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November/December 2007 Conscious Media
Reader's Choice

by Vicky Thompson

Plenty: One Man, One Woman, and a Raucous Year of Eating Locally
Alisa Smith & J.B. MacKinnon, Harmony Books, 2007, $24

Food that the "typical" American consumes has often traveled between 1,500 and 2,500 miles before it reaches the plate. Wanting to reduce their impact on Mother Earth, amid a variety of concerns about the food supply chain, urban dwellers Alisa and James decided to embark on a year's experiment of consuming food and drink that came from within 100 miles of their home in Vancouver, BC. They learned about the forces of nature, the passing of the seasons, gardening and preserving food to get them through the short days of winter. They also learned of the difficulty of their 100-mile experiment, pondering such things as whether local chickens count if their feed came from outside the 100-mile zone.

Their experiment with local food is thought-provoking about globalization, the oil economy, community - and so much more - right to the very essence of human survival, in the food we eat. Visit www.100milediet.org to find out more about local eating.

- Alice R. Berntson

The Yin Yoga Kit: The Practice of Quiet Power
Biff Mithoefer, Healing Arts Press, 2006, $24.95

Yin yoga could be aptly renamed snail yoga. Drawing from the restorative poses common to many different yoga traditions, yin yoga slows down your average vinyasa to a snail's pace, oftentimes asking the student to hold such a pose for two to five minutes.

With Biff Mithoefer at your side, you have everything it takes to perform a full yin yoga session of up to 14 different postures while a detailed book, quick reference card set and an audio CD will guide you. Having done yin yoga at a studio and then now trying it at home via the instructions outlined in this kit, one could easily begin and successfully build upon a complete yin yoga practice from the tools provided. Mithoefer has created a user friendly offering complete with background theory, pose variations, and suggestions on how to design your own practice to bring healing energy to specific organ meridians and chakra energies.

- Brandon LaGreca

Revelations of Christ
Swami Kriyananda, Crystal Clarity Publishers, 2007, $24.95

Revelations of Christ endeavors to put the teachings of Jesus, first given in a context to suit an ancient society 2000 years ago, into a context relevant to today's culture.

Who better to explain clearly the words of an enlightened master than another enlightened master? In this case, Paramhansa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi. His disciple, Swami Kriyananda, was chosen for this task before Yogananda passed away in 1952.

The author says that the book offers Christian truths (eternal and universal) from a new point of view. It's orthodox in its adherence to Christianity but its orthodoxy will not always correspond to what is taught by Christian sects. It does not conform, in other words, to "Churchianity." I highly recommend this book.

- David Moyle

Psychic Surgery & Faith Healing
Jessica Bryan, Lompico Creek Press, 2007, $17.95

Every once in a while you read a book that touches your soul, engages your heart and pushes your mind to look at the world in a new way. Jessica Bryan's Psychic Surgery & Faith Healing is a moving and detailed account of her life-changing experiences as a patient of psychic surgery and later, as a student and practitioner of the art of magnetic healing. Bryan travels to the Philippines, a renowned center for faith healers, where her doubts are melted by the intense tropical heat and the generous love of a local family of healers who "adopts" her as one of their own. Bryan's flowing and absorbing narrative invites the reader to live her journey and return transformed.

- Vicky Thompson

The Not So Big Life
Sarah Susanka, Random House, 2007, $24.95

Sarah Susanka, an architect, is the author of several books that continue to develop themes based on her original work, The Not So Big House. Each chapter in The Not So Big Life extends an architectural metaphor to guide in the remodeling of one's approach to life. Artfully, this scheme assists the reader in observing and then revisioning their existence. Dreams are recognized for the insights they make available. Life itself is pictured as a dream, a movie in which we partake, our scripts often not ones of our own choosing.

The Not So Big Life is a handbook for simplifying and suggests that a notebook be used to act as a companion and as a base to return to regularly for the sake of staying centered on the journey. Throughout the book there are activities and lists of questions to assist in the deconstruction and renovation. Susanka suggests being aware (beware) of going on autopilot and seeking out those patterns which do not support aliveness. Finding and living the questions raised strengthens the ongoing process of rejuvenation. Reevaluation is constant as the individual "disidentifies" with the small selves they have fit themselves into.

Through a well organized and easily utilized layout, the author provides a valuable blueprint for those willing to take on that dream remodeling venture.

