Book Nook

I am so excited to share with you my first DVD review! It is a 4 DVD set of a two day workshop by Louise Hay and Cheryl Richardson. Hay House sent me this set for my honest opinion.

I was blown away by Louise Hay. This was my first time to see her teaching on video. I've read her books, but never seen her speak. She says something and it goes right to the heart. There is a moment in Disc 4 where she assists a young man and it was so powerful. She just cut right through all the cerebral stuff and you could see the young man's struggles dissolve - along with some of mine and I'm sure those in the room as well. This is the #1 reason I would purchase this set - to see Louise working with people. I can see why her early work with those with AIDS was so profound. She is an amazing lady.

Cheryl leads the workshop in the same cerebral, intellectual style as her radio show on Hay House. There were a few times I thought her personal stories went on too long with unnecessary information. However, if you are new to her work, you will enjoy what she brings to the table. She and Louise make the workshop stay in balance and cover many areas of life, just like the book upon which is was based.

Each DVD runs as one track. This made stopping to care for my son tricky. I wish it were divided into chapters. I appreciate the editing with audience participation. When the audience had to write, the time was cut so I could continue with the workshop. Also, the participants who asked questions were useful to me and the feedback they received from Cheryl and Louise was fantastic.

Here are a few of my takeaways:

Sometimes we can't be with in someone else it is usually something we can't be with in ourselves.
It takes great love and maturity to choose love over being right.
I love the places that still need to grow.
I can build a relationship with the part of me I don't want to be with.
Every complaint is an affirmation that doesn't heal anything.

It’s a new age view of food. From the cover, “The Mystic Cookbook brings to life a wealth of recipes and a myriad of experiences from places as far-reaching as Mexico, Italy, Vietnam, France, North Africa, and India – as well as from mystical, legendary, and mythic realms .”

If the book would have organized the material as listed on the cover we would have a winner.

Here are some issues that bugged me about this book:

*The book will not stay open unless you bend backwards the heck out of it. I wish it were either in hardback or a binder. This book gave me fits trying to keep it open.
*Information is scattered even though in “chapters”
*Recipes are not in normal order, almost impossible to find it if you lose your place.
*The material feels disjointed. There is a section on prayer over food and towards the end of the book, another section of saying grace. In fact, I could never seem to find the section again to show you an example of a prayer.

*The copy in between recipes feel like little booklets of information strung together to make a book. If the material had been more organized – menus together, chapters more representative of what is in them, and a better index in the back, I would have enjoyed this book and would recomend it.

Sections of this book I found useful:
* How to treat a guest at your table – I’m not much into hospitality but would like to be and there were great tips in this section.

* Recipes for meat eaters and plant based lovers included.

*Cool suggestion on making a “mystical apron.”
*Doable dishes from all over the world.

Other Observations and Highlights:

The photos are beautiful. It truly is a visual feast.

Ways to Improve the Energy and Vibration of Your Food:
*Affirmations in which you can write on the jars or on papers under plate something such as “The food I consume provides me with all the nutrients I need at this time.”
*Chants – it can something as simple as the word “om” or your favorite mantra or traditional chant. You can also make one up with words meaningful to you. In the Christian tradition, you could use your favorite hymn or make up a tune to a meaningful bible verse.
*Quartz Crystals – “From a scientific perspective, quartz crystals have piezoelectric qualities and have the ability to amplify energy flows.”

I wish they would have placed all the menus in the front or back and referenced by area of food alchemy. An example of a kick butt index is Doreen Virtue’s Flower Therapy. It is a mess trying to remember where a page was if the book closed. Did I mention the book barely stays open?

A beautiful section is on the “Giving of Grace.” I love the advice to simply “express what’s authentic and real.” Then turn the page and make some “Gratitude Granola.” Although the recipes are legitimately tasty and with loads of variety. I think everyone could find one recipe they want to try. The book is put together in a very whimsy way. It’s like following your friend who is so excited and they jump from here to there but are so excited about it you follow along, even if you get a little dizzy.

Overall, the presentation fun and visually inviting. It reads like a book for your dining table over which people could have the most interesting conversation. It may even raise some eyebrows.

Hay House sent me this book for my review.

I cannot stop listening to this CD! Oh my goodness! There is such wonderful uplifting words and music. It is as effective for cleaning the house as it is for a rough day. The book is divided into chapters that delve deeper into the meaning of each track.

