It has now been 77 years since I first began thinking about love and peace, and I feel it is time to reflect on that journey.
A Lifelong Search for Truth
I grew up believing in God, but I struggled with the idea of constantly worrying about my actions in order to get into heaven. That discomfort led me on a lifelong search to understand who, or what, God truly is. I studied many of the world’s major religions and eventually came to my own conclusions. I began to feel that many of the stories presented to believers did not resonate with me as truth.
A World Still Divided
Today, approximately 74% of the world’s population still follows traditional religions. Wars continue to be fought over differing beliefs and values. It raises the question: have we really learned anything? In many ways, it feels like we have not. Despite advances in technology, computers, the internet, and artificial intelligence, human consciousness does not seem to have evolved at the same pace. After surviving World War II, the world entered a period of prosperity. Now, we see division within countries and growing political tension. It makes you wonder whether we are progressing or regressing.
The Rising Cost of Living
The global population has grown dramatically, now more than eight times what it was when I was born. Resources are increasingly strained, and many people struggle to make ends meet. In the United States, the dream of owning a home is becoming more difficult to achieve. Affordable housing is often located in less desirable areas, where high-paying jobs may be limited, although remote work is making this somewhat easier. Personally, I have outsourced work to places like Bosnia and Ireland as part of adapting to this changing economy.
I live in Marin, California, where home prices often reach into the millions, combined with high interest rates, a difficult combination. Rent is also extremely expensive, and many people are feeling the strain. The cost of food has risen significantly; it’s not uncommon to spend $400 to $500 a week on groceries. I remember when local fishermen struggled to sell fish for $2 a pound, now it can be $32 a pound.
Dining out at a nice restaurant can easily cost a few hundred dollars. At the same time, there is a growing awareness of health and self-care, which is encouraging. Organic food is widely available, though often at a premium. Entertainment has also shifted, while going to the movies is still an option, many people now enjoy watching films at home on large screens. For around $20, it can be a simple and relaxing experience.
Health, Wellness, and Daily Concerns
One thing I find especially concerning is the number of people dealing with serious health issues, particularly cancer. In my tax consulting work, I meet several individuals each week who are facing these challenges. Daily life also reflects rising costs and infrastructure concerns, gas prices exceed $5 per gallon, and highways are often congested and in poor condition. While electric vehicles are an option, I have personal concerns about electromagnetic exposure in an already highly technological environment.
Where Are We Headed?
It seems that, in today’s world, much of our focus is on money and technology. Yet underlying everything is energy. From this perspective, I created One Love – a philosophy that brings together money and energy. It introduces concepts like 11:11 as a guide in business and emphasizes seven levels of energy to support health and well-being.
One Love: A Philosophy for Our Time
I am not aware of many systems that approach life in this universal way. Perhaps this is what a New Age belief system represents, a framework that offers hope and encourages a better way of living in what often feels like a chaotic and unpredictable world.
Ultimately, we are all connected. We are all part of the same journey here on Earth, what I call SOL (Star of Light) brothers and sisters. Now, more than ever, there is a deep need for love and peace.