- Michael Moylan

Mantra Chill
Martyrs of Sound, Chakra Groove Records, 2007, $15

Ethereal and entrancing, Mantra Chill pairs the luminous vocals of Sara Wiseman with the organic instrumentation of Dr. Steve Koc. This trance-inducing music creates the same state of relaxation as experienced in deep meditation and prayer, and is based on Dr. Koc's extensive study of healing and sound therapy for the past 27 years. Mantra Chill is ideal for those suffering from stress, insomnia and illness, and is a great tool for yoga practitioners, massage therapists and healers. These Pacific Northwest artists capture the feeling of pure bliss with their gentle and relaxing sound.

- Vicky Thompson

Cosmic Ordering: The Next Adventure
Barbel Mohr, Hampton Roads, 2007, $15.95

This book was originally written in German, like the first Cosmic Ordering, and was just translated to English. I found it to be easy to read and a great reference for practical ideas on how to tap directly into the universe to manifest what you want in your life. It's written in a light, almost irreverent tone. It's a "how to pray book" without ever admitting that it is. Its premise is "everything in the universe already belongs to you, you just need to learn how to ask for what you want and you can have it." Cosmic Ordering reduces the process to mail ordering - like looking through a catalog and choosing what you would like to have delivered, and then being ready to open the door when the delivery shows up.

- David Moyle

Gifts for Young Readers

Thank You, Angels
Doreen Virtue, Hay House, 2007, $15.95

In her first book for children, "angel lady" Doreen Virtueintroduces young children to the world of angels and teaches them how these heavenly beings can help them in many ways. Kids will learn how to ask an angel for help, how to recognize an angel's voice, and what signs angels may use to let kids know that they're there. This book lets kids know that they're never alone.

Left-Over Louie
Carol Olsen, Gig Harbor Press, 1993, $11.95

Left-over Louie, a creative child with an imagination the size of Texas, reminds others to accept themselves just as they are - perfect. Gifted and learning disabled, Louie wears a WWI French battle helmet to school and keeps a slug for a pet. A vegetarian and ardent pacifist, Louie turns the playground into a battleground by reenacting old battles from WWI. Both children and adults struggle with being different, and Northwest author Carol Olsen helps us to stand tall in our unique minds and bodies. Visit www.left-overlouie.com.

Just Imagine
John M. Thompson & George M. Schultz, Illumination Arts, 2006, $16.95

Imagine soaring in a supersonic jet, riding on a dolphin, sailing the seven seas or exploring a deep, dark swamp. This beautifully illustrated book uses the visual metaphor of loving outstretched hands as the stage for these adventures, holding the children as their imaginations take them to enchanted places. Northwest author John M. Thompson creates a magical world that will transport your child.

Clearwater Girl
Diana Clark, Booksurge, 2006, $17.99

Clearwater Girl is different - her hair is marked with a golden streak, making her stand out among the tribe. Saddened by her inability to look like the others, she tries to change herself. But her tribe doesn't recognize the new Clearwater Girl. This sweet and instructive tale by Northwest author Diana Clark teaches courage and understanding in loving yourself.

- Vicky Thompson

The Shape of Light
Jeff Ball, Red Feather Music, 2007, $16.99

The haunting Native American wood flute music, accompanies by other wooden instruments is both natural and spiritual simultaneously. Listening with eyes closed, it's easy to imagine that you are floating with the clouds, being gently tossed about by the wind. A delightful instrumental-only background for most any locale or occasion. Visit www.fourwinds-trading.com and www.jeffball.net.

- David Moyle

Keiko Speaks
Bonnie Norton & Keiko, Animal Messenger Publishing, 2004, $15

Bonnie Norton is a person who communicates with animals. We all apparently have this ability, but most lose it at an early age. Communicators receive an animal's thoughts, concepts and emotions in a variety of ways. After taking workshops on how to redevelop this ability, Bonnie happened to visit Keiko, the orca whale of "Free Willy" fame, at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, Oregon. Wondering if she could communicate with a whale, she went prepared with notebook in hand, but was still surprised when Keiko immediately responded to her mental thoughts. And thus her life changed.

Keiko Speaks chronicles her communications with him, in detail, from the day she first saw him in August 1997, to her last communication with him in November 2003. The book also details her devotion to letting the whale's handlers and the media know that he did not want to be set free, but that he was happiest near people, especially children.

