8 Life Pillars Manifesto

8/3/2019 8 Life Pillars Manifesto

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A SYSTEM FOR PERSONAL & GLOBAL CHANGE

By Paul Campil lo

W W W . 8 L I F E P I L L A R S . C O M

T H E 8 L I F E P I L L A R S

l i f e i s i n y o u r h a n d s

T h e 8 L i f e P i l l a r G r o u p , L L C • t e l e p h o n e : 2 0 6 . 4 7 8 . 2 2 0 8 • w w w . 8 l i f e p i l l a r s . c o m



Part I

A New Movement of Timeless Principles

A

Fragmented

Society

Can

Become

Whole

Again

Life changes so fast. New trends, ideas, and technology show our collective capacity for

innovating and improving existing structures and systems. We have advanced technologically,

and benefit in ways never imagined even 40 years ago. We have also evolved physically and

smashed old paradigms of what our bodies can do.

But what of the advancement of the human psyche and society? We see school dropout rates

increase each year due to broken homes. Poorly educated students struggle to find jobs and

experience their unlimited potential. Criminal activity and an increase in incarceration rates in jail populations has increased around the world, with America leading the way.

There is an increase in prescription drugs for mental disorders (anxiety, panic attacks,

depression, etc.), and a slew of health problems (obesity, heart disease, diabetes, lack of energy,

etc.). They are all symptoms, and are usually mistaken for the root cause of the problems, but

they are not .

Working as a social worker for the past ten years has revealed some startling, and mostly

obvious realizations about solving our most pressing problems. There is debate as to where the

root cause of our problems lie, although the symptoms are observable by anyone everywhere.

Is the root cause of our problems in the mind, internal, or is it the environment, external?? Is it

our lack of knowledge or skills (mind)? Is it the influence of mass media or corruption in our

homes and neighborhoods (environment)? And the quick and easy answer is, it’s both. The

fact is, both must be understood in order to affect positive, progressive change.

The mind is ultimately the root cause of everything, positive and negative in our world, and

collectively, we create our environment. If we have a powerful enough mind, we can overcome

whatever your environment throws at us.

But, what if the mind is not so strong, not so creative? What if our mind was never nurtured

and given the room to develop properly? How do we make up for an environment that has not

nurtured us?

T h e 8 L i f e P i l l a r s , L L C A S y s t e m f o r P e r s o n a l & G l o b a l C h a n g e

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The relationship between the inner and outer world must be understood and proactively

engaged in a totally different way if we are to begin a positive social revolution.

The inner and outer world must be viewed as a whole system, not in parts, if we are to live

deeply and fully. By not approaching life as a whole, and seeing it only in parts leaves us

incomplete, and contributes to creating fragmented homes and communities, and ultimately

society. We can do much better.

A Healthy Society

If fragmentation is the disease, what is the cure? In their book, The Art of Systems Thinking,

Joseph O’Connor and Ian McDermott define a system as something that maintains its existence

and functions as a whole through the interaction of its many parts.

When solving a particular problem, we look at cause and effect as being limited in time andspace. With systems thinking, time and space expands, and so does our ability to effectively

solve problems.

In a domestic violence situation, a husband is abusive to his wife one day after work. Someone

attempting to solve the problem may think that perhaps he had a bad day at work. Maybe his

wife ‘upset’ him with something she said, or perhaps it was something he expected her to do

and she didn’t. Maybe this, maybe that.

If we just look at the ‘event’, then we severely limit our understanding and our ability to help.

By just looking at the event, how would we solve a problem of domestic violence? We may

think that if his behavior changes then they will be fine. Maybe he needs some counseling,

maybe he needs to go to jail and be punished for his actions. Again, this immediate cause and

effect thinking does not help the man or the woman in the long run.

This typical problem solving technique is widely used, but the same issues continue to reoccur.