Other than a few listens to his radio show on [...] I was not very familiar with Mr. Beckwith's work. My initial reaction was that of a African-American Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church, the popular postive preacher in Houston, TX. But, upon further listening and reading, I think Michael takes traditional religion to a whole different level. He is quite well read and it is displayed in his writing. His is passionate in this work about helping people connect to who they really are, believe in themselves, and live authentically. Isn't that a message we can all hear? I am reminded of the bible verse, "All things work together for good to them that love the Lord." Michael points out many times that everything that happens is for our highest good.

The hardest part was choosing quotes to share with you from this work. Here are some which really hit me between the eyes, and one time moved me to tears.

"When you remove your attention from the external world, when you pull your mind out of the sea of mental garbage, you can begin your life anew."

"Give yourself permission to forgive your mistakes and misconceptions. Let yourself off the hook for times that you may have misspoken, allowing things to fly out of your mouth that you wish you could reel back in. On a regular basis, every single day, take time out and begin to see yourself without all of the gunk of your own personal judgements. Ease into the awareness that there's a presence of love seeking to express itself through you. But it can only come through the openness that you provide through your sense of self-love and appreciation."

And I can't resist another quote! They are just so good! I can't recommend the book enough when listening to the music. It all comes together so well. It's also possible you may not understand where he is coming from in the music until you read the chapter on each song. They are easy to read and make sure to have your highlighter handy. His passion and enthusiasm jump off the page to me. This book/cd set has truly inspired me to live more authentically.

"By making a choice to stay in the frequency of inspiration - as you do when you when serve, when you give, when you read an inspiring book, when you listen to uplifting music - you find yourself living from this realm, rather than reaching for it."

This book reminds me of "You Can Live An Exceptional Life" by Louise Hay & Cheryl Richardson. It places much emphasis on our daily spiritual practice and monitoring our thoughts.

Hay House sent me this book/cd set for my review.

Welcome to the Crazy Sexy Kitchen by Kris Carr. Hay House sent me this book for my review.

What a beautiful book! There are tons of photos, sure to get yourself off the couch and into the kitchen. Or, to show to your beloved to inspire them to get off the couch and into the kitchen.

Kris and her Crazy Sexy Chef Chad Sarno, both credit maternal influences for their love of food and cooking. As a mother, this hits home. Even though my son may not always follow my lead, he is being influenced by the way I use and cook food. Chad says, "Just like most kids though, despite the fresh food put on the table at home, I had a dirty romance with processed dairy and sugar." He goes on to say that today, as an adult, "By eating animal-free, whole foods, I've experienced a level of vitality, energy, and health that continues to humble me today. I've seen firsthand the remarkable results that my friends, family, and clients have experienced with this diet."

What prompts me to purchase a cookbook is not only the recipes, but often the philosophy of the author. I love that Kris is as passionate about her purpose as she is peas! She spends ample time in the book educating her readers on why she chooses and omits the foods in her cookbook. In addition, each most recipes have a full color photo and all include personal notes from her about the dish. In the education section, the layout is so fun and vibrant. It doesn't read like a dictionary, but of a personal conversation with wild fonts, lots of colors, and bold section headers. It is just fun to look at and read. It also breaks things down into manageable chunks for quick reference.

The first education section book gives a rip roaring trip through topics such as
*inflammation
*acid/alkaline balance
*milk and dairy
*gluten
*sugar
*raw foods
*green juices & smoothies
*benefits of Crazy Sexy Kitchen
*prevention
*Crazy Sexy Planet
*FAQ - 8 pages of them!

The next education section is all about the foods. This is wonderful if the only grains you are familiar with include rice and pasta.

*Crazy Sexy Staples
*testing for ripeness
*Tools of the Kitchen (including a picture of each!)

The final section, before the recipes, is all about cooking the staples. I LOVE this. How many times have I read through a cookbook and did not know something, common knowledge to chefs and foodies, about how to prepare and use the food! I love this section!

*Cooking and Prepping Lingo (4 pages)
*Cooking Grains and Beans
*Knife 101 (again, includes photo of the knife she describes - THANK YOU!)

