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B R A N C H E S O F L I G H T F 2 F F A L L, W I N T E R, S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 F O U R R A D I A N T R O O T S I N T H E B E A U T Y O F T H E L I V I N G E A R T H F l ID YOU KNOW Banyen hosts S THIS ISSUE RELEASES itself in this issue... Dmany more brilliant events Ainto the commons right now than ever? And most of them around Samhain, All Hallows, All 5 Banyen’s Events ) )) are free here in the store. Check Souls, when the veil between the 7 Candles and Illumination 8 Art, Creativity & Music BRANCHES OF LIGHT out the Events pages (4-5), & see worlds is thinnest, I’d like to offer many more upcoming events on a toast to all our fathers and 8 Poetry, Writing & Stories News & Reviews from our website (banyen.com/events) mothers and their fathers and 11 Yoga & Hindu Traditions 13 Buddhism & Zen Banyen Books and Sound mothers, back to the Great 15 Tibetan Buddhism *ISSUE 51* Fall-Winter-Spring 2017-18 ND DON’T FORGET to sub- Source of Life. 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DIVINING OUR FUTURE CAROLINE MYSS ART OF MEDITATION TREASURE HUNT FRI, FEB 9 I 7PM SUN, FEB 11 I 7:30PM THURS, FEB 15 I 6:30-8PM SUN, FEB 18 I 11:30AM-1PM @ UNITARIAN CHURCH @ BELL PERFORMING ARTS FREE @ BANYEN FREE @ BANYEN

ELDER MALIDOMA SOMÉ shares CAROLINE MYSS, internationally IVAN RADOS, meditation master RIZWAN VIRK, successful Silicon wisdom rooted in the Dagara renowned author & spiritual and distance healer, presents on Valley entrepreneur, launches tradition of Africa – divining our teacher, speaks on the power the art of meditation and the Treasure Hunt: Follow Your Inner future from the ashes of our times. of words to change your life. middle point. Clues to Find Success.

SOUL STORY SHIFT INTO FREEDOM IMPRINT CENTERED BODY WED, FEB 28 I 6:30-8PM THURS, FEB 22 I 6:30-8PM THURS, MARCH 22 I 6:30-8PM WED, APRIL 11 I 6:30-8PM FREE @ BANYEN FREE @ BANYEN FREE @ BANYEN FREE @ BANYEN

TIM FREKE, Jesus Mysteries author LOCH KELLY, author of Shift CLAIRE SICHERMAN speaks on LEILA STUART, pioneer in the ﬁ eld & leading interpreter of Western Into Freedom, offers non-dual her new book Imprint: A Memoir of movement education, speaks on Esoteric teachings, offers a live teachings at Banyen, and leads of Trauma in the Third Generation. Pathway to a Centered Body, which Skype Q&A on conscious evolution. a meditation retreat, Feb 23-25. she co-authored with Donna Farhi.

HEALING & AWAKENING AMMA SRI KARUNAMAYI EPONA - CELTIC GODDESS PICO IYER SUN, APRIL 15 I 11:30AM-1PM WED & THURS, APRIL 18 & 19 WED, APRIL 25 I 6:30-8PM SAT, MAY 5 I 1PM-5PM FREE @ BANYEN FREE @ CENTRE FOR PEACE FREE @ BANYEN @ CENTRE FOR PEACE

ELIZA MADA DALIAN, founder AMMA SRI KARUNAMAYI offers P.D. MACKENZIE COOK, Pagan PICO IYER, NY Times bestselling of the Dalian Method, presents an a public discourse and blessings practitioner and author, speaks author and TED Talk presenter, advanced system for transforma- in Vancouver. Experience Amma’s on the Celtic Goddess Epona speaks on the art of stillness & tion, healing & awakening. unconditional peace and love. and early Goddess worship. adventures in going nowhere.

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SUJITH RAVINDRAN will speak on ECKHART TOLLE offers a transfor- KATY BOWMAN, author of and ﬁ nd us on Twitter, the 7 Spiritual Laws of Abundance. mational evening in Vancouver; Movement Matters, presents on Facebook, Instagram, CAMILLA RAVINDRAN presents a unique opportunity to sit with the science, ecology, and nature & YouTube. Re-Awakening Your Inner Goddess. Eckhart as he points to awakening. of movement.

B R A N C H E S O F L I G H T F 5 F F A L L, W I N T E R, S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 F C A N D L E S, L I G H T, I L L U M I N A T E F “Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle…” — Buddha

HONEY CANDLES are 100% natural and they have a very long shelf life. Studies ulate dream activity and even promote a techniques. Only 100% pure beeswax beeswax and support beekeepers with on- have shown that burning beeswax can more restful sleep. They are created locally candles will develop bloom over time. The going campaigns and donations. There is stimulate the pituitary gland. This in turn in BC, overlooking Kootenay Lake and use whitish film is an indicator of purity and is no bleaching, chemicals or hydrogenating this can heighten intuition, creativity, stim- sustainable practises and manufacturing cherished by candle connoisseurs. PILLARS COLUMN TWO TAPERS 3 inch Natural 9789000024056 ______$22.95 6 inch 9789000054626 ______$10.95 12 inch Natural 9789000024049 ______$13.95 Pearl White 9789000091508______$25.95 12 inch Pearl White 9789000176601 ______$13.95 Burgundy 9789000068302______$22.95 TUBE 12 inch Burgundy 9789000107094 ______$13.95 6 inch Natural 9789000024025 ______$2.95 5 inch Natural 9789000063123______$31.95 9 inch Natural 9789000024032 ______$4.95 TEALIGHT Pearl White 9789000091515______$37.95 No cup Natural 9780000062338 ______$1.50 Burgundy 9789000068319 ______$37.95 WRAPPED 3 inch Peek A Bee 9789000111992 ______$14.95 VOTIVE 2 inch Natural 9789000024070 ______$4.95 7 inch Natural 9789000065790______$42.95 Pearl White 9789000091539______$5.95 Burgundy 9789000114061 ______$49.95

• Snuffer hand-forged iron ______9789000191567 ______$ 19.95 • Tealight holder, glass______9780000004390 _____ $ 2.50 • Votive holder, glass ______9789000090945 ______$ 3.95 • Lotus candle holder, bronzed resin ____9789000138173 ______$ 17.95 • Lotus candle holder, pink resin ______9789000130344 ______$ 20.95 • Altar Your Space by Jagatjoti Singh Khalsa ______9781601090089 ______$ 29.95

This is a small selection of candles and holders available at our store. Also, more Beeswax candle colours are available than we are able to show here.

B R A N C H E S O F L I G H T F 6 F F A L L, W I N T E R, S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 F W A R M, G L O W, S H I N E, R A D I A T E F “Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle…” — Buddha

SIMPLICITY CANDLES are lovingly free soybeans and the use of all nat- are non-toxic. They believe that, “We 100% biodegradable. They support the handmade on Vancouver Island. The ural ingredients. They are beautifully can all coexist in a world that is sustain- environment with conscious business soy candles are created with a strong clean burning candles that use 100% able and ethical.” The candles are free practices that employ sustainably mind- intention of quality that includes GMO cotton wicks, unscented, dye free and from pesticides and herbicides and are ed North American Farmers. TEA LIGHT VOTIVE 12 pack ______9789000160679 ______$13.95 Votive ______9780000055149 ______$2.50 6 pack ______9789000160655 ______$7.95 Votive 3pk ______9789000198313 ______$13.95 Single ______9780000055132 ______$1.50 PILLAR 3 inches ______9789000160716______$17.95

TWO TAPERS 12 inch Natural 9789000024049 ______$13.95 12 inch Pearl White 9789000176601 ______$13.95 12 inch Burgundy 9789000107094 ______$13.95 VINTAGE JAR - 12oz ______$24.95 TEALIGHT • Hiking Trail ______9789000120888 No cup Natural 9780000062338 ______$1.50 • Lavender ______9789000120550 VOTIVE • Pacific NW Rain _____9789000120833 2 inch Natural 9789000024070 ______$4.95 • Peace ______9789000120826 Pearl White 9789000091539______$5.95

VANCE FAMILY CANDLES began candles and their wicks are a low smoke is GMO free and the essential oils are Their packaging is also designed on its mission to provide the perfect sus- cotton. Their popular vintage looking organic. Most of the aromatherapy oils unbleached, recycled paper. And if that tainable, naturally scented candle. No jars are made from recycled glass and are made in the Pacific North West and isn’t sustainable enough, 10% of their synthetic fragrance is ever used in their are made in North America. The soy when possible are even wild harvested. profits always go to those in need.

