January/February 2010 Conscious Media
Reader's Choice

 Growing Your Inner Light: A Guide to Independent Spiritual Practice , Lara Owen, Atria Books/Beyond Words Publishing, 2009, $14

In Growing Your Inner Light, Lara Owen “gives readers the freedom to integrate from different traditions — and develop new ones — in order to create their own spiritual tradition.” Owen does not suggest that you leave your current beliefs behind, but gives you the tools in a step-by-step process to enhance your inner light. This guide is packed with so much valuable information that you could feel overwhelmed, but Owen asks that you spend a month on each of the 13 lessons covered in the book. It’s well worth the time to develop your giving spirit. As Owen says, “Nothing really counts until we give it back. We don’t know fully that we have integrated anything until the urge to share it comes over us, and we give freely of ourselves, fully entering the stream of life.”

— Vicki Burr

 

How Philosophy Can Save Your Life: 10 Ideas that Matter Most, Marietta McCarty, Jeremy P. Tarcher/Penguin, 2009, $14.95

Philosophy underlies how we think, what we believe, who we are. Marietta McCarty, who teaches philosophy at a community college in Virginia, has come up with 10 areas where philosophy helps us live fulfilling lives: simplicity, communication, perspective, flexibility, empathy, individuality, belonging, serenity, possibility and joy. For each of them she chooses two philosophers’ work, pairing the famous (the Dalai Lama and Martin Luther King Jr. on empathy, for example) along with the unfamiliar or surprising (Shunryu Suzuki and Jane Addams on joy).

But the real strength of the book is in the “homework,” extensive exercises, suggestions and questions for personal growth and group discussion. They encompass music, literature, experience and thought in exhilarating, far-ranging combinations. “Flexibility,” for instance, contrasts “Old Man River” from Show Boat with the Moldau by Bedrich Smetana while also invoking David Bowie, John Cage, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Chubby Checker, Enya, Haydn and seven others — and that is just the music. Also cited are works of poetry, prose, drama and documentary. This book could keep you exploring your personal path for years.

— Fran Gardner

 

Writing the Divine, Sara Wiseman, Llewellyn, 2009, $16.95

In Writing the Divine, Sara Wiseman demystifies the channeling process, making a sacred act simple. With wit and delightful humor, she shares practical tools for connecting with the divine inner voice. The book includes 33 lessons for divine guidance, channeled by Wiseman, that beautifully guide the reader to healing through soul journaling. The divine lessons help readers to go deeper in spiritual connection, offering compelling teachings on life and additional exercises to explore these new ideas. In one lesson, divine guides tell us that suffering and bliss are the same. They are both attachments and we choose which aspect we will experience. Writing the Divine both guides and inspires readers to look at life through a divine lens.

— Vicky Thompson

 

 Why Love Heals: Mind-Body-Spirit Medicine , Dean Shrock, Heartfelt Intent Publications, 2009, $17.95

Dr. Dean Shrock explains and proves, in quite some detail, why love heals. Using his years of clinical experience and research, Shrock draws on a great body of information and knowledge from a wide variety of sources, including medicine, philosophy, quantum physics, mythology, psychology, spirituality and more. He synthesizes these concepts with his own ideas, adds love and has turned out one of the most important books that I have ever read. The book packs an amazing amount of information about understanding the connections between the body, mind and spirit that help create the person you are and the life you are living. Be aware of the power you actually have and conscious of the "what and how you do your life" so that you can choose to act mindfully, because your actions really do affect everything in the universe. Because Shrock's writing style is akin to a good friend talking with you, he makes these heady concepts easy to read and understand. I really loved his personal mantra: "I signed up. I show up. I shine my light."