The next section, and the bulk of the book are the recipes! The are divided into the following categories:
*Juices
*Smoothies
*Breaking the Fast
*Soups and Stews
*Sandwiches and Wraps
*Sensual Starters
*Symphonic Salads
*Main Events
*Sexy Sides
*Dressings, Marinades, and Condiments
*Snacks and Munchies
*Sweet Seduction

This cookbook is fabulous! First, it is just beautiful and fun to read. No matter one's eating style, I see this as a book most people will want to pick up and browse. I love how Kriss combines education, great cooking, and fun with food. The inside covers claims "Crazy Sexy Kitchen" gives you all the tools and know-how you need to adopt a joyful and vibrant plant-powered lifestyle that harmonizes your beautiful body at the cellular level. It's a celebratory way of living that's deeply connected, healthy, awake, and engaged."

It is my honest opinion, that yes - it does.

In the process reviewing the book Self-Hypnosis and Subliminal Technology, sent to me for my opinion by www.hayhouse.com,  my body nearly jumped out of the chair when Eldon Taylor talked about television.  Oh yes – television!!  This simple book review became a huge sigh of relief.  All of the symptoms I experienced regarding watching television rang true when compared to hypnosis.  Normally, I would not review a book on hypnosis and subliminal technology.  After all, why would I subject myself to something that has been ”shown that through the use of hypnosis, the modulation of activity-dependent gene expression can be manipulated.”   It certainly isn’t something I talk about on a frequent basis.  But when it was applied to the practical world I could not stop reading.

Before my son was born I watched so much television.  I lost count of the number of shows my DVR captured because when one season ended, another took its place.  Housewives and men who were mad were my daily interactions with the outside world.  Not that I was a hermit, but it was far more fun to watch them than my own life.  When my son was born I continued my television addiction when he was sleeping, which was often.  As he grew older it became more difficult to find time to watch television when he wasn’t around.  You see, I could not watch when he was awake.  You may think this is because of a strong religious stance but not really.  Of course I didn’t want him to see anything but tulips and rainbows but it was more because it could not ”veg out” when he was around.  The point of watching TV was to be still, watch the screen, and NOT THINK.    I would wake up around two or three am and watch TV all morning just to veg out.  Yup.  I’m totally serious.  This began to take its toll and I started cutting back here and there but I resented it.  Then I offered a prayer that my desire to watch TV (veg out) would disappear.  This truly helped.  Now, four years later, I can go days in a row with no television and I’m okay.  The tricky part is watching my son be addicted to TV.  I have established firm boundaries of when he watches and how much, but it is not easy.  I get it.  That was me.

The reason we crave this, what happens to us is so powerful.  Eldon explains brilliantly in his book.  What we must first understand is that “our normal waking consciousness is beta, lightly modified consciousness is alpha, deep sleep is theta, and comatose states are delta.”  So let’s talk about alpha, which is where hypnosis and television veg outs happen.

Alpha is a “heightened state of suggestibility” or “skillful suggestion.”  Read that again, slowly.  What comes to mind?  Commercials???  Songs we listen to on the radio when we are in an emotional state???   “Our inner talk tends to slow down and become image oriented or guided as opposed to constantly self-initiated, albeit often unconsciously. ”  Isn’t that amazing?    Over time, media exposure becomes more and more sensationalized – or everything is on the edge, if you will.  Therefore, we need more and more to stay interested.  As a result of watching things things, often in that alpha state, our own behaviour is influenced!!

“Television has probably the single largest impact on people today.  It guides our purchases; provides most of the information we have about the world and any single issue or event; and merchandises everything from apparel to hairstyles, fashion to the common cold.”          

“When a person is in a state of alpha, such as hypnosis, the science and literature show us clearly and without doubt that the body can be suggested to health or illness. ”  So how much TV does it take to hop into alpha state?  According to Eldon happens within four minutes or less!  Eldon begs the question, “How much illness do you think is sold in order to create a market for the medications?”

Television feels good and yummy and addictive because when it alpha states of consciousness our endorphin levels increase.  It’s not so different than asking why we keep eating sugar.  It just FEELS good!  GIVE ME MORE!  You see, endorphins are our body’s “natural opiate system.”  Yup.    This is why some argue that TV is addictive.   It sure was for me!

Now here is the good news.   Since alpha states are a natural part of our being then it can be used for good!  This is the point of Eldon’s book.  “Self-hypnosis is all about learning how to enter the alpha brain-wave state and use it to create a desired experience.”  Herein lies the premise of this book with accompanying CD.  It’s about making the changes we want to see in ourselves.  It’s about the lives we want to live, the purpose we are here to share with others, all for good and a higher calling.

