaring Lion Publishing 800-491-7141 roaringlionpublishing.com 


All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“Love Thy Neighbor?”


by Peter Ragnar

It is said, “You cannot do a kindness too soon,


because you never know how soon it will be too
late.” With that in mind, let me tell you about my
neighbors, they’re flat out wild!

It all happened several years ago when the mother was murdered in cold blood. She
left behind an infant who was still breastfeeding—a tragedy for sure. While it was
against the law for us to take in the bereaved offspring, a neighbor did. He was the
wild one. By that, I mean he was a big black bear. The tiny orphan bear we named
“Cub,” and the big male bear we called “Uncle.”

“The Native Americans Ragnar’s Razor


often referred to the black of the Day
bear as “grandfather...”
“Through our tender
...and for good reason as you’re about to find out. Uncle caring for one another,
somehow developed the habit of making a sucking we not only heal the
sound. Whenever Cub would hear that sound, I’m sure
outside world but first
he must of thought of his mother’s warmth and her milk.
Of course, Uncle had no milk for Cub but used the sound the inside world. The
to get Cub to follow him around. scars of resentment,
jealousy, anger, and
They became inseparable companions. On hot summer misunderstandings
nights we could see them romping together near our
melt away and
garden bathed in moonlight. In early fall, when crickets,
cicadas, and tree frogs sing so loudly it’s hard to think, are replaced by
you could still hear Uncle making the sucking sound, tenderness.”"
and of course, there you would find Cub. Well, the years
passed like that and maybe with them the memory of
Cub’s mother. But, do we really forget?

I still haven’t forgotten what happened next. Day after


day, night after night, I’d go outside and listen for that


sweet, nurturing sound. Nothing! Oh yes, the Barred Owl Points of Interest:
would mournfully call “who who, who hoot a doo”…but
no sucking sound. A month passed and one morning I
received a call from the state wildlife agent asking me to
meet him.

A distant neighbor had called the game warden


complaining about an unrelenting strange sound coming
out of a nearby hollow. There were several agents and
the local game warden scratched his head and said, “The
strangest thing I’ve ever seen, a skinny old male bear
refusing to move an inch from the spot—and he’s making
a sound like he’s suckling the breast. That’s the place
The QUEST for
we found a dead two year old, looks like the poachers EXCELLENCE
tried to get him. The old male must have run them off DVD Video with Peter
somehow.”

Uncle faded back into the wilderness alone. Several


years passed, and on a cold and frosty moonlit night I
heard a loud sniffing that turned into a sucking sound. I
opened the back door and there sat Uncle!

It is said, it is a great luxury in life to be able to pick


your neighbors. Well, mine picked me. “Love thy
Neighbor?” Oh, yes indeed! It matters little if they stand
on two legs or four, because you can never do a kindness
too soon, because you never know how soon it will be
too late. If an animal can teach us to love our neighbor,
what are we capable of as humans?

Is it not by our own acts of kindness, tenderness, and


caring that we demonstrate how human we are? It is
in the brutality and violent behavior that humans have
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the potential to become lower than the beast. Through
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our tender caring for one another, we not only heal the
and other harmful
outside world but first the inside world. The scars of
chemicals for a healthy,
resentment, jealousy, anger, and misunderstandings melt
clean shower.
away and are replaced by tenderness.

Tenderness is not a quality of the weak, rigid, and


intolerant. Tenderness can only be expected from
the strong whose powerful hearts have been
nourished by tears and aged by trials. By exercising
kindness, you create and build bridges between yourself


and other living creatures. It is over these bridges that Points of Interest:
your spirit travels to enter the gates of their hearts.

If you love your neighbor and accept them as they


are—without conditions or reservations—you’ll be utterly
amazed at the gifts of creativity, love, patience, and
gratitude you’ll develop within yourself.

It is by the first act of loving your neighbor that you


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in the whole world.
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Yes, I mean the whole world! You cannot do a kindness
too soon, because you never know how soon it will be
too late!

Love thy neighbor!

Much Love and Success,

Roaring Lion Publishing 800-491-7141 roaringlionpublishing.com 


All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“Dogs, Friends, and Fidelity”


by Peter Ragnar

It was in 1738 that Benjamin Franklin scribed into Poor


Richard’s Almanac these immortal words, “There are
three faithful friends—an old wife, an old dog, and
ready money.”

