Robert Harwood

Robert (Bob) G. Harwood

I've had an interesting life. Went to U of Fla. in geology. Pursued gymnastics, philosophy, poetry, & electronics. Spent four years in the Air Force. Later studied art and architecture at UT. Started a construction company. Wrote a couple of books. Lived through rocket attacks in Vietnam, high-speed auto crashes, a freak blizzard at 14,000 feet, a murderous assault by an angry boyfriend, and various construction accidents. Was introduced to a soulmate, Carol, by John Groomes, who set us up on a blind date 28 years ago. We have one daughter, Anna, who is a professional ballroom dancer.

Raised in a fundamentalist religious tradition, but trained as a scientist, became disillusioned with both religion and science at age 20. For 35 years was tortured by a long list of existential questions. Is there a God? How did life arise from lifeless matter? What are subatomic particles? What could explain the observer paradoxes in quantum physics? Despite 20 years of intense thinking and reading, was unable to find any satisfactory answers.

At age 40, started a breath awareness exercise to alleviate stress. Had an unanticipated effect. After four months, increased practice to three hours per day. After five months, began falling into deep states of samadhi (a form of unity consciousness). Had a big enlightenment experience. During the next 15 years, went on contemplative retreats with Christians, Buddhists, & Hindus and spent a fair amount of time silently looking at the world. One by one questions fell off the list. In 1999, after hiking for several days in the mountains of Colorado, the answer to my last question appeared. Finally, I was free. What a relief! It was time to relax, kick back, and enjoy life without pondering it.

My most enjoyable activity now is getting to tell people, "Stop intellectualizing and smell the roses. Silently contemplate the world around you. Watch the thoughts that appear and disappear on the screen of the mind. Inquire into the source of awareness. The truth will reveal itself in direct proportion to your seriousness of intent."

Today Carol and I live in Cookeville, TN and enjoy ballroom dancing, movies, hiking, visiting Nashville, and socializing with friends.


bobh@usit.net