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TRANSFORMATION Book Preview
Hey Team...
I've been getting a lot of requests for previews of the new TRANSFORMATION book (which will be "hot off the press" and available in the 3rd week of October), so I decided to share the Foreword of the book with you now. By reading it, I'm sure you'll get a good feel for the intention of the book and perhaps you'll even see the direction of the new transformation path.
Oh, and hey... I want to also take this opportunity to give a big THANK YOU to all of you who participate so enthusiastically here in the Transformation Community. I can't tell you how much I enjoy reading your comments, posts, and blogs. We've got something really special, and important, started here and it's really just the beginning. Stick around and visit often -- I know for a fact that the more you participate, the more you will benefit, and never underestimate how much others gain by what you share!
I'm always around...
Bill
P.S. Assignment #9 for transformers Monday.
Foreword
“For this is the great error, that physicians
separate the soul from the body.”
An inspired life. Fulfillment. Faith. Harmony. Health. Integrity. Energy. Meaning. A sense of purpose. Connection. Satisfaction. Peace. Inner happiness.
When I wrote Body-for-LIFE, I made a promise to each and every reader. To every man and woman who completed that program, I promised that they would experience a transformation that extended beyond just their body. I promised that they would sense a shift in every aspect of their life, in their very perception of the world. It’s now been nine years since I wrote those words, and over that time, my understanding of their meaning has evolved. So too has my vision of what true transformation is all about.
Yes, forging a fit, healthy body is a step in the right direction. However, when we also do the inner work to lift our spiritual health to the next level, it’s then we truly begin to live life to its fullest, with nothing to hold us back, and nothing to weigh us down.
That is what this book is about. If Body-for-LIFE was a how-to manual for the body, consider this a how-to manual for the soul – the individual soul of each of us, which of course extends into the collective soul of all of us… the collective soul of our nation, of other nations, and, by extension, of this entire, ever-more-connected planet on which we exist.
We’ve never needed a great transformation more than we need it now. We are at a critical point in the world today, one of those “tipping points” that people have begun talking about in recent years. Never have we all been positioned to transform in the way we are positioned right now.
I’m nothing less than ecstatic about this. I believe we are poised at the gateway of sweeping changes throughout our culture – spiritual changes. I’m not talking about any particular religion or philosophy. The kind of shift I see looming on the horizon is a rising tide of individual and collective awareness and transformation that, as the saying goes, lifts all boats in the sea, regardless of gender, race, religion, age, or nationality.
There is little question that this is a time of crisis in our culture. Forget the constant battling of politics. In politics, there is always crisis. That’s what politics feeds on – conflict and crisis, real or imagined. No, what I’m talking about are personal crises. I’m talking about a nation in the grips of epidemic levels of individual physical distress – skyrocketing rates of preventable ill health – obesity, heart disease, diabetes, depression, cancer.
I’m talking about a culture in which so many have material abundance undreamed of a couple generations ago, and yet they feel spiritually impoverished – empty, depressed, yearning for something to fill them in that place called the soul. I’m talking about a culture in which too many such people quell their yearnings with the stuff of addiction. Drugs, alcohol, sex, work, junk food, junk TV, toxic amounts of leisure, computers, video games – you name it – anything they can pour into themselves, or pour themselves into, in order to fill the void inside.
“Bill,” you might say at this point, “how can you be excited about this? A global nation engulfed in suffering, largely of its own doing.What in the world is there to feel hopeful about here?”
In a word: Everything.
Any type of transformation involves tremors. The status quo always shakes when a shift is afoot. That’s what change is about. Things typically have to reach a state of extreme distress before they are able to truly transform. That’s what all these dilemmas we see right now in our society are about, I believe. They are wake-up calls, if you will. Sometimes it’s not until the alarms begin sounding that we realize it’s a sign of something urgent – that it’s “911-time.” Well, the alarms are sounding right now. And that’s good. Because it’s time to wake up.
It’s time that the old buildings many of us have been living in, the ones with walls of misperception, denial, fear and narrow beliefs; the walls which cut us off from one another and from our own spiritual selves, those walls must come down, so they can be replaced by new “homes,” a new way of living with ourselves and each other.
