Welcome! Have fun xploring these special books that have come here through spirit to inspire and energize you! You are invited to also send in reviews of books you've read that resonated with your spiritual journey and growth. Please email your interest to: xplorehl@yahoo.com

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I have struggled with my health for so long...for as long as I can remember. Knowing this, my friend, Amanda, followed her inner prompting and bought me a copy of this book after she read about it in The Yoga Journal. It was written by a woman who was diagnosed with chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome. She talks about being so tired and in so much pain one day while at the grocery store, that when she returned to her car she could not remember where she lived. She took a nap on her steering wheel before she could drive home. I know personally of so many people including myself, who can relate to this experience.

I have come to the realization in my own process that my health is my spiritual journey, not the health and wholeness I thought I was working towards. Along the way I have learned many things about what spirituality is and is not, as a result of my pain, confusion and dis-ease. I have had mystical experiences, found a deeper understanding of God and am in the process of becoming a completely different person. Of her journey the author says,

“Even at my sickest, when I was spending the majority of my daylight hours in bed aching, I knew my illness was showing me facets of truth that I had missed--we had all missed, it seemed--and desperately needed. I did not want a quick cure that would tear me from those insights, though I could not admit that to most friends who wished me a speedy recovery; I wanted to find a way to carry my sickbed revelations back with me into health, to balance the lopsided optimism, confidence, and activity of my earlier life.”

There are so many aspects to illness that most people...even the sick ones...ever really consider. Even as we go through the experience, we are so caught up in the decisions that society has made about illness and death, choices that our doctors and our families make for us that we never stop to see things in the big picture. Sometimes we are shamed or guilt driven to make decisions we are unsure of just so we can hurry our way to wholeness. The author says, “Every illness, I believe, requires a death while every healing contains one. We are sometimes diminished, sometimes ennobled, but always transformed...”

Throughout the book Kat Duff talks about the process of transformation through illness...that it can be a process of alchemy just as the alchemists of the Renaissance believed they could change lead into gold. She reminds us of the methods of native shamans in many different cultures that look to the original source of illness to create alchemy in the ill and wounded. She says, "One of the Navajo words for disease translates as fragmentation and reassemblage."

And then she reminds us that illness and healing are all part of the soul's drive to be on task.

“There are struggles with physical limitation in illness, the pain, weakness, and fatigue that so quickly erode our pride and aspirations and make simple tasks, even breathing, so difficult. But the pressures of these limitations call forth a deeper struggle which is ongoing within us but usually unconscious--that of the self in its efforts to be, to unfold and fulfill its purpose.”

It is an incredibly well written book in almost a poetic style, but it is not one you can skim for highlights. It is deep, it is sad, it is mystical, it is provocative, it is complete. It reminds us that illness is just part of the shadow side of the culture we have created on our planet...that we are all one together... with each other and with the earth.

As she began to approach wellness, she had a conversation with a friend who was working for an organization that protects the waterways of northern New Mexico. Her friend told of the devastating pollution of all the rivers. The author recalled the description from her doctor about her own polluted intestines. She says, “Isn't it interesting, as the waters of the earth become increasingly polluted, millions of people are getting sick and dying from immune disorders. Yes, the earth is suffering and we are her symptoms.”

In your illness or in your health, what is your soul calling you to do? Read this book and it may bring you to some incredible points of deep insight.

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The healing power of love, forgiving the unforgivable and the gifts of Divine Mother in her many manifestations are the themes of this biography of a remarkable woman, a living saint. "My life is my message," Gandhi said.

Amma's life begins in abject physical poverty and emotional abuse. As a child her divine incarnation was viewed as mental illness; a clear embarrassment to her overburdened family and superstitious village.

A blue baby at birth, Amma was not expected to survive. Only eight of her thirteen siblings lived into adulthood. Girl infants were not celebrated and this tiny child was very dark-skinned giving her superstitious and prejudiced family ever more reason to mistreat her. Amma would later claim significant spiritual advantages as a direct result of painful early years. These experiences led her to understand that people love conditionally. God alone loves without desire for a return on the investment.

A balancing of planetary energies had scarcely begun. On June 5, 2000 the U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan declared that  "…not only do women belong on this planet, but (that) the future of this planet depends on women."

At six months of age, Amma simply stood and walked. Shortly thereafter she began to talk and, to the horror of those around her, could be found conversing with trees, plants and animals. While still in the bloom of childhood she was farmed out as a servant and routinely beaten for giving food to those poorer than herself. Her oldest brother mocked her and destroyed any small possession she had been given. Amma filled her life with spiritual practices.

By the time she was nineteen years old, her waking hours were focused on God. She routinely recognized the divine in trees, plants, animals and children by hugging and kissing them. People around her began to demand "proof." "Show us a miracle!" became their mantra and she turned water to milk and then to pudding. Asthma was healed and Amma became enough of a threat that an assassination was attempted.

A group of "rationalists" formed the Committee to Remove Blind Beliefs. Not wanting to stain their own hands, they hired a black magician who prepared a potion guaranteed to kill.

During Amma's initiation period, she was extremely sensitive to foods that had to be prepared under very special conditions. During her transformation, Amma experienced the Divine Mother merging within her and she "perceived that the universe itself was Divine Mother's physical body." As a result of this experience she made a conscious decision to manifest only love and compassion, qualities attributed to the feminine aspect of God. "I felt this was what our world needed."

Amma has become "the Hugging Saint." As she holds someone, their own spiritual awakening is said to increase in the simple presence of her manifestation of Divine Mother.  She takes on their physical afflictions and suffers only briefly what they might suffer a lifetime.

Interesting to me is the fact that Amma has diabetes and carpal tunnel syndrome. And the Dalai Lama wears glasses.  With the many moral interpretations that are often put on physical illness why do these highly spiritually evolved people endure common ailments? Is it conceivable that our physical forms simply "weather" with or without any variation of the label of "sin"?

Holy hypocrisy hurts. If an English professor misuses the language we don't call the entire language system into question. Only the professor as an individual is exposed. If a minister of God betrays — through financial, sexual, and/or emotional abuse — both the minister and their dogma have failed. The wounding to all involved cuts deep and wide. No where else is "walking the talk" more highly demanded.  Fortunately.

India has its battalions of skeptical scientists who have extensively studied Amma. She told them that their collective scientific vision is too narrow because they don't consider the possibilities of dimensions beyond their current perceptual abilities.

Dr. Srivastava has been trained as a physicist and in the spiritual science of India. He holds that "Most people are fragmented personalities. And that fragmentation causes disharmony and chaos. If a person is not in harmony in his own being, how can he experience harmony in the world?"

Amma is a fully integrated personality, a living saint who encourages people to continue with their own spiritual practices and to look beyond their own needs to the needs of the planet and all of her occupants.

This woman with only a fourth grade education who preaches love in action is "walking her talk." She has founded over two hundred ashrams, many schools, built a state of the art medical hospital, established orphanages and a monthly pension fund for destitute women. Currently she is building twenty-five thousand free homes for the poor.

Amma's life is her message.

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Since the publication of Gifts from the Child Within, I have written a follow-up inspirational book entitled An Inspirational Guide for the Recovering Soul. This book is targeted to those adults searching for recovery with an inspirational lift. It is written to address all areas of recovery: post-traumatic stress from any origin, childhood abuse or trauma, chemical/alcohol addiction, recovery from current world affairs, or just as an inspirational boost for the soul.

When you read An Inspirational Guide for the Recovering Soul, just open it to any page while holding an issue or thought in your mind to receive comforting quotations, messages, insight, suggested rituals and exercises. The inspirational quotations are taken from inspirational and spiritual texts or from teachers such as The Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Gary Zukav, Paramahansa Yogananda, Louise Hay, Marianne Williamson, Lao Tzu,and Shakti Gawain.

