Key Takeaways:
From Drug Addiction to Cultivation: The Transformative Journey of Sterling Campbell
Sterling Campbell is a drummer who had struggled with addiction to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs throughout his career in rock music. One day, he stumbled upon a group practicing Falun Gong in a park and felt drawn to it. He began practicing and, within two weeks, lost all desire for his former vices. He has been practicing for almost 20 years now and credits Falun Gong with not only improving his physical health but also transforming him into a happier person. He has also become an advocate for Falun Gong, speaking out against the persecution of practitioners by the Chinese Communist Party.
Sterling Campbell was born in 1964 in New York City and has been drumming since his childhood days. He was a rising star in the music industry during the 1980s and 90s, touring with bands like Duran Duran, The B-52’s, and Soul Asylum. Despite his success, Sterling struggled with the pressures of the rock and roll lifestyle, which included heavy drinking and drug use.
“I drank every night, I smoked every day, I had pot every day, and other crazy drugs at one point or another. I did it every day, it was part of the job description,” Sterling said.
For years, Sterling tried to break these bad habits, but he just couldn’t. However, one day in 1998, Sterling came across an ancient cultivation practice from the East that changed his life forever.
During an early morning walk in Riverside Park in New York City, Sterling came across a group of people doing some gentle, slow-moving exercises, and he was handed a pamphlet with information on the practice. This is how he first learned about Falun Gong.
Initially skeptical about the practice, Sterling was intrigued by the kindness and sincerity of the people he met. The next day, he began practicing Falun Gong meditation and reading its primary text, Zhuan Falun. To his amazement, within a month of practicing Falun Gong, Sterling no longer had any desire for cigarettes, drugs, or alcohol.
Falun Gong became an integral part of Sterling’s life. With the Chinese characters “Truth, Compassion, and Tolerance” emblazoned on his drum kit, Sterling uses his music as a platform for human rights in China. He brings along his special bass drum kit displaying 3 Chinese characters for “Truthfulness, Compassion, Tolerance”-the principles of Falun Gong, every time he performs on stage. Sterling wants to put positive things on his drum and tell people what kind of person he is.
“I’ve raised my standards as a person—you learn to consider others before yourself. It’s completely about your heart. I give more to David’s music now, I’m more selfless”. – Sterling, in an interview published in the Scottish newspaper Metro, on Nov. 27, 2003.
Sterling was part of David Bowie’s last big world tour, the Reality Tour, which commenced on Oct. 7, 2003, at the Forum Copenhagen, Denmark. Whenever David held a concert, Sterling would arrange a booth for the non-profit group “Friends of Falun Gong” at the entrance.
At the booth, Falun Gong practitioners took the opportunity to raise awareness about the persecution of the practice in China, while Sterling would tell the media about his experience of being arrested in China for voicing his support.
Sterling’s commitment to Falun Gong has led him to become an advocate for human rights in China, where the practice is persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party. He has worked with organizations like Friends of Falun Gong and Amnesty International to raise awareness about the issue.
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The Healing Power of Falun Dafa
Sterling’s story is an inspiring example of how a chance encounter can lead to a complete life transformation. His dedication to Falun Gong and human rights in China is admirable and his commitment to using his platform to bring awareness to the issue is commendable. Sterling Campbell’s story is a testament to the power of personal growth and the importance of standing up for what you believe in.
If you are struggling with a brain illness, I encourage you to try Falun Gong. It may just be the thing that helps you to heal.
If you are interested in learning more about Falun Gong, please visit the Falun Dafa website or signing up for a FREE 2-hour live webinar.
In this webinar, you’ll get a chance to learn more about Falun Gong and its practices, as well as meet other members of the Falun Gong community.
It’s a great opportunity to deepen your understanding of Falun Gong and connect with other like-minded individuals.
References:
- How did he get rid of smoking – drinking – drugs in 2 weeks? (youtu.be/SuPkP9S7Mhg)
- Sterling Campbell: A Musician Takes a Stand (faluninfo.net/sterling-campbell-a-musician-takes-a-stand/)
- Falun Gong Health and Wellness (https://faluninfo.net/falun-gong-health-and-wellness/)