By approaching it holistically, we may find that his abusive nature was cultivated while he was

a young boy, in a home with an abusive single parent, etc. We may assist him in ‘dealing’ with

his past so he can properly forgive and heal the past, which he is reliving in the present.

We may also look at his home or work environment, and find some catalyst in his violent

behavior, that if we were to ‘remove’ it, however subtle it is, would have a significant impact on

the whole situation. There may be subliminal cues or triggers outside the realm of his

immediate consciousness contributing as well.


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This is beyond the window of time/space that our minds are used to when it comes to solving

systems problems such as this. And as our world becomes increasingly interconnected, our

problems are more and more systems issues.

Employing a systems thinking approach, we look at the whole man and woman, top to bottom,

inside and out, past to present. We look at belief systems, perceptions, language, environmental

influences, emotional wellness, nutrition, etc. We help them to see it. There is no ‘fixing’ the

problem, and leaving the bill on the table. Once they ‘see’ it with the right help, they can begin

the healing process and move to a more creative and fulfilled lifestyle.

All of us have the tools we need to heal our deepest hurts and wounds and move beyond them.

Health comes from Germanic origin, related to ‘whole’. Once you become healthy or whole

again, you can begin to develop and grow into a much fuller version of your potential. But as

long as we’re fragmented, then we will seek to complete ourselves outside of ourself.

The Best Strategy for Positive Personal and Global Change

It became immediately apparent to me that the key to positive social change, a true revolution

of global proportions, had to start with me. I had to heal or become whole myself, and I realize

why I haven’t done it before. First, I wasn’t aware of it. Second, it’s hard.

Here I am, working with youth who perhaps didn’t want change, but of course every counselor,

parent, and school staff wants them to! We must seem like hypocrites to our young people, and

the truth is, we are. I knew I had to live it, whatever I taught them, and if I wasn’t living it, Idamn sure was trying to. I would have never thought that this would be the key to my own

success.

It’s fortunate for me that I learned this early on in my career as a social worker. It’s a very

simple and powerful ideal, and was stated by Gandhi so elegantly:

“You must be the change you want to see in the world.”

There is so much to this statement, and its simplicity may be overstated, but it’s inestimable

power is immense. I read this a long time before I had my epiphany, but didn’t completelyunderstand it. I believe this particular strategy is the missing ingredient of so much good this

world has to offer to us, and all the good we have to offer to it.


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It’s one thing to talk about the way things are and our unhappiness or dissatisfaction with them,

and quite another to ‘be’ the change we are seeking in a world we don’t care for. Talking is easy.

Being and doing is not. Self-responsibility is critical.

When I began to practice this in my work I noticed immediate changes in my work and life. I

became far more effective, far more competent and skilled. I worked mainly with youth

involved in the criminal justice system, and was profoundly effective.

Local newspaper articles featuring clients and I were met with great interest. I eventually

became profiled in the Sunday Paper of the Seattle Times, and featured on their front page in

August of 2003.

‘Be the change’ was simple and I assimilated it in the only way I knew. I became a better

student, so I was a better teacher. I meditated and became more insightful. I listened deeply to

people, so I became more influential and persuasive. I was trusted because I trusted others. I began the change on me and within me, and it worked, practically overnight.

I became an evangelist, and began to share this idea with clients. I then shared it with staff, then

when newspaper articles came out about my work, I was asked to share my best ideas with

other agencies. I thought it would make a big difference in others, but it didn’t.

The thinking was way too abstract. I mean, come on, what does that look like? Be the change??

I got funny looks, and some people thought it was overly simplistic, and wouldn’t work. In

workshops I would conduct, people wanted techniques, tactical day to day things to do onothers - not abstract slogans that required them to think about themselves.

I asked others to imagine for a moment if people decided to truly work on themselves in every

way conceivable. Not for personal profit, but for personal growth. Not to gain a competitive

advantage, but to experience a fulfillment they never knew existed. What would that world

look like?