B R A N C H E S O F L I G H T F 7 F F A L L, W I N T E R, S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 F T H E A R T S O F L I V I N G F Art, Creativity Drawing Your Own Path Poetry, Writing & Stories & Music CREATING MANDALAS WITH SACRED GEOMETRY Color and Draw Mandalas Using Ancient Principles THE HUMMING EFFECT THE ESSENTIAL W.S. MERWIN by Susanne Fincher by W.S. Merwin, Sound Healing for Health and Happiness $29.95, paper. Shambhala. by Jonathan Goldman & Andi Goldman edited by Michael Wiegers 152 pages, 8x9, b/w illustrations $25.95, paper. Copper Canyon. 340 pages $18.95, paper. Inner Traditions. Unlock the mystery and magic of sacred geometry to The Essential W.S. Merwin traces a poetic 130 pages b/w photos create mandalas using ancient design principles. legacy: seven decades of audacity, rigor, and Humming is one of the simplest and yet Pythagoras believed that mathematical truths shift the most profound sounds we can make. If you candor distilled into psyche closer to divine perfection. The Fibonacci sequence one definite volume cu- have a voice and can has been found to exist in patterns throughout nature. C. speak, you can hum. rated to represent the G. Jung thought that contemplating the mandala could very best works from a Research has shown unveil the unconscious. The designs here draw on the vast humming to be vast oeuvre, from his history and knowledge once thought esoteric, now avail- 1952 debut, A Mask for much more than a able as tools for cultivating spiritual and psychological well-being. self-soothing sound: Janus, to 2016’s Garden For aboriginal peoples, drawing a circle on the ground demarks a sacred space of it affects us on a phys- Time. The Essential W.S. sanctuary. Circles are the basis of fabulous structures, both ancient and modern, built for Merwin includes favor- ical level, reducing religious, scientific, and community purposes. A circle also suggests stability, anchored as stress, inducing calm- ite poems from two it is by a center (seen or unseen), and the synergy of the circle and its center establishes Pulitzer Prize-winning ness, and enhancing the starting point of sacred geometry. sleep as well as low- volumes; a selection Create your own mandala based on geometry, numbers, and signs, or color a man- ering heart rate and of iconic translations; dala as a meditative process to tap into your creativity and intuition. However you use blood pressure and and lesser-known prose narratives. As the this guide, geometry can be a pathway to grasping who you are, where you belong, and producing powerful neurochemicals such formalism of Merwin’s early work loosens what you are to do. Discover how this timeless practice can help you on your journey as oxytocin, the love hormone. into the open, unpunctuated style he de- of self-realization! In this guide to conscious humming, Jon- veloped later in his career—when urgent Among Susanne Fincher’s other books are Creating Mandalas and The Mandala Work- athan and Andi Goldman show that you do times demanded innovative modes of ex- book: A Creative Guide. not need to be a musician or singer to ben- pression—readers can trace the evolution of efit from sound healing practices—all you one voice’s commitment to moral, spiritual, need to do is hum. They provide conscious and aesthetic inquiry. Across the decades, DRAWING YOUR OWN PATH beyond headlines, policies, and trends, Mer- humming and breathing exercises from sim- 33 Practices at the Crossroads of Art ple to advanced, complete with online audio win’s poems point to the lessons that hide in and Meditation the shadows of sentience. examples, allowing you to experience the by John Simon powerful vibratory resonance that humming “Poetry is a way of looking at the world $33.95, paper. Parallax. for the first time.”—W.S. Merwin can create and harness its healing benefits 192 pages, 7x9, colour illustrations for body, mind, and spirit. They explore the Drawing Your Own Path is an account of how multimedia Noah’s Raven science behind sound healing, revealing how artist John Simon’s daily drawing discipline became a medi- Why should I have returned? self-created sounds can literally rearrange tation practice, and how that meditation illuminated his cre- My knowledge would not fit into theirs. molecular structure and how humming not ative source. A practical guidebook full of Simon’s own art, I found untouched the desert of the only helps with stress levels, sleep, and blood Drawing Your Own Path offers meditators an alternative path unknown, pressure but also increases lymphatic circula- to just sitting and offers artists a way to mindfully examine Big enough for my feet. It is my home. tion and melatonin production, releases en- and deepen the source of their creative ideas. Readers are It is always beyond them. The future dorphins, creates new neural pathways in the guided through thirty-three meditation and drawing exercises, exploring concentrated Splits the present with the echo of my brain, and releases nitric oxide, a neurotrans- looking, mindful sketching, and improvisational awareness, all designed to help practi- voice. mitter fundamental to health and well-being. tioners discover the vast creativity within themselves and in their daily lives. Hoarse with fulfillment, I never made The authors show how sound can act as a trig- Among the chapters I include thirty-three hands-on practices, real things for you to promises. gering mechanism for the manifestation of do with pencil and paper. What you experience when drawing cannot be conveyed in “Merwin has become instantly recogniz- your conscious intentions. They also examine words. Yes, I tell some amusing stories and give my theories about what is going on as you able on the page; he has made for himself the spiritual use of humming, including its use practice, but it is only by picking up a pencil, setting your intention, and doing the prac- that most difficult of all creations, an accom- as a sonic yoga technique and its role in many tices that you will see what I mean. I promise there is something amazing to discover. plished style.” —Helen Vendler, New York Re- world traditions, such as the Om, Aum, or “Drawing Your Own Path is a smart, subtle, sophisticated, compassionate, radically view of Books Hum of Hindu and Tibetan traditions. eye-opening and mind-altering guide to creative and artistic liberation.” —Ruth Ozeki, Merwin, a former U.S. Poet Laureate. These sounds are simply tools that allow author of A Tale for the Time Being lives in Hawaii, within the palm forest where you to experience inner resonance… Doing creative work every day is what’s important, not the style you choose… he wrote, “On the last day of the world I Sound is energy that travels as a wave. The We can learn to “read” our drawings by turning our attention inward and thinking would want to plant a tree.” wave enters our ears and travels through about what is being transmitted both consciously and unconsciously. We practice freely, our auditory pathways into our brain, ulti- making up stories and trying to explain our work as a means of revealing the identities mately affecting our breathing, heart rate, we cling to. The common thread is not a single way of thinking but learning how creativi- and nervous system. We experience this ty facilitates insight. BEOWULF wavelike energy primarily as a phenome- translated by Stephen Mitchell non that we hear. However, these waves $34.95, cloth. Yale. 224 pages also pass into our body, affecting us on a This beautiful “Happiness as a Work of Art:” A widely celebrated translator’s vivid, ac- cellular level. cessible, and elegantly concise rendering of book explains how “Painting is a ceremony in solitude,” an ancient English Providing a self-healing method acces- to look at a paint- wrote the philosopher Alain… I would sible to all, the authors reveal that, even if ing and let the pic- like to help readers explore the benefits masterpiece. you have no musical ability, we are all sound ture speak and live of looking at a painting, breathing gently, Beowulf tells the healers. Everybody can hum. within us. In this saying nothing and letting the picture story of a Scandi- way, each painting speak and live within us—making space navian hero who in this book holds for it within us. defeats three evil a life-changing les- In this book the faces, forms and flow of creatures—a huge, HAPPINESS happiness are embodied in 25 masterpieces. son, helping us to cannibalistic ogre 25 Ways to Live These paintings encourage us to feel, med- feel, meditate and named Grendel, Joyfully Through Art itate and reflect. They also offer twenty-five Grendel’s mon- by Christophe André reflect—and discov- ‘lessons’ to help us develop our capacity for er the meaning of strous mother, and $35.99, paper. Random House. happiness… a dragon—and happiness for ourselves. For happiness is a living emotion, which 220 pages, colour illustrations then dies, mortally For over two thousand years, philoso- is born, grows, blossoms, fades and van- What’s happening? Are you being born, wounded during his phers have searched for it, scientists have or dying? What will happen now? ishes. It goes in cycles, just as night follows last encounter. If the studied it—and great artists have captured None of this matters. In reality, all that day. This natural rhythm will be our guiding definition of a superhero is someone who it in paint. Drawing upon his ground-break- matters is that this moment is a moment thread through the masterpieces in this uses his special powers to fight evil, then ing work in the psychology of happiness of happiness. Just a little happiness, in the book, which depict mornings, middays, dusks and nights of happiness—and also, Beowulf is our first English superhero story, and mindfulness, Christophe André shares great wind of the world. of course, its endless rebirth. and arguably our best. It is also a deeply pi- 25 paintings by a wide range of masters, in- What does happiness look like? How can ous poem, so bold in its reverence for a vir- cluding Van Gogh, Vermeer and Chagall, we recognize joy in our lives? French psychi- tuous pagan past that it teeters on the edge and invites us to consider how they capture atrist and mindfulness teacher André, also of heresy. From beginning to end, we feel we the many colours of happiness in their art, author of Mindfulness: 25 Ways to Live in the are in the hands of a master storyteller. alongside its inseparable shadow, sadness. Moment through Art, writes in his preface, Stephen Mitchell’s marvelously clear and

B R A N C H E S O F L I G H T F 8 F F A L L, W I N T E R, S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 F L I V I N G A S P O E M F The Wilds of Poetry Mary Oliver’s Devotions THE WILDS OF POETRY FELICITY Adventures in Mind and Landscape Poems New in by David Hinton by Mary Oliver Paperback $29.95, paper. Shambhala. 320 pages $22.00, paper. Penguin. 96 pages Here’s a thrilling journey with today’s premier translator of the In this collection of new poems, Felicity, Mary Oliver turns Chinese classics. her eye from the grace of the natural world to the even more Henry David Thoreau, in The Maine Woods, describes a mo- mysterious landscape of the human heart. Here we can immerse ment on Mount Ktaadin when all explanations and assumptions ourselves in Oliver’s love poems. fell away for him and he was confronted with the wonderful, in- In these poems, she meditates on love and nature, describing explicable thusness of things. David Hinton takes that moment as with joy the strangeness and wonder of human connection. She the starting point for his account of a rewilding of consciousness asks what it means to truly love another person, while reminding in the West: a dawning awareness of our essential oneness with us of the transformative power of attention. Humorous, gentle, the world around us. and always honest, Oliver examines love both sacred and profane. Talk of mysteries!—Think of our life in nature,—daily to be shown matter, to come in Our most delicate chronicler of physical landscape, Oliver has described her work contact with it,—rocks, trees, wind on our cheeks! The solid earth! The actual world! The as loving the world. common sense! Contact! Contact! Who are we? Where are we? —H.D. Thoreau STORAGE important. So one day I undid the lock Because there was no Western vocabulary for this “contact,” it fell to poets to make When I moved from one house to and called the trash man. He took the first efforts at articulation, and those efforts were largely driven by Taoist and Ch’an another everything. (Zen) Buddhist ideas imported from ancient China. Hinton chronicles this rewilding there were many things I had no room I felt like the little donkey when through the lineage of avant-garde poetry in twentieth-century America—from Walt for. What does one do? I rented a storage his burden is finally lifted. Things! Whitman, Ezra Pound and Robinson Jeffers to Gary Snyder, W. S. Merwin, and be- space. And filled it. Years passed. Burn them, burn them! Make a beautiful yond—including generous selections of poems that together form a compelling anthol- Occasionally I went there and looked in, fire! More room in your heart for love, ogy of ecopoetry. but nothing happened, not a single for the trees! For the birds who own In his much-admired translations, Hinton has re-created ancient Chinese riv- twinge of the heart. nothing—the reason they can fly. ers-and-mountains poetry as modern American poetry; here, he reenvisions modern As I grew older the things I cared American poetry as an extension of that ancient Chinese tradition: an ecopoetry that about grew fewer, but were more weaves consciousness into the Cosmos in radical and fundamental ways. As in Blue Horses, Dog Songs, and A Thousand Mornings, with Felicity Oliver praises love Tracing the development of this ecopoetic tradition is a way not only to understand the and life in all their savage beauty. weave of consciousness and landscape more deeply, but also to experience it more deep- No, I’d never been to this country ly, for that immediate experience is what the poems themselves offer. before. No, I didn’t know where the roads David takes us on a journey through the work of fifteen American poets in whose would lead me. No, I didn’t intend to work he sees the Great Matter expressed, providing with each chapter a sampling of turn back. their work. THE POETRY OF IMPERMANENCE, DEVOTIONS The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver MINDFULNESS, AND JOY by Mary Oliver edited by John Brehm $40.00, cloth. Putnam. 480 pages $22.95, paper. Wisdom. 275 pages Throughout her celebrated career, Mary Oliver has touched The Buddha once told a disciple that good spiritual friends are countless readers with her brilliantly crafted verse, expounding on the whole of holy life. The poems expertly gathered here offer all her love for the physical world and the powerful bonds between all that one might hope for in such spiritual friendship: wisdom, com- living things. Identified as “far and away, this country’s best selling passion, peacefulness, good humor, and the ability to both absorb poet” by Dwight Garner, she now returns with a stunning and defin- and express the deepest human emotions of grief and joy. itive collection of her writing from the last fifty years. The Poetry of Impermanence, Mindfulness, and Joy offers a Carefully curated, these 200 plus poems feature Oliver’s work wide-ranging collection of 129 ancient and modern poems un- from her very first book of poetry,No Voyage and Other Poems, pub- like any other anthology on bookshelves today. It uniquely places lished in 1963 at the age of 28, through her most recent collec- Buddhist poets like Han Shan, Tu Fu, Saigyo, Ryokan, Basho, tion, Felicity, published in 2015. This timeless volume, arranged Issa, and others alongside modern Western poets one would not expect to find in such by Oliver herself, showcases the beloved poet at her edifying best. Within these pages, a collection—poets like Wallace Stevens, Robert Frost, Elizabeth Bishop, William Staf- she provides us with an extraordinary and invaluable collection of her passionate, per- ford, Denise Levertov, Jack Gilbert, Ellen Bass, Billy Collins, and more. What these po- ceptive, and much-treasured observations of the nature of things and of being alive. ems have in common, no matter whether they are explicitly Buddhist, is that all reflect the essential truths the Buddha articulated 2,500 years ago. I stand and look in the dark under a cloud, bal torque and metrical vigor of the origi- book describes the daily encounters between But I see in the distance where the sun shines, the author and his sprightly young daughter, I see the thin haze on the tall white steeples of the city,— nal, allowing both the gore of slaughter and and the failures and redemptions that arise in I see the glistening of the waters in the distance. the glory of heroic deeds to shine through course of their life together. The book is about —Walt Whitman more vividly than ever. An amazing achievement.” —Billy Collins giving Alethea a bath, learning to brush her The book provides an important poetic complement to the many prose books on Stephen Mitchell’s many books include Tao teeth, navigating her demands, concern about mindfulness practice—the poems here both reflect and embody the dharma in ways Te Ching, which has sold over a million copies, her fixation with hand-held devices, watching that can’t be matched by other modes of writing. Its unique features include an in- The Gospel According to Jesus, Bhagavad Gita, her refuse to cooperate with her dance introduction that discusses the themes of impermanence, mindfulness, and joy and ex- The Book of Job, Gilgamesh, and The Odyssey. structor, and much more. It is also about the plores the relationship between them. Biographical notes place the poets in historical reflections and questions that run through context and offer quotes and anecdotes to help readers learn about the poets’ lives. and around their relationship. What does it A short essay at the back of the book on Mindful Reading helps readers approach the mean to be a parent? What is our place in this poems from an experiential, non-analytical perspective and illustrates the similarities THESE WILDS BEYOND OUR FENCES world? Where is our home? between meditation and the mindful reading of poetry. Letters to My Daughter on Humanity’s Akomolafe’s narrative is urgent and un- Brehm also includes a guided meditation on sound that helps readers appreciate Search for Home guarded as he discovers that something as the sonic qualities of poetry and shows how the anthology might be used in ongoing commonplace as becoming a father is a cos- spiritual practice. by Bayo Akomolafe $24.95, paper. North Atlantic. 280 pages mic event of unprecedented proportions. Quiet mountain hut Tackling some of the world’s most pro- Using this realization as a touchstone, he is by a rice patch … till a deer’s cry found questions through the intimate lens of led to consider the strangeness of his own just outside startles me fatherhood, Bayo Ako- soul, to contemplate the myths and rituals and I move … so startling him: molafe embarks on a of modernity, to ask questions about food we astonish one another. journey of discovery as and justice, to ponder what it means to be —Saigyo he maps the contours human, to evaluate what we can do about cli- of the spaces between mate change, and to wonder what our collec- himself and his three- tive yearnings for a better world tell us about vivid rendering re-creates the robust mas- more than a thousand years. This new trans- year-old daughter Ale- ourselves. These Wilds Beyond our Fences is a culine music of the original. It both hews lation—spare, sinuous, vigorous in its narra- thea. Told as a series passionate attempt to make sense of our dis- closely to the meaning of the Old English tion, and translucent in its poetry—makes a of letters to Alethea in connection in a world where it is easy to feel and captures its wild energy and vitality, not masterpiece accessible to everyone. a voice that is by turns untethered and lost. It is a father’s search just as a deep work of literature but also as a “A most readable, energetic, and colorful poetic, vulnerable, for meaning, for a place of belonging, and rousing entertainment that can still stir our translation of this savage epic. Mitchell’s and revelatory—but for reassurance that the world will embrace feelings and rivet our attention today, after sprightly, animated lines maintain the ver- always engaging—this and support our children once we are gone.

