Be Here Now: Book review
- Xavier Savage
- Jun 2
- 5 min read
A Journey to Presence – A DXTheTrainer Review
By Xavier Savage, DXTheTrainer.com
In our relentless pursuit of goals, gains, and external achievements, it's easy to lose sight of the most fundamental aspect of existence: the present moment. Ram Dass's iconic book, Be Here Now, isn't just a guide; it's an experience, a potent reminder of the power and peace found in simply being. As Xavier Savage from dxthetrainer.com, I find its wisdom crucial for anyone seeking true self-mastery, as the ability to be present is foundational to peak performance, mental clarity, and profound well-being.
Be Here Now is not a conventional book you read from cover to cover in a linear fashion. It's a journey in itself, structured in distinct parts, each offering a different lens on the path from ego-driven striving to heart-centered awareness.
Let me break down its transformative sections and why they matter for your sovereignty.
Part I: Journey – The Transformation of Dr. Richard Alpert into Baba Ram Dass
Ram Dass's Focus: This first section chronicles Richard Alpert, Ph.D., a successful Harvard psychology professor and psychedelic researcher, and his disillusionment with conventional academia and the limitations of the Western psychological model. It details his transformative journey to India and his encounter with his guru, Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj-ji), which led to his spiritual rebirth as Ram Dass ("Servant of God").
DXTheTrainer Take: This origin story is powerful. It shows a highly accomplished individual realizing that external success and intellectual understanding alone don't lead to lasting fulfillment. Alpert had reached the pinnacle of academic achievement, yet something profound was missing.
His willingness to shed his old identity and embark on a radical journey into the unknown is a testament to the courage required for deep personal transformation. For many, this mirrors the moment we realize that chasing the next PR, the next promotion, or the next acquisition won't fill the inner void without a deeper connection to ourselves.
This is what I call mastering your nervous system – understanding that true strength comes from within, not from external validation.
Part II: From Bindu to Ojas – The Core "Brown Pages"
Ram Dass's Focus: This is the heart of the book and its most recognizable part. These rich, brown-inked pages are filled with psychedelic-inspired illustrations, free-flowing wisdom, aphorisms, and meditative guidance. It's designed to be an experiential read, pulling you into a state of present-moment awareness.
DXTheTrainer Take: This section is a direct transmission. It bypasses the analytical mind and speaks to a deeper part of your being. The visual and textual tapestry encourages you to slow down, breathe, and absorb.
In a world of constant stimulation and information overload, these pages are an oasis. The call to "Be Here Now" is the ultimate training principle for the mind. Whether you're in a workout, a crucial meeting, or simply trying to connect with someone, your power lies in your presence.
This section is a manual for cultivating that presence – something I dive deep into when discussing sleep and energy optimization. Quality rest and mental clarity go hand in hand with being present.
Part III: Cookbook for a Sacred Life – Practical Guidance
Ram Dass's Focus: Following the immersive experience of the brown pages, this section offers more structured advice, techniques, and practices for integrating spiritual awareness into daily life. It includes guidance on yoga, meditation, mantras, and other disciplines aimed at cultivating consciousness and living a more mindful, intentional life.
DXTheTrainer Take: This is where the mystical meets the practical. It's not enough to have a profound insight; you need practices to integrate it. This "Cookbook" offers tools for the journey.
Think of it like your training program for inner peace. Just as consistent physical exercise builds strength, consistent mindfulness practices build presence and resilience. The techniques here are about making "being here now" a lived reality, not just a cool concept.
This aligns perfectly with my approach to stretching and flexibility – it's not just about physical movement, but creating space in your mind and body for awareness to flourish.
Part IV: Painted Cakes Do Not Satisfy Hunger – Recommended Reading
Ram Dass's Focus: The final section is an annotated bibliography of books that influenced Ram Dass or that he recommended for further exploration on the spiritual path.
DXTheTrainer Take: This shows a commitment to continued learning and an understanding that the journey is vast. No single book or teacher has all the answers. It encourages an open mind and a willingness to explore diverse perspectives on the path to self-realization.
This aligns with my philosophy at DXTheTrainer: always be a student, always be curious, and draw wisdom from various sources to forge your own path.
About Ram Dass
Ram Dass (1931-2019), born Richard Alpert, was an American spiritual teacher, psychologist, and author. His work was instrumental in bringing Eastern spiritual practices and philosophy to the West in the 1960s and 70s. His teachings centered on love, service, and the path of consciousness.
Connect with Ram Dass's Legacy:
Foundation Website: RamDass.org (Love Serve Remember Foundation)
Instagram: @ramdass
YouTube: Ram Dass
Final Thoughts from Xavier Savage
Be Here Now is more than a book; it's a companion for the spiritual journey, however that looks for you. Its central message is timeless and increasingly relevant in our hyper-distracted world.
For those of us focused on pushing our limits and achieving our potential, the ability to be fully present is not a soft skill – it's a superpower.
It cultivates the mental stillness required for focused action, the emotional equanimity to navigate challenges, and the profound sense of connection that fuels a purposeful life. I encourage you to approach this book not just as something to read, but as something to experience.
Let it remind you that right here, right now, is where your life unfolds.
Repel, Reveal, Redirect
If you're looking for surface-level motivation or quick mental hacks, scroll on. This path demands commitment to inner work.
If you've read this far, your problem isn't lack of information—it's lack of strategic execution and uncompromising guidance for both your physical and mental sovereignty.
You're not just hiring a trainer or buying a plan. You're declaring war on your weakness and investing in your complete transformation.
Resource Drop (Socials & Training Options):
Follow my uncensored insights and daily directives:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dxthetrainer
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@dxthetrainer
Ready to deploy? Access elite online training systems and strategic plans built for results, for both men and women, including specialized programs for pre/post-pregnancy and achieving your ultimate physique: DXTheTrainer.com Plans & Pricing
For those in Houston, TX demanding the highest level of personalized weaponization, limited slots for in-person training are available with me, Xavier Savage, at VFit Gym, 5539 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX. This includes tailored approaches for all individuals. Serious inquiries can connect via dxthetrainer.com.
Self-Reflection Questions:
How often do you find your mind dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, rather than being engaged with the present moment during your training sessions?
What does Richard Alpert's transformation into Ram Dass suggest to you about the limits of conventional success and the call for deeper meaning in your fitness journey?
In what ways could being more present enhance your physical training, your work, or your relationships?
What's one simple mindfulness practice you could incorporate into your training routine to cultivate more presence and body awareness?
How might developing the ability to "be here now" change your relationship with both struggle and success in the gym and in life?
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