I am positive that ‘be the change’ is the ultimate strategy to creating major change -- in our

lives, in the lives of others, and in the world around us. Once we change and move in the

direction we seek, we grow. I believe that growth is something we desire at the deepest, soul

level.

“The Soul wants growth; the mind wants things to stay the same...”


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This personal growth is led by a deep desire and risk to take actions we have never done.

But how does one grow in all aspects of life if they never learned? Most have a desire, but who

wants to risk? Why ‘be the change’ if it means I may lose what I know -- even if what I know is

pain and suffering?

I admit I didn’t know how to explain or implement the strategy of ‘be the change’, and that’s

where I decided to focus my energy. After all, strategy is no good without tactics, and I couldn’t

talk about a holistic model, and then give one half of its implementation.

So, this new model existed only in my head and I have used it in my work, without too much

revealed about how it functions - until now. The 8 Life Pillars is not complete, and it will never

be. It is meant to be dynamic, much like living.

And because of that, this holistic system and approach has to be fluid and adapt quickly. It has

to work for many people, from all disciplines, so that means interchangeable parts and

customization. It is a system of principles and ideas, and a simple strategy that ends up in one

place - healthy change for anyone that applies its wisdom.

The 8 Life Pillars - A Holistic System for Living

Imagine a movement of people committed to health, wealth, and knowledge of self. A

movement of personal responsibility, integrity, cooperation and selfless dedication to one

another, and an increasing sensitivity to life. This is not only possible, but probable, and

ultimately made manifest - by you and me through a decision to do so.

The 8 Life Pillars (see figure 1) is a diagram containing 3 main sections.

The top section is our overall

quality of life. It is supported by

all the activities, positive or

negative of everything going on

beneath it. Seeing the whole, the

big picture view of life showsyou immediately see where your

greatest opportunities for growth

are, and even how to profit from

them.


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Figure 1



The bottom section is the foundation of the diagram, called the Base. The base is what people

came into the world with, and are our primary tools for doing everything.

•Spirit - The non-physical part of the self that is the seat of the soul. The True Self.

•Mind - Mind is the seat of conscious and unconscious experiences and expressions; the abilityto think, create, fashion, and form the environment.

•Emotions - A mental and physiological state associated with a wide variety of feelings

•Body - The physical structure and mortal aspect of a person.

The middle section are the 8 Life Pillars and are the eight primary areas of our lives. These are:

• Relationships - The way in which two or more people, concepts, or objects are connected.

• Recreation - Activities that refresh and renew the body, mind, and spirit.

• Service - The action of helping or doing work for someone. The value we give to the world.

• Money - The form of energy we receive for the value we give or service we provide.

• Health - The vitality or condition of our body, emotions, mind, and spirit.

• Learning - The acquiring of knowledge and/or skill by study, experience, or being taught.

• Organization - The structure or arrangement of related or connected things.

• Spirituality - Concerning, relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul.

A Versatile Personal Development System

The 8 Life Pillars is a simple system and is extremely versatile.

First , it helps you organize your life much faster by seeing the ‘whole’ or big picture just by a

mere glance at the diagram. The 8 Life Pillars uses a natural way to approach your life while

allowing you maximum flexibility to work its system.

Second , it activates your own power of awareness to get clear on goals. It also gives you a

quick snapshot of where you are in your life, and what areas of your life are in or out of balance.


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Third , 8 LP provides an extremely intuitive model for personal development that involves

seven major components, and when used synergistically, will propel your life faster than

anything out there. They are:

When you have the right combination of People , Goals , Attitudes , Knowledge , Skills ,

Organization , and Actions , your life is directed and guided with purpose. It is directed with

such power that miraculous events begin to take place.

With the Right Goals , you move in the direction that best fits you. It’s truly all about what you

want for your life, not anyone else. The accomplishment of your goals, and the journey you

took to get there will be your story told in a unique way. A lot of times, we adopt the goals of

people around us, and we lose ourselves. A lot of people are lost, and forgot who they are. This

system always asks what you want, and where you are in relation to your desired result.