For the Sender is a tiny book with CD. A songwriter takes letters sent to him and experiences in his life to write his songs. In doing so, it bring meaning and healing to himself and others for whom he writes.

I was immediately drawn to his purpose in life, whether he wrote it that way or not, in the first chapter.

“..just the thought of someday making a moment in someone’s life better with one of my songs made me feel more alive than anything at my job ever could.”

The author goes into great detail the stories that inspired each song. I appreciate the chapter called The Box which begins with this quote.

”All this time, we had been one and the same.” – Way of the Peaceful Warrior

What he realizes is that every story that belongs to someone else also belongs to him. It will be in a fractured form or appear in a different face, but we all have experience that mirror the emotion. He encapulate this so well here:

“I can see how the struggles and triumphs we talk about over dinner, or on the playground, or to the mirror, are unique because they come from different voices, but are all part of the same conversation. The stories belong to all of us.”

I could not think of a better message from a songwriter and musician. Feeling the interconnectedness of all beings is the foundation for true compassion and empathy. When that comes through in our chose art and inspired work, we become more than the sum of ourselves.

For the Sender was sent to me by www.hayhouse.com for my honest review.

I often love to have fresh flowers in my studio. Piano lessons feel so bright and cheerful when I look up and see fresh flowers. The students love them as well. So when this book came up for review, I could wait to read it. This book is like a little encyclopeida with beautiful color photos and descriptions for flowers. There is a informative section at the beginning regarding the care of flowers and ways to preserve them, dispose of them, and use them in our lives.

I wasn’t sure exactly how I would use the book but it so happened the secretary at my Dr.’s office was just diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. She was very shaken and on a super strict diet. Of course, my first thought was to bring her something to eat but I didn’t want to give her a food she was avoiding. I immediately thought of my Flower Therapy book! The index in the back includes flowers for healing, another index for Archangels, and yet another index for chakras! I cross referenced each and was able to give her flowers that reflected my intentions for her life. As I read the healing descriptions and messages regarding the flowers I was so moved. It was truly a unique and thoughtful way to show love for someone. For example, one flower, gladiolus, was a match for all three of my intentions. Here is part of the message concerning the gladiolus, “I’ll lift your spirits in the blink of an eye. ” and the Healing Description said “Gladious is perfect for easing heavy emotions and energies such as sadness; this makes it a wonderful gift for a friend in need.”

One of my favorite practical tips in the book was how to keep my cut flowers happy in their vase. Five tips are listed but the one I loved most is this one, “Add 2 teaspoons of sugar to the water for food, and 1 teaspoon of vinegar to prevent bacteria from growing.” Sure enough my flowers stays beautiful longer and my vase was a cinch to clean.

This book is so beautiful and informative. Flower enthusiasts will love it, no doubt. I was someone who thought flowers, even the ones you buy in the store that are inexpensive, are a luxury. After seeing this book and seeing flowers as such beautiful, natural gifts of healing I am using them in my every day life more and more. It has been a blessing to me and others.
Hay House sent me this book for my review.

Always up for inspiring words I looked forward to reading this book. I consider it to be a spiritual devotional book. Choquette was raised Catholic and her verbage reflects that heritage. Those who were raised in formal Christian tradition will feel at is with the prose used in this book. Her development beyond her formal church tradition still speaks in today's modern language but is found within longer sentence structures and message she interprets from the Divine.

The book is divided into three the three categories of Grace, Guidance, and Gifts. I did not find these separations necessary as a reader. I could open the book to any place and find something that fit . The introduction of this book encourages the book to be used in this way.

"Keep the book at your bedside, on your desk, ...anyplace where you will see it and reach for it every day. You may even want to carry it with you and refer to it throughout the day."

Each devotion is set up as follows:

Message from Spirit a brief paragraph that simply explains the objective and focus of the lesson. I personally enjoyed these, written in Sonia's straightforward manner (in my opinion).

Morning Prayer/Invocation/Affirmation a paragraph or more which goes deeper into the blocks that hold people back from receiving their blessings.

Today's Mantra is an affirmative statement reflecting the readings. These are great to write on index cards.

Your Personal Blessing is Sonia's interpretation of what the "Holy Mother-Father God" would be saying to you, the blessing over you and things for you to remember. I felt sometimes these got too wordy and repetitive. They almost could have been written in a list form. However, as I said in the beginning, the prose is much more wordy and superfluous in this section but some people may enjoy the beauty of the repetition of certain phrases. It does come across as very heart felt.