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Writing as Awakening Amazing Memoirs WRITING AS A PATH TO AWAKENING SOMETIMES BRILLIANT A Year to Becoming an Excellent Writer The Impossible Adventure of a Spiritual Seeker and Living an Awakened Life and Visionary Physician Who by Albert Flynn DeSilver Helped Conquer the Worst New in $22.95, paper. Sounds True. 186 pages Disease in History Paperback The best writers say their work seems to come from a source by Larry Brilliant beyond the thinking mind. But how do we access that source? “We $21.00, paper. HarperCollins. must first look inside ourselves and be willing to touch that raw 288 pages, b/w photos emotional core at the heart of a deeper creativity,” writes Albert When a powerful mystic steps on the hand of a radical young Flynn DeSilver. In Writing as a Path to Awakening, this renowned hippie doctor from Detroit, it changes lives and the world. Some- poet, writer, and teacher shows you how to use meditation to cul- times Brilliant is the adventures of Larry Brilliant, a philosopher, tivate true depth in your own writing—so your words reveal layers mystic, hippie, doctor, groundbreaking tech innovator, and key of profound insight that inspire and move your readers. player in the eradication of smallpox, one of the worst pandemics in human history. Constructed as a year-long exploration with a new focus for each month and season, His story, of what happens when love, compassion and determination meet the right Writing as a Path to Awakening includes: circumstances to effect positive change, is the kind that keeps hope and the sense of u How to approach writing and reading with a greater level of presence possibility alive. and immersion In 1963, Larry Brilliant was swept up into the civil rights movement, marching and u Engaging curiosity, playfulness, and spontaneity to keep your regular protesting across America and Europe. As a radical young doctor he followed the hip- practice fresh pie trail from London over the Khyber Pass with his wife Girija, Wavy Gravy and the Hog u Meditating with poetry to deeply embody the power of language Farm commune to India. There, he found himself in a Himalayan ashram wondering u How you can spark your imagination by connecting to the groundless source whether he had stumbled into a cult. Instead, one of India’s great spiritual teachers, of creation Neem Karoli Baba, opened Larry’s heart and told him his destiny was to work for the u The meditative approach to storytelling—how not being trapped in your World Health Organization to help eradicate killer smallpox. He would never have be- story liberates your capacity to create lieved he would become a key player in eliminating a 10,000-year-old disease that killed u Editing, rewriting, and the path of spiritual transformation… and much more. more than half a billion people in the 20th century alone. Brilliant’s unlikely trajectory, chronicled in Sometimes Brilliant, has brought him into Writing and meditation practice are a powerful pair, a dynamic duo. Together they close proximity with political leaders, spiritual masters, cultural heroes, and titans of nourish and push, trigger and define, inform and inspire, enable, and energize.To engage technology around the world—from the Grateful Dead to Mikhail Gorbachev, from in both practices fully is to activate a more complete, creative, and spiritual self. Ram Dass, the Dalai Lama, Lama Govinda, and Karmapa to Steve Jobs and the founders With a mixture of engaging storytelling and practical exercises, Writing as a Path to of Google, Facebook, Microsoft and eBay and Presidents from Carter to Obama. An- Awakening invites you on a yearlong journey of growth and discovery—to enhance your chored by the engrossing account of the heroic efforts of the extraordinary people in- writing through the practice of meditation while using the creative process to acceler- volved in smallpox eradication in India, this is a fascinating epidemiological adventure, ate your spiritual evolution. an honest reckoning of an entire generation, and a deeply moving spiritual memoir. It Among the truckload of resonant and evocative quotes in this book, try this: is a testament to faith, love, service, and what it means to engage with life’s most import- A brilliant writer is someone who is devoted to expressing their creativity through ant questions in pursuit of a better, more brilliant existence. the written word. Devotion is the key. I like to say a writer is someone who writes, not “Truly magnificent.Sometimes Brilliant mixes a gripping story, a primer on compassion- someone who is published. Practice, repetition, and consistency are essential. This ate service, and a guide to purpose-driven social action into a can’t-stop-reading narrative, book is designed to help you master all three. And because writing is not a separate one we need more than ever.” —Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence activity from living, it’s ultimately a book about Being with a capital B, about the integration of life and art. IRENA’S CHILDREN The Extraordinary Story of the Woman Who Saved WRITING TO AWAKEN 2,500 Children from the Warsaw Ghetto A Journey of Truth, Transformation & Self-Discovery by Tilar Mazzeo by Mark Matousek $22.00, paper. Atria. 320 pp., b/w photos $23.95, paper. New Harbinger. 209 pages This book is an extraordinary and gripping account of Irena Sen- Writing to Awaken is an inspirational investigation of the self dler—the female Oskar Schindler—who took staggering risks to through expressive writing, guiding you along the path of awak- save 2,500 children from death and deportation in Nazi-occupied ening through radical truth-telling and self-inquiry. With targeted Poland during World War II. and revelatory questions, you’ll be prompted to explore your own In 1942, one young social worker, Irena Sendler, was granted ac- personal narrative—to write honestly about your deepest wounds, cess to the Warsaw ghetto as a public health specialist. While she greatest challenges, hidden gifts, yearnings, and opportunities for was there, she began to understand the fate that awaited the Jewish growth—in order to discover a deeply authentic understanding of families who were unable to leave. Soon she reached out to the trapped families, going yourself and move toward a more liberated, truthful life. from door to door and asking them to trust her with their young children. Driven to We each have our own story, a personal myth constructed from extreme measures and with the help of a network of local tradesmen, ghetto residents, the content life presents us: we connect dots to shape the narrative, devise plotlines and her star-crossed lover in the Jewish resistance, Irena ultimately smuggled thousands from circumstance, change characters, fashion conflicts, and adjust structure, settings, of children past the Nazis. She made dangerous trips through the city’s sewers, hid chil- and themes as our lives unfold. But so often, over time, we come to believe that we are dren in coffins, snuck them under overcoats at checkpoints, and slipped them through our story, identifying so strongly with the tales we’ve told ourselves and others that we secret passages in abandoned buildings. cling to them for our very existence-even when they don’t quite fit. The realization that But Irena did something even more astonishing at immense personal risk: she kept there’s a discrepancy between the narrative you’ve crafted and your authentic self can a secret list buried in bottles under an old apple tree in a friends back garden. On it be disconcerting at first, but the exploration of that gap is a doorway to personal free- were the names and true identities of these Jewish children, recorded so their families dom, and this book will lead you through it. could find them after the war. She could not know that more than ninety percent of The writing exercises in this guide, one for nearly every week of the year, ask you their families would perish. to tell the whole truth about your experience. In doing so, you’ll come to realize that Irena’s Children is a fascinating narrative of the extraordinary moral and physical courage once you engage in this radical truth-telling, expressing yourself with complete honesty, of those who chose to fight inhumanity with compassion. Irena survived the war, and lived your story changes; and when your story changes, your life is transformed. Rather than to the age of 98. Much later in life, she was able to meet many of the “children” whose lives sticking with your illusive and tricky Story of Me, you’ll be prompted to go even deeper, she had saved. Hers is a truly heroic tale of survival, resilience, and redemption. piercing your personal myth and illuminating aspects of psyche and spirit that give way to profound moments of understanding and personal healing. This is not a how-to book for writers; it’s an invitation on a journey of self-discovery—a guide to facing yourself without flinching, accepting yourself as you are, surren- THE OCEAN FELL INTO THE DROP dering to what is, and daring to question and transform what isn’t true. With Writing to During my first visit to A Memoir the cinema the empathy Awaken, you’ll learn how to break free from the trance of mistaken identity and discov- by Terence Stamp er your essential, authentic self. I felt from Gary Cooper $15.95, paper. Watkins. 176 pages, b/w photos was life-changing, and a The benefits of expressive writing are incalculable. They include psychological empow- The Ocean Fell into the Drop is a different secret dream was born in erment, emotional healing, social intelligence, increased well-being, creative growth, and kind of show business memoir, one that trac- the darkened auditorium. a spiritual awareness that keeps us rooted in the life we’re living. Research has shown that es Terence Stamp’s twin obsessions, acting as little as fifteen minutes of expressive writing a day can markedly improve physical and and mysticism, and the relationship the two Later, my forays to the mental health. Unlike journal writing, expressive writing requires that we do more than have to each other for him, through the tra- East revealed an original simply report the facts. jectory of his life. On the way he discusses take on humanity which fell into two categories: “Filled with powerful stories and revealing exercises, this book opens the craft his directors, Fellini, Loach, Pasolini; actors, those who remembered of writing as a way to dive into the art of self-reflection. It will restore meaning Olivier, Brando and Redgrave; and spiritu- and those who didn’t. The former by teach- and change your life.” —Mark Nepo, author of The One Life We’re Given al masters, Krishnamurti and Hazrat Inayat ing the latter could transmit this memory, Khan, as well as his family, life in the East and communicate this spark of creation End, Sufism and style. directly into the being of the other.