— Violet Young

 

 Daily OM: Inspirational Thoughts for a Happy, Healthy, and Fulfilling Day, Madisyn Taylor, Hay House, 2008, $15.95

Daily OM is a companion to Taylor’s website, www.dailyom.com. Readers could wade through the book’s table of contents, which lists each of its 150 inspirational thoughts on a variety of topics. Better to just open the book and start from the beginning, however. Because each message begins in the middle of each odd-numbered page, and ends on the following page, it’s easy to quickly read through the entire 300 page book. Passages touch on meditation, relationships, nature and more, so there are bound to be many throughout the book that will strike a chord, and help readers find balance and become more consciously aware.

— Alice R. Berntson

 

Knitting the Threads of Time: Casting Back to the Heart of Our Craft, Nora Murphy, New World Library, 2009, $14

In these modern days when we can go to our local stores and buy practically anything from practically anywhere in the world, some people choose to take the time and effort to make something from scratch. We can feel the love and creativity in these handmade items. Knitting the Threads of Time tells the joys and tribulations the author experienced while knitting a sweater for her young son. But beyond just writing about her knitting, Nora Murphy links the knitting to bonding with ancient and indigenous weavers and knitters. For centuries women have creatively made cloth, utilizing various fiber crafts, to be able to clothe their families.

Murphy revels in the timelessness of carrying on the tradition. She extensively researched various cultures and time periods to be able to tell the reader about the fiber creations throughout the centuries. Anyone interested in textiles and their history will find interest in this book. Its perspective feels familiar and homespun, not scholarly or bookish. A textile bibliography invites the reader to do further research on their own.

— Alice R. Berntson

 

Color Wisdom Cards and Workbook, Tori Hartman with illustrations by Gretchen Raisch-Baskin, Jupiter Press, 2009, $52.90

Wisdom comes in many forms. I like a good story and intuitive surprises. Color Wisdom Cards offer both. Tori Hartman began to receive the fables for each of the cards after her near-death experience in 1988. Each story taps into what you know already but may not be using, as well as new insights. She draws you into what can help you right here, right now. The format offers ways to use the inspiration individually, but also suggests ways for groups to share and discuss the messages. As Mark Victor Hansen, author of Chicken Soup for the Soul, says, “Read and experience this book. Each poignant and thought provoking story will give you the feeling of a long lost treasure — uncovered truths just for the reader.” Visit www.torihartman.com.

— Arlene Arnold

 

Clutter Busting: Letting Go of What’s Holding You Back, Brooks Palmer, New World Library 2009, $13.95

Brooks Palmer gets to the bottom of the psychological issues about “clutter” that are lurking subconsciously within so many of us. People tend to start out in denial. His caring, but firm methods to clutter-bust help break through the stranglehold of clutter. Brooks, through his anecdotes of clients, shows how to triumph. It’s not about buying systems or ways to organize all your stuff. It’s about getting rid of it and freeing yourself emotionally. External clutter weighs us down with internal clutter.

— Alice R. Berntson

 

Light on the Water (CD), Timothy Cooper, New Piano Age Music, 2008, $15.95

Timothy Cooper’s new CD is a total package. He wrote and performed all of the 19 selections of solo piano music, as well as creating the jacket cover photography and design. Light on the Water’s 19 instrumental tunes are improvisational pieces recorded without overdubs. Collectively they represent Cooper’s reactions and feelings about the Sept. 11, 2001 events in New York City. But that’s not to say that listening to the CD feels melancholy. On the contrary, the 57 minutes of piano music is a perfect accompaniment to curling up in a chair with a good book on a wet wintry day. Visit www.new-piano-age.com.

— Alice R. Berntson

 

Live! (CD & DVD), Gemini Sun Records, 2008, $21.98

Malibu, California based Gemini Sun Records motto is “Music to illuminate your life.” Live! is the simple title they gave to a concert featuring four of their musicians: guitarists David Arkenstone and Johannes Linstead, pianist Loren Gold, and flautist Nicholas Gunn (who also happens to be the CEO of Gemini Records.) The 15 tracks are instrumental songs written by each of the four. The accompanying band includes eight other accomplished musicians, adding haunting violin, drum, other percussion, keyboards, other flutes and guitars.