Each quotation contains a brief message to ponder while reading the accompanying page which guides you to delve deeper into exploring your Recovering Soul. The exercise, insight, or ritual follows the theme of the previous quotation and brings you toward a sense of spiritual understanding regarding your issue of focus.

In the book, words from Shakti Gawain,

"We will discover the nature of our particular genius when we stop trying to conform to our own or to other people's models, learn to be ourselves, and allow our natural channel to open"

lead you to my guidance on the opposite page:

When flying in a plane one's perspective or depth perception becomes a bit distorted. What looks like inches of land below is miles; what appears to be tiny green spots are in reality huge trees and lush meadows. Do not misjudge the power you possess within your own mind. What seems to be a fixed, non-changeable attitude or habit is only a belief ready to be altered or re-created. There is a channel, a door, which you can open now to allow the light of new hope to enter. Do not be discouraged by those around you, illusions are everywhere...Find the door leading to your true-Self. (pg. 106).

In this time of world prayer and inspirational searching, this guide-book brings an avenue for healing and recovery. Dr. Robert Chaney, author and co-founder of Astara Ministries in Upland states: "Barbara Sinor summons past and present spiritual greats to speak on the pages of An Inspirational Guide for the Recovering Soul, then she adds her own spiritual perceptions. The result rekindles and brightens the inner flame of each seeker."

The pages within this book are intended to stimulate action toward discovering a path of well-being and spiritual balance. It can be used once a day, once a week, or whenever you require a hint of insight or guidance. I believe in the power of our mind, the power of our free choice, and in a Higher Universal Power.

An excerpt from the book:

There are two universal laws which stick in my mind. The first is: Belief precedes experience.The second: Thought creates reality. If you believe the second law, you are creating your life, your reality, with each thought. Therefore, what you believe is what you will manifest. Now you can understand how important it is to know exactly what you believe about yourself and your world. If you believe yourself to be strong, confident, and whole, these attributes are yours. On the other hand, if you believe you are lacking ability, powerless, and weak, you are manifesting these aspects into reality. Changing your thoughts to be more optimistic will in turn change your beliefs into a more positive world view. Universal Power is always available to you, use it constructively. (pg. 264)

Dr. Lavona Stillman who wrote the Foreword to Gifts from the Child Within, offers her review of my newest book: "The pure integrity, deep humanity, the exquisite insight and sensitivity makes Dr. Sinor's newest book, An Inspirational Guide for the Recovering Soul, a work proudly following her Gifts From The Child Within that stands on its own. One can read it from front to back or just open it at random in order to evaluate their soul growth in a new way."

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It has been said that there are only two commandments in life, “to love God with all your heart and might and your neighbor as yourself.”  Note the order here. First we are to love God, then to we are to love our neighbor. Without the first, the second is impossible. With the first, we are able to perform the second in a proper way.

Here we have a prose-poem of a person’s experience with the first and primal commandment. And as the reader will see, this is not as easy as it sounds. The heart must be purified of all of its idolatries. Finally, the heart must even transcend itself - it can no longer be “I and Thou,” but only one self. It must become what it has always been. The main blockage to the love affair with spirit (and with other people) is the mortal, separated, self.

The book is a long love letter to the Divine. So passionate is it, that it often seems that he is writing to and about a member of the opposite sex. Never does he say “outright” that it is the Divine that he is writing to - but the reader infers this as he goes along.

As he makes clear, it is not intellectual or mental knowledge that he is after, but heart knowledge. It is the “feeling” of the Divine Presence in the heart that he wants. So even though he knows with “his head” that the Divine is present, when the feeling is absent, he vents his agony. When the feeling comes to him - often unexpectedly - he is full of joy and fulfillment. He is, in short, searching for the Holy Grail - the Divine Feeling.

This work is in the genre of SONG OF SONGS (without the eroticism), the poems of Rumi and the writings of Gibran. This is heart writing - very different in tone and quality - from his other very excellent works.  You will not find long expositions on spiritual law or esoteric studies. It is just the heart pouring out its feelings, very poetically, to its lover. This is, in fact, meditation of the highest order - though he doesn’t present it that way. When we love, our attention/interest is riveted on the beloved - our thoughts and feelings are always with the beloved - and isn’t this what meditation is all about? When we love, we don’t need pretzel-like asanas (though we will adopt them if required) or long complicated mantra formulas or prayer formulas or special diets - for we are already in the “right posture” with the object of love. Without the development of a “passion for God” it is doubtful whether any meditator will succeed. He or she will lack the “juice” - the “oil in the lamps” - to overcome the formidable obstacles that will arise.

His love and his passion give wings to his words, and the reader is lifted up to a whole new realm - a rarified region of the soul.

The astrologer in me can’t help commenting on the inexplicable “comings and goings” of the Divine Presence which he so beautifully chronicles. The planetary transits of a given time play a huge role in this. It is not that they “bring the Presence” or “cause the Presence to depart.” The Presence is always there, but they affect our ability (on the mortal psychological level) to experience and feel it. These “comings and goings” could be mathematically calculated. And knowledge of this might have comforted him during the down times - assuaged his disappointments. This is why “head knowledge” is so important on the path. “Truth is the poetry of the Mind.” It stabilizes the heart. For, when we KNOW something scientifically, we are unperturbed by the vagaries of mood and emotion. The apparent “absence of the Presence” is understood to be another one of the “activities of the Presence.”

All in all this a very beautiful piece of work and will no doubt be read for many generations to come.

About the Author
Director of the non-profit Life of Learning Foundation, Guy Finley is the best-selling author of more than 24 books and tape albums on self-realization and higher success. His works have sold over a million copies worldwide and have been translated into twelve languages. For information about Guy Finley's books, booklets, tapes, and helpful on-going study groups call (541) 476-1200 or visit http://www.guyfinley.com where you can also sign up to receive a free, weekly Key Lesson.  Guy’s new program “Wisdom’s Way with Guy Finley” airs Sundays worldwide on Wisdom Television.
 

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"I knew I was following the wrong path, but didn't know how to find the right one," shares Spokane author Therese Marszalek.

"Convinced that I had failed to measure up to God's expectations, weighed down with guilt and condemnation, I assumed I was destined for hell once again. I was quickly swept away from seeking the direction I needed in following Christ. I strayed further into the scorched desert of spiritual wilderness."

Why do born again Christians often wander into spiritual wilderness after dedicating their lives to Jesus Christ? Marszalek addresses this in her book, Breaking Out, by sharing her experience of walking through such a wilderness season. She states, "Christian wilderness results when believers lack basic foundational truth necessary for successful Christian living. The new believer is often ignorant of how to 'break out' of the old self so he can be transformed into the new self God created him to become."

By sharing her journey from the wilderness to what she calls the "Promised Land of victory," Marszalek establishes a solid Biblical foundation for a victorious life in Christ. Her transparency, failures and struggles illustrate that it's possible for anyone with a willing heart to experience transformation into the image of Christ.

The author's candid testimony of her own battles with alcoholism and a failed marriage prove that this is a real person who needed an even more real Savior. Marszalek reveals how Jesus set her free from destructive behaviors that had followed her into her new life in Him. Her redeemed life is evidence that Jesus came to seek and to save those who are lost.

Breaking Out teaches its readers how to win the conflict between the flesh's addictions and the Spirit's call to wholeness in Christ.

Breaking Out also provides a daily road map leading new believers through the territory of Christian discipleship. It answers the: "What do I do next?" questions that often perplex new believers.