That’s why I’m optimistic. I pointed toward this massive cultural shift on the final pages of Body-for-LIFE, when I spoke of America standing at the threshold, the “Gateway,” page 111:
“There is something afoot in our society,” I wrote, “a gathering force that is beginning to rise as the twenty-first century begins. People are reaching as they have never reached before. They are searching. They are hungry for hope, for meaning, for clarity, for something to believe in. And they are discovering that that search, that belief, has got to begin with themselves.
“People have had enough of fragmentation, of coming apart – both as individuals and as communities. They have had enough of conflict – of fighting one another and of fighting themselves. We have seen what happens when we separate ourselves from one another and when we separate ourselves from our selves. We have seen the decay that takes place when we neglect our bodies, and now we know that it is a metaphor for the decay that takes place in any and every aspect of our lives that goes without care or attention…
“That is what our society – and I dare say the world – is doing as this millennium draws to a close. We are transforming… People are discovering that they do have the power to change. That they do have the ability to create not only a better body, but a better life, for themselves and others…
“You can regain control of your life and change it, beginning with your body, but only beginning there.”
Since then I have followed the transformation stories of over a million people from all over the planet: from America to Canada, Japan, England and Australia, Finland, even China. They accepted my Challenge and began to truly transform their lives and the lives of those around them. I’ve traveled all over the world to personally meet many of these men and women, and each of them, in their own way, through their own individual stories, has added to my understanding of what it means to truly transform.
But as I wrote then, this is only the beginning. Caring for your physical health is a necessary step, but it’s only one step. The next step, the second of the “twin pillars” of transformation, is to turn inward, to take the same faith, commitment and determination that it takes to rebuild the health of our physical bodies and apply that to nothing less than the complete renewal of our spiritual condition.
This “Gateway” at which we now stand has been prophesied for ages, by many faiths, in many cultures. There is something that has been understood for centuries – something that has been preserved in sacred narratives and wisdom traditions throughout the world – by people who looked at the same ageless issues and questions that we are facing right now, questions of the very meaning of existence, of the purpose of life, and of how each of us, individually and all of us, collectively, might approach the way we live in order to fulfill our destiny and answer our calling.
The impetus for the coming evolutionary jump is being driven from within. It is being driven by the Divine Will itself. It seems almost certain that the great transformation will occur, one way or another. Perhaps our most important decision is whether we will align ourselves with the Divine, and consciously assist in the shift, or stubbornly resist it, failing to acknowledge our role in the process, and therefore, suffering unnecessarily through it.
Things won’t change by waiting on the same old bureaucratic system to come through. The solution is up to us. It’s our opportunity. We must “be the change we want to see in the world,” as the Hindu Spiritual Leader, Mahatma Gandhi so profoundly stated. We’ll only change the big picture by accepting responsibility for the problem and rising up to the challenge as individuals. Our personal transformation becomes the message, the example, and the inspiration which helps our families, our societies, our nations, and our world.
As you begin to walk this path, there will be moments when you may feel like giving up. Make no mistake about that. There may also be times when you question your ability to make the transformation. That’s all part of the process. Always remember this: I believe in you. I know you have the power and ability to make the change. And now, with this book, you have the keys to open the gate and discover your highest potential.
I know you can do it. I don’t “think” you can, I know you can. And soon, you will know it too. If you’re ready for the challenge of a lifetime, please turn the page, and let’s begin, again.
Bill, I can not wait until I wrap my grubby little fingers around the covers of this book. The timing release is near perfect. Thank you.
I look forward to reading this book. You have changed my entire families life since Tyson and I started our transformation in January. I can not thank you enough for the happiness you have brought me and the lessons you teach me. Thank you! Ami
UNBELIEVEABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"And my mind goes back to that stormy night when just in time I saw the Light"---Don Sumner,Stamps Quartet,THE LIGHTHOUSE. PARAPHRASE:And my mind goes back to that stormy night when I read Body For Life and I saw the Light.My turning point was "Crossing The Abyss"and "The Gateway".It was HIS DIVINE WILL for my life.I have lost a hundred pounds in nineteen months since reading and implementing BFL's guidelines and exercise regimen.For an adult with a lifelong disability this progam has been AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rusty
OMG, Bill. When I read these words, I got goose bumps. "The impetus for the coming evolutionary jump is being driven from within. It is being driven by the Divine Will itself." That is exactly what I have been feeling about this transformation. Now is the "appointed hour" for growing strong and being a part of something bigger than just the old worn concept of "me against the world." I now am part of "us," the transformation community, creating a vision for a better world and being the best I can be through service and compassion to/for others. It's great to have a dream and a vision. Thank you for providing the guidelines and the inspiration. Blessings, Jackie
Why did you discontinue Phosphagain 2 when you were still in charge. Awesome stuff. Ohh cant wait for the book too!
