Balancing The Material & The Spiritual Worlds - In conversation with Joseph Rodarick Law

1. What is ‘Authentic Power and Greatness’ about?

The idea basically is for people to live a life ‘inside out’ so that they believe in and actualize their higher potential in this lifetime, while balancing the spiritual and material aspects of life. The concepts of searching for a higher purpose and succeeding in your life and career are explored. 

 2.  What is the main message of the book?

I think number one is to pursue a worthy and worthwhile goal. One has to pursue the right dream, tapping into the passion that one has within. In addition, living a balanced life is very important. Different aspects in life such as family, managing your finances, your career and spirituality, all need to be encompassed into becoming an integrative human being.

3. What according to you is living a balanced life?

Nowadays, life is very hectic and stressful. If you are not inspired by a higher purpose from within you just get lost. Generally, one is required to conform to the trends of society or the good opinion of other people. This is important, but one must listen to one’s heart and conscience. 

4. Spirituality and the mind, how are they correlated?

The mind is defined by many things, our senses, our memory and also our subconscious mind. At a practical level our journey is about mastering the mind and emotions, because if we are only driven by impulse and emotions, we would lose control. Mastering the mind is very important.

Sometimes the mind is like a monkey, it jumps from place to place so one has to train it. It is all conditioning. If you are an optimistic person and think happy thoughts then the mind is in your favour. 

5. When was the first time you tapped into your inner potential to become the person you are today?

I can’t think of any one incident or event but a number of things have helped me realize my potential. There is no simple formula, awareness takes time. “We are not human beings on a spiritual journey but spiritual being on a human journey”. It is a constant change that takes place over a period of time, which one needs to observe to grow. One way to look at it is to reflect upon your life, reflect upon your history, this is the outer aspect of it. The inner aspect is the need to understand and observe yourself.

Observing yourself at three different levels. How you are thinking, what you are thinking and the inner motivation. Then you need to observe your speech.

When you are saying something, you might be driven by impulse. We affect other people by three means – our thoughts, words and actions. 

6. According to the Global Wellness Institute the global health and wellness industry is now worth $4.2 trillion. What are the main driving factors? What factors have contributed to the growth?

As a human being irrespective of race, religion and background everyone is unique. As a result, we need to look at what we have in common. We all want love and happiness. It is universal and that I feel, this is the main driving force for the growth of the wellness industry.

7.  There are wellness trends emerging across the world. Do you think it is a new era for wellness?

Over the last 50 to 60 years wellness has picked up momentum. People have achieved high material growth with globalization and with the ease of access to information people are looking for more answers. For example, those from the more developed parts of the world have achieved more material satisfaction already. If you look at the Maslow hierarchy, it is all about the basic needs of life like food shelter and safety, but outwardly everyone wants self-actualization. 

8. What do you feel is the best activity, for reducing stress?

Yoga and long walks in nature are basic stress relievers. Even meditation can be impossible at times when the mind is restless. I think exercise is a great stress reliever. 

9. How do we maintain a work-life balance?

It depends on how you manage your time - you need to plan your day ahead. You have to be clear about your objectives and goals. You have to ask yourself the question- why am I doing this? You might accomplish the task but will have low energy levels if you heart is not in it. Energy management is very important. 

10. You are a versatile person. A speaker, entrepreneur, investor, author and philanthropist -where do you get the energy for everything?

I do what I want to do. I choose it. I basically do things which will make a difference to people’s lives. If I enhance my energy to do something I am passionate about I don’t feel any stress. I like to use the words ‘inside out’ because if you maintain the rules and standards of society only, you will be doing something which is ‘outside in’ and hence, not feel very good about it. 

11. Who or what has inspired you throughout your journey of life?

People who have served the world in a selfless manner have inspired me. Mahatma Gandhi, Ashoka and Mother Teresa for example. 

12. On a conclusive note, what do you enjoy doing on a business level?

I have worked at the UN. In regard to business, I invest in companies and projects - cross border mergers and acquisitions. I work with leading businessmen in Hong Kong. In addition, I work with some of the biggest entertainers in China. I love what I do and love to create a balance between the spiritual and material worlds.