Marszalek exposes the snares and schemes of the enemy of our souls that side track, discourage and defeat God's children. By joining personal experience with scriptural truth, she equips believers with tools necessary to avoid or press through those land mines and self-doubts that can assail every Christian.

Each chapter is laced with personal application of Biblical truth for every stage of the Christian journey. This reader's faith stirred as teachings on prayer, giving, obedience and other spiritual disciplines were simply explained and illustrated.

Many have suffered loss through Biblical ignorance or lack of mentoring and have said, "I wish I'd known how to avoid those days of discouragement," or "If only someone had warned me of these pitfalls." Marszalek has warned, coached and declared the way through the wilderness. The end result is a confidence in Christ and all He's accomplished on our behalf.

Breaking Out is an encouraging guide for the next practical steps of one's journey to their destiny in Jesus Christ. It is a powerful tool to equip new converts needing discipleship and mature believers needing renewal. It inspires faith and offers assurance of God's unconditional love.

As Marszalek states, "Though I left God, He never left or forgot about me. He was faithful even when I was not faithful. He never stopped loving me and never gave up on me." She asks, "Are you a prodigal child? God loves you and believes in you! He wants you to come home."
 

Breaking Out can also be purchased through Publish America, Inc., http://www.publishamerica.com/shopping/shopquery.asp?catalogid=1166 or call 1-877-333-7422 and at your local bookstores.

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Sheri Rosenthal has been an apprentice of don Miguel Ruiz, author of The Four Agreements, and the Toltec path for eight years. Her knowledge and understanding of the traditions, methods, and goals of the Toltec Mystery school are thorough and complete. She has accepted the challenge of presenting them here in this 340 page “Idiot’s Guide”—and succeeded beautifully. If you have read The Four Agreements, or other books by Miguel Ruiz or other Toltec teachers, this book will be a good place to find the whole journey laid out in one place, like a very detailed road map.

Sheri details the historical background of the Toltecs in Mexico, the building of the pyramids at Teotihuacán, the philosophy and traditions of a warriors’ party, and the true meaning of Wisdom. She explores all aspects of our dreaming minds, and how to heal the insanity in our minds by awakening from our cultural sleep. The Masteries of Transformation and Intent are covered in detail, with descriptions and exercises for each tool on the Toltec path. To read this book and do the exercises Sheri suggests, will be a very empowering experience.

Sheri Rosenthal leads the reader through all of these ideas and practices, until she comes to the power of intent and Living the Life of a Master. Here she acknowledges that this is ultimately a Path of the Heart, a path of love and acceptance. She does a good job of using words to describe the wordless path of magic and intent at this level, where the clarity of mind and purpose open us to living life as Spiritual Warriors in love with life.

The Masters’ life of clarity and purpose is available to all those who would intend it and persevere. This book is a useful tool to that end. I encourage you on your journey.

Allan Hardman is a Toltec Mentor in the lineage of Miguel Ruiz. He teaches from Santa Rosa, CA, and on his Journeys of the Spirit to sacred sites in Mexico and Peru. He is the author of two anthology chapters, “The Impotent Hero—Healing the Wounded Masculine,” and “The Perfect Dream.” His yearlong “Joydancer Wisdom Intensive” begins in January. Allan’s extensive web site is at www.JoyDancer.com.

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From the back cover ~
After a dissolution of a thirty-year marriage, a negative-thinking Jean Sidney believes her life is over, until she meets a man who entices her into a mid-life romance and then launches her into a journey of insight and new thought, with practical lessons in joy, mirth and positive thinking. He eventually leads her to the most important lesson of them all—of total trust and surrender to a higher power—and then demonstrates that there is life after life.

Dance Interrupted is a personal narrative written for spiritually inclined souls seeking personal growth, and perhaps a roadmap for an oftentimes lonely, frustrating and punishing journey into the realm of holistic/alternative methods of dealing with cancer.

“. . . With impeccable descriptive detail, the author tells of the extraordinary events that catapult her and her husband Arne into a series of traumatic changes. When Arne is diagnosed with Cancer and chooses quality of life over traditional surgery and radiation, he and Jean move to Sedona, Arizona, a small town known for its variety of nontraditional healers. Jean takes the reader step by step on an exhaustive search for alternative healing for Arne. With clarity and honesty she writes about the various healers and the treatments they offered.”  —Keith, Arizona, via e-mail

Jean now lives in the Inland Northwest where she continues to write, gardens, and is learning to kayak. She has just released a co-authored book, Legend of the Spear, a Spiritual Adventure story. Visit her web site: www.DanceInterrupted.com.

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The Divine Light Invocation is a spiritual practice that I have done for over twenty years. It is a standing meditation in which I tense and relax the muscles of my body, visualize myself being filled with light, feel its warmth, and then see the light flow from my heart center to people that I am concerned about. There is a healing quality to the practice and it was the straw I held onto when I was seriously ill with Lupus. I turn to it when I feel helpless about the events of my world or the world in general.

Swami Sivananda Radha received this practice in 1956 on the day of her initiation into the order of sanyas—the path of renunciation and selfless service—during her stay in India. The story in which she is given this practice is quite remarkable and is told in the first chapter of this book.

Swami Radha then explains that identifying with Divine Light is identifying with our Higher Self. However, we are so used to thinking of ourselves as our body, mind, or emotions that we need help to break this habit. She includes a number of exercises to cultivate our imagination, directing it to positive images of ourselves.

This is followed by a section on relaxation. She states, "Tension needs to be recognized and released; otherwise we lose our freedom and no longer act from our center, but instead act compulsively to the changes life brings."¹ She gives a set of exercises for relaxing the body through the use of tension and release, with focus on the breath.

All the exercises are combined into the practice of the Divine Light Invocation. Swami Radha includes some thoughts on who to put into the Light and how to use it for healing and reinforcing positive self-images. She encourages us by sharing some of her experiences with the Light.

The Divine Light practice has helped me to trust my insights about my life and to take courageous steps to bring forth the qualities that I value in myself and others.

The Divine Light Invocation is available at Aunties Bookstore, Amazon.com, www.Timeless.org, and Radha Yoga Center. (509) 838-3575, Spokane, WA.

¹ Swami Sivananda Radha, The Divine Light Invocation. (2006) 42.

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Anyone who loves fairy tales and fantasy will enjoy reading 'DRAGON', an enchanting story about young Prince Langilor and Saras, a defiant young dragon. Born on the same stormy day, their births set into motion a tale of prophecy in the mystical kingdom of Lugin where elves, wise owls, unicorns and magic abound. Their destinies intertwine and with it, the fate of the kingdom.

'DRAGON' is a story written for children, but adults will find themselves also drawn into this tale of courage and the determination to remain true to one's self. Woven into this delightful tale are many subtle lessons that open our hearts to new possibilities in dealing with everyday challenges, thus giving us hope for the future.

Prince Langilor, a shy and sweet lad, loves the quiet of the royal garden, the animals and trees, and plays his mother's flute whenever he can. Although the people and the King and Queen adore him, the royal advisors believe he may not be strong enough to be the future King and protect his kingdom.

Meanwhile, Saras, the defiant young dragon grows larger and more fierce than the other dragons of his age. He is intolerant of the old ways of the Dragon Clan and often goes off alone to practice flying and fire-breathing. Many are fearful of him and wish him destroyed.

How the young prince takes on the challenges of his heritage and of the encounter he has with Saras that changes them both, will keep children and adults spellbound and wondering how all this will turn out. Children will love the rich watercolor illustrations that bring the story to life and adults will appreciate the colorful, whimsical and incredibly detailed artwork.