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authors—both yoga Terence Stamp is an English actor who Yoga Energy Balancing teachers and ath- has appeared in more than 50 films. In his letes with decades of epilogue he writes: RESTORE AND REBALANCE experience—offer When I was approached to scribble this Yoga for Deep Relaxation poses and routines tome, the initial thinking was a way of con- by Judith Hanson Lasater aimed toward spe- veying to young folks driven to an artistic $28.95, paper. Shambhala. cific goals, such as existence what I had learned from artists 240 pages, 8x10, colour photos improving balance, finer than myself… Restorative yoga, says Judith Hanson Lasater, is active re- maintaining strength Engage in what life presents. It has its own laxation. It makes use of props to create positions of ease and and flexibility, and reasons. Maybe it isn’t what you’ve hoped for. comfort that facilitate relaxation and health. In this companion But hope is like honey. Don’t indulge in it. recovering properly Be present and notice when you’re not, volume to her seminal book Relax and Renew, Judith Lasater, between workouts. this is the root into a heightened state of a well-known and respected yoga teacher, offers a fresh set of Each fully illus- awareness. Allow it to flow over into your restorative practices—with accompanying photos—to help bal- trated sequence is introduced with a brief life—any time. It is the cog that only appears ance and reset the body when you feel weak, fatigued, or stressed from your daily ac- overview of its benefits, along with modi- to turn; yet its radiant presence is the foun- tivities. They are especially beneficial for the times before, during, and after major fications and options suited to individual dation of all the actions in what we call our life events, or when you are recovering from illness or injury. Lasater points out that requirements. Rountree and DeSiato also body. restorative yoga is a wonderfully adaptive practice that can be tailored to people of all offer sequences that help support specif- Aim high. Life will support you. It is reso- ages, all levels of yoga experience, and in all states of health. Yoga practitioners and ic activities such as running, swimming, or nating in your own heart. Have faith in it. teachers will appreciate this new collection of practices and sequences that build on golf, as well as yard work, travel, and caring The sky is your being, your awareness. concepts from the first volume. for grandchildren. An easy-to-follow guide, Silent, unmoving, yet all movement manifests Judith Lasater was one of the five founders ofYoga Journal. She has taught yoga since 1971. from it: the luminous peace at your core. Pay Lifelong Yoga offers key practices for main- attention to that—be at one with that. Now. Using simple, prayer-like language, the rounds are essentially positive mantras that taining and improving physical and mental Just now. cascade, circle, and relate in the same way the melodies do. The words create layers of well-being throughout a lifetime. I think that’s what my Mum was pointing affirmation that envelop the participant and offer a compelling journey of transformation Despite what you may have heard, you me toward. and self-reflection. With every repetition, each lyric begins to acquire different shades of can build muscle tissue at any age. While My real home. Your real home. When the meaning, shifting the mind and heart of the listener. your muscular growth will slow down as seeking ends the thrill begins. Only then the Performed beautifully here by a choir specially created for this album, including you age, strength training and weight bear- never-ending journey of the unknowable. members of the band, these tracks evoke the felt experiences of grace, shelter, hope ing, as in yoga, produce results. And having Stand by. On your marks. Action! amidst darkness, joy, renewal, and more. The lyrics are indeed “modern mantra or good quantity and quality of muscle tissue prayer”, poetic rounds which, listened to fully (the lyrics are clear), can open mind and as you get older will have a bearing on deepen heart in extraordinary contemplative beauty. These simple, repeated rounds energy levels, overall health, and vitality. A dedicated yoga practice builds those Yoga & the Hindu layered with vocal harmonies can touch your highest state of consciousness—in fact, muscles, and it also builds discipline and Traditions they may take you higher still. perseverance—components important October Project is best known for the albums October Project and Falling Farther In for both body and mind. Every time you and includes here members Julie Flanders, Marina Belica, and Emil Adler. For more practice, you reinforce a healthy habit of info: octoberprojectmusic.com. movement, breathing, and time to yourself DARING TO REST free of electronic gadgets and other dis- Reclaim Your Power tractions. This discipline of practice creates with Yoga Nidra THE ENERGY MEDICINE YOGA PRESCRIPTION a very specific type of mental strength. Rest Meditation by Lauren Walker by Karen Brody $26.95, paper. Sounds True. $22.50, paper. Sounds True. 202 pages 255 pages, 7x9, b/w photos What if you could reboot your health, When you’re dealing with a health issue, what kind of energy practice will help the most? To bring ourselves back into wellness, tap into your creative self, reclaim your wild MOTHER OF THE UNSEEN WORLD nature, lead from your teaches Lauren Walker, we first have to understand what brought The Mystery of Mother Meera heart—and still feel our body out of wellness. When we return to balance, the body is well rested? As modern best able to heal itself. With The Energy Medicine Yoga Prescription, by Mark Matousek Walker presents an invaluable self-care resource for helping us un- $35.00, cloth. Times Books. 240 pages women, we’re taught Throughout history there have been rare that we can do it all, cover the root causes of our physical and psychological health complaints—along with easy-to-learn practices to accelerate our healing. individuals who transcend what most of us have it all, and be it believe to be possible: all. While this freedom Develop an intimacy with your body. Start to love yourself. Start to feel your energy enlightened beings moving, clearing. Come back daily to the dense physical, and it quickly moves to the is beautiful, it’s also who have access to ex- exhausting. Being a more subtle layers. Use the density as a tool to discover where the work needs to be… Energy wants to move and flow, and once you start to listen to it and tune in, it will take perience and knowl- “worn-out woman” is edge most of us do not now so common that you on amazing journeys. The healing journey I take most often is to walk barefoot. Any time I can, I plug myself have. The Indian-born we think feeling tired into the earth’s energy to help bring my body back to a neutral, calm, and energized avatar Mother Meera all the time is normal. place… In fact, the best way to practice Energy Medicine Yoga is directly on the earth. is such an individual. According to Karen Born Kamala Reddy Brody, feeling this exhausted is not nor- Lauren’s increasingly popular Energy Medicine Yoga method is a potent synthesis of traditional energy medicine, yoga, and key principles from Ayurveda. In this follow-up to an illiterate family, mal—and it’s holding us back. In Daring to she was from a young Rest, Brody comes to the rescue with a 40-day to her breakout debut book, she delivers a solution-oriented manual for addressing hundreds of common ailments using practices that complement any existing health reg- age observed to be dif- program to help you reclaim rest and access ferent from other chil- your most powerful, authentic self through imen. Join her to discover essential insights for well-being, techniques to activate your body’s natural healing intelligence, and a powerful new vision for health and happiness. dren—she would sit in the forest for hours yoga nidra, a meditative practice that guides on end without moving or uttering a word you into one of the deepest states of relax- This, at the end of it all, is the deepest power and source of yoga. The light within. The and soon began attracting a following of dev- ation imaginable. love within. It is there, at all times, waiting to hold you. And when you surrender to it, to yourself, to your own love, you find a resilience that might surprise you. otees who would arrive to sit in her presence. Now, it’s time to lie down and begin the Your whole life might surprise you. Believed to be an embodiment of the journey to waking up. You just have to let it. Divine Feminine, Mother Meera doesn’t Though it comes from the yogic tradition, preach, speak, or charge money, and is of no Also by Lauren Walker is Energy Medicine Yoga. yoga nidra doesn’t look like a typical yoga particular religion; instead, she gives light to class—the entire practice is done lying down. those who seek her help. Known throughout As you listen to a guided meditation, you’re the world for her abilities to undo energetic gently taken into complete inner stillness, helps you feel physically rested. But phys- knots and to radically quicken the spiritual ical exhaustion is just the first layer of ex- LIFELONG YOGA effortlessly releasing into a healing state that development of others, she has a center in haustion. If it were the only layer, ten just Maximizing Your Balance, Flexibility, and works on both cellular and subtle body levels. Germany, where thousands of people visit getting more sleep or sleeping better would Core Strength in Your 50s, 60s, and Beyond With Daring to Rest, Brody presents a com- her each month to receive her famous dar- resolve it. I will teach you how to use by Sage Rountree & Alexandra Desiato prehensive yoga nidra program that unfolds yoga nidra meditation to clear the burnout shan, a silent blessing, and she has established $25.95, paper. North Atlantic. a school in India for more than a thousand of in three phases: rest for physical exhaustion, you’re experiencing at the deeper, subtler 139 pages, 7x9, b/w photos release for mental and emotional exhaustion, levels of your being, so that you can feel Yoga offers vital tools for healthy aging: the neediest students in the region. and rise for tuning in to the “life purpose ex- rested and whole again on not just the strength, flexibility, balance, and peace Writing with her approval and coopera- haustion” that can come when we’re not in body level, but the levels of the mind, of mind. In this one-of-a-kind book, Sage tion, Mark Matousek, a longtime follower, emotions, and psyche as well. our full power. Each phase includes a down- Rountree and Alexandra DeSiato describe has crafted a deeply moving and insightful loadable yoga nidra guided meditation and the poses and routines that can help keep book that takes us as close as possible to this supportive practices. people of any age fit and injury free. In remarkable woman, and to the experience The yoga nidra meditations will teach addition to demonstrating simple ways to of enlightenment. you how to step into a deeply restful, maintain and even increase our ability to “Mother of the Unseen World reads like a timeless state that relaxes your body and be active into our 50s, 60s, and beyond, the classic adventure novel, with one excep-

