MICHAEL DOMEYKO ROWLAND is on an unyielding mission.
“People sit in a narrow band of their awareness and mosey through life hoping to keep out of trouble and get by with as little effort as possible,” he says eagerly.
Three years ago he released Being in Heaven. Having grown up in the industry, this was Rowland’s feature film about getting more out of life. He wrote, directed and starred in the film, eager to “alert anyone who is interested to the reality of how to live in a new way, with a totally different understanding of what is possible”.
The father of two has been on the personal development trail for many years, releasing countless CDs, DVDs and one acclaimed book. His best-selling Absolute Happiness was released in 1995 and has sold over 80,000 copies in Australia. The self-help book seeks to lead its readers to a life of ‘complete fulfillment’. He says the idea refers to the “state of the superconcious… it is defined by a tremendously increased perception, bliss and ecstasy and various higher powers of the mind”.
“It is something that is available for anyone (but) to have that kind of experience requires you to get a proper handle on your life, and most importantly awaken your heart,” he muses deeply.
Rowland maintains the idea of ‘total fulfillment’ is achievable in a society driven by credit and the constant need for material items.
“You need a plan to create the money you need so that you can have a passive income that gives you enough to live comfortably. That is actually the great secret of success for this kind of superconscious life.”
On relationships he says: “make your relationship the number one experience of your life. Make yourself into a loving being and stay away from expressing negative emotion. Improve your behaviours and become very kind and generous.”
He admits however that it is extremely difficult initially to harness the mind, to control it in a way that is conducive to personal development.
“It (the mind) just chatterboxes on… the real secret is not in trying to stop your thought processes, but learning to direct your attention… don’t get trapped in its wanderings.”
In 1996 he was asked to meet with ‘Fergie’, Duchess of York, following her much publicised divorce from Prince Andrew.
“She invited my wife and I to her home, where we taught her some techniques over a three week period, to turn her life around. She was in a terrible position with the divorce and huge financial pressures.
“She was very committed to the work and did extremely well. I taught her about the structure of the personality according to Drs Hal and Sidra Stone.”
Rowland has spoken to almost a quarter-of-a-million people worldwide and will this weekend speak with three other life coaches in London at Inspiring People For Life.
“Life is a consciousness game. The more conscious you are, the more fulfilling your life will be. Use every single moment and aspect of your life as an opportunity to become more conscious.”
Inspiring People For Life will be held at the Royal Geographical Society on 19 February