In a fast and transient society, we become acquaintances of many and friends of


few. Why? Because friendships take time to acquire. Also, there are at least three
things that must be present for a friendship to develop and endure. They are common
interests and pursuits, cooperation in their fulfillment and frequent association for a
long time.

“Frequent association can Ragnar’s Razor


be achieved without physical of the Day
presence as long as there
is open communication.” “Another kind of
friendship is based
However, this doesn’t work well with dogs and other
on the quest for
animals where genuine friendship might be questioned.
Nevertheless, I must say that my dog and I have shared human excellence, the
common interests and pursuits, and we do indeed cultivation of nobility
cooperate in their fulfillment. of character. When one
finds such ennobling
Inseparable association for more than thirteen years has
qualities in another and
certainly forged our bond of friendship. On those rare
occasions when I go to town, he takes his position as a
seeks to match them,
lone sentinel and with a great fidelity cannot be budged a great and sublime
or tempted to leave his vigil until I return. If I’m gone pleasure is received
all day, he will remain at his post gazing at the driveway by such association.”
that took me away. He will not eat, drink, or void his
bladder until his task is accomplished by my return. How
many humans are that loyal to each other?


For friendships to exist, there must be shared common Points of Interest:
interests and pursuits. What common interests can
a dog have with a human? How about trekking miles
each day exploring nature? My dog, Bodhi, is always
pointing out new scents and animal tracks for me to
recognize. We share an intense love and interest in
nature. I realize that even the simplest of friendships,
which are characteristic of children, are based on mutual
enjoyment. So, my dog and I also run and play games
together, such as hide and seek.

However, we also share high-level responsibilities Mega Power Magnetic


such as home security, which he can take with deadly Mattress Pads
seriousness, and on the lighter side, keeping animals out
Mega Healing in all sizes
of the garden. Cooperating in these joint ventures can
be hard work, so after dinner, he snuggles up next to me
and begins snoring and dreaming of new adventures to
come. Talk about dogs, friends, and fidelity? I can tell
he’s happy because he wags his tail as he dreams.

While most basic friendships are based on mutual


enjoyment, like friends hiking or working out together;
some are built on the unity experienced in a common
project or goal. I’ve experienced very significant
friendships based on unity. It is the bonding that
professional colleagues enjoy. It is something that is
present in all successful business partnerships. Both
people receive an advantage and thereby bolster their
self esteem. When people enjoy a team spirit, an Ab-Solution Plus
important project is a highly unifying factor. The World’s Most
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“Another kind of friendship is based on the quest Formula
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character...” and Body”

When one finds such ennobling qualities in another and


seeks to match them, a great and sublime pleasure
is received by such association. These are friendships
that can only be shared by equals. These friendships
are based on the terms of equality and cannot be
shared with a lesser person. This kind of friendship is
the highest level because one regards the other as a
reflection of the self.


These friendships are the most shining enhancements Points of Interest:
of one’s own life. The stainless individual, the seeker
of human excellence, may have but a few authentic
friendships, but those he or she has cultivated are as
enduring as diamonds. Old friends, much like character,
are not made in a hurry. Lasting friendships are built on
values and high ideals.

Be like the wise soul who chooses only the strongest,


most enduring, and highest quality of materials to build Mystic Mountain Incense
their abode. Choose your close companions carefully. Do Precious sticks of the
not make the mistake of thinking that those who lack purest incense available
your resolve for attaining the luminous life can share anywhere!
genuine friendship—they cannot. One must first be a
friend to one’s self before they can befriend another.
Friendship on each level discussed depends on the
requisites of character to endure.

Finally, you may evolve to the capacity to rejoice the


sheer existence of what surrounds you, animate or
inanimate. The value of yourself becomes the lens
through which you view the world.

“The choice of how you spend your time is a


reflection of friendship and fidelity—it must be
authentic to survive.”

Bodhi has just rolled over onto my feet. The fire needs
another log and my tea is cooling. Ann just asked if it
needs warming. My heart is warmed and that’s what
matters— you see, I’ve got a dog, friends, and fidelity.

Much Love and Success,

Roaring Lion Publishing 800-491-7141 roaringlionpublishing.com 


All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008
The Razor’s Edge Newsletter
For People Who Live Life in the Pursuit of Excellence

“Courage Is Doing What


You Are Afraid to Do”
by Peter Ragnar

It happened on a warm late summer morning. Even


though more than 40 years have passed, the event could
have occurred yesterday. Funny, isn’t it, how fear can
engrave a memory on the plate of your mind?