B R A N C H E S O F L I G H T F 11 F F A L L, W I N T E R, S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 F Y O G A, B H A K T I A N D S H A K T I F Yoga Therapy Mooji’s Mala of White Fire PATHWAYS TO A CENTERED BODY WHITE FIRE Gentle Yoga Therapy for Core Stability, Spiritual Insights and Teachings Healing Back Pain, and Moving with Ease of Advaita Zen Master Mooji by Donna Farhi & Leila Stuart by Mooji $46.50, paper. Leila Stuart. $33.95, paper. New Harbinger. 368 pages 180 pages, 8x11, colour photos White Fire is a collection of 800 gleaming sparks of wisdom Yoga teachers Donna Farhi and Leila Stuart have joined that encapsulate world-renowned Advaita-zen master Mooji’s forces to produce a definitive guide to centering the body. essential spiritual teachings. With more than five decades of combined experience in Brimming with powerful quotes and sayings, this book can working with people of all ages, and from diverse movement ignite a burning flame within your heart, clearing away confu- disciplines, Farhi and Stuart share their gentle, yet incredibly sion and doubt and leading you into the pure stillness of being: effective, approach to balancing body structure for optimal Fire burns everything leaving only ashes. But there is a fire so pain-free movement. This book demystifies the catch phrase fierce it burns even ashes—White Fire. Burn me like this, O White “core fitness” and teaches you how to center your pelvis and find optimal spinal align- Fire, Grace of God, until nothing remains but You. ment as the foundation for true core strength and stability. Most people seek meaning and fulfillment amidst the busy- Using easy-to-understand anatomical terms combined with beautiful illustrations, ness, pain, and uncertainty of their daily lives. Some turn to the power of religion and unravel the complexities of the deepest core muscles, the psoas, to reveal the authors prayer, while others sink deeply into introspection to discover their own answers. If its function as an extraordinary unifying structure for the entire body . When these you’ve found yourself on this search for self-discovery and complete realization, Moo- deep core muscles become unbalanced, the position of the pelvis and spine is thrown ji’s approach, which combines deep spirituality with non-dual self-inquiry, can help you off-center. Poor posture, back pain, and discomfort in lying down, sitting, standing, and put an end to your suffering and find inner peace. Each of the quotes inWhite Fire is a walking can result. clear and direct pointing toward Truth that, once discovered, can dispel the delusions In a step-by-step protocol, you’ll learn how to release, lengthen, balance, and engage and suffering common to human experiencing, and reveal your true nature as perfect how to safely improve your core muscles to move again with ease. And you’ll learn and timeless being. your flexibility in Yoga practices without compromising pelvic and spinal stability. As Divided into five sections, and with colour photographs and Mooji’s elegant ink deeply held tension is resolved, this work will help you to feel more grounded, mentally drawings throughout, this book covers a wide range of issues—especially those based focused, emotionally calm, and better able to stay connected to yourself and to others. on strong identification with thoughts, feelings, and personal problems—with a steady Pathways to a Centered Body for Yoga and Pilates stu is an invaluable practical guide - deepening of the teachings as the book progresses. In Mooji’s own words, dents and teachers, personal trainers, dancers, and athletes, as well as physical therapists, chiropractors, and somatic practitioners, indeed, anyone who wants to live in Only when the ego is slain by the white fire of pure seeing will the light be set free— their body with greater ease, grace, and stability. With more than 108 color photo- the light that illumines the whole world. graphs, concise instructions, and rich experiential anatomy inquiries, this manual will Mooji was born in Jamaica. In 1993 in India he met his master Shri H W L Poonja, or be a requisite text for movement training programs worldwide. Papaji, a direct disciple of the great Advaita master Ramana Maharshi. “This is embodied anatomy at its very best–a veritable treasure trove of tried and tested practices. Prepare to enter with one body and leave with another.” – Lisa Petersen, Yoga Teacher, Yoga Therapist, Somatic Movement Educator THE MALA OF GOD by Mooji $23.95, paper. New Harbinger. 184 pages YOGA THERAPY The Mala of God is a unique spiritual gift, an expression of Foundations, Methods, the surrendered heart filled with prayer, devotion, and grat- and Practices for Common Ailments itude, yet imbued with the unsparing wisdom and power of by Mark Stephens non-dual self-inquiry. With profound simplicity, Mooji unveils $33.00, paper. North Atlantic. the intimate, mystical ways of the praying heart, and provides 648 pages, 8x10, 600 b/w photos insight for those yearning to discover their true nature. From the best-selling author of Teaching Yoga, Yoga Sequen- Many of us seek inner peace and happiness, lasting self-re- cing, and Yoga Adjustments comes this essential resource for alization and awakening, or a felt blissful oneness beyond the learning how to adapt yoga practices to best accommodate and mere concept of unity. In our search for truth and enlight- heal a wide array of common injuries and ailments. Surveying enment, we may find ourselves drawn deeply into sincere in- historical writings on yoga, ayurveda, and scientific medical trospection or with a deep affinity for prayer as a means of approaches to health and healing, Mark Stephens distills this self-discovery and communion with the Supreme. received wisdom of ancient and modern practices for more insightful and practical Using language familiar to many spiritual traditions, including Christianity and Su- application in today’s world. He applies these insights to healing musculoskeletal in- fism, this book bridges the seeming divide between devotion and non-dual self-inquiry. juries; promoting a healthy reproductive system; and addressing mental, emotional, This beautiful collection can be read start to finish or opened to any page for insight and behavioral difficulties. With each health condition, Stephens applies yoga to the into the moment—perfect for both the spiritual seeker with an interest in non-duality most recent evidence-based practices for healing, offering an integral place for yoga in or one who is drawn to devotion and the power of prayer. integrative health practices. Including over 100 powerful prayers and blessings, complemented by Mooji’s draw- Yoga Therapy is a practical manual with a systematic approach of considering the na- ings and handwritten sayings throughout, The Mala of God provides keys that set your ture of each health condition and the specific asanas, pranayamas, and meditations heart free. most helpful in healing it. A glossary of asanas and asana contraindications provides Also by Mooji is Vaster Than Sky, Greater Than Space. a quick reference for learning what to do—and not do—for each of the 63 specific conditions covered in the book. Rather than adopting a narrow medical model of healing as the reduction or elimination of symptoms, Stephens invites yoga therapists, teachers and students to relate to health as a continuous, dynamic process of self-care in which the qualities of personal complex and ancient, SHAKTI RISING experience and social connectivity matter. and embraces many Embracing Shadow and Light on the He illustrates that how we live our lives—including our emotional states, nutrition, strands and practices. Goddess Path to Wholeness sleep, relationships, and sense of purpose—is reflected in our sense of balance (or Edwin F. Bryant focus- by Kavitha Chinnaiyan imbalance) and well-being (or disease). Comprehensive, accessible, and informed by es on one famous and $23.95, paper. New Harbinger. 224 pages Mark Stephens’ decades of deep study, practice, and teaching, this will become an important school of The wisdom of the Mahavidyas, the ten indispensable reference. bhakti, the Krishna tra- wisdom goddesses who represent the inter- dition, and explores it connected darkness and in depth to show what light within all of us, has tion—much of the adventure goes on inside BHAKTI YOGA bhakti is and how it is been steeped in esoteric the reader as we follow Mark Matousek’s Tales and Teachings expressed. And he sup- and mystical descrip- everyman journey from pain and doubt to from the Bhagavata Purana plies his own render- tions that made them discovery and awakening. I don’t know who by Edwin Bryant ings of central texts from that tradition in seem irrelevant to ordi- I learned the most from—the wise and pow- $49.00, paper. North Point. 650 pages the form of “tales and teachings” from an nary life. But with this erful Indian saint Mother Meera, or the very Bhakti Yoga explores one of the eight important work called the Bhagavata Pura- book, written by a cardi- human, very real, and equally wise Mark Ma- “limbs” of yoga. In the simplest terms, bhak- na, or “The Beautiful Legend of God.” This ologist who found her- tousek. I could not put this book down.” — ti yoga is the practice of devotion, which is clarifying work establishes a baseline for self on a spiritual search Elizabeth Lesser, author of Broken Open the essential heart of yoga and of Hinduism understanding bhakti yoga, and will be wel- for the highest truth, “This is a divine book about a divine wom- in general. In recent times, the term has comed by all serious students of the spiritual you’re invited to explore an and one of the best books I’ve read on come to be used in a rather simplistic way heritage of India. this ancient knowledge and learn how it can be the need for the return of the divine femi- to refer to the increasingly popular prac- Also by Edwin Bryant is The Yoga Sutras applied to daily struggles and triumphs—and nine here and now.” —Eve Ensler, author of tice of kirtan, or chanting in a group or at of Patanjali: A New Edition, Translation, and how it can help you find unreserved self-love The Vagina Monologues large gatherings. But bhakti yoga is far more Commentary and acceptance.

B R A N C H E S O F L I G H T F 12 F F A L L, W I N T E R, S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 F T H E P U R E J O Y O F B E I N G F

In our search for peace and happiness, THE ORIGINAL BUDDHIST we may find ourselves fighting the shadows within us, trying to repress or disown certain PSYCHOLOGY Buddha/Being/Illuminated qualities, especially our anger, violence, dis- What the Abhidharma Tells Us about How We Think, Feel, and Experience Life THE PURE JOY OF BEING comfort, craving, and disappointment. But An Illustrated Introduction to the by Beth Jacobs in order to stop this fight, we must expand Story of the Buddha our understanding beyond the dualities of $23.99, paper. North Atlantic. 186 pages The Abhidharma, one of the three ma- and the Practice of Meditation good versus bad, right versus wrong, and jor text collections of the original Buddhist by Fabrice Midal beautiful versus ugly, and accept the parts canon, frames the $33.95, cloth. Shambhala. of ourselves we’ve tried to deny. psychological sys- 176 pages, 7x9, colour illustrations Pulling from Eastern traditions including tem of Buddhism, The art of Buddhism beautifully depicts enlightened beings tantra and yoga, and focusing on the femi- explaining the who demonstrate the practice of meditation yet, while deeply in- nine principle of divine energy also known workings of reali- spiring, art alone cannot teach one to meditate. In The Pure Joy of as Shakti, this book bridges the divide be- ty and the nature Being Fabrice Midal brings together traditional Buddhist art with tween dualistic concepts and non-dual phi- of the human enlightening text as a way to teach the tradition and practice of losophy. By exploring the symbolism of the mind. It is com- meditation. Filled with images of bodhisattvas and awakened be- Mahavidyas (Kali, Tara, Tripurasundari, posed of detailed ings who illustrate the possibility of freedom, alongside practical instruction, advice, and Bhuvaneshwari, Tripura Bhairavi, Chinna- matrixes and meditations for the everyday situations we face on a daily basis, this book is an accessible masta, Dhumavati, Baglamukhi, Matangi, lists that outline introduction to meditation and the wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings. and Kamalatmika)—each with a veiled face the interaction There is only one moment in time when it is essential to awaken. That moment is now. representing a destructive quality that per- of consciousness —Buddha petuates ignorance and suffering, and a and reality, the true face representing the wisdom that stim- To meditate is to remain in the present moment with attention and benevolence, to essence of percep- ulates profound transformation and libera- remove the desire to manage everything, and to open yourself up to life and all that is tion and experi- tion—you’ll learn to embrace and incorpo- possible. It’s as simple as that. And yet, meditating is not easy. What is true happiness? ence, and the reasons and methods behind rate every aspect of who you are. How can we overcome difficulties in life with courage? Can meditation help in today’s mindfulness and meditation. Because of its With practices, self-inquiry prompts, and world? The Pure Joy of Being teaches that the goal of meditation is to turn us into beings complexity, the Abhidharma has tradition- stories from the author’s own spiritual seek- that are more human, and capable of thinking, feeling, and loving better. It offers con- ally been reserved only for academic or mo- ing, this exploration of the divine feminine temporary practices to set us on this path. nastic study; now, for the first time, clinical will gently reveal the source of your fear, The foreword is by Jack Kornfield. psychologist Beth Jacobs brings this dynam- pain, and suffering, showing you that when ic body of work to general readers, using you allow those parts of yourself to arise THE MIND ILLUMINATED practical explanation, personal stories, and and simply be, you can finally begin to heal, A Complete Meditation Guide Integrating Buddhist Wisdom vivid examples to gently untangle the techni- overcome your limitations, and open to the and Brain Science for Greater Mindfulness cal aspects of the Abhidharma. Drawing on light and beauty of your true nature. by Culadasa (John Yates) decades of experience as both a therapist $34.99, paper. Scribner. and a Buddhist, Jacobs illuminates this clas- 484 pages, 7x9, b/w illustrations sic area of Buddhist thought, highlighting The Mind Illuminated is the first how-to meditation guide from the ways it can broaden and deepen our ex- a neuroscientist who is also an acclaimed meditation master. This perience of the human psyche and offering innovative book offers a 10-stage program that is both deeply Buddhism profound insights into spiritual practice. grounded in ancient spiritual teachings about mindfulness and What do the Buddhists know that Freud holistic health, and also draws from the latest brain science to and the psychologists don’t? Freud under- provide a remarkable roadmap for anyone interested in achiev- stood that we don’t own our minds. He was ing the benefits of mindfulness. Culadasa offers a new and fascinating model of how UNDER THE BODHI TREE onto the relative puniness of consciousness the mind works, including steps to overcome mind wandering and dullness, extending Buddha’s Original Vision in relation to experience. But he didn’t your attention span while meditating, and subduing subtle distractions. of Dependent Co-arising see the fluidity and changeability of the This manual provides illustrations and charts to help you work through each stage by Ajahn Buddhadasa internal constellations. He kept trying to of the process, offering tools that work across all types of meditation practices. The pin them down (and that’s why his theories $22.95, paper. Wisdom. 200 pages Mind Illuminated is an extraordinary accomplishment and an essential read, whether A renowned Buddhist master digs into the kept changing), instead of letting the mind you are a beginner wanting to establish your practice or a seasoned veteran. The gran- idea of interdependency—the very core of itself do what it does: react and evolve and ular detail provided regarding various experiences along the path and his practically the Buddha’s teach- reform and dissipate, as the variables that grounded advice for dealing with obstacles and developing specific skills are unique in ings. compose it arise and break up… the published literature on meditation. Under the Bodhi The Buddhist view and the Western psychological view are like two different The modern road map offered in this book combines experience, tradition, and sci- Tree takes us back to people pointing at the moon, and we want the principles at the ence. It is a synthesis based on firsthand experience, and expanded on through the shared to understand the moon more than the experiences of many other dedicated practitioners. To make sense of my own meditations heart of Buddha’s fingers. Ultimately every idea has to go and find guidance about where my practice should go next, I turned to my teachers, the teachings—condi- through the filter of your own experience. Pali suttas, and the commentaries of several different Buddhist traditions. Over and over, tionality and de- Every description is an effort to share what these traditional sources gave me the information I needed and provided an appropriate pendent co-arising. have in common beyond words. context to fit the pieces together. By integrating this information and my own experienc- Buddhadasa Bhikkhu es with the insights of psychology and cognitive neuroscience, I’ve “reverse-engineered” makes the case for traditional meditation instructions to create a contemporary map of meditation. It’s dependent co-arising divided into ten progressive Stages to be used in charting your progress. as a natural law, and WHY BUDDHISM IS TRUE “A systematic, hands-on manual, The Mind Illuminated will be a great help to anyone builds a compelling who wants to completely fathom the process of meditative development in all its stages. presentation of Buddhist philosophy, med- The Science and Philosophy of Meditation Culadasa gives us the full conceptual framework together with complete instructions itation, and practice from there on up. Bas- and Enlightenment for putting it into play. In largely Western language, with help from wonderful images ing himself squarely on the Buddha’s own by Robert Wright and diagrams, this book brings the path of meditation to life.” — Sharon Salzberg, words as preserved in the Pali Canon, he $36.00, cloth. Simon & Schuster. 320 pp. author, Real Happiness brings clarity and simplicity to what is typi- Robert Wright famously explained in The cally a thorny philosophical knot. By return- Moral Animal how evolution shaped the hu- ing dependent co-arising to its central place man brain. The mind is designed to often delude us, You’re the one that has to walk through it.” in Buddhist theory and practice, Buddha- In Why Buddhism is True, Wright leads he argued, about ourselves This book is an attempt to show people dasa provides perspective on the Buddha’s readers on a journey through psychology, and about the world. And the door, give them some idea of what lies own insights and awakening. philosophy, and a great many silent retreats it is designed to make hap- beyond it, and explain, from a scientific Under the Bodhi Tree is another excellent to show how and why meditation can serve standpoint, why what lies beyond it has a piness hard to sustain. entry from one of the most renowned Bud- as the foundation for a spiritual life in a sec- stronger claim to being real than the world But if we know our dhist thinkers of modern times. For students ular age. At once excitingly ambitious and they’re familiar with. minds are rigged for anx- who wish to study further, a companion wittily accessible, this is the first book to iety, depression, anger, guide is available from liberationpark.org. combine evolutionary psychology with cut- and greed, what do we Ajahn Buddhadasa Bhikkhu (1906-1993) is ting-edge neuroscience to defend the radical do? Wright locates the an- perhaps the most influential Buddhist teacher claims at the heart of Buddhist philosophy. swer in Buddhism, which figured out thou- in the history of Thailand. In 1932 he found- With bracing honesty and fierce wisdom, it sands of years ago what scientists are only ed Suan Mokkhabalarama, the first modern will persuade you not just that Buddhism is discovering now. Buddhism holds that hu- forest monastery in Thailand. Since the 1960s true—which is to say, a way out of our delu- man suffering is a result of not seeing the his work has helped inspire a new generation sion—but that it can ultimately save us from world clearly—and proposes that seeing the of socially concerned individuals throughout ourselves, as individuals and as a species. the world. He is also author of Mindfulness with world more clearly, through meditation, will make us better, happier people. As Morpheus says to Neo [in The Matrix Breathing and Heartwood of the Bodhi Tree. movie], “I can only show you the door.