In the back of the book there was a CD. Now, I think most people have their favorite way to meditate. Some enjoy New Age Music, hymns, piano music, or silence. I could barely listen to this CD because it was not my personal preference. I did not find it relaxing. In fact, when her voice came on it scared my cat. :-)

I thoroughly enjoyed Sonia's Power of Your Spirit. This book carries forward many of those concepts, but they are a bit more "hidden" in all the unnecessary verbage. Nevertheless, it is worth the read. I read it with highlighter in hand because the content is worth discovering.

As a music teacher, I love this one,

"I call upon the gift of music to assist me in healing old wounds that I carry, erasing grudges and resentments that I feel, helping me move past vague and real doubts and fears of my not being loved, and expanding my heart and mind to feel my Spirit more. I can upon the angels of music to move me to dance in the flow of life."

Beautiful.

Teachers work closely with students. How do you handle the expectations of the kind of teacher you want to be? What do you do with the expectations you have of your students? I have been reading Soul Centered, Transform Your life in 8 Weeks with Meditation by Sarah McLean. This book would be appropriate and useful to anyone. She does not advocate any religion. It is a very Western, down to earth, easy to understand, approach to meditation and living life. Her chapter on how meditation affects our stress is well written. There are three big keys in this book that relate directly to teaching.

1. “The way you meditate and treat yourself in meditation is the way you treat yourself as you live your life.”Are you stressed? “When you’re stressed, you may be constantly on the defensive against perceived or expected attacks, slowly becoming a victim who’s merely reacting to life.” Where do you go mentally and spiritually when you have a rotten teaching day? When a parent is angry with you? Do you mentally beat up on yourself for days and days? When you can “sit” with a perceived negative day, you begin to see with a microscope the ways you increase your suffering.

2. “Mindfulness, along with meditation and other present-moment-awareness practices, trains your awareness to be in the now.”Meditation helps me to stay present with the person on the bench because I am staying present with the one in the chair. Sarah goes deeper with this in Week Two when she explains “Emotions coming up in meditation indicate that you are releasing something that you didn’t fully experience at the time it happened.”

3. ”Only when you become aware of your thoughts and emotions and feel them — instead of repressing or being taken over by them — can you develop a new relationship to them.”Sarah speaks of this new way of relating to ourselves often in the book. This is something that resonated with me strongly. How wonderful to consider that things occurring in my life need not always filter through my default mode. Sometimes my default way of viewing and handling things causes more suffering. Sarah explains, “Studies show that regular meditation practice can change regions of the brain associated with remembering, labeling, and narrating.”   Hay House sent me this book for my honest review.

I was interested in this book because I personally have suffered with Adrenal Fatigue and it is no laughing matter. Thanks to a wonderful naturopath, I was PROPERLY tested, and given a correct diagnosis regarding my hormone levels. Regular MD's did not address this but instead threw at me xanax, anti-depressants, and blood pressure medication. All of these left me feeling out of my body, tired, and very dizzy.

Nearly three months later I am pharmaceutical free, I take bio-identical hormones, and I don't have energy crashes. I will be honest. This book would not have helped me except for one chapter, "Get Tested" and "Check Your Thyroid." Many of her tips are things I have heard all the time. Now, if you are completely unfamiliar with the obvious ways of health then you will find this book worth the purchase. These are things like sleeping enough, getting exercise, and making the food on your plate "beautiful" so you want to eat it. All of these things I knew and actually DID when I was diagnosed with adrenal fatigue. So, try those things, yes! That is probably why the testing and thyroid - more medical information - is included towards the end of the book.

Most things in this book can be found by simply getting facebook feeds to people like JJ Virgin or Dr. Mark Hyman. I would not pay $25.95 for that information.

The testing information is good, but not worth paying the entire book. Also, many people give free webinar calls on these things for free online.

In the end, I would find myself a naturopathic Dr. or a holistic MD and take my symptoms directly there.

Hay House kindly sent me this book for my honest review.

This month I have been reading Saved by an Angel: True Accounts of People Who Have Had Extraordinary Experiences with Angels...and How YOU Can, Too!