Jody Bergsma has written a wonderful tale full of insightful wisdom. She inspires us all to look deep within to find the courage to overcome our fears and change what appears to be a negative into a positive force in our lives. She shows us that by choosing to rise above ourselves to help another being, we can be empowered and strengthened in so many unforeseen ways.

In the book's dedication, "...and to all those who have 'tamed their inner dragon,' thus becoming successful rulers of their personal kingdoms", she shares perhaps a personal understanding of the challenges many of us face everyday.

This is truly an inspirational book for the whole family with many beautiful images to spark our imagination and wonderful lessons for our young readers.

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FOREWORD by David Bell
Recently I attended a Christian convention, on a beautiful mountain, in a timeless setting. Australian Christians have gathered on this hill for many decades to find food for their souls. The message, the mountain, and the manner of preaching have never changed, not in 50 years. Then I read this book by Thomas Hohstadt and I thought: not even a mountain top faith can survive the digital flood that is coming.

Thomas Hohstadt has written a new book about the church. Not another book about the church ... there are millions of them ... but a new book. That is to say, it is a new book about the new church which is still somewhere over the digital horizon. I found the book both disturbing and exhilarating. It is disturbing because it rightly demonstrates that the church of yesterday and today is doomed. No amount of pentecostal fire is going to prevent the institutional church from burning to the ground. Indeed it is probably hastening the day. The book is exhilarating because Thomas has immense theological talent and learning. This book is not a doomsayers diatribe, but a prophet's vision wedded to a scholar's learning. This is a book about the digital revolution and its impact on the way in which we encounter the Word, and the way we form communities.

The book also offers a powerful analysis of "this generation," which is the generation that is to inherit the digital earth. The 21st century church that they will inherit (and probably construct) is one that you and I can scarcely imagine. Our roots go back 500 years, and it is hard to think in any other terms than the church as we know it. The church of the 21st century has not even been planted yet, but Thomas has given us a clearer idea of what it is probably going to be like. This book is now on my table as a must book to share around. Australia, 1999 David Bell, Author, Cyberchurch

A Compass for the Future (an excerpt from the book)
This book prepares the church for a future of change. It confronts the hidden tyrannies among the most revered traditions and reveals the glorious promises among the most feared trends. It tells how we got here, where we're going, and secrets to a successful transition.

Perhaps most important, it gives a glimpse of God's nature in a new worldly order.

For that reason, this book is not the typical "church growth" book. It does not stand on past paradigms. It does not warm up yesterday's management techniques. It does not pitch old ideas as something new. Instead, it provides a compass that can guide us to a place where no one has ever been.

It paints an accurate picture of the driving forces in the emerging era and presents the astounding opportunities for the New Millennium Church. It describes a new Word for a new age . . . a divine Word for a digital age . . . a transcendent metaphor for a transcendent moment. It lovingly and honestly lays to rest the lost legacies of the past, and describes the "digital demons" of the future . . . or more important, how the church will defeat them.

In short, this book navigates the church through the stormy waters of our approaching time."This is the greatest moment in the history of the Church. Yet the window of opportunity is shockingly small. Church leaders are on the front line of history . . . they are the warriors against the collapse of civilization . . . they are the only hope for the future. The Lord is moving in history, and He is asking us to move with Him." (from an interview given by www.bible-store.com)

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It's the same everywhere: people raised by materialists, living as materialists, and perhaps passing to future generations, if only indirectly, the cultural creed of superfluous hungering for things of all sorts to ease a day's desire. You're guilty of it, and so am I. You've come here, to this page, looking for something. Very likely you're interested in spiritual matters, perhaps consider yourself a "seeker," and have heard of this new book by Andrew Cohen and decided to check it out, to see (if you're undecided) whether it's worth buying. I promise you that it is, but no doubt similar sentiments can be found alongside every other five-star review for each of the many spiritual books you already own.

This book holds the highest honor of being both the simplest and most challenging book I've ever read. Simple in style and language, challenging in meaning and persistent imperative, this most flawless transmission of spiritually awakened genius should give any serious reader precisely all that he or she need ever know to engage the war against selfishness and ignorance wholeheartedly.

Regarding the actual content of the book, everything significant that every truly mystical religious tradition has ever conveyed is here, in both practical and philosophical aspects. The first half is devoted to the foundation of Andrew's teaching, called the Five Tenets of Enlightenment, which are the essential points that any spiritual seeker must thoroughly grasp and employ if his or her goal is the attainment of perfect liberation. These five tenets Andrew has culled from over a decade of incessant work as a teacher, and a well-read student of mysticism should easily recognize the parallels in established religious traditions.

The second half of the book deals with such perennial topics as seeing through the illusions of desire, thought, feeling, and time, so clearly that anyone brave enough to listen can't help feeling their ego squirm a bit, and there's also an excellent chapter on meditation (and how to sink to the nondual Ground of Being absolutely effortlessly, Dzogchen-style), which, if successfully engaged in serious practice, should do far more than make the ego squirm. . . .

But the really revolutionary and important point of Andrew's teaching isn't in his remarkably clear explanations of how humans continuously revolve in the samsaric wheel of foolishness (and how they can stop); it isn't in his insistence that the pursuit of freedom take precedence above all other concerns in all times and places (although that's certainly a big part of it); nor is it his unceasing demand that spiritual practice is meaningless if it is expressed in any context outside a life of absolute maturity, sanity, and integrity (and how many spiritual seekers--teachers, even--can claim strict adherence to that?).

No, the really revolutionary ingredient in Andrew's recipe of ego-destruction is his definition of enlightenment itself. Too many people these days seem to consider this world to be nothing but an elaborate illusion, an empty dream called negatively "maya" or positively "lila." And deliberately or not, they proceed to use this as an excuse to justify every manner of selfish indulgence and, occasionally, atrocity. Andrew does not deny that the revelation of pure consciousness suddenly makes clear that nothing has ever really happened, that this world is ultimately a dualistic dream of space and time, this and that, you and me. But--and this is what changes everything--he does not stop at that. He insists that this "dream" called life is as real as it gets, and that using the discovery of the Source of creation to dismiss the validity and actuality of creation itself completely misses the whole point of creation--which is nothing less than for every soul to become a conscious instrument of the Absolute, unleashing "the fire of absolute love and ego-defying compassion into this world," thereby flowing in tune with the force of evolution itself and helping this suffering sphere in every way that one possibly can.

What more could you hope for? It's all here, clear as a cloudless mountain sky, and no matter how many books you buy, you'll never find anything better.

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The Four Agreements written by Don Miguel Ruiz is a gem in the mountain of inspirational books that I have had the pleasure to read. Many inspirational books have common threads in the spiritual life messages they offer. The Four Agreements is a culmination of those common threads packed into a short, concise and practical book of wisdom for living our daily lives. The four agreements are: Be Impeccable With Your Word, Don't Take Anything Personally, Don't Make Assumptions, and Always Do Your Best.

Be impeccable with your word, the first of the four agreements, deals with our ability to verbally communicate as humans—it is one of our greatest gifts. Speak to one another with integrity saying only what you mean. Steer clear from words that harm yourself or spread gossip about others. Use the power of your words in truth and love.

Don't take anything personally reflects not buying into what others may say about you. What others say and do is a projection of their reality. When you do not allow yourself to be harmed by the words of others and their opinions, you can not be the victim of self-imposed suffering.

Don't make assumptions encourages us to ask questions and say what we really want. Ruiz believes that we need to use our language to interact with others in a clear manner in order to avoid misunderstandings, hurt, and the expression of ego.

I believe that always do your best should be a principal of life to live by. Always do your best regardless of what you have been dealt in life. Do not worry about the past nor look to the future, simply live each moment in the present as best you can. No matter the circumstance, do your best and you can avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

By living these four agreements, Ruiz believes that one has the opportunity to avoid suffering and create heaven while on earth.