WoW this is to crazzy!! I havent been on hear at all tell last night and as I am reading all this,it is just more conformation of what has been takeing place in my like.... I have found the spirit Man within and l Like living with this peace this Knowing that the Powers of our univerce are transforming so many.. I feel like "HE MAN' because seeing all this love and fath impowers me!!!! "I HAVE THE POWER."
Bill, I can't wait to get my copy of your book. Thanks for being the wonderful person that you are!~Kim
Bill, As a past BFL class of 99 I made a change in my physique that I didn't think I would ever make. It was one of the toughest goals I have ever accomplished in my life. I consider myself a very very fortunate individual. I am blessed in so many ways. But the challenge was tough. Like others I soon lapsed into my old habits and the weight came back. With the transformation program and with this site, I believe I will again attain the Body For Life I want and everything you have done will help me get to that goal and MAINTAIN it! I can't wait to read your new book. It will further help me plus millions other come together as one group, one community striving for the same goal. You created a great community of people here and I thank you for that. I share what I am going through daily with others and touching peoples lives in a positive manner. They see the changes in my life and this then motivates them to make changes that are necessary in their lives. It doesn't matter if I tell them or they just see it, they all understand they can change for the better. If everyone each of us knows just gets a little better we have a lot of people feeeling better and it grows exponentially. Can't wait to read the book.
I want to pre-order mines through amazon, if i'm able! :)
In deepest loving gratitude to YOU for BEing the inspirational leader you were born to be! God Bless YOU! Starjumps filled with tremendous JOY for your upcoming passion filled masterpiece, Diane
I want to pre-order mines through amazon, if i'm able! :)
Its awesome..Its great..can hardly wait..Thank you for caring about people like me..My appreciation is due you...Angela
I will add my post of excitement to the rest of my T Friends' comments! The "void" you spoke of cannot be filled with what "the world" would have us believe in the media. And the real clincher is we already have it inside of us! I'm looking forward to reading my copy and meeting you in Oct! Beth
I know I've "turned the corner" in my journey... I can't wait to turn the page! I'm humbled by your vision for this great country and look forward to your mentorship thru this new book/chapter in the journey! V/R, Ty
Bill I ABSolutely love it and cannot wait to get a copy! I printed this out and after i read it i found myself trying to turn more pages, i was wanting to read more and more, this is so truly INSPIRING, thank you for your Good Works!!!
Very powerful stuff, Bill. I can't wait to get my copy. I will be buying several copies to give out to the people I love and care about. Thank you for caring so much about all of us! -Tom
Can't wait to read your new guide; it will be available just a few weeks shy of my Transformation ending, and will probably help propel me to the finish line. Thanks for everything, Bill! Chriss
YOU ROCK BILL! Thank you for sharing. Can't wait till October!
Gosh Bill, talk about increasing the anticipation! You have an awesome gift for speaking from your heart in such a way that it gets straight through to our hearts. Wisdom, intuition, love and concern for the human race are more of your gifts that you share so freely. You are a true blessing; continuing to lead the way to positive change in each of us and in our world. I do believe that together we can and we will BE THE CHANGE. ~Annie
Wow can't wait to start reading this book! Thanks again Bill for all you do for our society and our T.Com community.
Amazing! An inspiration to change the entire planet, is begining within the spirit you have inspired and the words you have so eloquently committed to this book. I feel so blessed to have an opportunity to be a part of that change, to aspire to inspire. Thank you for the gift of life, love and freedom you have so graciously offered to this planet! Yes the time is now! in gratitude Jeff
What you send out into the world will always return to you. Bill, be prepared to be enveloped with love. ~Jim
Bill, I just wanted to thank you for writing these books. BodyforLIfe has really helped me immensely as did this website. I know for a fact that just working on my ouside was nothing compared to working on the inside. WIthout the inside transformation i wasnt making much progress, now with this i am making great improvement. Thank you for being you! Holly
I have a new book coming out in a couple weeks. Something tells me yours will outsell me :) I'm glad the new book is finally coming out. I've been dying to read it. Thanks for the preview!