Part I of this book, the bulk of it, is full of organized stories of people who encountered angels.  Sometimes they saw the angels and sometimes they saw clear signs of their angel.  Some of the stories were hard to read as they involved rape, murders, car wrecks, etc.  It seems the angels come to aid quickly in moments of deep distress.  Although this does not comprise the entire scope of stories, there is the recurring theme that angels come in our times of deep distress and suffering.  The stories encouraged me to be open to the ways angels appear to us.  Most of the time I think I live in la-la-land and don't always stay open and aware of the psychic or spiritual world.  This books shows you what it looks like to see beyond basic reality and understand what God and the angels are trying to get your to know or see. Furthermore, the powerful ways they can intervene to change our lives.

Part II of this book is practical application and my favorite!  This section is called "How You Can Encounter Angels."  There are so many affirmations and prayers to say to the angels and ourselves.  For these, I typed them into a word document so they were all together.  I read them every morning and it sets a wonderful tone for my day.  Doreen's suggestions for how to request and seek guidance and answers from our angels are so powerful.  Praying, directly asking, writing a letter, using possesions, going outside in nature, and holding a ceremony are all listed in detail. 

There is a seven day plan  for hearing angel visions.  Doreen is passionate that the things we eat and drink affect our sensitivity to see and hear angels clearly.  "In addition, keep you caffeine, sugar, nicotine, and processed food intake to a minimum during this seven-day period."  As someone with a meditation practice I can attest that the things I digest affect my mind and body powerfully.  There are the most beautiful morning and evening meditations!  These are beautiful to use all year.  Doreen includes a total of 15 meditation/short prayers.

Althoug this final section my feel short, it is full of practical applications.  The suggestions remind me of those in the Angel Therapy Oracle Cards, times 100!

This book is BEAUTIFUL! It is not a tiny pocket book, but a well-organized book of "spiritual treatments" as stated on the back cover. This is what sets this book apart from being only affirmations. This is a beautiful way to start each day or before your prayer/meditation time. Each beautifully illustrated, glossy page is listed in a table of contents.


I started reading this book at the coffee shop on a day I felt pretty stressed. As I read the inspiring, positive, life-affirming words, I breathed deeply. After a few pages I felt so much better. If you liked the artsy version book of You Can Heal Your Life this book is right up your alley! Also, because Heart Thoughts is so beautifully produced it makes a great gift!

Initial Impressions: "While we want to transform into spiritual beings, we fear the effort may be too complicated and the rewards not guaranteed.  So we learn  enough to talk about it, but stop short of experiencing it in the most direct way -- through a committed daily practice, because this is where "the rubber hits the road."

There is nothing like a good fussin':-)

As a piano teacher, I can relate to someone who takes piano for a lengthy amount of time but doesn't get better because they do not have a daily practice at home.   I can imagine the same is true for psychics.  This, to me, is the foundation of this book - to get off our duffs and do the work.  The book divides into four sections - awakening, discovering, surrendering, and flowing,  Each section contains multiple stories with corresponding exercises and questions that are timeless.

Can you really create an authentic, Spirit-led life with daily practice?  Sonia says it will take "attention, discipline, and practice."   Lifestyle changes bring about real and lasting changes, not just isolated moments of the Divine.  She encourages us to center our daily lives with meditation, breathing, and looking within with journaling.  As a result, we can surrender to Spirit  "even when your truth makes you or those around you uncomfortable, unhappy, angry, or afraid?" Yeah - not easy if you aren't use it to it right?  Sonia does break it down in steps through this book.

I particularly appreciate the journal questions and breathing exercises.   These are questions you could go back and use every few months to reconnect to your Spiritual vital signs.   I kept wondering why she kept coming back to breathing and she did explain it!

"As simplistic as it sounds, breathing is the only action that can interrupt and actually end the ego's game of fear and control.  You can reset your personal vibration to a more creative, empowered, and joyful level."

Sonia explains that Spirit is "best felt in silence."  This is an underscore of the important of moving from our head which wants to think and talk about spiritual things and moving into a much deeper place.  She gives ideas on how to connect to our Spirit during the day as well as reminders to be open to intuitive thoughts and ideas.    This really is such a wonderful how-to book that is great for beginners.  I think the stories will help beginners because they will see themselves in her client stories.  The journal and breathing exercises are wonderful for all because we can either forget the breathing techniques or it is time to ask the questions anew as we are move through stages of life.

