03.17.07

Walk with the Sages: Version 2

Posted in Quotes to Live By, Toastmasters, Self Help, My Life at 10:44 pm by Freeman Wicklund

This speech won my Toastmasters club’s inspirational speech contest. Yay! The purpose of my talk is to show you how to use the wisdom of the sages to cultivate your spiritual values and improve your life.

After giving an earlier version of this speech to the Dupont Circle of Speakers, I overhauled it based on their helpful suggestions. Thanks Dupont Circle of Speakers!

This version was given on February 27 at Capital 1 Toastmasters–my home group. Because I won the club competition, I will now compete at the area level on Wednesday, March 21. Wish me luck!

Here is the transcript for the new and improved “Walk with the Sages” speech:

Walk with the Sages: Version 2

Mister Contest Master, fellow Toastmasters, and Guests; once upon a time, not too long ago, I was pet-sitting for a hound dog named Elmer. Elmer is a sweet dog, but after eating dinner he had a habit of going on “chewing frenzies;” destroying anything he could get his teeth on. I discovered this habit of Elmer’s when I saw my cell phone—which I had left on the table—on the floor with fresh teeth marks in it.

I picked it up—it wouldn’t even turn on. Holding in my hand the soulless shell of my once lively phone, I started to feel anxiety and dread creeping into me. “All my phone numbers are lost! How much is this going to cost to replace?”

Then, you’re not going to believe what happened next, but try to. You see Gandhi–the little vegetarian who liberated India from British rule–he whispered something in my ear! He said, “True happiness does not come from obtaining what one likes. It comes from cultivating a liking for what one dislikes.”

I thought, “He’s right! Now, how could I cultivate a liking for this? Hmm… Well, it is an opportunity for me to maintain my composure during an upsetting time… and to be thankful for all of the abundance that I have in my life. I certainly have the means to get a new cell phone. Besides, this phone was old and needed to be upgrade anyway. Hey! I feel pretty good! Thanks Gandhi!”

This is an example of how “walking with the sages” has improved my life. What is “walking with the sages?” How did I get started in this? And why are dead people talking to me? Let me share with you the answers to all this and more.

“Walking with the sages” is simply using the wisdom of the sages on a daily basis to improve your life and cultivate your spiritual values.

How did I start my walk with the sages? Last Christmas, I visited my parents at their home in Minnesota. They had just returned from India where they had purchased for me a little “light reading” – this book, called A Thought for the Day by Mohandas Gandhi. Gandhi has always been an inspirational sage to me, so I devoured his book with great interest.

Have you ever read words of wisdom that inspire you–giving you energy? Or that soothe you–making you feel at peace? Or that fill you with love for other people and animals? I found that many of Gandhi’s thoughts had this effect on me. I wished that I could refer to his quotes throughout my day; to guide me through the rough spots. But this “puppy” [referring to his tome-sized book] is way too big to lug around! How could I keep his truths with me?

Here’s what I did, in three simple steps. Step one: I found my favorite quotes by reading all 688 pages of his book. Step two: I typed up my 90 favorite quotes onto one sheet of paper that I folded up and put in my planner so I have it wherever I go. Step three: I made a commitment to spend 10 minutes every day reviewing these quotes and trying to memorize them.

Then, when difficulties arise, I review his sage advice—either by pulling out the quotes and reading them, or—as if he was whispering in my ear—I recite them to myself from memory.

Since walking with the sages, I have cultivated my compassion, courage, and composure under fire. Would you like to benefit from the wisdom of the sages? Would you like their knowledge to improve you life too? Good! Let’s get you started.

First, where will you find your quotes? Anywhere and everywhere! Every day we come across inspirational quotes; in stories, speeches, and sermons; in books, magazines, and on the Internet, and especially at Toastmasters! Any quote you discover that inspires you to be more energized, more giving, or more loving, write it down!

And where should you write them? Put them all on one piece of paper or in one pocket notebook so you can carry them with you. To jump-start your quote list, I have created a handout for you with some Gandhi quotes [see below to download]. Now Gandhi might not do it for you. You may prefer quotes from Jesus or Jessie Jackson, Abraham or Abraham Lincoln, Mohammad or Mohammad Ali, Mother Theresa or your own mother. That’s fine! Your quote sheet is for your benefit, so make it your own. Hallelujah!

Finally, where will you find the time to review and memorize these nuggets of knowledge? If you are ambitious, take five or ten minutes in the morning to read your quote sheet and start your day off right. If this is too hard, review it during “stolen moments” like I do. Study it while eating breakfast, while riding the metro, or even at work—while waiting for IT to fix your computer. All it takes is a few minutes of review each day to start redirecting your mind in more fruitful directions.

In conclusion, if you want to cultivate your spiritual values, walk with the sages! Let their knowledge help you every day by following these three simple steps:

• First, be on the lookout for quotes that inspire you.

• Second, when you find them, compile them on a single sheet of paper or in a pocket notebook that you carry with you.

• Third, spend time every day reviewing and trying to memorize your quotes.

Then, when you have a dog-ate-my-phone day, your sages will be “on call” to inspire and guide you. May you always walk with the wisdom of the sages.

Mister Contest Master.

Download the Walk with the Sages Handout.

The text of this speech was written in 2007 by Freeman Wicklund of FreemanWicklund.org, and it may be freely reprinted or distributed in any e-zine, e-mail, newsletter or blog as long as this sentence and Web link are included.

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