Animals are so much more aware than we have been led to believe. Many already know this in their hearts. For others, they may not look at the family pet in the same way again.

-- Alice R. Berntson

The Gentle Way: A Self-Help Guide for those who Believe in Angels
Tom T. Moore, Light Technology Publishing, 2000, $14.95

It is all about a better way to talk to your guardian sngels. Moore writes that he "did not invent talking to angels, people have been doing it for thousands of years." He says simply as a result of trial and error, and from information he received during meditations, he developed effective methods for keeping in touch with his guardian angels on a daily basis. He feels by learning to talk to them, all kinds of benefits are derived that we would normally let pass us by. By strengthening this daily dialogue you have "more fun, less stress and meet your goals faster." It is his desire to pass these techniques along to his readers. Tom relates that a teacher once told him you had to hear something seven times before you learn it. And even though we have heard these ideas in other ways, this book provides yet another perspective on them. It provides as well, page upon page of specific examples of ways to word and form requests for help and protection. A quick read with a few new clues. Visit www.lighttechnology.com.

-- Kate Tanner

Iron Shirt Chi Kung
Mantak Chia, Destiny Books, 2006, $16.95

Mantak Chia is most well known for his prolific modernizing of sexual and internal alchemical Taoist arts. Building upon these practices is the distribution of cultivated energy to bolster the connective tissue of the body. This reworking of Chia's previously released publication on Iron Shirt Chi Kung is both liberally illustrated and methodically presented.

Chia's central tenet is this: by utilizing certain postures, breathing exercises and visualizations, one can "pack" vital energy into every hollow crevice of the body. This energetic insulation imbues resilience to the physical form in a way that offers disease resistance and protection from physical trauma. As if filling a car tire with air (a metaphor Chia uses to describe this process), the practitioner can build a firm foundation with which to lift him or herself to ever greater spiritual heights.

These methods are the same, Chia claims, to the techniques mastered by martial artists to figuratively armor their physique with an iron shirt. But before you run off and gild yourself in universal chi, it would be wise to consult Chia's previous works which this text is built upon. Happy meditating!

-- Brandon LaGreca

Angelic Messenger Cards:
Divine Guidance for Personal Healing and Spiritual Discovery
Meredith L. Young-Sowers, New World Library, 2007, $24.95

I opened the beautiful packaging for the Angelic Messenger cards to find incredible full color, up close photographs of flowers. Angels? Flowers? I don't know what flowers mean. Until I read the companion book.

Young-Sowers has put together a detailed divination system to help us on our path to enlightenment. She uses every detail in these photographs to help us interpret the message we receive from the angels. Not what type of flower, but the color, the blossom, the background. Everything in the photo has meaning.

The companion book guides you step-by-step through developing a rapport with the angelic realm, including angelic influence in your own life and listening to angelic messages as presented by her cards. The cards are categorized into six groups: reflection, partnership, integration, rejuvenation, nourishment and the wild cards of abundance and divine guidance.

Each interpretation is includes a message, a spiritual opportunity and application. In the readings I have done with these cards, the message is simple, gentle and useful.

- Susy Parker Goins

The Visionary Window: A Quantum Physicist's Guide to Enlightenment
Amit Goswami, Quest Books, 2000, $21.95

"What is more real - this book or your awareness of it?" The answer is your awareness of it. For years there has been a constant battle between what Goswami terms the "godless rationalized creation of the old separatist Newtonian science and the spiritual knowledge that resonates abidingly in our hearts." Goswami as both a scientist and a spiritual teacher invites people to understand that through what he calls the visionary window, we can create the "paradigm shifting consequence of reconciling science and spirituality." He explains, that "quantum physics calculates possible events for electrons and the probability of each of these possible events, but cannot predict the unique actual event that a particular measurement will precipitate." Through diagrams and examples he illustrates that "whenever we observe an object we see a unique actuality and thereby collapse the possibility wave ... and all objects obey quantum mechanics even the machines used to facilitate the observation." As the observer we choose the moment of collapse and thereby are the creator of the reality chosen. He says when we discover that consciousness is the ground of being "... transcendent, as one, as self-referential ... then the quantum debate can be settled and the paradoxes resolved." He spends further time reconciling this view with discussions regarding religion and ethics.

-- Kate Tanner