Get out your tools!  We are building an altar!  To Sonia, the altar isn't about the exterior as it is about the interior.  I loved the description that it's similar to walking into a holy place - your energy and Spirit just respond!  What a beautiful space to create in your own home but "...if there's no holy inner work going on, though, the vibration of Spirit won't be present; and the portal won't open."  I wanted to give Sonia a big HIGH FIVE when she mentioned "becoming disconnected when our altars were moved out of our homes and into the churches."  I can't quote this entire chapter, but I would if I could.  It's my favorite!  It even includes things to do while at your altar to connect with your Spirit.  

The ego urges us  "to stay a step ahead of your fears."   I've been so many decisions based on fear, trying to maintain the status quo, please others, or simply from fear of failure and having lack.  That's a powerful sentence in this book.  The daily practice and journaling sections in this book are so rich and plentiful I feel I've had a workshop with Sonia herself.  This is absolutely a wonderful reference book that can be used at any time in one's life.  The questions and ideas presented her for immediate use will never become outdated, in my opinion.  The further I go in this book, the more I reap from it.  She recommends making these habits for 40 days.  This would be a *wonderful* book for a group study during Lent or any other time of year.  It would be wonderful to have a place for encouragement in our new practices as our egos flare up and say we are too busy.

I appreciate how Sonia makes it clear through different stories that it is either ego or Spirit running every aspect of our life.  As she simply states, "Unless we surrender, however, we cut ourselves off from our Divine power and burn out.  Then we're left to rise from the ashes and find our way back to Source once again.  In the end, there is no other place to go."

The final section of the book is Flowing with Your Spirit as opposed to "bullying" our way though life.  "The greatest challenge to staying in flow comes when you encounter "the ebb, which is any change, expected or unexpected, that leaves you threatened and insecure because you aren't sure what coming next."   Sonia says that ebbs are a "signal from our spirit to grow."   This section lovingly reminds that it is our purpose to move through these ebbs to reach higher places in our Spirit.  I hold to the thought Sonia shares,  "To flow is to believe that the Universe is always conspiring for our success as spiritual beings,..."  When in an ebb, it is okay to tell the Universe what we want, just leave it open how it will arrive!     As we deal with our own ebb and flow, we are reminded to be compassionate and loving toward others.  What a wonderful reminder as this book comes to a close.

This book prompted me to sit on my porch and watch the leaves fall and hear the birds sing, paint my garden steps purple, and weed my garden.  All things that nurture me and calm me during my busy moments of the day.  When my toddler was acting out, I felt this beautiful inner calm and didn't get rattled.  This book will be referred back by me for years to come. 

Woot!  I'm reviewing a book and so excited about it. I've decided to keep some colorful index cards with me while I read it.  I have a feeling there will be affirmations I will want to use.

Initial thoughts at the beginning of the book: It is small.  It's very easy to travel with or pack in your purse.

Cheryl begins her introduction with doing things that feel good.  My Judeo-Christian background rebels against this.  However, I think feeling good means ten bags of chocolate.  This book assumes the reader understands that feeling good is about what your inner spirit needs to live an exceptional life.   I found Cheryl's introduction a bit of a 'Louise is so awesome' bit of pages.  My mind kinda nodded off and hoped the book would have more substance.  And substance it had.  Of course now that I've read the book, I see why the Louise is so great introduction was appropriate.

Louise Hay's introduction was very profound because she pulls back and examines what all writers, philosophers, and religions try to explain. Why do bad things happen? Wow. This point was addressed from the beginning.  Do I trust life?  Do I trust that life loves me?  Do I trust that what happens is ultimately for my good?  This section is so wonderful for people who might be in their 20's and 30's and need support and affirmation to look beyond what they currently see.  Oh and to top it off  Louise just rattles off this superb list of affirmations for those in a health crisis.  Can you say highlighter?

Chapter Two: Becoming the Creator of an Exceptional Life
Cheryl recalls moments of attempting to prove the correlation of our thoughts and our lives.  This chapter shows such beautiful examples by both women of the proof in our daily life that our thoughts do matter and do affect our world.  Self-care begins with our thoughts.   I associate self-care with taking a bubble bath or physical restoration. The wisdom in this chapter really gets to the core of true self-care which is what we are thinking.  Reading this chapter even gave me a sign.  Just this morning I watched  five minutes of a reality show concerning financially wealthy housewives.  I suddenly realized that these "conversations filled with useless drama and repetitive harmful thoughts" were tearing down the very thing I was building up in myself.  I canceled the season pass.  It was a great reminder that monitoring what comes into our minds and thoughts throughout the day is NOT a waste of time.   It can be so easy to listen to gossip - either in our real life or on TV and think "Hey that's not happening to me so who cares if I watch/listen to it?"  But - it DOES matter.  It matters a great deal.  As Cheryl says so well, "Without realizing it, we develop patterns of thought and behavior that direct our radio transmitter to search for AND emit negative signals that only create more negativity and difficult experiences in our lives."