“I awoke later than normal Ragnar’s Razor


to a rose-petal sky...” of the Day
Soon I was sleepily pulling the barnacle-encrusted rope, Knowing causes fear to
inching the dinghy toward the beach. While I was loading subside and shrink."
my gear and preparing to row out to my fishing boat, I
noticed two young men heading in my direction.
Points of Interest:
The little cove was quiet, dark, and secluded. It was
where a half-dozen fishermen or so anchored their boats.
The larger fishing vessels were docked this side of a
treacherous inlet. Even on calm days, the cross-currents
often bobbed you around as if you were a cork in a
commode.

The dock was where you’d find breakfast and an


assembly of old salts discussing the weather and local
politics. I usually didn’t stop there in the mornings unless
I needed to fuel up. Today would be different.
Fear Management Audio
The two men were younger than I expected, maybe CD
16 or 17. They asked if I’d give them a ride to a small
sandbar of an island where they could dig some clams
and then pick them up later in the day. I always enjoyed
those afternoons when the wind picked up and you’d
come surfing on whitecaps with a ribbon of seagulls
behind. Today would be different.

After dropping them off on the island, I made an unusual Points of Interest:
decision to return to the dock and have breakfast instead
of heading out to my fishing grounds. The talk in the
restaurant turned to the weather. Dark charcoal clouds
began rolling in and small craft warnings were quickly
posted. Boats my size were forbidden to go out by the
Coast Guard.

All I could think about was that at high tide, that small
sandbar would be mostly underwater except for a small
porta-potty and a picnic table that sat on a high rise. But Shedding Light on
now we had a full-fledged nor’easter bearing down with Magnetic Myths Audio
sudden intensity. As I ran for my boat, the first grape- CD
sized raindrops splattered on my forehead.

I really didn’t know if it was courage or conscience that


caused me to ignore the danger. Some say that courage
is the opposite of fear, but I knew that scary morning
that courage was doing what made you afraid. My friend,
I’ll have to confess, that morning I was very much afraid.

Somehow, I found myself attempting to keep my boat


from being grounded in the heavy surf. That serene little
bar of sand was being slammed by an angry sea. While
I was running at almost open throttle to avoid being
beached, the two kids emerged from the outhouse with
ghostlike expressions. The surf kept knocking them back,
but finally I was able to pull each of them aboard.

Now I faced the dangerous part, while the two of them


huddled, hugged, and cried in the bow of my old wooden
skiff. There was no ribbon of seagulls to announce my
approach into the inlet channel. Waves crashed over
the bow if I attempted to go too fast, and they came
over the stern if I didn’t go fast enough. I was already
standing in water, and the boat was taking it on fast.
You know what I said about corks in the commode? Well,
corks don’t sink, but boats do. And there’s no way we’re
going to swim when the universe flushes.

I did it with my heart in my mouth, and it wasn’t courage


but conscience that finally pulled us through. You know
I couldn’t be telling you this story if I had died that day.
Yes, we somehow made it by the skin of our teeth. And I


can tell you for certain, courage isn’t the absence of fear, Points of Interest:
courage is doing what you’re afraid of doing, and doing it
anyway.

Today, I do not doubt what I can or cannot do.


Knowing causes fear to subside and shrink.

As Samuel Johnson said back in 1751, “Every submission


to our fear enlarges its domain.” There are decisions
we all face, things we must do in spite of personal
consequences, dangers, pressures, obstacles, and great
reluctance. Often, these dangers are internal rather than 12,500 Gauss Rare
obviously physical, yet just as terrifying in nature. It is in Earth Palm Magnets -
these times that moral courage is developed. Miraculous Pain-Free
Healing!“Knowing causes
We all know what the fears we must personally face and fear to subside and
conquer are. The only question that remains is, will you shrink."
act or will you live in shame with a tarnished conscience?
As Emerson so eloquently wrote, “Do the thing and you
shall have the power!”

Yes, courage is doing what you are afraid to do!


Much Love and Success,

Roaring Lion Publishing 800-491-7141 roaringlionpublishing.com 


All Rights Reserved - Copyright 2008

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