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A recovery book offering "satisfying, solid words of hope in times of change." When life takes what matters, take comfort in God's care with this book of gentle quotes and inspirational scriptures. From the author: God's Comfort Food for New Beginnings was inspired by and written for Debbie - a friend - who had the courage, in faith, to begin again.
 

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If the mark of a great teacher is taking what is known and making it understood, then the multifarious characters in Koven’s Going Deeper must be masters. For the reader who is looking for personal clarity, here is the Traveller’s Guide for help through the sidetracks and detours leading towards internal awareness.

Life, they say, is about Living.  Few people disagree that now is the most momentous time in human history. We live in such days that change is obviously all around us. It cannot be denied. It can  bring suffering and confusion or true enlightenment.

Koven, using a delightful mixture of philosophy, wisdom and wit, gives a seeker the fundamental Road Map into the world of joy, happiness and Love through service to others. Far from a lightweight airport book, it is something to accompany one’s journey deeper into each person’s conception of reality.

Going Deeper traverses the gulf between the knowing and the fast asleep. Reading it, awakens all the hidden crevasses that we all bind to our personas. Release came to me when discovering the broad spaces encompassed in Koven’s majestic work. Here I found, not handy phrases, but the cement that could bring into alignment the many ideas of existence I have pondered for years.

Science, religion, spirituality and old-fashioned common sense lie side by side with the newest discoveries by the most adventurous thinkers. The Information Field of Creativity is no longer more threatening than aspects of Zero Point physics.

Religion, oft the scapegoat of the disenchanted, is not left unscathed, but dealt with, with compassion and a great deal of deep reflection. Even many New Age ideas, which usually leave me on the edge of skepticism, with their often unsupported declarations, become, finally, if not accepted, then at least reasonable.

On the other hand, I would not call it a book that trapped me into reading into the small hours. Not at all. There are far too many original quotes, tales and brilliantly written, even amusing, anecdotes for it to be consigned to the bedside stack. As a lifelong Wanderer this book and the revelations created, will accompany my future travels — given excess baggage allowance - in my heart and soul, if not in the physical world.
 

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Hatha Yoga: The Hidden Language

by Swami Sivananda Radha

Reviewed by Sharon Wobker
Copyright © September 2006 Heart Links / All Rights Reserved

I just got my copy of the 20th Anniversary Edition of Hatha Yoga: The Hidden Language by Swami Sivananda Radha. Originally published in 1988, the book reveals Swami Radha's approach to understanding the symbolism of the asanas and the messages from the body.

In the introduction to the new edition, Swami Lalitananda writes, "A student in a Hidden Language Class once said to me, I have done many kinds of yoga and learned how my body works. This is the first time I’ve done yoga and learned how I work. "¹

When I am in one of the poses, I reflect on the name of the Hatha Yoga pose. The pose comes to life as I listen not only to my body, but also to my thoughts, intuition, and memories. Being aware of these interactions, the pose deepens, and I receive insights that have the potential to change my life.

Although my original copy is streaked with rainbow highlights and scribbled notes, I find working with the new edition more user-friendly. Each asana has instructions to deepen the pose with questions to ask such as: "Where am I?" "What are the obstacles?" "What is being revealed?" Finally, there is an opportunity to go further, expanding the pose into spiritual practice.

There is always something new to discover in yoga. My mind can go around and around, but my body speaks in a way that is honest and real. Hatha yoga: The Hidden Language is an excellent guide and a brilliant approach to the deeper meaning and full potential of Hatha Yoga.

Hatha Yoga: The Hidden Language is available at Aunties Bookstore, Amazon.com, www.Timeless.org, and Radha Yoga Center, (509) 838-3575, Spokane, WA.

¹ Swami Sivananda Radha, Hatha Yoga: The Hidden Language, Timeless Books, 2006.
 

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I Thought There was a Road There
... and Other Lessons in Life From God

by Lynn Assimacopoulos

Reviewed by Alyce Edrich, Editor of the Dabbling Mum.com

Assimacopoulos' stories in her book, "I Thought There Was a Road There" are like medicine for the soul. She writes of everyday tasks that we often take for granted, and reminds us how powerful our lives can be, in our simplicity. Her stories seem to put everything in perspective and reminds us that every single part of our lives can be used for the greater good, no matter how unimportant we may think they are. Her book is filled with memories that have us laughing, crying and feeling comforted and is as heartwarming, comforting, and calming as sipping a cup of hot cocoa, nestled under warm blankets, on a rainy day!

Book Description:  A collection of humorous short true life stories/situations relating to faith in God.
About the Author: A registerd nurse, employed presently as a nurse writer/consultant for a non-profit long term care organization.
 

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In Durga's Embrace:
A Disciple's Diary

by Swami Durgananda

Reviewed by Janet Brown
Copyright © December 2006 Heart Links / All Rights Reserved
(For a brief excerpt from the book, please click here)

How does a woman who is a mother, wife and art teacher make the transformation into being a renunciate? Swami Durgananda opens her experience to all of us in this intimate diary of her spiritual journey and her time with her teacher, Swami Sivananda Radha. Swami Radha, founder of Yasodhara Ashram in British Columbia, had earlier written about her time with her teacher, Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh, India (Radha Diary of a Woman's Search). Each book shows the disciple’s longing for the Divine as well as their doubts, fears, mistakes, and how the spiritual path can evolve with a teacher.

In In Durga's Embrace, we see Swami Radha using Swami Durgananda’s talents as an artist to help her learn valuable lessons. As she worked on different projects, she was able to see how her mind worked. Her issues of ego, control, and doubt were all reflected in the process of her creativity.

I was particularly interested to see how Swami Durgananda was able to learn from the symbols that showed up in her life even though she didn't understand them at the time. As she reflected on her life later, the symbols from her art as a young woman, her travels as a mom, and her dreams, all flow together to guide her and show her she is on the right path.

Swami Durgananda says, "A guru often teaches lessons in what seems like a totally irrational or unfair way. But a guru’s teaching on the spiritual path has a very different purpose from teaching in the ordinary way…the disciple must take responsibility to question and clarify." This is certainly shown as we follow the dynamic relationship between these two steadfast women on a path of evolution.

I often had to ask myself what I would do or say in similar situations with my teacher as I saw Swami Durgananda confronted with her own emotions. Her understanding of the value of dreams and symbolism inspired me to enhance my own path by becoming more familiar with my dreams. She has shown me how everything I do…office work, artwork, gardening…can be a part of my learning on my spiritual journey.

In Durga’s Embrace: A Disciple’s Diary is available at Aunties Bookstore, Amazon.com, www.Timeless.org and Radha Yoga Center. (509) 838-3575, Spokane, WA.

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Book Excerpt . . .

Swami Durgananda, a disciple of Swami Radha, details her relationship with her guru in the memoir, In Durga's Embrace.¹ In this excerpt, Swami Radha encourages her to look at the symbolism in the Wheel of Life, a painting based on a Tibetan Buddhist image, and apply it to her life.

Learning from the Wheel of Life
July 17, 1989

When I first started this project, I didn't think I could do it but it has unfolded gradually. I figured out the technical aspects, such as how to make an exact circle without a compass big enough for the size of the outer wheel. I am learning a lot about patience by working in acrylics and having to be extremely careful with the tiniest details. Every part of this practice has meaning.

When I tell Mataji (Swami Radha) about finishing the painting, she looks at me over her coffee cup and asks, "What did you learn from doing this?"

I pause and then reply, "Well, I learned to have more confidence in myself. And I learned that I really can focus when I have the mantra playing as I work."

