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July/August 2003 Conscious Media
Reviews

Learning Their Language: Intuitive Communication with Animals and Nature
By Marta Williams
New World Library, $15.95

This book was definitely preaching to the choir for me! Ever since I read J.Allen Boone’s classic Kinship with all life way back in the ‘70’s, (which, incidentally was also a source of inspiration to Marta Williams) I have been a true believer in the philosophy which underlies this book. Both Boone and Marta Williams speak of the equality of all living beings, regardless of form and that all life responds favorably to our genuine interest and respect. Marta leads us through exercises and experiences, exploring our abilities to intuitively communicate with animals both domestic and wild. She extends it to a discussion about conversations with plants, mountains and, in fact, every aspect of nature.

Her style is relaxed and she uses lovely personal stories about her relationships with her own animals, and her experiences as an animal psychic. She emphasizes the importance of checking and validating the information received like a true scientist. Her biology degree and experience in the field of environmental regulation and restoration, "conducting audits, hazardous waste site cleanups, and habitat restoration projects," gave her credibility in my eyes. She isn’t just another "do gooder" with weird ideas. She has been out there in the trenches so to speak, actually dealing with the consequences of our disregard for nature and our planet. "If we are to survive, we must begin to listen to our nonhuman neighbors," she says, and proceeds to show us how.

I experimented with her suggestions about having a conversation with a tree. I have often talked to trees, but until now have never expected them to talk back! I have felt comforted by trees frequently but this time it was different. Waiting outside of the main Beaverton post office for my husband to complete his errands, I was drawn to the solitary and truly magnificent fir tree in front of it. I made contact – as Marta instructs – and asked if she was happy where she was. My preconception was that no tree enjoys being in the center of the noise and traffic of town, but to my surprise she distinctly told me that she loved being there and that she was "Beaverton’s favorite tree". She said she was well looked after and a lot of people visited her. That surprised me! And then as if to confirm the message, a young mother lifted her little girl onto the lower branches of the tree and they laughed and played. A few minutes’ later two teenage girls leaned against the tree to exchange giggles. And a man stopped and quite distinctly announced, "This is Beaverton’s favorite tree" to the mother still playing with her child. I could almost hear the tree chuckling!

--- Jenny Swanpool

 

Essential Ayurveda-What it is and what it can do for you,
by Shubhra Krishan, (New World library, 2003; $14)

Though Ayurveda is an ancient Indian word describing a tradition that has been around for 3000-7000 years, it is a word now widely recognized by many Americans, conjuring visions of India and the basic doshas, or personality types, of vata, pitta and kapha directing our food, herb and exercise practices. However this author cautions us from being penned in by the personality types, explaining that they are actually a small part of living the Ayurvedic life.

It is possible to thoroughly study Ayurveda on one’s own at one of several universities in the US. However, for those of us not willing or able to do this, who still would like to benefit from some of its teachings, this book provides a good window.

Ms. Krishan describes the two basic tenets of Ayurveda as "doing less" and "being more." One wants to avoid a buildup of physical or emotional ama (toxins), which contribute to imbalances of the bodies five elements (earth, air, wind, water and ether [space]), which in turn leads to dis-ease.

Vaidyas or healers would generally prescribe some lifestyle changes, diet, and possible herbal or food supplements. Ayurveda cautions against drastic lifestyle changes, favoring slow integration of vegetarian diet, daily oil self massages, exercise, particularly yoga, and relaxation techniques.

This book is a delightful and relatively easy introduction to the world of Ayurveda. Though people already very knowledgeable in Ayurveda might find this too basic, anyone else with limited to no knowledge would find the book interesting, informative and easy to read.

---Alaina Zipp

 

Cd & Music Reviews

From Alan Peterson
www.alanpeterson.net

 

Bridget Brigitte: "Where birds meet in the rain"

Bridget Brigitte's album "Where birds meet in the rain" is a unique blend of vocals and instrumentation. Brigitte is not your typical songwriter, but has a poet/songwriter style that goes very well with her alluring voice and haunting accompaniment. Brigitte plays guitar, piano, synths and has percussion, cello and bass to help create the mood. The band rocks out a bit on the opening cut "I've Got My Rendezvous" and continues with "Information Highway" then settles into a more mesmerizing style for the balance of the 10 tunes. Brigitte goes solo with piano and synths on two improvisational instrumentals "Abstract" and "Acqua", both are lovely. I suggest we all go to the place "Where birds meet in the rain".
Info: www.bridgetmusic.com

 

Bliss: "Bliss"

    Bliss, the duo of Andrew Blissett and Lucinda Drayton have produced this, their self titled album, with African harps, Italian violins and much more. There are moments a listener might think they've heard this sound before, and then it goes in a different direction and you are more than pleasantly surprised. Drayton’s vocals are contemporary, yet fresh and new and the instrumentation is wonderful as the band accompanies her on a most delightful journey. Bliss urges us to "Be Who you Were Born To Be", a message we all should take to heart. With many tunes like "War No More" and "Wait And Wonder" Bliss blends lyrics and melodies with fine instrumentations and takes the music to another level. It's just what the world needs now... a little Bliss.
Info: www.blissfulmusic.com

 

Michael Allen Harrison; Rose Garden Suite:

Michael Allen Harrison's wonderful solo piano CD, "Rose Garden Suite", is inspired by the fabulous Rose Garden located in Portland Oregon's Washington Park. This is a beautiful tribute to a beautiful place and the hundreds of varieties of gorgeous roses one can find there. Harrison chose 10 roses from which to compose his arrangements, whose melodies vary as much as do the types of roses. From the very first cut "Gift Of Life" through the tenth and last "Timeless", it is obvious that Harrison finds the rose is a muse to his liking. Each composition reflects its subject, simple yet elegant, fragrant, but not overpowering. Even the CD liner book is classic with pictures and descriptions of the specific varieties Harrison is celebrating. "Rose Garden Suite" is a perfect CD to contemplate the beauty of nature whether you are strolling in the garden or meditating on your living room floor. It is a very sweet suite.
Info: www.mahrecords.com