The music is diverse and likely to be a favorite to play again — and again. The only drawback is that after each song starts and you start to get into the music, you’re interrupted by the musician explaining the background of the song. This appears to be the musician talking over the song, so you’re left feeling like you’ve missed something, not to mention that the flow is broken.

In addition to the CD, Live! includes a DVD. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of seeing great musicians performing live, but again, the interruption of each song hinders full enjoyment of the concert.

— Alice R. Berntson

 

Practicing Conscious Living and Dying: Stories of the Eternal Continuum of Consciousness, Annamaria Hemingway, O Books, 2008, $24.95

Modern science continues to be skeptical about the continuum of consciousness and the possibility of communication with the deceased. This collection of more than a dozen anecdotal true stories of near-death-experiences and communication with deceased loved ones can be included with other such books to help tip the balance in favor of the validity of the continuum of consciousness.

Beyond just relating their experiences, the contributors explain the profound change and transformation that came from their experiences. Some find it difficult to integrate their new knowledge into the reality of daily life. Their underlying message to all of us is that it’s all about love — we are all connected, and each of us has a unique purpose for being here in this lifetime.

— Alice R. Berntson

 

The Secret History of Dreaming, Robert Moss, New World Library, 2008, $23.95

Growing up in Australia, Robert Moss learned about the dreaming world of the Aborigines. This fascination led to scholarly research on dreaming, and he has written numerous books about dreaming.

Part one of The Secret History of Dreaming covers a broad range of cultures and historical time periods. Dreams have been important throughout the centuries. As people paid attention to their dreams and visions, they were compelled to take action. The course of history often changed, based on information from dreams.

Part two reviews many well-known individuals whose lives were affected and altered by their dreams. Who would have known about these events, if not for Robert Moss and his research? Extensive footnotes, a bibliography and an index further convey the scholarly nature of this book.

Beyond profiling other’s dreams, Moss encourages us to pay attention to our own dreams. They’re not just part of our sleep experiences. Dreaming is waking up to sources of guidance, healing and creativity beyond the reach of our conscious minds. Dreams are a personal oracle that can reveal the future and help us prepare for it.

— Alice R. Berntson

 

Conversations with Gaia: Mother Earth’s Living Body of Wisdom, Ningay Nancy Sing, Freelance Arts Publications, 2008, $22

Conversations with Gaia is a consciousness-raising call to unite in a higher global purpose. In the words of Gaia, “Human beings have not been conscious of the effects of their monetary spending. Yet being naïve about where your money goes when it leaves your hands does not relieve you of the responsibility for its end effects. When you buy goods or services that contribute to the welfare of the planet and a sustainable global economy, you vote to insure the lives of future generations. You stand at a major crossroads.”

One early spring day during college, resting on the ground, Ningay Nancy Sing heard a voice telling her to write this book, that it was time that people heard the feminine voice of God.

Over the ensuing months, Gaia’s transmissions came in words, as well as emotional tones. The resulting book, Conversations with Gaia, is just that — a very long conversation — formatted as questions and answers. In this time of global uncertainty, this dialogue provides access to our larger planetary body and an expanded perspective of what it means to be human.

— Alice R. Berntson

 

A Better Brain at Any Age: The Holistic Way to Improve Your Memory, Reduce Stress, and Sharpen Your Wits, Sondra Kornblatt, Conari Press, 2009, $14.95

Sondra Kornblatt guides you throughout her book with many breakthrough ideas to help you to make your brain better at any age — exercising, relaxation, visualization, games, humor, laughter, smell, food, vitamins and minerals. Sondra writes about how just noticing your feet in your shoes can help your brain. How laughter integrates both hemispheres of your brain. “You’ll find hundreds of boosters to transform the brain in the chapters of this book.” It is full of things to do for and with your brain, allowing you to become a better friend to your brain and in return your brain will become better for you at any age.