B R A N C H E S O F L I G H T F 13 F F A L L, W I N T E R, S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 F Z E N, L O V E, A N D B U D D H A ’ S B O D I E S F

The how of this book is based on a tool A Raven in the Garden of Zen kit of mindfulness techniques and other practices cultivating lovingkindness and ZEN MASTER RAVEN tion of Zen in over a hundred koan-like encounters— compassion that I have been teaching The Teachings of a Wise Old Bird featuring curious beginners like Mallard and Mole, to for over forty years. Mindfulness practice helps create space between our actual by Robert Aitken teachers-in-training like Porcupine, to the profound $26.95, cloth. Wisdom. 228 pages experiences and the reflexive stories we wisdom of masters like Brown Bear, Moose Roshi, and tend to tell about them (e.g., “This is all I This uniquely playful and incisive illustrated collection Zen Master Raven himself. of Zen teaching stories is a modern classic back in print. deserve”). Lovingkindness practice helps Raven took his perch on the Assembly Oak and us move out of the terrain of our default Wolverine asked, “Do you practice going with the flow?” addressed a special meeting of the Tallspruce community, narratives if they tend to be based on fear Raven asked, “Is that a practice?” saying “It’s time for me to be moving on.” or disconnection. We become authors of Raven said, “Going against the grain.” Porcupine asked, “Where will you be going?” brand-new stories about love. Wolverine asked, “Sounds hard.” Raven said, “Where cedar roots stand bare in the creek.” There are meditations, reflections, Raven said, “Uphill.” A hush fell over the circle. Grouse could be heard and interactive exercises designed to be In the tradition of the great koan collections and the sniffling. At last Porcupine asked, “Do you have any last suitable for anybody. They outline a path extensive records of ancient masters, Robert Aitken—one of words for us?” of exploration that is exciting, creative, Americas best-known and most-respected Zen masters—distills a Raven said, “Trust.” and even playful… The meditations in par- lifetime of teaching down to its essence. Intriguing, playful, and Among Robert Aitken’s other books are Taking the Path of Zen ticular area meant to be done more than just once—over time, practicing them will deceptively easy to read, Zen Master Raven is a brilliant encapsula- and The Mind of Clover: Zen Buddhist Ethics create a steady foundation in mindfulness gun but aren’t sure what the next steps are, Part personal reflection, part guidebook, and lovingkindness in our lives. this book is for you. part manifesto, and part analysis of what ails With positive reflections and practices, DIVINE GARDENS Buddhist images, refiguring them as celebrations of the Sharon teaches us how to shift the respon- Mayumi Oda & The San Francisco Zen Center feminine and the natural world. Where most tradition- sibilities of the love that we give and receive by Mayumi Oda & others al Buddhist iconography features male figures, Oda in- to rekindle the powerful healing force of $39.95, cloth. Parallax. troduces female “Goddesses” that seem to jump off the true connection. By challenging myths per- 108 pages, 9x12, colour illustrations page, imbued with the vibrancy of Oda’s color and line. petuated by popular culture, we can undo Known to many as “the Matisse of Japan,” Mayumi Oda Originally from Japan, Oda settled in Muir Beach, Cal- the limited definitions that reduce love to combines traditional Japanese and Buddhist iconography ifornia in the 1970s and began practicing and painting simply romance or passion, and give the with her own unique sense of color, line, and movement. at Green Gulch Farm Zen Center, which Oda calls her heart a much needed tune-up to connect In this beautiful collection, her groundbreaking artwork “California Buddha Field.” ourselves to the truest experience of love in is paired with essays by San Francisco Zen Center and Suitable for joyful study by art students or for display our daily lives. Green Gulch Farm Zen Center practitioners (including on a chai/coffee table, Divine Gardens captures the es- The book is divided into four sections, each Richard Baker, Linda Ruth Cutts, Wendy Johnson, Edward Espe sence of Mayumi’s art and life as a Zen practitioner. The forty-five addressing a distinct experience of “real love”: Brown, and Norman Fischer) who have owned, loved, and been full-color works of art and twenty-four essays contained in the col- love for the self, love for another individual, changed by Oda’s work over the years. lection are a joyful celebration of her work and the community love for all beings, and love for life itself. Mayumi Oda’s artwork plays with traditional Japanese and forged through the years at the San Francisco Zen Center. Working from the inside out, the first step on the journey is to learn to love yourself… And it is only when we are truly engaged simple, everyday language. The first part of this project IT CAME FROM BEYOND ZEN! with present experience that we not only are resulted in Don’t Be a Jerk, and now Warner presents “Vol- able to feel more connected to our own core More Practical Advice from Dogen, ume 2 of a Radical but Reverent Paraphrasing of Dogen’s selves, but also to those around us. Japan’s Greatest Zen Master Treasury of the True Dharma Eye”, It Came from Beyond Among Sharon Salzberg’s other books by Brad Warner Zen. While Warner is sometimes irreverent—and always are Lovingkindness and Real Happiness. $22.50, paper. New World Library. 342 pp entertaining—he is also as astute scholar who has studied In Japan in 1253, one of the great thinkers of his time the Shobogenzo for nearly 30 years. Once again, Warner died, and the world barely noticed. That man was the Zen uses humor and pop-culture references to bridge the gap monk Eihei Dogen. For centuries his main work, theS- between past and present, making Dogen’s words clearer AWAKENING THROUGH hobogenzo, languished in obscurity, locked away in remote and more relevant than ever before. THE NINE BODIES monasteries until scholars rediscovered it in the twentieth We humans think about a lot of stuff that’s not actually Explorations in Consciousness for century. What took so long? In Brad Warner’s view, Dogen was too real. We crave certainty in areas where there can never be any. Mindfulness Meditation ahead of his time to find an appreciative audience. That’s when we start in with believing the crazy stuff. and Yoga Practitioners I don’t think I can stress enough how important Dogen really is. Dogen is interesting because he tries to cut right to the heart of by Phillip Moffitt His philosophy is the key to seeing the world in an absolutely new this. He gets into what is real and what is not. Probably the main $35.99, paper. North Atlantic. way that is more realistic than the way you saw things before. reason he’s so difficult to read is that Dogen is trying to say things 228 pages, 7x9, colour illustrations Once you get it, you’ll never be the same. Once you go Dogen, that can’t actually be said. So he has to bend language to the point Based on practices Buddhist meditation you never go back. where it almost breaks. teacher Phillip Moffitt learned twenty years In order to bring Dogen’s work to a bigger audience in the Also by Brad Warner are Hardcore Zen and Zen Wrapped in Kar- ago from Hima- West, Warner began paraphrasing the Shobogenzo, recasting it in ma Dipped in Chocolate. He’s a Soto Zen priest and punk bassist. layan yoga master Sri Swami Balyo- gi Premvarni, this AWAKENING TOGETHER If you’re already engaged in this work, this our society and our Dharma communities, beautifully illustrat- The Spiritual Practice book will remind you none of us do this Awakening Together is a treasure-trove of ined book is a guide of Inclusivity and Community work alone. Whether you find yourself at sight and hands-on advice, gleaned from to exploring the by Larry Yang the center or at the margins of your commu- years of experience and offered with clarity nature of mind and $24.95, paper. Wisdom. 289 pages nity, whether you’re a community member and gentleness. gaining a better un- For every center, organization, or individual or a community leader, this book is for you. derstanding of ex- who wishes to create a welcoming communi- periences that arise ty for all, this book, Especially in times like these, fraught on during meditation. written by mindful- every side with threats from racist, xeno- REAL LOVE The Nine Bodies ness teacher Larry phobic, misogynistic, and anti-queer bias, The Art of Mindful Connection a welcoming and safe space for meditation teachings map out Yang, is a must-read. practice is the most kind and compassion- by Sharon Salzberg a journey that starts with consciousness that How can we connect ate thing we can create for each other. $34.99, cloth. Flatiron. 294 pages arises in the physical body and is directly our personal spiri- And yet, in Dharma settings, people [with Real Love will help you to truly engage observable, and then travels through ever tual journeys with marginalized identifies] feel, in Larrys with your present experience and create more subtle levels of consciousness to that the larger course of words, unattended, unloved, unseen, and deeper love relation- which is not manifest and is only potential, our shared human even harmed. ships with yourself, and therefore has to be inferred. The book experience? How do Awakening Together provides us with a your partner, friends includes a series of mysterious illustrations we compassionately detailed, step-by-step blueprint of the hard and family, and with that Balyogi created during his time of in- and wisely navigate work involved in creating and maintaining a life itself. Senior med- tense Samadhi explorations. Each illustra- belonging and ex- diverse community and, in doing so, shows itation teacher Sharon tion is a rich composition of symbols that us how we can begin and continue to build clusion in our own Salzberg encourages express aspects of inner experiences that an inclusive sangha. hearts? And how can us to strip away layers are almost impossible to express with lan- If you are ready to commit to the idea of negative habits and we embrace diverse identities and experienc- that we, as a diverse group of Buddhists, guage. obstacles, helping us es within our spiritual communities, building ought to be able to awaken together, and to Moffitt makes these teachings available sanghas that make good on the promise of honor and share all of what and who we are to experience authen- for meditation students from all spiritual liberation for everyone? in the process, then take up this book, Larry’s tic love based on di- traditions to use as gateways for exploring If you aren’t sure how to start this work, loving clarion call. rect experience, rath- the nature of mind and as additional means Awakening Together is for you. If you’ve be- —Jan Willis, from the foreword er than preconceptions. for tracking and classifying meditative expe-