Bill...I can't wait to read the book.Physical health is just one aspect to health, but without spiritual, mental and emotional health being addressed and nutured one feels out of balance.Many people are experiencing material abundance but spiritual drought without even realising why they are feeling so "empty" inside.Thank you so much for writing this book, I'll be sharing it with the people I love and care about and anyone else that wants to listen!. Wishing you love, peace and happiness in all that you do. Niamh
Wow, never before have I been inspired by a preview of a book. I felt a lump in my throat when I read about spending too much time on the computer. I would write more but I have to shut down my computer now and do something constructive (after I order the book). Laura
It is quite apparent from the powerful foreword-- that this book will be a force of transformation for the masses. It will be more than "just a book" but will actually have a HEARTBEAT. Bless you Bill. We are so fortunate to be a part of this grass roots community. :+)Rena
Bill: I'm excited to read your new Transformation book & listen to the CD! You're always a fount of knowledge and I've learned so much from you! I've been a member of the BFL Community for a long, long time and so it's great that we also have the Transformation Community. I have met so many GREAT people in both of the Communities so "THANK YOU" for all you have done for all of us!!
Bill can't wait to read the whole book! I'm so excited about this transformation. ~Patricia.
Wow...every word totally drew me in deeper and deeper. I could feel your passion and energy! You're desperation to get people to understand that THEY hold the key to unlock their true potential!! This book will help us make big changes that we all here at T.com want so desperately to see in the world. Your words fill my heart and my soul with hope! If we could just get people to see, understand, accept and then do. It's all in the DOING. You're book WILL make a difference!
Could we in the Community have more sneak peeks every week? Maybe a page or two from each chapter? Share the knowledge so we can spread the word! Who better to carry your message then your biggest fans? We love you, Man! We are all better people for just knowing you and learning from you. Please don't ever stop spreading your message. So many still need to be graced by it. Jeff Robinson
I suddenly have the urge to address you as "Dad" though I am 3 or 4 years older than you St William. I first came to this site for the book because I knew it was the Remedy to me healing, restoring, strengthening, self disciplining, learning, etc. and based on the priceless, precious, Coached workshops I've been part of and participated since I've been visiting this site, I can confirm to myself that I am right without feeling boastful, arrogant or guilty about it. This journey under your direction really feels as if we are about to take an outter space flight. It feels different and simply divine. Sincerest Hightest Regards,
Thank-you Bill, for sharing your vision with us. It will be an honor to be a part of the change this world so desperately needs. Amy
Beautiful Bill. Your writing is very captivating. Thank you for having the courage to share your gift with the world.
Bill, I'm proud to be part of the change and look forward to reading more of your transformation insights and suggestions. Great Forward! One thing is for sure, politics and national healthcare can’t solve our problems until more of us become individually responsibility for our own health and happiness. Steve
Looking forward to the release. Bill, thanks for the positive momentum you generate. All is One.
Damn Bill - AWESOME forward! I'm really excited to get your new book! I've seen TREMENDOUS changes in myself; not just physically, but really emotionally and spiritually. The world seems like a different place since I started Transforming. People smile more...they laugh often...they love strong. I'm really looking forward to reading the rest! *HUGS* God bless you Bill! ~Julie
Bill, I'm so excited for this book and am hoping to be able to get one from you personally in Denver! Body for Life was amazing and will always be a constant source of inspiration and power, but that being said, I can't wait for your new insight. You're very inspiring and special to all of us out here and your words are always right on time. Thanks for doing a great job!!
