Riding the Cosmic Carpet
I can’t say it was public although I know many people were saddened. I didn’t know the day or time he died. I wasn’t in his inner circle nor did I really know him very well at all. In all actuality, I had only spent one weekend with him when I was in my early twenties and he was about 30 years my senior. I had read several of his books on energy medicine and knew I just absolutely had to study with him. So, being the seeker that I was, I traipsed up to Ashland, Oregon, to attend one of his weekend retreats. My connection with him was instant – the kind of connection that transcended time and space, and as he said, “If he had been 15 or so years younger and me 15 or so years older…”
He was so tapped in – as if plugged into the power socket of life, his world was electrifying. Everything he did was experiential – it was as if we were riding a cosmic carpet through consciousness itself. What I didn’t know at that time was that Jack Swartz was to be my liaison to Steve Jobs, and introduce me to the world of technology that was soon and over time going to have its way with me. I was going to learn to not only love it, but to feel the kind of gratitude that one feels to a close loved one, family member, or friend.
Years before I ever heard the words Apple, laptop, iPod, iPhone or iPad I was resisting getting my first answering machine because it seemed to be such an impersonal way to have one’s phone answered. Once I had it, however, I felt the excitement of my newfound technological friend. In response to my new answering machine superiority compounded with naivety, Jack whispered to me one of the greatest secrets of my life: “Never,” he said, “Never let yourself fall behind the wave of technology…always be riding the wave.” I have come to see over the years, not only as a consumer of everything “i and Apple” that he was absolutely right. His sage council has been a tailwind on my technological journey and where Jack Schwartz transitioned on so many years ago now, Steve Jobs ascended to his rightful place on the technological wave while I humbly surfed in his lovely wake. To Jack and Steve, I am forever in gratitude for your vision, gifts and blessings!!!
Thank you for sharing your invaluable experience. I can see how important Jack was in your life. I know you must miss him a great deal. I believe you’ll carry him in your heart and mind….remembering and acting upon his words of wisdom. Selah.
I’m one of those person’s who is not particularly happy where technology is taking us, more and more loss of human jobs, predicted to increase dramatically over the coming years. Currently, factories and some hospitals are using robotic devices, needing only a fraction of workers to run the show. Blue collar jobs are on the decline, disappearing at an incredible rate: factory workers, cashiers, LVN’s, nurses aids, etc.
Yet, at the same time, I know your mentor is right. I can’t allow myself to be left behing in this new society of technology, a matter of personal survival. I know I must stay abreast of the 21st century.
Always, Joan
Dearest Tamar.
What a wonderful metaphor to explain your experience with Jack Schwartz. It fits so well as your words of appreciation of this special man flowed through you. Thanks so much for sharing your feelings and where it has taken you on your adventure into and through the world of technology.
How very beautiful…Bear Heart would say, mostly about the AMA, it all comes from the One who created everything. With regard to technology, he would tell people that “Reginah had been bitten by a huge mosquito; a mega bite”.
Puha, sacred breath
Reginah
I literally finished Job’s biography last night. Coincidence? It has affected me deeply…not just the technological breakthroughs, but the unyielding pursuit of perfection and the deep connection to the metaphysical. Sobering, inspiring, confusing, but so human it hurts. Happy New Year Tamar
Dearest Tamar
It is so lovely to read your story about Riding the Wave!! I fully relate to what you are saying as I type on my fairly new Apple MacBook Pro which I took a Leap of Faith in buying. I had always been a Toshiba user but knew from my visit to you in Boulder in year 2006 (how those 6 years have flown) that I would love Apple. I also have an iPhone now and love the way I am supported.
I remember one of the things I loved most about my visit to Boulder, apart from the amazing and uplifting time with you Tamar, was how people everywhere I went were saying “Thank you for your support” .. truly gorgeous !!
Wish I could return to be with you .. maybe ??
Love Robyn
Mission Beach, Australia
i was very intrigued and captured by the first line. loved your sharing. and now my pusher is advising i need to revamp my technology world. thank you… blessings evelyn
Tamar,
So enjoyed your sharing here. Thanks for speaking from your head and your heart.
~J Gail Swineford
What a wonderful experience you had, and have it to remember always.