B R A N C H E S O F L I G H T F 14 F F A L L, W I N T E R, S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 F “T H A Y,” T H E D A L A I L A M A, & “A N I P E M A” F Thich Nhat Hanh at Home The Dalai Lama’s Appeal AT HOME IN THE WORLD AN APPEAL TO THE WORLD Stories and Essential Teachings from a Monk’s Life The Way to Peace in a Time of Division by Thich Nhat Hanh by The Dalai Lama, with Franz Alt $33.99, cloth. Parallax. $18.50, paper. HarperCollins. 128 pages 178 pages, b/w illustrations In this brief, urgent “appeal to the world,” His Holiness the Dalai This collection of autobiographical and teaching stories from Lama addresses our time of division, calling on us to draw upon the peace activist and Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh is thought pro- innate goodness of our shared humanity to overcome the rancor, mis- voking, inspiring, and moving to read. Collected here for the first trust, and divisiveness that threaten world peace and sustainability. time, these stories span the author’s life. There are stories from I see with ever greater clarity that our spiritual well-being depends Thich Nhat Hanh’s childhood and the traditions of rural Viet- not on religion, but on our innate human nature, our natural affinity nam. There are stories from his years as a teenaged novice, as a for goodness, compassion, and caring for others. young teacher and writer in war torn Vietnam, and of his travels Already an international bestseller, now available in English for the first time: InAn around the world to teach mindfulness, make pilgrimages to sa- Appeal to the World, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet illuminates the way to cred sites, and influence world leaders. peace in our time, arguing for a form of universal ethics that goes beyond religion—val- Our true home is not an abstract idea. It is a solid reality that we can touch with our ues we all share as humans that can help us create unity and peace to heal our world. feet, our hands, and our mind in every moment. If we know this, then nobody can take “All people are united in the pursuit of happiness and the desire to avoid suffering,” away our true home. Even if people occupy our country or put us in prison, we still have His Holiness reminds us. “This is the source of humanity’s greatest achievements.” Our our true home, and no one can ever take it away. development relies on cooperation, not competition. We need to begin to think and act You may wonder if the most wonderful moments of your life area already behind you. Or you may think the happiest moment of your life is still to come. But this is the moment as “we humans”—we must stop focusing on what divides us and recognize our com- we have been waiting for. The Buddha said, “You have to make the present moment into monalities. Without secular ethics—what Albert Schweitzer referred to as “reverence the most wonderful moment of your life.” for life”—we cannot solve all the problems we face. Working with trusted collaborator Franz Alt, the Dalai Lama calls on the better angels The tradition of Zen teaching stories goes back at least to the time of the Buddha. of our nature to tackle a wide range of contemporary issues, from war, violence, and in- Like the Buddha, Thich Nhat Hanh uses storytelling to engage people’s interest so he tolerance to climate change, global hunger, and materialism. Applying the techniques can share important teachings, insights, and life lessons. and teachings of Tibetan Buddhism—from listening and contemplation to meditation My true home cannot be defined in terms of place or culture. It’s simplistic to say that and nonviolence—His Holiness provides a roadmap forward. in terms of culture or nationality I am Vietnamese. I don’t have a Vietnamese passport or Brief yet profound, An Appeal to the World is an inspiring message of love and opti- identity card, so legally speaking, I am not Vietnamese. Genetically there is no such race mism that can truly change the world. as the “Vietnamese” race. Looking into me, you can see Melanesian, Indonesian, Mon- golian, and African elements. In fact, the Vietnamese race is made entirely of non-Viet- APPROACHING THE BUDDHIST PATH namese elements. That is true for any nationality. Seeing that can set us free. The whole The Library of Wisdom and Compassion, Volume 1 cosmos has come together in order to help you to manifest. by the Dalai Lama & Thubten Chodron $39.95, cloth. Wisdom. 323 pages riences. Students of yoga will also find value His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been publicly teaching Bud- HOW TO FIGHT dhism for decades. This new series, of which this is the first volume, by Thich Nhat Hanh collects his presentations of every step of the path to enlightenment, $13.95, paper. Parallax. 125 pages, illus. compiled and coauthored by one of his chief Western disciples, the Learn how to relax the bonds of anger, attachment, and American nun Thubten Chodron. delusion through mindfulness and kindness toward our- The Buddha wanted his students to investigate, to see for themselves and others. selves whether what he said were true. As a student of the Buddha, In this lovely little reader, Thich Nhat Hanh brings his the Dalai Lama promotes the same spirit of investigation, and as the rich tradition of signature clarity, compassion, and humor to the ways we act the Buddha makes its way into new lands and cultures, His Holiness has recognized out in anger, frustration, despair, and delusion. In brief med- that new approaches are needed to allow seekers in the West to experience the rele- itations accompanied by whimsical sumi-ink drawings, Thich vance of the liberating message in their own lives. Such an approach cannot assume Nhat Hanh instructs us exactly how to transform our craving listeners are free from doubt and already have faith in Buddhism’s basic tenets. The and confusion. Library of Wisdom and Compassion series, therefore, starts from the universal human wish If we learn to take good care of our suffering, we can help for happiness and presents the dynamic nature of the mind. This first volume also others do the same. How to Fight is pocket-sized with two color provides a wealth of reflections on Buddhist history and fundamentals, contemporary original artwork by California artist Jason DeAntonis. issues, and the Dalai Lama’s own personal experiences. It stands alone as an introduc- Any peace talks should begin with making peace with ourselves. First we need to tion to Buddhism, but it also provides a foundation for the systematic illumination of recognize our anger, embrace it, and make peace with it. You don’t fight your anger, the path in the volumes to come. because your anger is you. Your anger is the wounded child in you. Why should you fight “His Holiness the Dalai Lama, with the capable assistance of Bhikshuni Thubten your anger? The method is entirely nonviolent: awareness, mindfulness, and tenderly Chodron, illuminates a path of awakening that is deeply integrative and utterly relevant holding your anger within you. Like this, your anger will transform naturally. to all the challenges that face humanity in the twenty-first century. Presented here is an The Mindfulness Essentials series introduces beginners and reminds seasoned prac- authentic path to freedom from suffering and its inner causes and to tapping into the titioners of the essentials of mindfulness practice. Other titles in this series are How to full potential of consciousness—our own buddha nature. There can be no greater gift Love, How to Sit and How to Eat. than this.” —B. Alan Wallace, author of The Attention Revolution

in the teachings of the Nine Bodies as they of our lives as the perfect material for learn- way of looking at things are like mountain provide a means for contextualizing and Tibetan Buddhism ing to love ourselves and our world playfully water—clear and refreshing.” —Jack Korn- connecting with yogic teachings on chakras, and wholeheartedly—and to live in our skin field, author of No Time Like the Present koshas, gunas, and the Three Bodies. AWAKENING LOVING-KINDNESS fearlessly, without aggression, harshness, or Pema Chödrön is an American Buddhist There are differences in all lineages and by Pema Chödrön shame. This is instruction for embarking on nun and one of the foremost students of traditions, but they will not prevent you $17.50, paper. Shambhala. the greatest adventure of all, to come alive Chögyam Trungpa, and director of Gam- from gaining new understandings, more 172 pages, 4x6, French flaps po Abbey, in Nova Scotia, the first Tibetan Do you want to be a more compassion- to your inherent human kindness. flexibility in your meditation, and possibly a monastery in North America established for ate person, confident and unafraid to love The ground of loving-kindness is this new energetic facility in your mind. For this Westerners. reason, despite being a Vipassana teacher yourself and the world sense of satisfaction with who we are and versed in key Buddhist teachings, I don’t at- around you uncondi- what we have. tempt to correlate or explain the differences tionally, but aren’t sure Among the titles of these morning talks between Vipassana and Balyogi’s teaching how? We often look are: Satisfaction; Precision, Gentleness, and THE LOST ART OF GOOD when they conflict… “Take what is u seful far and wide for guid- Letting Go; The Wisdom of No Escape; CONVERSATION with you and leave the rest here.” ance to become better Weather and the Four Noble Truths; Not A Mindful Way to Connect with Others “Awakening through the Nine Bodies is at people, as though the Too Tight, Not Too Loose; Sending and and Enrich Everyday Life once a vivid map connecting the vast terri- answers were somewhere Taking; and The Four Reminders. by Sakyong Mipham tories of consciousness, a practical guide out there. But Pema The essence of the practice is willing- $25.99, cloth. Penguin. 240 pages that can immediately be put to liberating Chödrön suggests that ness to share pleasure and delight and the Cutting through all the white noise, chat- use, the tale of a unique spiritual appren- the best and most di- joy of life on the out-breath and willing- ter, and superficiality our cell phones and ticeship, transmission of a precious lineage rect teacher for awak- ness to feel your pain and that of others social media cause, one of Tibet’s highest that otherwise might be lost, a bridge be- ening loving-kindness is in fact your very fully on the in-breath. That’s the essence and most respected spiritual leaders offers tween various yogic and Buddhist mod- own life. Based on talks given during a one- of it, and if you were never to receive any simple and practical advice to help us in- els, and an invigorating call to awaken.” month meditation retreat at Gampo Abbey, other instruction, that would be enough. crease our attention spans, become better —Chip Hartranft, author of The Yoga-Sutra of where Pema lives and teaches, her teachings “These teachings are simple, earthy, and listeners, and actually appreciate the people Patañjali: A New Translation with Commentary here focus on learning how to see the events alive. Pema’s deep experience and her fresh around us.