The phrase, ‘be yourself’ takes on new meaning when you’re living your life from your goalsand dreams. The most important contribution you can have on your life and others is to follow

your dreams, to follow your own path.

The Right Goals must be supported with the Right Knowledge. Knowledge will help you

understand the journey to your goals. The Right Knowledge will help make the journey easier

for you. Knowledge can be gained from people or your personal experience. It comes in many

forms: books, music, film, art, discussion, lectures, games, and so on. Either way, it must be

turned to action if it is to be of any use to you.

The Right Skills are developed from the Right Knowledge. With Right Skills, we do things

well. We become more competent, and with competence we become more confident. We

increase our value to others by developing key skill areas. And the only way to improve in any

skill is through practice.


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• Right Goals

• Right People

• Right Knowledge

• Right Skills

• Right Organization

• Right Attitude

• Right Actions



With the Right Organization , you know what to do next and why you’re doing it. You’re able

to allocate the right resources, and stay aligned with the Right Goals. When you manage your

work, space, and time effectively, results are experienced in short order. Without Organization,

achieving anything with significance is impossible.

The Right Attitude ensures our success in whatever we apply these principles to. It allows us

to enjoy the journey, and not just the destination. Without the Right Attitude our actions could

affect others in a negative way. Without the Right Attitude, we may reach our goals, but will

feel as if something is missing.

Right Actions mean acting with integrity, acting with the principles and values closest to you.

It’s not doing everything right and being a perfectionist. Welcome mistakes and learning from

them. This may also mean making mistakes faster. Fail fast, and you will learn success much

faster.

Right Actions always lead to the right results. Right Actions are always in the present moment,

and can only be there. They come from a place deep within, and can be applied to everything

we do.

And finally, the Right People are the most critical factor to success of any kind. With the Right

People in your life, everything is accelerated, things happen faster, and goals are reached. With

the wrong people in your life, you are distracted, misinformed, taken advantage of, and taken

off course of your goals.

The Right People change everything. Try befriending five multi-millionaires for a year and then

five poor people the next year. You’ll not only notice a vast contrast between the two groups

and their behaviors, but you will also notice a dramatic shift in your own as well.

The Right People bring the seven major components together. Don’t know your direction or

purpose in life? Someone out there can help you discover the Right Goals for you. Don’t know

what you need to know? The Right Knowledge is contained by more than a few people out

there for whatever goal you aspire to. Don’t have the ability to get things done properly?

Someone can teach you the Right Skills , and coach you in developing them.

Don’t know what to do next? The Right Organization will place your activities in the right

sequence and keep things clear. The Right Attitude will infuse your actions with the necessary

energy to get quality results. Don’t know what to do next for your particular goals? Someone

can guide you on the Right Actions to take, and how to approach any problem out there.


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The Wisdom of Symbiosis and Synergy

Symbiosis is a term used to describe a mutually beneficial relationship. Synergy is the

interaction or cooperation of two or more ‘agents’ to produce a combined effect greater than the

sum of their separate parts. The 8 Life Pillar system acknowledges and uses both wisdoms tomove you towards goals much faster.

Symbiosis does not naturally occur between each pillar, just like certain people can choose to

not live in harmony with the planet. However, one system (a human being’s destructiveness to

the planet) does affect another system (the planet). When we understand how each Pillar affects

one another positively or negatively, then we see how ignoring one, say Organization , can

perhaps affect our Service , and how that may affect our quality of life in a negative fashion.

When the pillars are understood and used together in their interrelated forms, synergy is

produced. To make it easier to understand, synergy can be influenced, and the Pillars can be

used to work together as a team, very much like the five senses.

And just because you are aware of how each Pillar affects the other does not mean that you will

use them synergistically with one another, because that requires a new skill set, a new

understanding of cooperation. And most times, we have to learn how to cooperate with

ourselves, before cooperating with others.

