THE PATH CONCEPT

by Dr. Lawrence Wilson

All information in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not for the diagnosis, treatment, prescription or cure of any disease or health condition.

I. INTRODUCTION

Definition. A path in the context of this article is an all-encompassing or comprehensive program or series of steps designed to move a person toward a specific goal.

Examples include some religious lifestyles and academic paths such as going to high school and then college. The development programs we offer are a more rapid way to move along the long path of Development.

THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM IS A PATH

This is an important article because it is the basis for understanding the development program, as compared with other healing methods. Development is a path, whereas most healing methods consist of a set of remedies and procedures, but that is all. A path is much more than this.

The path of development is very ancient, although it is not well known among the public. We have just updated it using some modern nutritional and biochemical testing methods. In some languages it is called the golden path or the straight and narrow path.

A PATH WITHIN A PATH

Within this path, another path is also possible. It is to decide to follow the Will of the Creator. For details, read Turning Your Life Over To God and Thy Will Be Done.

II. QUALITIES OF PATHS

Safety. Staying on the path keeps one properly focused, and keeps a person away from many dangers and temptations. Therefore, if one remains on the path, one will be safer and the desired outcome will be more assured. This is a major reason for following a path in life.

Speed. Staying on the path generally moves a person toward the goal much faster than random motion. The path may seem to twist and turn, but in fact, it moves one quickly toward one’s goal.

Comfort. Although it may not always be true, staying on a path is usually more comfortable than “blazing your own trail” through life. One will be with others who think as you do. Also, there are supervisors or helpers along the path who will guide and advise you.

Sureness or experience. Sureness means that thousands, or perhaps millions of other people have traveled the same path as you are traveling. You benefit from their experience and this makes traveling on the path easier and safer.

WHAT DOES A PATH TEACH?

Discipline. Following a path requires following orders and self-discipline. For example, there are certain ways to deal with problems that arise on the path.

Persistence or steadiness. Paths generally require plenty of persistence and patience. The outcome is more or less assured if you stay on the path, but the path can be long and winding.

Self-love. This is an important lesson of true paths. Self-love means respecting and caring about yourself enough to stay with the path in spite of criticism and derision from others – often those in your own family or circle of friends.

ISN’T FOLLOWING A PATH RATHER UNCERTAIN?

It can be. However, the whole idea of a path is to provide more certainty, and a good path will provide this certainty.

Unfortunately, there are many paths that are not healthful or certain at all. For example, some people follow the vegetarian path of life or the raw food path. These sound good, and have scientific research to back them up. However, in our experience, these paths are dangerous and, in the long run, do not at all deliver what they promise.

IS A PERSON EVER ON HIS OR HER OWN PATH?

Many people want to live and travel on their own path. However, spiritual texts say this is illusion.

It may seem you are on your own path but, in reality, you are at the mercy of societal and other forces that subtly tell you what to do, what to say and even what to think. They may tell you that you are on your own path, but really this is not true.

III. OTHER TOPICS

THE WIZARD OF OZ STORY

A popular story in which a path played an important role was the famous book and movie, The Wizard of Oz. We know that Christians do not like this movie because it is about witches.

However, it has some interesting aspects, one of which is the path idea. In the story, Dorothea is repeatedly told that if she wants to go home she must “follow the yellow brick road”.

We believe that this was much more than a brick pathway. It was a journey for Dorothy upon a path, during which she met various people and learned various lessons. For more details, read The Wizard Of Oz – A Tale Of Development.

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