"Did you learn anything about the symbolism?"

"Yes. While painting the monster that holds the wheel I thought about what holds me in a rigid place. One thing that came up is my fear of failure, of making a mistake, of not being able to fulfill my potential. I saw where my pride often prevents me from letting go of old patterns. Also, I think my self-will and selfishness are parts of a monster that separates me from the Divine. Wanting my way often prevents me from discovering other ways of doing things."

"Anything else?" She encourages me to go deeper.

"When I painted the creatures in the hell realm, I remembered times in my life when I felt trapped in painful situations. But then I painted the ladder and I saw that there is a way out. I have to be willing to let go of outdated aspects of myself and have the courage to pull myself out of the mire I have created in my life. I remember you saying, 'You are responsible for your life.'

"While painting the figures falling into the hell realm on the right-hand side, I thought about how my ego can lead me into self-pity or judgment, sending me right down into the hell realm. But if I am able to catch it, I can climb up the ladder on the left-hand side to a higher place of understanding and acceptance."

"You know, that Wheel of Life painting will have an effect on you, particularly if you keep reflecting on it," she says. 'Then when you are having a problem, it will come in to help you. You will be able to ask, 'Did I contribute to that mistake?' And then you can see if you did or if it is just your uncultivated imagination."

¹ In Durga’s Embrace: A Disciple’s Diary, by Swami Durgananda, Timeless Books 2006.

Copyright © December 2006 Heart Links / All Rights Reserved

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A collection of stories and interviews, Inspired Lives, speaks to how we can live in the world in a spiritual way. No armchair treatise, the book resonates with action and example, strength and courage. The accounts of Sarah Truman’s search for Kuan Yin in China, Arundhati Roy’s work to save India’s Narmada River, Marguerite McAfee’s diary on living with ovarian cancer, and Bell Hooks’ exploration of love and healing are vibrant and riveting.

Here, yoga is defined as engaged spirituality, a deeply involving process that begins with each of us and then reaches out through selfless action to give back to life. “Nothing is more inspiring than people who live actively by their ideals, who strive for and attain balance and peace,” writes Clea McDougall, editor of Inspired Lives and former editor of ascent magazine.

Each author’s passion and compassion touched me deeply. I felt as though I was a part of their experience, uplifted by their qualities, their efforts, and victories. I was drawn in by the ideals that were so obvious. Tenzin Palmo, a Buddhist nun; Sikeena Karmali, human rights activist; Rev. Ruth Wright ministering to the downtown eastside of Vancouver; and Noah Levine among others, tell their stories that are personal and full of insight and care.

My sense is that these people are effective because they are true to themselves. Self-study, inner work, and reflection are at the heart of yoga. What is revealed through this practice is something very real and attainable. Inspired Lives shows us how extraordinary and beneficial realness can be.

Inspired Lives is available at Auntie’s Bookstore, Amazon.com and Radha Yoga Center, (509) 838-3575, Spokane, WA. 

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In the preface of his wonderful new book, Fred Sterling writes "My life journey from the depths of confusion to living by the principles of Truth, Trust and Passion has been an awakening to the Great Shift in consciousness."

Upon reading this sentence, this reviewer knew Kirael was a book of upliftment through enlightenment. Upon reading further, I discovered a superior work of insight - one that I highly recommend you read...and read again. Author and visionary Fred Sterling discovered his ability as a trance medium only ten years ago when he met the entity Kirael, a higher being. Thus began "..a long and wondrous relationship that has been of service to many searching for answers that are not readily available to people on this dimension." And so, Kirael focuses on the Great Shift...the changes we can expect in the up and coming Fourth Dimension.

Mr. Sterling says "Nobody will escape the Great Shift because it is in the Creator's plan of evolution. In Truth, it is already here! It is ..."a world that is beyond your wildest expectations."

More than anything else, though, Kirael is about love and healing. We learn "...by the time Earth shifts into the Fourth Dimension, humankind will understand the concept of love and will be moving towards the greatest love of all, unconditional love, or agape." Kirael gave this reviewer, and will give you, the reader, advanced insight into "...the meaning of love..[and] the ability to the love of Self."

In this reviewer's opinion, it is rare to find a book with such a depth of wisdom and integrity. Fred Sterling offers new insights into relationships, the Galactic Brotherhood, ascension and much, much more. Kirael gives the reader preparation and guidance for the changes upon us... and so serves to eliminate fear and substitute grace. Don't miss this one!

(To read excerpts from the bi-monthly publication "Kirael - The Great Shift NewsZine Updates", please click here.)

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Kundalini Yoga for the West is a map of the Kundalini system. Using a reflective process, the reader can travel the path to Higher Consciousness, chakra by chakra.

In the first chakra, the journey starts by laying a foundation. Through exercises, practices, and questions, you clarify what it is that you are looking for. Such questions include: What makes my life worth living? What does death mean to me? What deadly games do I play? How is this reflected in my speech – Do I say, “I would die if…” or “I could kill myself for having done…” (p.80)? You also look at what love means to you and clarify your expectations about it.

Each chakra is associated with an element. In the second chakra, the element is water. Using your imagination, you explore how it relates to the water element and begin to direct your imagination by watching your mind and learning to focus it where you want to go.

Each of the chakras is governed by one of the senses. Sight is the sense of the third chakra. Here you clarify what you think of sight, how it is reflected in your speech, what your eyes are drawn to and whether you have an emotional response to what you see. You can begin to cultivate a positive attitude by simply taking time to be grateful for many simple things that are easily taken for granted.

Each chakra is presided over by a god and goddess holding many tools. These tools are available to help deal with the issues of the chakra and the entire system. The goddess of the fourth chakra holds a noose and a skull. These symbolize the need to purify your mind and to not get carried away by your expectations of spiritual life or an experience. Here the aspirant looks at humility, reverence for life, and worship.

With each chakra, the exploration becomes more subtle. We learn that we are influenced by all the chakras at once and the work is to direct the energy towards our spiritual development rather than being at the mercy of it. Help is offered through a number of practices, but particularly by clarification of how you think and what you feel.

I have worked with this book for a number of years and the option to approach it in so many ways keeps it fresh. It is very encouraging because it tells me this is where I am today and shows me how to keep moving towards Higher Consciousness.

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The genocide in Rwanda happened more than 11 years ago. What made you decide to tell your story now?
II:  The passage of time has not lessened my experience or dulled my memories of the genocide. More than a decade has passed since the 100 days of slaughter ended, but to me it feels like yesterday. The horrible images are as alive in me today as they were in 1994. Fortunately, so are the lessons of love and forgiveness I learned while in hiding. Those lessons saved my life then and continue to save me today.

I started writing the book many times, but found it too painful to finish. It was my children who triggered the urgency to put the story down on paper. A few years back they started asking me about their grandparents—my parents—who had been killed in the genocide.

"Mommy, where are your mom and dad. Why don't they come live in America with us? Why can't your brothers come to visit?"

They knew nothing about the genocide, so I told them and continue to tell them that my parents and brothers live in heaven with God and they are very happy.

In many ways this book is a gift to my children. One day I hope it will act as a kind of a stand-in for their grandparents and uncles…this book is filled with many family stories from my growing up years, as well as many of the values my family taught me.

I also decided to write this book for my brother, Aimable, my only surviving sibling. He was out of the country during the genocide and didn't know what the fate of the family was until well after the war was over. Even though 11 years have passed, my brother and I have never been able to talk about what happened…not one word. It is just too raw for us. I think we don't bring up the subject because we are still in denial; by not talking about our family being killed, we are somehow keeping them alive. Well, it's time to move on. This is my way of telling him everything I saw, heard, and felt. Once he's read my book, he will know everything, and he will know how I healed myself…I pray he will be able to do the same.