This is the principal of integrity, or an integration of everything that we are (Spirit, Mind,

Emotions, and Body) plus pillars, focused in one direction.

The 8 Life Pillars is a system for living a quality life (quality is something you determine). It

assists you in discovering many things about yourself, and also helps you see where you’ve

been putting most of your focus and energy, and that helps you see the key areas that are not

getting the attention they deserve, or even neglected.

The beauty of this system lies in how interdependent the 8 Life Pillar system is, and how to use

the wisdom of symbiosis to uncover hidden blocks , and discover how even seemingly

unrelated areas are affecting the one area you may be having the most trouble with.

8 Life Pillars in Action

For example, let’s say that Health is a major issue for you. It could be an issue of being

overweight or even anorexia. The first strategy the 8 LP system would employ is to bring

Awareness to the issue through a quick self-assessment. Questions would include:


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What one pillar is impacting the ‘problem’ pillar the most? (This question is significant because

most don’t look outside the ‘problem’ area, but life is highly interrelated).

In this example, Health is the primary issue. Through self-examination, one will see that

perhaps the pillar most directly affecting their Health is Relationships. (See Figure 2)

The follow up question is:

What key Base Element (Spirt , Mind , Emotions , or Body) do you feel is having the most impact

on your ‘problem’ area?

In our hypothetical problem, we think it is the mind that is affecting our health. This allows us

to go deeper within that particular Base Element to explore the root causes.

In this example, we have two things going on here. We are asking which one of the 8 Pillars

could be or is influencing the ‘problem’ area. In our hypothetical case, Relationships has been

determined to be affecting the Health pillar the most. We are also asking which Base Element is

also affecting Health, and we find that it is the Mind that is the culprit, although it is


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Figure 2



acknowledged that we must dig deeper within the Mind to find the root causes, i.e. beliefs, the

self-image, etc.

This creative approach can lead to a greater insight into the our issues, and allows us to deal

with them much faster.

Another way we can use this model is to remove blockages. First you become aware of them,

then you act on them yourself, or you get help. This will open you up in new, profound ways.

There are four levels to our lives, and so there are four levels to each Pillar. We want to increase

the amount of flow within each Pillar. We can only do that by removing internal blocks and

impediments. This is addition through subtraction.

Take a look at Figure 3

Once those are out of the way, wecan work on the external obstacles

and we will be much more

effective. We are effectively

building unity within, that will

express itself externally.

Why 8 Life Pillars Works

This strategy works because of theacceptance of symbiosis as an

already existing factor between the

Pillars and the Base , although we

may not be in alignment with its

wisdom. Working with your life

in this newly organized way

makes it easier to address issues

much faster, with as little

‘collateral damage’ as possible,

because our view of our life is

much more holistic.


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Figure 3



We start to see ourselves in a new light, not just as individuals who may appear to have a

minimal effect on the world around us, but as interdependent beings, who even with the

smallest action can change things in profound ways. This must be understood within first, and

the 8 Life Pillar system provides the opportunity to see our inherent cooperative and

integrative nature.

If, within our own lives, we begin to see the impact that each pillar has on the next pillar, we can

begin to understand the wisdom in which we were made. Whether you believe in God or

natural selection, there is a wonderful intelligence working behind the scenes.

Seeing the incredible synergy in which we operate, first as one whole system unto ourselves,

and then cooperatively with each other, brings a sense of awe and appreciation within me for all

life.

Spread The

Word

The ultimate point is not whether you use this model or not. It is the wisdom of understanding

our holistic nature and the impact on systems seen and unseen that can be the start of a more

functional, cooperative society.

Ultimately, awareness is the beginning of all personal transformation. Revolutionary or

evolutionary change in individuals, the community, business, and ultimately the world will

begin with the spark of awareness.

The 8 Life Pillars is a tool that brings newfound insight into how we can grow as people and

how the world we experience will change through us.

We are the change we’ve been waiting for. Stop waiting and just do it! :)


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8 Life Pillars Manifesto