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May/June 2006 Conscious Media
In Review

Art Exhibits

La Conquistadora/The Corn Maiden
Cristina Acosta is a nationally known artist, whose exhibit, Flora Fauna Madonna, opens in Portland at Onda Arte Latina on NW Alberta Street on June 1st (first Thursday). She is a descendant of the original Spanish colonists and conquistadores, but her painting, La Conquistadora, was inspired by a statue of the Madonna in the Taos Pueblo in New Mexico. Often called “Our Lady of Conquering Love”, La Conquistadora is the representation of the peaceful accord the Spanish settlers eventually reached with the Native American tribes in the region after decades of warfare. Cristina’s retablo (traditional altar form) includes the symbols of the Native American counterparts, The Corn Maiden and the Navajo Spider Woman.
For more information about her art see www.CristinaAcosta.com.

Books

The Divine Code of Life – Awaken Your Genes and Discover Hidden Talents
Kazuo Murakami, Ph.D., Beyond Words Publishing, 2006, $18.95

The Divine Code of Life is a delightful little book combining interesting science with profound life wisdom. Its author, Dr. Murakami, is a Japanese cellular microbiologist who came to world prominence when he led the first team in the world to crack the genetic code of the human protein rennin. He has devoted his life to genetic research, and he has done experiments that show that the environment and other external factors can actually change the way our genes work. “To be more precise, we now know that dormant genes can be activated. When speaking of the environment… I include the psychological level as well. The effects of psychological stimuli or trauma on our genes – in other words, the connection between our genes and our minds…”
This gentle memoir describes his life path from student to eminent scientist; and from rigid, evidence-based science to spirituality and wonder at the awsomeness and beauty of creation. His experiments, such as the one demonstrating laughter reducing glycemic level in diabetics, are both fascinating and empowering. He shows us that while the mechanisms of evolution may be descriptive, there is a greater consciousness scripting the changes. And we have the power to tap into that greater consciousness – what he calls “Something Great”.
The world he observes through the microscope has powerful messages to impart that we would do well to to take to heart: “Rather than selecting one option and rejecting another, nature chooses symbiotic coexistence… We have much to learn from this characteristic of our genes that is relevant to both society and our way of life.”
--MK
Dr. Murakami will be speaking on Saturday, May 13th, 2006, 7pm at New Renaissance Bookstore, 1338 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210.

Song of the Stone
Barry Brailsford, Stone Print & Wavelink Productions, 2005, $14.95

This is the chronicle of the mission Barry Brailsford undertook to fulfill an ancient prophecy of the Waitaha people. These gentle people who have lived in New Zealand for 1500 years, believe that revenge, hate and all the anger that is war have no  place in the word. Brailsford, an archeologist, was asked by the dwindling group of elders to collect and record their stories and ceremonies in order to preserve them for the world. They charged him to carry pieces of sacred Greenstone to the indigenous peoples of North and South America and beyond, spreading their message of hope and reconciliation.
Reading this book is like entering the aboriginal Dreamtime, where everything is magical and connected. One’s heart yearns for the simple certainty of connection to all-that-is that has sustained these first nations for centuries if not millenia. One’s heart mourns to think of all “civilization” has done to erase this link.
Brailsford, honored by Queen Elizabeth II with an MBE will be lecturing in the United States and Europe in spring and summer of 2006. The paperback version is now available in the US. See www.wavelinkproductions.com for more information.
---MK

The World Is a Waiting Lover: Desire and the Quest for the Beloved
Trebbe Johnson, New World Library, 2005, $14.95

Have you ever moved through your day finding joy and fascination in ordinary things and seen the whole world open to you in a different way? This sense of mindful expectancy is the path toward the Divine. No one needs special talents, or to be a “special type of person” to live more authentically and passionately. Rather, she states, you need to be willing to look at the world with the eyes of a child, and to temper that move toward what is fascinating with an adult self who not only ensures basic safety, but somehow transmits the journey to the world. www.trebbejohnson.com
-- Alaina Zipp

Rainbows and Bridges, An Animal Companion Memorial Kit,
Allen and Linda Anderson, New World Library, 2005, $ 29.95.

