September/October 2009 Conscious Media
Reader's Choice
by Vicky Thompson
The Akashic Experience: Science and the Cosmic Memory Field, Ervin Laszlo, Inner Traditions, 2009, $16.95
Ervin Laszlo is a prolific writer, Nobel Peace Prize nominee and a leader in the systems theory field. His latest book explains that an "Akashic experience" conveys a thought, image or intuition that is transmitted by an extra- or non-sensory means, and likely couldn't have been through the five senses. He briefly relates how his own experience affected him, but the main body of the bookis a compilation of writings about Akashic experiences of 20 people who are prominent in their respective fields. This diverse group provides testimonial that such an experience transforms lives, regardless of how or when it happens. The concept of knowing or feeling that we are all connected to each other and to the cosmos by more than traditional senses has been part of humanity for thousands of years. Metaphysics, parapsychology, consciousness - all could be viewed as Akashic experiences, subjects that continue to refute Western science. Laszlo provides thought-provoking material as he continues to explore the nature of the universe and the field of awareness that connects us all.
- Alice R. Berntson
The Artist's Way Every Day, Julia Cameron, Tarcher/Penguin, 2009, $14.95
Julia Cameron's international bestseller, The Artist's Way, was a groundbreaking work on the creative process. Devotedly tapping into her creative juices daily through writing, Cameron believes that the spiritual path is one you should actively walk every day. In The Artist's Way Every Day,she presents 365 daily inspirational jump starts into the world of your inner artist. The thoughts are moving as well as provoking: "I sometimes think of the critic as a character left over from caveman times, times concerned with sheer survival. To the critic, an original thought may appear disturbing, even dangerous. It wants to see what it has seen before. The critic believes in product, not process. It does not like us to have the joy of creation." For artists and those who live life creatively, The Artist's Way Every Day provides a deep well of ideas to spark personal growth.
- Vicky Thompson
How to Read the Akashic Records: Accessing the Archive of the Soul and its Journey, Linda Howe, Sounds True, 2009, $21.95
The Akashic records are thought to contain all events, actions, thoughts and feelings that have ever occurred or will ever occur with each and every soul. These records, this cosmic information field, can be accessed as another dimension of consciousness.
We may have been led to believe that these records were accessible to only "sensitive" people, who could journey through time and space to other realms. Linda Howe developed a method, however, that allows anyone access to their own records. This "pathway prayer process" helps followers journey and gain a new perspective on their lives and why they're here. A section of the book is for those who wish to go beyond themselves to become practitioners and offer their services in reading the records for others.
- Alice R. Berntson
The Atheist's Way: Living Well Without Gods, Eric Maisel, New World Library, 2009, $14
Despite the U.S. Constitution's decree of separation of church and state, a majority of Americans profess to believe in a higher power. Those religious or spiritual beliefs affect how we perceive and interact in the world and color our realities, sometimes leading to a betrayal of our common humanity.
Being an atheist, not believing that there is a God who has control over humans, means that we have to be accountable for our actions and take responsibility for running our own lives, without intervention or deference to a higher power. We have to find our own place and shift from seeking meaning to making it. There is no meaning until a person decides to invest meaning in values, activities and relationships.
Maisel advocates atheism to counter the real world threat that religious zealots pose, claiming the power of God to destroy those who don't fit their ideas of what's right. The purpose of life is not to be found in any church or star chart - it's in decisions based on human rights and human good, rather than on the directives of an unseen God.
- Alice R. Berntson
The Matrix Energetics Experience, Richard Bartlett, Sounds True, 2009, $99.95
This boxed set of six audio CDs, DVD, instructional cards and workbook offer the reader a multi-format experience in Matrix Energetics. Richard Bartlett, a Seattle-based chiropractor and naturopathic doctor, created Matrix Energetics to assist people in accessing their untapped potential. I thoroughly enjoyed this complete set. I found the audio CDs to be positive with a humorous side. As I listened many times to the CDs, I was always able to find another gem of information that I had missed before. The DVD shows live demonstrations of healings that were taken from Bartlett's workshops. The workbook features the "two-point technique" that is the fundamental teaching of the course and also provides exercises for breaking down your subconscious limitations. This course offers a "technology of consciousness" for insight, healing and spiritual growth. If you are ready to embrace a reality where anything goes, miracles can happen and nothing is beyond your reach.
- Jelina Vance
Scheherazade, Al Conti, Shadowside Music, 2008, $13.99
Scheherazade (pronounced sheh-hair-uh-zahd) is Al Conti's third music album and contains 10 of his original world-fusion tunes that musically tell the famous tale of "1001 Arabian Nights." Conti gives the music a unique Middle Eastern flair by utilizing exotic instruments, such as the dulcimer,hurdy gurdy, udu, sitar, tablas and tribal drums. He also incorporates piano, violin, cello and acoustic guitar to give this CD a more modern sound. After a near death experience, Conti began recording the music that he hears in his mind. The CD quickly hit No. 1 on the international New Age Reporter airplay charts. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this beautiful and inspiring music.
- Jelina Vance
The Attraction Distraction, Sonia M. Miller, Alma Publishing, 2008, $19.95
The Attraction Distraction is an amazing book that takes you into a full discovery of not only the law of attraction, but into yourself and your behaviors. This book picks up where other spiritual self help books leave off. It will answer all of your questions and will help you to discover how to awaken to infinite possibilities by clearly identifying what you really want in life. Learn how to move through negative emotions that keep your life small by releasing the attachments blocking you from allowing better things into your life. You can allow yourself to finally experience love, prosperity, health, freedom, peace and everyday miracles.
In 2002, after almost 20 years of study, Miller set out to write a book with two goals in mind - to write the book she wished she'd had along her journey and to help awaken more people to the higher truth of who we are as infinitely powerful co-creators. She wanted to do this not only for the peace and well-being it means for individuals, but for the inevitable ripple effect it can have on our world.
- Annique Lottin, LMT, CR
50 Ways to Leave Your 40s: Living It Up in Life's Second Half, Sheila Key and Peggy Spencer, New World Library, 2008, $14.95
The authors team up to offer those facing the big 5-0 a multitude of ways (well, 50 to be precise) to move through that major life event in a positive manner. Each way is a separate chapter, with an insightful quotation and an anecdote about the topic. Peggy Spencer, a medical doctor, provides useful health tips in "Doc in the Box" sidebars. In addition to the physical aspect of aging and turning 50, there are also sidebars with exercises ("Cool Moves") and thought-provoking activities ("Scribbles & Doodles") for the reader to not just read and be passive about turning 50, but to do something. Each chapter ends with a list of "Things to Try at Least Once."
A combination of light-heartedness, familiar tone, useful advice, as well as some off-beat ideas are sure to help anyone at 49 or so approaching their next birthday with trepidation. Live, laugh, love!
- Alice R. Berntson