— Vicki Burr

 

Threading the Ether, The Luminous World Orchestra, Chesworks Music, 2009, $12.99

L.A. based composer Steven Todd Chesne was born May 2, 1960, in Milwaukee, WI. He and his wife, musician Diane Chesne own and operate Brahmasong Records. Steven's composing career has spanned symphonic music, historical and world music forms, as well as film and television scoring. He has scored more than 300 films and television shows in Hollywood. In 2003, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) held a public reception at the Director's Guild of America, to honor Steven's film scoring work.

I found this particular piece of work, Threading the Ether, to be very thought provoking, meditative and with a spiritual quality that lends one to being fully present in nature. It was relaxing and quite wonderful. Two of his other musical compilations, Deva and Muses of Aqua were nominated for the 2007 NAR Lifestyle Music Awards, for best meditation album.

— Jelina Vance

 

Illumination, Jamie Craig, Craig Sound Productions, 2009, $13.98

Seven-year-old Craig was so impressed by the sounds of Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass that he started learning to play trumpet in school. He switched to tuba when he was 12, but finally settled on bass guitar at 15. He played in numerous rock bands throughout the Detroit area, primarily playing rock and roll ranging from Bob Seger to Bachman Turner Overdrive. Now he composes on piano, but creates the full band sound on his recordings exclusively using keyboards, synthesizers and computers. In addition to the core band sounds (piano, electric guitar, bass and drums), Craig utilizes many others on Illumination including acoustic guitar, saxophone, flute, organ, electric violin, English horn, trumpet and percussion.

“The sounds you can get out of synthesizers are either ultra-real or fantasy-like,” Craig says. “It’s similar to seeing a great animated film where the sky is bluer than a real sky and the characters’ body movements go beyond what is possible in real life.” This all instrumental CD is a blend of new age, smooth jazz and progressive rock that is relaxing and upbeat at the same time.

— Jelina Vance

 

Light Returning: Acoustic Ocean Music, The Natural Health Source, 2008, $15

Morgan & Phelan, two women with beautiful voices, decided to record this music to be used in conjunction with the following practices: yoga, meditation, relaxation, massage and inner healing. This CD compilation includes Celtic harp, guitar, hammered and mountain dulcimer, mandolin, piano, voice, natural sounds and an assortment of other instruments. The effect is a deeply relaxing "acoustic ocean" of sound. Binaural panning creates a 3-D aural effect. Binaural beats reportedly influence the brain in more subtle ways through the entrainment of brainwaves  and can be used to produce relaxation and other health benefits such as pain relief. Treat yourself to a relaxing and beautifully recorded CD.

— Jelina Vance 

 

Sri , Shantala, Wolf Cub Music, 2007, $15

Benjy and Heather Wertheimer offer up a variety of spiritual chants on this seven-cut CD featuring an array of guests contributing both in composition and music. For the most part the cuts are in the eight to 12 minute range and follow a predictable pattern of flute introduction, call and response vocal trade offs,and airy instrumental passages, which segue into highly passionate, inclusive, vocal forays.

The husband and wife duo complement each other well: Benjy is highly skilled in the esoteric Esraj (an Indian stringed instrument derived from the Central and East section) and has dabbled in fusion and sound tracks for NBC. Wife Heather’s background is primarily as a healing practitioner  but exhibits fine leadership qualities in the serene vocalist vein.

The outstanding Om Namo Bhagavate/Because the One I Love, is perhaps the strongest offering with voice teacher Gina Sala (of Cirque Du Soleil fame) mixing pop star quality, a la Judy Collins, with a sense of reaching for a higher good over some freight train percussion and player Manose’s Bansuri bamboo flute.

While the musicians are obviously looking inward in no way does the listener ever feel left out and with open minded ears can derive a pleasurable music experience.

— Lee Brodinsky