I didn't see this coming... "holding the space for cancer to temporarily visit me."

Stage 4 Lung Cancer

UPDATED: 5 February 2012

I thought I'd have the next 10 or 20 years to speak about my eighth and most recent book — The 5 Principles of Authentic Living: How to Live an Authentic Life in 10 Words — into which I poured the distilled essence of more than 40 years of intensive meditation and self-inquiry.

In May 2011, I began what I thought would be years of teaching these 5 Principles to audiences around the world. But on January 6, I received the entirely unexpected news that I had "stage 4 lung cancer, spread to spinal bones."

Now, I'm not so sure of the timeline of my life and work. Of course, it was always vanity to assume, but I must admit that one's life shifts dramatically when someone looks you in the eyes and say, "You have stage 4 lung cancer. . . "

I've undergone a successful series of radiation treatments, which have destroyed 90% of existing spinal tumors. My mobility and strength are slowly returning, and should continue to improve as I rehab my body in due course. I feel quite blessed with the successful radiation treatments. The tumor in my lung is very small and not threatening. My other organs are clear and strong and my life force signs are excellent. Life is good.

Dr. Garrett Smith has urged a series of bone-building infusions as well as a series of chemotherapy treatments. The bone-strengthening infusions are treatments to stabilize and strengthen the areas of my spine that have been damaged by the tumors.

The chemotherapy treatments would target the existing tumors not dissolved by radiation, and would be part of an overall mix of treatments — including holistic, nutritional, and energy work — to keep cancer at bay over the next couple of years. As Dr. Smith said, "Robert, you are too healthy to die!" And, within the next couple of years, anything and everything can happen.

Greatness of Being is My Response
It seems to me that a diagnosis of cancer is not a reality-defining sentence from an all-knowing entity. It is an opportunity to define reality based on my response. How I respond to my diagnosis is where I show who I am, and where I show what may be possible beyond what seems possible, or what others say is possible. I have spent my entire life pursing authenticity and truth; let's see how deep I can go. Let's see if this news of cells gone wild in my body can't be a catalyst for me to find true greatness of being within my self. I can contract and crumble, or I can expand and elevate.

I can hide, or I can live publicly and share the entire process of responding to my diagnosis as a means to deeper and truer living. I am going to do this, live publicly. I'm going to use my Blog and a You Tube channel as a means to share my life as it unfolds.

Continuing my Work
So, of course, I am open for business! I continue to offer Authenticity Accelerator and Speak Truthfully programs. I am available to speak to groups as a keynote speaker for any event.

Sponsoring a Talk in Los Angeles
If you live in Los Angeles, please know that I am happy to come to your home, yoga studio, business, healing center — anywhere — to offer a custom Authenticity Accelerator program. I continue to feel that The 5 Principles of Authentic Living are a wonderful context to gather together and look deeply at our capacity to live from Greatness of Being. Please know that beginning in February, I am completely available to facilitate half-day or evening talks and workshops. Just let me know when and where to show up, and I’m there.

Greatness of Being Open House
6115 Glen Tower, Los Angeles 90068

cell:323.803.9070