Your main themes are about finding God and learning to forgive. How did both these things evolve for you? Do you have no anger toward the people who murdered your family?
II:  When the killers searched the house while hunting for us, I had absolutely nowhere to run and no one to turn to…except God. My mind was wracked with fear and doubt. I literally heard an evil voice whispering in my ear telling me all the horrible things the killers were going to do to me when they caught me. There were hundreds of killers armed with spears and machetes just a few feet away from our cubbyhole. I was so filled with despair there were times I wanted to stand up and give myself up to be murdered just to end the mental torment. But I didn't. I called on God and begged Him to give me strength; God answered my prayers. Each time I prayed, the voice of fear was diminished by God’s peace and love. I decided to pray every minute of every day. For weeks I spent almost every waking moment sitting in the same position on the floor either praying or meditating about God. Eventually I began to change; I became strong in my faith and almost fearless. At times I was even filled with joy—that was the power of God’s love. I was surrounded by hundreds of killers bent on murdering me and everyone I loved…and yet my heart was filled with joy by contemplating the wonder of God.

However, there was a problem. I hated the killers, hated them with a murderous passion. If, in the early days of the genocide, I had been given an opportunity to kill one of the killers, I think I would have. So, I had this major spiritual conflict of interest. How could I pray to a God of love, with a heart so filled with such violent hatred? I couldn't…the dichotomy became painful. I felt as though I was hurting God by being so hateful to His children…granted they were very, very bad children, but His children nonetheless. I knew I could no longer live with a heart at war with itself. I had to find a way to get the hatred from my heart, but that was beyond me. I turned to God and asked him to help, and he did. He touched my heart and taught me how to forgive those I most hated. It was a remarkable moment, a life-changing moment. My heart was suddenly free to truly love, and my soul opened up to all the possibilities that exist for us in God’s universe. I was at peace with myself and I was happy, despite what was happening all around me.

Now, I'm not saying the killers who murdered my family and thousands of other families shouldn't be punished—they most certainly should be punished to the full extent of the law. But they also must be forgiven.

I don't have any anger towards those who murdered my family. Remember what Jesus said about those who were crucifying Him: Father, forgive them; they know not what they do.

Well, I don't believe the killers knew what they were doing. I believe thousands of otherwise good people were swept up in an evil that had been let loose on the land. They must be held accountable for their deeds, but if we don't forgive them we will never move forward.

What can your book offer to people who are not going through a tragedy like war? What do you hope they will learn that can apply to their own lives?
II:  I hope my book will help people to learn that they don't have to lose heart and despair during troubled times in their lives. No matter how dire the situation, there is always hope, and there is always help. God is always there for us if we call to him with a sincere heart. If I could find peace, love, and strength in the middle of genocide, it is possible to find peace and courage in the middle of any trouble.

Of course all that comes through prayer, and certainly a lot of people can learn about praying from this book. The power of prayer is enormous and it is there for all of us to tap into.

There is also the major lesson of forgiveness. This is a very powerful tool…one that can be picked up and used in everyday life. If you don't forgive and allow anger, hatred, and resentment to take hold of your heart, you will harm yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually. Anger is a sickness and forgiveness is a cure. Think of how much better our lives would be if we could just get rid of the hostility we harbor for some of our friends, neighbors, and loved ones with a simple act of forgiveness. Feeling good is just an answer away.

Most of your family was killed during the genocide. Why do you think you survived? Do you think you were “saved” for a reason?
II:  I really do believe I was "Left to Tell" the story of my family and what happened to us. I do think God is using me as channel to share His message that love and forgiveness are the only things that combat the damage caused by hatred and mistrust.

I was left to remind people it is possible to forgive the unforgivable, and to love the unlovable. If we can't forgive, the cycle of hatred will never end.

When you were hiding from the killers you talked to God and experienced religious visions. When Dr. Wayne Dyer introduced you to audiences at a recent seminar, he called you a "saint." Do you feel you are? Why or why not?
II:  That is very nice of Wayne to say. Of course I am not a saint, just an ordinary woman—a wife, mother, and career woman struggling to get by and pay the mortgage while seeking spiritual enlightenment. But I am not a saint—my husband and children will attest to that!

I did have some very powerful, even mystical, experiences in that bathroom while I was hiding with the seven other women. Those experiences have had an enormous impact on my life. I do believe God speaks to us all, but too often we can't hear him over the noise of our everyday lives. While I was sitting in that bathroom for three months, God had my full attention. I learned a lot during that time of constant prayer and meditation, lessons I share in the book.

You returned to your village after the genocide. What was that like for you? How did the Hutus in the village treat you? Are you apprehensive when you return to Rwanda today?
II:  I cried so much I couldn't see through my tears. But they weren't tears of anger; they were tears of disappointment at the village I loved so much for so many years. It was very hard for me to accept what they had done to my family.

When I went to visit the village, the Hutus were very cold. They wouldn't talk to me or even look me in the eye. They felt a lot of shame and fear and they distrusted me. Many of them ran away from me. It was hard for me to lose my family; it was just as hard not to be able to forgive their killers because they are afraid or mistrustful.

I am not frightened when I return to Rwanda, but I don't stay in my village. I would be frightened to stay in my village; I worry some people feel there is only one way to get rid of their guilt, and that is to get rid of anything that makes them feel guilty.

You have forgiven the people who killed your family. Do you think your book will help other genocide survivors do the same? Do you think Rwanda can heal itself?
II:  I believe this book has the potential to help anyone in the world to forgive those who have injured them, however small or great that injury may be.

I see it every day. Recently I told my story to a new friend. She called me up a few days later to say my experience had inspired her to call an uncle she hadn’t spoken to in years although they had once been very, very close.

She told me, "We'd had a big fight over something and I was so angry I swore I'd never talk to him again. But after hearing what you went through and how you forgave the people who killed your family…I picked up the phone and called him. I didn't ask him for an apology; I just opened my heart and forgave him. Soon we were talking the way we used to, with so much love. We couldn't believe we had wasted so many years."

Not long ago a genocide survivor in Rwanda called and asked me to explain the steps I took to forgive the killers. She broke down and said, "I thought you were crazy to forgive them, that you were just letting them off the hook! But for ten years I've been carrying so much bitterness and pain in my heart that I thought it was going to kill me. It was too much…I have been so miserable for so long I didn’t want to go on. But people told me you knew how to forgive and get on with your life…they told me you lost your family, but that your life was happy. I need to learn how to let go of my hatred too." I told her everything that happened to me and I know she was inspired. I hope she manages to heal her heart.

Rwanda can heal itself if each heart learns the lesson of forgiveness. Rwanda can be a paradise again, but there is so much pain and hurt there that everyone in the world must participate in the healing. What happened in Rwanda is a wound that we all are suffering from. We are one race and we share one heart. We must heal that heart with love—the love of a single heart can elevate the level of love around the world. We can heal Rwanda and we can heal the world, but we have to do it one heart at a time. I hope my book can help in doing that.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Immaculée’s book, Left to Tell will be donated to the “Left to Tell Charitable Fund.”
Remembering the many orphaned children left behind from the Rwandan tragedy, Immaculée recently established this fund to help the children of Africa build new lives.

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"The Legend of Altazar should be read by everyone! It is MUST reading for all those who want to truly understand the twisting paths of destiny and the Purpose behind it all. Finally, it is a book of victory and survival for you and me and the planet Earth."