Chapter Three: How You Start Your Day Is How You Live Your Day
Do you dread awakening in the morning? What message you are sending about what you believe about your life?   Louise likes to have two hours before she faces people.  ME TOO!  I love to walk slowly into my day, even if it means getting up early.  I suddenly feel so much more evolved knowing that Louise does too. :-)  Lest you not want to awaken at 3am, Louise shares "Everything we think and say to ourselves is an affirmation."   All of the moments in my day are important and can be used for my good.  Cheryl chimes in that she relaxes and enjoys her day FIRST thing.  Oh yes - I totally agree!  Highlighter please.  Oh and get ready because there are tons of affirmations to say during your day while you go about.  I wanted to leap with joy when I saw this page!  They also give great ideas for working with children using affirmations.

Chapter Four: How You Live Your Day Is How You Live Your Life
I've always associated Louise Hay with crisis affirmations, if you will.  If I'm ill, or in the middle of a break-up, dealing with my self-worth, weight loss and loving my body - the big challenges for me.  In this chapter, Louise brings out the seemingly little things that add up such as blessing our food, our cars that take us where we need to go and everything in between.  For example, have you ever given thought to what you see all day sitting at your desk?  As Cheryl says, "Sometimes all it takes is a small change to send a big message to yourself that says, "I love you, and I care about what you need."  We can learn intentional actions that create a beautiful life.   There are more suggestions than I could list here, but this chapter is life-changing if you put it into practice in your own unique life.  They touch on work in such a powerful way and include affirmations.  What a relief to know I don't need to fix the world, I just speak the words of affirmation and the Universe handles the rest.

Chapter 5: Don't Break a Habit - Dissolve It!
Ala ego!  This is a great discussion about how to handle life's problems.  You know the ones that just tick you off?  Louise returns to her affirmation that "All is well.  Everything is working out for my highest good.  Out of this situation only good will come.  I am safe."   Louise explains "the more you turn away from a problem, the quicker the solution becomes."   Wow!  I never thought of this before but it makes total sense.  The more I want the problem handled, the more my ego jumps in and tries to dictate all the moves in the game instead of TRUSTING LIFE!  You should read what Louise says about complaining.  That moves into a financies discussion that includes a journal question and of course, wonderful affirmations.   I am realizing this small book kinda covers everything.  This was the chapter that moved me to tears.  Louise shared how affirmations would affect family relationships with those dying of AIDS.  I just broke down.  Using affirmations for family, yes of course, why didn't I think of that.  Chapter Five is my favorite chapter so far.

Chapter Six: The Beauty of Wisdom
 Oh this is so yummy!  Louise shares about growing older and the secret.  It makes so much sense.   They talk about wrinkles, weight-loss, the relationship to one's body.  Loving ourselves first creates this beautiful trickle down effect.  I take that to mean that when I love myself, I'm more tuned into my body (because I love it) and therefore make the best choices in the care of that body.  As opposed to listening to someone else tell me what I need and giving no heed whatsoever to what my body is saying.  Cheryl's input on aging at 50 are so remarkable.  Instead of fighting aging, we learn to see the value in it - becoming intentional about our energy, our time, and our relationships.  Hugs, Cheryl.  This spoke to my heart.

Chapter Seven: The End of the Movie
This beautiful chapter is one worth keeping for the rest of my life.  Louise, someone who has worked with many dying people, shares her thoughts, beliefs, and insights about death in such a compassionate, real way.

This is a heart book.  It's not a book of scientific theories and big words.  It is a book of how your heart lives, breathes, and moves throughout the day and into the nights.  It's about how we look at  flower, a boss, a co-worker, our employees, our children, our car, our toasters and everything in between.  Cheryl delivers the message of Louise with such gentleness and respect.  She shares her own insights when appropriate, but never competes with the message.

Trust Life and our thoughts are our first step in self-care. Now, off to work on step one.