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March/April 2009 Conscious Media
Reader's Choice 3-09

Emotional Freedom: Liberate Yourself from Negative Emotions and Transform Your Life, Judith Orloff, Harmony, 2009, $24

This is the perfect book to come along at the perfect time. We live in a tumultuous, fear-dominated period in history and must become masters at overcoming fear and other negative emotions so they don't sabotage our power. With skill and compassion, Dr. Judith Orloff shows us how to become heroes in our own lives by transforming anger, loneliness, and envy and more rather than simply "reacting" when our buttons get pushed. As an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA and intuition expert, Orloff shares her wealth of personal and professional knowledge to illuminate the field of emotions. She draws on wisdom from traditional medicine but goes light years beyond it by presenting emotions as a path to spiritual, energetic and intuitive awakening. Why is this leap so important? The intellect has restricted vision about emotions, but bringing intuition into the feeling realm lets us go deeper within.

- Caroline Myss

The Two Marys ,Sylvia Browne, New American Library, 2008, $15

Scholars and lay people alike have debated about the people and events involved in the development and early days of Christianity. Such controversies include the two women named Mary in the life of Jesus. The role and influence of these two women - his mother and his alleged wife - have been marginalized by Christian churches. Noted psychic Sylvia Browne clears up misconceptions and demystifies commonly held beliefs about the two Marys, by adeptly weaving together the few known facts about them with information Sylvia received from her spirit guide.

In writing the book, Browne assumed that readers are familiar with the commonly accepted Christian beliefs. She understands that readers might respond with incredulity as she lays out the facts as she has come to know them. The Two Marys should be of interest to those who wish to delve into unknown history, not mere religious beliefs.

- Alice R. Berntson

The Power of Soul, Zhi Gang Sha, Atria Books, 2009, $26

Reflecting American's growing desire to learn new ways to heal and cope in difficult times, soul healing pioneer Dr. Zhi Gang Sha's latest book, The Power of Soul, goes beyond the widely accepted concept of mind over matter, and introduces the realm of soul over matter. This, he affirms, is where all true healing and life transformation begin. The book covers soul healing, soul prevention of sickness, soul rejuvenation, soul prolonging of life, soul intelligence, soul marketing, soul orders, karma - the root blockage for life, soul transformation of every aspect of life (including relationships and finances) and soul enlightenment. "In life, the mind can serve you well," says Dr. Sha, "but let the soul be the boss. Unsquare your head and open to the infinite possibilities of the soul. It will guide and protect you." Indeed, this book is just what the soul needs.

- Vicky Thompson

Why Walk When You Can Fly, Isha, New World Library, 2008, $14.95

Isha, an internationally acclaimed spiritual teacher based in South America, has taught her simple Isha System to diverse groups throughout the world. The system's core has four components or facets. Practicing and meditating on each of the facets each day free us from fear and allow us to soar. If we can be in the present moment and embrace it, knowing that we are perfect as we are, then we can start to love ourselves unconditionally. We can't love others until we love ourselves. Everything happens for a reason, and as we are all connected, judging others means not loving ourselves and others unconditionally. There are many systems and paths to enlightenment. Isha's system is basic, yet profound. If we can love ourselves unconditionally, then that love will radiate out to the world and transform it.

- Alice R. Berntson

Snatam Kaur, Live in Concert DVD/CD, Spirit Voyage Records, 2007, $19

Aficionados of Snatam Kaur and Guru Ganesha Singh will revel in this stylistic display of spiritual grace and exquisite musicianship packaged into a CD and DVD documentary. Kaur's astonishing vocal range is well up to the task. The opening cut, "Azure Salver" with the most commercial feel, harkens back to a 1966 Jefferson Airplane with 90's Lillith Fair moments. "Ong Namo" is a fabulous tour de rigor demonstrating the enduring quality of Kaur's voice, sweeping up the listener in a spiritual vortex. Fans expecting a concert DVD should not be disappointed. Jokes about tofu are repeated, concerns about touring are reflected upon, and Kaur's convictions about the music reaching children are explored (including a clip of her engaging children in a collective meditation). Regardless of faith, this is a product that truly captures one's heart and will surely take you out of the malaise of today, at least for a few hours.

- Lee Brodinsky

Angel Dogs with a Mission, Allen and Linda Anderson, New World Library, 2008, $14.95

These stories are truly awe inspiring and very moving. One story tells how companion dogs for the handicapped began with one woman's vision and determination and an amazing dog. I must say I was expecting a lovely feel-good book along the lines of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, but Angel Dogs with a Mission delivers so much more. The impact of these wonderful heart-warming stories is best expressed in the foreword by Marc Bekoff, author of The Emotional Lives of Animals: "This book blurs- truly dismantles- the supposed line between the feelings that humans experience and those present in animals." Amelia Kinkade, author of Straight from the Horse's Mouth, writes "Many of our most effective doctors, nurses, therapists, police officers, emotional counselors, rescue workers and spiritual teachers have four legs instead of two." One unique feature of the book is the question for the reader at the end of each story. It is a contemplation seed based on the gifts or qualities demonstrated in the story. This is a special gift for the reader who takes time to meditate on it.

- Angelica Williams