This kit contains a book honoring the grieving process over a lost animal companion, journal, meditation cards and picture frame. This is the most holistic approach to pet death I have ever seen. It includes how to get the support you need, fitting your loss into your spiritual belief system, and communicating with your pet after death. Multi-faith inclusive, anyone interested in the dimensions of healing needed after the loss of a pet (or any loss) would find this interesting.
--Alaina Zipp

Bring Me the Rhinoceros and Other Zen Koans to Bring You Joy,
John Tarrant, Harper Collins Inc, 2004, $16.00

Koans are stories (part riddle, part parable) that have been passed down from Zen teacher to student for hundreds of years. Unlike a book clearly describing the seven steps to wealth, thinness or happiness, koans nudge you to take your map of your path to happiness and turn a kaleidoscope wheel, opening to something completely different. The point of this book is not, I think, to leave you certain of where your path is leading you. It is to hold out to you a bowl of endless possibility, to show that even when you hit a brick wall, you could bulldoze it, grow flowers up it, reverse directions or go sideways. I finished this book blessing the part in people that strives for change, for happiness, and praying that we can all enjoy the journey while we jump into the stunningly beautiful, seething pit of possibilities.
--Alaina Zipp

DVDs

From Science to God, Exploring the Mystery of Consciousness,
Peter Russell, Elf Rock Productions & Hartley Film Foundation (2006), $24.95

We know it as our most intimate reality, yet consciousness is the greatest mystery facing science. In this 25-minute documentary, scientist, author, and filmmaker Peter Russell invites us to join him in the “spirit of now,” to actually experience consciousness, as well as helping us to think a little deeper about this pervasive mystery.
We learn why the relationship between mind and brain is not just a “hard problem” but is actually an impossible one—as long as science remains wedded to the metaphysical assumption of materialism. If the universe began with “dead” matter, it would have remained dead forever. Consciousness could never have evolved. Yet here we are, experiencing embodied beings! The universe has always “tingled with the spark of spirit.” Matter or energy itself is sentient through and through. Our brains tingle with consciousness because the cells and chemistry of the nervous system—like everything else—possess their own sentience.
But we will never penetrate the mystery of consciousness by trying to figure it out. Rather, we need to cultivate the practice of being the witness of the stream of thoughts, beliefs, and feelings that flit across the screen of the mind. We come to know consciousness not by thinking about it but by being it—by living it every moment.
Think of this DVD as Eckhart Tolle meets What the Bleep!?—the science and spirit of now.Watch it, and feel the mystery come alive.
--Christian de Quincey

CDs

DownTemple Dub: Waves, Desert Dwellers
White Swan Records, WS 0063

This CD is a part of the forthcoming DVD Series, DownTemple Dub: Flames, created by Yogic Arts Master, Duncan Wong, which will allow Desert Dwellers to push the bounds of Yoga music into a realm of musical fusion called “Yoga Dub”. Melding elements of downtempo and psy-chill with sinewy basslines, otherworldly guitar and an exotic mix of organic instruments into an Indo-ambient mystical fusion. Pulsing with lush rhythms and serene harmonies, DownTemple Dub: Waves is a sonic odyssey into the soul of the global heartbeat.
--Peter Scrogin

Golden Spa Tones, Dean Evenson & Walter Makichen,
Soundings Of The Planet, $16.98

The composers have opened themselves up to the divine mind of human consciousness in this latest offering. Ethereal tones of Tibetan singing bowls pair with flute to gently soothe the soul and create a sense of deep relaxation. Gentle ocean waves and the Earth Resonance Frequency deepen the experience to a contemplative Alpha state.
-- Peter Scrogin

Editor’s Picks

Toward a Philosophy of Perception: The Magnitude of Human Potential – Cloud Optics
Margaret A. Harrell, AuthorHouse, 2005, $43.49
In this unique book, lavishly illustrated with 33 color cloud photographs, Margaret Harrell suggests a means to tap into the wellspring of collective worldwide consciousness.

Revitalize Your Hormones
Theresa Dale, PhD, ND, John Wiley & Sons, 2005, $15.95
Excellent guide to natural radiant health relying on a hormone-revitalizing diet, detox and homeopathy. Makes a lot of sense!

Hiring the Heavens: A Practical Guide to Developing Working Relationships with the Spirits of Creation
Jean Slatter, New World Library, 2005, $12.95
Delightful little book in which Slatter shows how a celestial workforce is standing by, waiting to be asked to help you in any area of your life.

The Hawaiian Oracle – Animal Sjpirit Guides from the Land of Light
Rima A. Morrell, PhD, New World Library, 2006, $22.95
Take a journey into Huna mysticism with this 36-card divination deck and 144-page guidebook that on the multicultural traditions of Polynesia. Powerful deck full of luminous wisdom.

Eating in the Raw – A Beginner’s Guide to getting slimmer, feeling healthier and looking younger the raw-food way
Carol Alt, Clarkson Potter Publishers, 2004, $16.00
Not just for vegatarians or vegans – includes raw meat/fish recipes among the gourmet selection. Lots of useful information.