This new book is right on time. People are looking for a better way to live their lives and that makes lasting change a reality. I have to admit I love the 12 week program but many times did not take the week off. So injury and constant pushing has left me lacking in many areas. The preview give a hope that one can make the transformation complete. After 2000 BFL I had the perfect body but something was missing. It didnt take to many years for that imbalance to show up in how I look and more then that how I felt about myself. Thank you in advance for this book. I can not wait to get started on this transformation. God bless you, mary
Bill, again you are on the front of a tremendous change. I applaud your efforts in helping people understand how to help themselves through their transitions. Your programs have been such an inspiration in my life for many years. I'm so excited to read your new book! Thank you for you inspiration and insight! Jana
Bill, Bill, Bill, Simply amazing. THIS is what we need...as individuals, communities, and collectively. When more people start becoming the change they need in their lives, the more we will see the change our world needs. Thanks Bill. I'm excitedly awaiting your book. I can't wait!!!!~ken
Changing ourselves is the most powerful thing we all CAN do to help change the world! I love this philosophy and remind myself everyday to see the Divine within me as well as the Divine within others. Even when it's not so easy to see! Bill's reminder is a great one. Blessings to all.
Can't wait to read more. :)
What struck me most in your forward is your statement that you believe in us, that we can do what we need to do to be the change that our world needs. It's good to be reminded that any change we make causes changes around us, then ripples throughout humanity. So, what we do CAN change the world.
Thank You - What hit me most from the forward of this book is that your words are all emcompassing, no judgement, no barriers - this is here for one and all - this is a tool for each and every one of us - a guide to help everyone to Be The change - to learn and share, to discover and then support, to find that 'space' that feeling that words just do not do justice to - a 'bubble' in our souls. This journey is one of many steps - but of such change that our eyes and hearts will see and feel things that they never could have focused on before. I truly am grateful (even when some of the learning is challenging!) for this opportunity to be on such a journey of discovery with so many incredible, caring, sharing, wonderful souls. Words can not convey the depth of my gratitude. Thank You Mr Bill Phillips - Thank You. - Jaki :)
WOW! This is going to be an awesome book! Richard
It is a very inspiring foreword, and it's also something everyone all over the world can relate to. I can't wait to read the entire book!! :)
Bill, this book could not have come at a better time! Thank you for your insight and this great community.
I hear you Bill, let the whole world listen in, everyone needs to read this. Sold to me. God bless You xx
I will be buying this for all my this years Christmas presents. I can not wait for your book although you have laid out everything so beautifully for us to follow already. Your efforts are highly commended from sources that I almost can't explain. But I KNOW I was meant to tell you. Others will try and others have done but none so "complete" as yours and with the techniques that will get the greater understanding..in this you have accomplished more and I applaud you & respect you greatly~Hugs,Laura *^*
Thank you for sharing this with us. Bill, you are already the change and you inspire us daily with everything you do.. Love, Crucky
Thank you Bill Phillips, I cannot wait till the book comes out.
I'm so excited. I found this challenge because I was searching for a release date on the book. I am so thankful I have gotten somewhat of a "head start," but feel I've only just scratched the surface...everyday I feel stronger and focus on progress. More patience, more laughter, less judgment. The book is going to help so many more people recognize the need for these "increases" in their lives. So grateful!
I am so excited about this book. So much of what you wrote in the forward speaks to me. As usual!!! I hear so many different messages that all pertain to aspects in my life. Things that need to be changed and things that need to Transform. I have no doubts in this stage of my Transformation. I am not turning back. I don't ever want to be in THAT place again. My children are hugging and kissing me and telling me how much they love me. They see the change. What is so exciting, it has only just begun!!! Thank you so much Bill and I anxiously await "the rest of the story".
Thanks for the preview Bill. I hope there are lots of copies to go around because I feel this book will be growing wings and flying off the shelves. LOL Brian
Thank you Bill! Ohh I can't wait..not only to read the whole book..but to see what my NEW LIFE has in store for me as I transform. Thank you again!
Thank you for sharing this preview. I cannot wait to turn the page :).
Thank you so much for sharing this with us! I can not wait to get my hands on this book!!
awesome, looking forward to the 3rd week of Oct and getting you to sign it for me in Tennessee Love, GET*HER*DONE LINDA
Bill you have helped me understand that before I take on the task of changing the world I have to take on the task of changing myself. Once I get a clear view of my gifts, talents and power to be a force for change then I can use the gifts I have fine tuned to be the change for the world around me. Ghandi was right when he told us to become the change we seek. I think you have made that clearer for us.Thanks for giving us the inner focus so that we are empowered and clear on what we bring to others and the strength to change the world. Peace & Light my friend, Dave
Thank you for the preview. I am definitely looking forward to getting the book! I am also very grateful for everything that you are doing to help each of us with our transformation. Bonnie
The Soul and Spirit are soaring inside of me. This is driving a new mind and new body. Thank you Mr. Phillips.