Book Description
The thrilling story of Altazar, a High King of ancient Lemuria and his love for the Atlantean High Priestess Diandra, their wrenching separation during the sinking of Lemuria, Altazar's journey to the ancient civilizations of AN & Tihuanacu in South America and through the fall of Atlantis into full remembrance. This is the book to read to trigger the core of your remembrance of the great civilizations of Lemuria and Atlantis!

From the Author
Altazar was the first book I have written. At the time, I was living as a hermit with my daughter in the Chiricahua Mountains of Arizona and had absolutely no intention of writing a book. Yet, this story came and would not go away. Finally, I thought I would write five or six pages and it might leave me alone. Several chapters later, I resigned myself to being an author!

The amazing thing about this book is the strong reaction of its readers who have been profoundly moved by it. This is because it is a powerful trigger to remembrance of our past life memories, especially those dealing with the ancient civilizations of Atlantis and Lemuria. "The Legend of Altazar" is one of those books which falls off the shelves into your hands, readily brings tears and flings open the doors to long suppressed memories. This act of remembrance is an important part of our ongoing process of liberation and wholeness. To be who we truly are, we must first remember all that we have been, for these distant memories have merged into our cells and affect everything we do.

Many people have found themselves within this story. Over the years, I've been contacted by numerous people who are positive that they are one of the characters in "The Legend of Altazar". Such strong identification happens because the characters are such true archetypes for humanity. We all contain part of each of these characters within our own beings. That's why they resonate so strongly with us. There have been literally hundreds of people contacting me who are convinced that they are the real Altazar.

About the Author
Solara is one of the foremost visionaries of our time who is widely respected for her integrity, courage and dedication. She is the key facilitator and visionary of the 11:11, a vast transformation doorway between duality and Oneness which is in effect between 1992 and 2011.

Solara travels widely throughout the world giving talks, workshops and planetary activations. She is currently working on the screenplays for this book and "EL*AN*RA: The Healing of Orion".

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At a local post office on the far west coast of the United States, military personnel are bringing in hundreds of variable sized packages wrapped in brown paper individually decorated with fresh crayon drawings. The packages are addressed to schools in New York City. In the aftermath of the unconscionable cruelty of terrorist attacks, children are helping children.

A seventeen year old computer guru with scholarships paving his path says: "I know my skills could be used to hurt people who don't know much about computers, but I want to make the Internet safer and freer from crime."

These young people are demonstrating high levels of spiritual sophistication.

In a previous work, Rabbi Harold S. Kushner asks the question: "Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?"

A central question in this latest heart-filled essay is: "Why do good people do bad things?"

Most of us live in two worlds. One world is mostly a contest where only the strongest survive, where there are more losers than winners and where the motto is: "Whatever works—just don't get caught."

The other world is the world of spirit where the heroes of both genders win by helping and sharing rather than by sniffing out weakness to exploit and defeat. In this world of spirit there are many more winners than losers.

Over the years, Rabbi Kushner counseled many people who had been wounded by "religious and moral ventriloquists," by the unjust actions of people claiming a higher moral stance. "Who would have thought a minister of god would ever flood my e-mail with pornography. What possessed her?" "He has worked so tirelessly for the church I never thought he would defraud us." Replies Kushner: "I was left wondering about all the people I have met over the years whose personal and professional behavior was so disconnected from the faith they professed. Why is this so common?"

He sees religion being used in three different ways:

1. To strengthen the immune system to better resist temptation.
2. As a kind of antibiotic to cleanse the system and feel good again.
3. As an aspirin to take away the pain of wrong doing without affecting the cause of that pain.

Part of the wonder of being human is making mistakes. All of us fall short of our ideals. Only the morally sensitive struggle with the gap between who they are and who they want to be. Can we be complete people without wrestling with our demons and with our angels?

One measure of a person's moral seriousness is what she would do if no one could see her. The anonymity of the Internet provides this measure. And, Kushner reminds us: there is nothing that can match the loss of integrity.

Kohlberg's three stages of moral development provide one way to understand good and bad behavior in us and in others:

In stage one, behavior is motivated by the fear of punishment. We avoid wrongdoing because we might get caught and suffer unpleasant consequences.

In stage two, we engage in behavior because our "in-group" deems the behavior to be "politically correct" and we avoid other behaviors because our "in-group" deems it wrong. Our in-group can be family, online discussion groups, church assemblies, street gangs.

In stage three, we choose our behavior because it is right.

When asked about the all-too-human readiness to lie, to exploit and to be cruel to the vulnerable, a Native American Tribal Leader describes his own inner struggles:

"There are two dogs inside of me. One is mean, ornery and evil.
The other dog is good. The mean dog fights the good dog all the time."

"Which dog usually wins?" asks a listener.

The Tribal Leader thought for a time before replying: "The one I feed the most."

In considering the question: "What kind of person do you want to be?" Kushner says that we are all recipients of cruelty, thoughtless behavior and petty annoyances. Cutting the cords of hatred and transcending such evil goes far in our own quest for integrity.

"Shalom" for the individual means the inner wars have been fought and the angels have won. Wishing someone 'shalom' is to wish him or her the blessings of wholeness, of integrity.

Good people may not achieve media recognition for choosing their good behavior but they have helped to make the world a better place for all of us. And that matters. That is a life of significance.

What does 'success' mean for you? Think about it. Consider other definitions of success. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote:

"To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that
even one life has breathed easier because you have lived —
that is to have succeeded."

Shalom.

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Miracles Still Happen
Inspiring, Real-Life Stories of Supernatural Intervention

by Therese Marszalek and Sheri Stone

Reviewed by Pastor Lonny Bingle
Copyright © December 2003 Heart Links / All rights reserved

Miracles! The word itself elucidates streams of imagination. Skeptics denounce the possibility. Atheists look for some empirical explanation. But to those who have experienced the supernatural, they will never be the same. As a clinical psychologist, I often hear astounding accounts of what many would call the paranormal. But as a believer in Jesus Christ, I also know His miracle working power and have witnessed it first hand.

Therese Marszalek and Sheri Stone have hit the mark with their new book, Miracles Still Happen. They gathered this dynamic compilation of testimonies from ordinary people across the globe. Although story contributors have various backgrounds, all testify about God's manifested power in their lives. Each short story demonstrates that God is still at work among His people today through supernatural healing, angelic visitation, protection, deliverance, creative miracles, and other signs and wonders.

While many discount what they cannot explain, this book gives credence to God's invisible hand still working the impossible. Many people look for earth-shattering accounts of the miraculous and frequently overlook the little miracles taking place on a daily basis. Either way, God is still displaying His greatness in the world today.

I particularly loved the unique flow of this book from beginning to end. Each short story offers a first-hand account of the miraculous power of God. As the reader turns from one story to the next, he discovers another inspiring miracle unique from all others.

This book inspired me and reminded me that if God can perform a miracle for one, He can do it for all—and He can do it for me! The encouragement found within the pages of Miracles Still Happen leads skeptics into hope while leading Christian believers into new depths of faith. Regardless of one's background, Miracles Still Happen is a great read from the first page to the last.

Miracles Still Happen is not written by theologians, but by our neighbors: the young man down the street, the lady at the supermarket, the brother, mother, father and sister. These are not professional authors, but genuine people with a story to tell of a supernatural God intervening in their natural world to bring hope to the hopeless. It takes courage to share a personal story.

Through this unique book, published by Harrison House Publishers, Therese and Sheri have hit a powerful chord with integrity and insight. I highly recommend Miracles Still Happen to anyone with the courage to allow these personal testimonies to challenge their own belief system.

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Operation Terra, Volume One
as received by Sara Lyara Estes

Review by Jon McDonald
Copyright © September 2001 Heart Links / All rights reserved

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. Rev 21:1