CALM – Creating A Life of Meaning

Life is meaningful when an individual has a clear purpose in life. Why are you here in this life? What is your purpose? What is it about you where others benefit by your presence?

The problem many of us face in life is that we tend to be easily distracted by mundane worldly concerns, i.e. hope for fame or fear of insignificance; hope for gain or fear of loss; hope for pleasure or fear of pain; and hope for praise or fear of blame.

CALM Creating A Life of Meaning is a process of reflections like a personal retreat – taking a time out – for an individual to reflect about the meaning of their life. 

This process arose from a 2 hour transcendental experience in 1979 by Montie Cooke while playing golf at Waikoloa Village on the Big Island of Hawaii. Cooke realized from this experience that there is much more to life than all our worldly hopes and fears. Cooke experienced and realized the power of the human mind well beyond our sensory reality; anything is possible; there is no separation between all phenomena; and that this true nature experience is available to everyone.

This experience caused Cooke to let go of a successful career in the financial industry to explore the power of the human mind. From the multitude of books read, workshops, lectures, retreats, and personal dharma practice and study over 40+ years; Cooke’s primary sources of inspiration were from R. Buckminster Fuller (Buckminster Fuller Institute bfi.org and the great masters of Tibetan Buddhism, primarily Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche (Chagdud Gompa Odsal Ling odsalling.org and Rigdzin Ling chagdudgonpa.org and Sogyal Rinpoche (Rigpa rigpa.org) who introduced him to many of the first generation masters who were refugees from Tibet.

A pair of hands gently cradles a glowing orb of warm, golden light against a dark background. Wisps of smoke or energy rise from the sphere, adding a mystical and ethereal effect. The illumination from the orb casts a soft glow on the hands, highlighting their contours and creating a sense of warmth and wonder.
This image captures a serene moment of meditation, with a person sitting cross-legged in a peaceful outdoor setting during sunrise or sunset. The warm golden sunlight filters through the palm trees, creating a tranquil and almost spiritual atmosphere. The silhouette of the meditating individual exudes calmness and mindfulness, symbolizing inner peace and harmony with nature. The wooden deck and natural surroundings suggest a tropical or retreat-like location, making this a perfect representation of relaxation and self-reflection.

Learn more at the websites below

Buckminster Fuller Institute
Chagdud Gompa Odsal Ling
Rigdzin Ling
Sogyal Rinpoche
A serene view of the sun setting over the ocean, casting a golden reflection on the water. A tree branch with delicate leaves extends into the frame from the top, adding a natural frame to the peaceful coastal scene. Dark rocks in the foreground contrast with the shimmering water.

One year after his 1979 golf experience, Cooke met R. Buckminster Fuller with the question, what do I do with my life after such a profound experience? Fuller’s response became the outline of Cooke’s book published in Brazil in 2,000 entitled (in English) The Natural Leader: Creating New Realities to Benefit the Whole. This book became the basis for the CALM Creating A Life of Meaning Series, a process of reflections about one’s meaning in life resulting in a vision of one’s work and life as an expression of one’s own true nature

Bucky Fuller’s advice comprise the outline of the book:

  • You don’t belong to you, you belong to the Universe (you are not your ego and false identities).
  • Look into your heart to find your true nature. 
  • Look outside of yourself for what needs doing.
  • Make yourself competent.
  • Just do it.

Around the same time, Cooke was introduced to Tibetan Buddhist teachings and meditation practices which are aimed at awakening the true nature of one’s mind. Important aspects of these teachings and practices are to refrain from harm, bring benefit to others, and to tame and transform this mind of  ours. These aspects mesh well with the natural leaders mission to “create new realities to benefit the whole”.

The Natural Leader

Creating New Realities That Benefit The Whole

Cooke’s book published in Brazil in 2000, O’ Lider Natural (The Natural Leader, creating new realities to benefit the whole) is like a guidebook of reflections and meditations about your life that are intended to result of a vision of your life that is resonant with why you are here in this life. It is a vision that is formed out of direct experience of your support system of people, places, activities, things, and subjects. You are invited to explore the book as a guide for your reflections or to reflect upon a few basic questions:

  • What are your natural qualities where others benefit? Qualities that you may take for granted.
  • In the spirit of thinking globally and acting locally, what needs doing in your community?
  • What is it about you that needs to change?
  • What would you like to learn more about?
  • What holds you back?
  • Was there a time in your life when you experienced a major shift in perception and values?
  • Who are inspiring role models? What is it about them inspires you?
download the English manuscript

FAQs

Explore the wisdom behind our frequently asked questions to elevate your understanding.

CALM guides individuals to find depth and purpose in their work, aligning daily efforts with personal values for a more meaningful life.

Creating A Life of Meaning philosophy encourages individuals to move beyond surface-level pursuits, focusing on contributions that positively impact society.

CALM inspires individuals to seek fulfillment in life through values alignment, encouraging a compassionate everyday mindset that works toward the greater good.

Societal Impact is crucial as it fosters a more compassionate and purpose-driven approach to life, creating a positive influence on society.

Individuals can find fulfillment in life by aligning efforts with personal values, moving beyond self-interest to contribute positively to society and the greater good

Donations

Donations to CALM fuel our mission of helping individuals and organizations create meaningful, purpose-driven lives. Your contribution supports the development of impactful workshops, resources, and community programs that inspire people to align their work with values and make a positive difference in the world. By donating, you become a vital part of a movement dedicated to fostering social responsibility, compassion, and lasting change. Every dollar goes toward empowering individuals to create a legacy of purpose and contribute to a better future for all. Together, we can redefine success and inspire meaningful action.

Donations