Bill, From ALEX AND HELEN; I think it is amazing what you have here. A lot of people have been talking about this change that will soon occur. And yes you are right it is a spiritual change that will make this a better world. We wish you success...
Thanks for the preview. I'm looking forward to the release!
Mr. Bill, Thank you for the sneak preview. You are very wise. Curious to know what it was that really drew you to your own personal transformation that you are now embarking yourself? You have so many followers and are an obviously charismatic leader. Thank you for all your knowledge that you have gathered , experienced and wisdom that you share with us. Jineil
Bill I have followed you from your days as the advocate to the harcore muscle fanatic, to the begining stages of Body For Life when we bodybuilders fealt you were "abandoning us" for greener pastures. Little by little I began to realize that the pursuit of muscle just for muscle's sake was very self serving and draining. You truly did begin the revolution of "Bodybuilding" as it was known at the time. People who would have never ever picked up a dumbell found out that weight lifting is great! You brought the concept of the 12 week program to the rest of us. I think even the word "Transformation" has been transformed in a manner of speaking. You could almost say that the fitness world can be defined as having two distinct eras; Before Bill Phillips, and After Bill Phillips. I cannot wait for you new book Bill. I have never bought a book on the release date; but I will be waiting in line at Barnes and Noble come this October.
I am looking forward to reading the new book, it sounds like it will make an impact on many lives.
I'm excited to read the book! I'm excited to share your book with many others! I feel like I have already gained so much inner peace from doing the assignments and completing 2 challenges...I can only imagine what the book will entail...you have been a great inspiration & motivator for me. Thank you!
I long for what Bill talks about here. He seems to speak to me, as I am sure he seems to speak to many of us. There is a thing called 'the tipping point' I believe that this may be it for many of us.
preorder? :) I can see this book being a major catalyst, thanks for bringing us along.
I could not be any more excited. I have never done a challenge or anything like this. I promise to open all my heart and mind to experience what ever happens. I fully expect to become a "Johnny Appleseed" and help spread all that I learn here. Sincerely, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Mark
We have everything we need to be everything we want! I read something not to long ago, that your writing brought back to mind. It's message was basically "growth of a plant, an animal, a person, does not happen by taking away or adding to the outside. It's by feeding and nourishing the inside that the growth is able to occur. Thank you Bill for nourishing us. What you give us to nourish and feed our inside; growing our minds and souls, is and will be reflected by our healthy bodies on the outside. I'm so blessed and thankful to be a part of the journey with you. TOGETHER we are all being the change. It's a wonderful life!
I love it! I already know what my birthday gift to myself is. I cannot wait! That's a lie of course...I can wait; I just don't want to.
Holy Cow How Very True!! This is so exciting Bill and I know it so well! I am forever grateful for the lessons learned and am learning form this Transformation that you shared with me. I absolutely can't wait for the book and helping people and myself to continue to Transform and be the change!! It just never ends! Marty
SWEET! As a man in Transformation I can say I am excited and the changes I am seeing are incredible, of course the body is only a part of what is happening in my life, its the drive the determination, the want to finish, the will to succeed, its changing from a starter to a finisher, changing to a true state of LIVING and BEING and having a closer relationship within and with those around me. Again I thank you Bill for everything you are are doing for myself and my family.
That was awesome Bill. I can not wait to read the whole book. I think we as a nation need this book, to help us transform not only our health but our lives. I am so grateful for this community and for you Bill. I will be going to the Women's Conference in California and look forward to meeting you.
Bill you have earned my deepest respect and I am so glad you shared this on one of my greatest days ever. From someone who is new to both physical and more importantly spiritual health, I humbly say Transformation has saved me from myself. The Gateway that you talked about was exciting and it turns out to be more than I could have ever imagined. You truly are a spiritual giant and I look forward to calling you my friend. Shane
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