B R A N C H E S O F L I G H T F 15 F F A L L, W I N T E R, S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 F T I B E T A N B U D D H I S M & T H E T A O F

In a world of 24/7 how we idealize and objectify romantic love. smartphones and con- New by Matthieu Ricard Finally, Nichtern draws upon the demands nectivity to social media of his own family history and the film’s char- and email, we are all in A PLEA FOR THE ANIMALS acter the Grandson to explore the dynamics constant connection The Moral, Philosophical, of “the last frontier of awakening,” a ref- with one another. Then and Evolutionary Imperative New in erence to his teacher Chogyam Trungpa’s why are so many people to Treat All Beings with Compassion Paperback claim that it’s possible to be enlightened feeling burned out, dis- by Matthieu Ricard everywhere except around your family. With tant from colleagues, $25.95, paper. Shambhala. 352 pages The Dharma of “The Princess Bride in hand, and abandoned by fam- Every cow just wants to be happy. Every chicken just wants to we can set out on the path to contemporary ily and friends? In this be free. Every bear, dog, or mouse experiences sorrow and feels Buddhist enlightenment with the most im- new book from the author of Running with pain as intensely as any of us humans do. In a compelling appeal portant relationships in our lives. the Mind of Meditation, the Sakyong uses to reason and human kindness, Matthieu Ricard here takes the Ethan Nichtern is a senior teacher in the the basic principles of the Shambhala tra- arguments from his best-sellers Altruism and Happiness to their Shambhala Buddhist tradition. dition—meditation and a sincere belief in logical conclusion: that compassion toward all beings, including the inherent wisdom, compassion, and cour- our fellow animals, is a moral obligation and the direction toward which any enlight- age of all beings—to help readers to listen ened society must aspire. and speak more mindfully with loved ones, He chronicles the appalling sufferings of the animals we eat, wear, and use for adorn- Taoism co-workers, strangers, and even ourselves. ment or “entertainment,” and submits every traditional justification for their exploita- In this easy to understand and helpful tion to scientific evidence and moral scrutiny. What arises is an unambiguous and pow- & the Energetic Arts book, Sakyong Mipham provides inspiring erful ethical imperative for treating all of the animals with whom we share this planet ideas and practical tips on how to be more with respect and compassion. present in your day-to-day life, helping us to This book invites us to face up to something: in spite of the sense of wonder the animal TALES FROM THE TAO communicate in ways that elevates the digni- kingdom inspires in us, we are responsible for an ongoing massacre of animals on a scale The Wisdom of the Taoist Masters ty of everyone involved. Great for families, unequaled in the history of humankind. Every year, sixty billion land animals and a thou- by Solala Towler employees and employers and everyone sand billion marine animals are killed for our consumption. $14.95, paper. Watkins. 192 pages who spend too much time on Facebook, Moreover, as we will show, this mass killing and its corollary—the excessive consumption For thousands of years, students have im- Instragram, and feel “disconnected” in our of meat in the wealthy countries—is madness on a global scale. It perpetuates hunger in the bibed subtle wisdom and illumination from “connected” world, Good Conversation is a world, increases the world’s ecological imbalances, and is even harmful to human health… Taoist tales. journey back to basics. Certainly we should know that there is no moral justification for inflicting needless pain In the world of knowledge, Also by Sakyong Mipham is The Shambha- and death on any being. Every day something new is added. la Principle. “Are animals mere things, here for us to exploit? Or are they rather sentient, often In pursuit of the Tao, intelligent beings, entitled to live their own lives? Matthieu Ricard examines theologi- Every day something is let go. cal, philosophical, and scientific thinking on both sides of the issue and concludes that —Lao Tzu THE HUNDRED THOUSAND SONGS without doubt we must recognize each animal is an individual deserving of our com- Whether concretizing a spiritual truth, passion and respect. A Plea for the Animals is fascinating, instructive, and compelling, unraveling a puzzle for contemplation, or OF MILAREPA speaking to us on both an intellectual and emotional level.” —Jane Goodall A New Translation providing a mo- by Tsangnyon Heruka, ment of humour, ENLIGHTENED VAGABOND these tales—main- translated by Christopher Staff The Life and Teachings of Patrul Rinpoche $53.95, paper. Shambhala. ly from the Taoist 790 pages, French flaps by Matthieu Ricard masters Chuang Tzu An authoritative new translation of the $33.95, paper. Shambhala. and Lao Tzu—are 282 pages, b/w photos full of interesting, complete Hundred Thousand Songs of Milare- Few Buddhist meditation masters continue to have the influence entertaining, illu- pa, the teaching songs that Dza Patrul Rinpoche, active in the nineteenth century, has to minating, puzzling, and stories from Tibet’s many Buddhist practitioners today. A wandering yogi, he eschewed and often downright most beloved Buddhist urban areas for a life living in the wilds, caves, and mountains of funny stories. They yogi, poet, and saint. Tibet. While famous for his teaching with thousands of students, Milarepa (1040-1123) are primarily teach- he would wander from place to place by himself, carrying only a is perhaps the best- ing stories, using few possessions—the most prized of which were two important practice texts. Utterly known and most beloved narrative and char- without pride, he was a master scholar as well as meditation master. acter to share an as- religious figure in Tibet- For over 30 years, French Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard has been collecting stories pect of Taoist thought or practice which is an Buddhism, celebrated from the disappearing generation of Tibetan teachers brought up in the traditional way difficult to convey in any other way. The only throughout the Tibetan and who still carried with them the vast oral tradition, which included so many stories problem with most of these stories is that Buddhist world with the about Patrul Rinpoche. These stories are at once inspiring and a welcome reminder they are short, often only a paragraph or recitation of his teaching to resist our daily distractions and spend time doing what matters. That is, practicing two. Tales from the Tao fleshes out these narra- songs by monastics and laypeople alike. The meditation and helping others. tives, giving them more room to breathe, to archetype of the ordinary being who over- “Patrul Rinpoche is universally revered by all Tibetan lamas, and his life is a rich evolve, and to develop characters into fully comes nearly insurmountable obstacles on source of teaching on what constitutes true Dharma practice. The anecdotes of his life realized people. the spiritual path through the sheer force of show, with sharp humor, the authentic way, often exposing the traps and deceptions of The stories discuss topics ranging from effort, faith, and perseverance, he is remem- human and institutional folly. Matthieu Ricard has a unique and intimate connection dignity in the face of challenge, to judging bered for having achieved enlightenment with the masters of this lineage. This book will become a classic and is a must-read for character, to how to deal with loss, and more. “in a single lifetime.” all who wish to explore the heart essence of Tibetan Buddhism.” —Ringu Tulku, au- Through years of study and research, Solala This volume, like its well-known compan- thor of Confusion Arises as Wisdom ion volume The Life of Milarepa, was originally Towler has derived a collection of some of intended to bring the great yogin’s teachings the best tales from the Tao. Presented in a to the ordinary people of the day. Delivered taking as departure beautiful volume with over 100 colour pho- the opportunity to practice the genuine tos, these tales offer a delightful entrée into in an earthy and colloquial idiom, Milarepa’s dharma. We both should also be very vigi- points the indelible teaching songs are woven into an engaging lant and aware of this.” characters—Westley, the Taoist way of being, a wisdom at the core narrative that begins after he attains mastery Fezzik, Vizzini, Count of one of the world’s oldest cultures. over his own mind. The book recounts his Rugen, Princess But- The Tao is an empty vessel; most famous encounters with his students, tercup, and others it is used but never exhausted. including Gampopa, Rechungpa, and his THE DHARMA OF THE PRINCESS BRIDE from Rob Reiner’s It is the fathomless source sister Peta, and also includes the stories of What The Coolest Fairy Tale of Our Time perennially popular of the ten thousand things! his victories over the supernatural forces Can Teach Us About Buddhism film—as he also draws —Lao Tzu linked to the remote Himalayan mountains and Relationships lessons from his own and caves where he meditated. by Ethan Nichtern life and his work as a Milarepa’s favored mode of teaching was $35.00, cloth. North Point. 288 pages meditation teacher. in spontaneous verse, a colorful and memo- Here’s an engagingly contemporary ap- Nicthern devotes the first section of the THE EIGHT IMMORTAL HEALERS rable way to convey the import of the Bud- proach to Buddhism—through the lens of book to exploring the dynamics of friend- Taoist Wisdom for Radiant Health dhist teachings. Christopher Stagg’s careful an iconic film and its memorable charac- ship. Why do people become friends? What by Mantak Chia & Johnathon Dao translation, prepared under the guidance ters. Drawing from pop culture and from can we learn from the sufferings of Inigo $24.95, paper. Inner Traditions. of Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, brilliantly personal experience, The Dharma of The Montoya and Fezzik? 404 pages, b/w illustrations brings to life the Tibetan author’s original Princess Bride teaches us how to understand Next, he leads us through all the phases of The Eight Immortals are a group of leg- intention. and navigate our most important personal illusion and disillusion we encounter in our endary ancient Taoist masters, each associat- Touching his staff to the corpse’s heart relationships from a twenty-first-century romantic pursuits, providing a healthy dose ed with a specific area of health or a powerful center Milarepa said, “Rechungpa, all be- Buddhist perspective. of lightheartedness along the way by shar- healing technique. These eight disciplines ings, like this, will die. But those who do Friendship. Romance. Family. These are ing his own Princess Buttercup List and the can bestow vibrant health and well-being not think that it will happen to them miss the three areas Ethan Nichtern delves into, vicissitudes of his dating life as he ponders and provide the antidote to the stresses, ail-

B R A N C H E S O F L I G H T F 16 F F A L L, W I N T E R, S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 F L I V I N G A S H E A L I N G F ments, degen- and offer similar benefits. The beginnings erative diseases, of Qigong date back five thousand years. Holistic Healing Gems and toxins of Taiji was developed much later, in the 14th modern life. century, so you could look upon Qigong as DEEPLY HOLISTIC In this guide the wellspring and Taiji as the offspring… A Guide to Intuitive Self-care to the healing Know Your Body, Live Consciously, practices of A Qigong move can be so simple that you can learn it in five minutes. There are and Nurture Your Spirit the Eight Im- some Qigong styles that involve numerous by Pip Waller mortals, Master complicated moves linked together, but $28.95, paper. North Atlantic. 400 pages Mantak Chia these more complex set are not suitable for This user-friendly guide gives straightforward and practical ad- and Johnathon this book. vice to anyone who wants a holistic approach to taking care of Dao share the Beautifully presented and fully illustrated themselves naturally. Following the traditional framework of an legends of each with 300 postures from the main schools of anatomy book that explains each body system chapter-by-chapter, Immortal teach- Qigong, illustrated in step-by-step sequence, Pip Waller—an experienced practitioner and teacher—provides er and detail The Qigong Bible includes expert tips on fundamental information and tips about exercise, diet, supple- the many ways how to practice Qigong for health, spirit- ments, understanding and caring for your emotional and mental health, naturopathic to apply their wisdom through nutrition, ual development and martial prowess. This principles from various traditions, and simple yet effective ways of working with spiri- exercises, supplements, detoxification meth- definitive guide to energy cultivation exer- tual energy. Based on the premise that an underlying vital force animates all life, which ods, spiritual practices, and energy work. cise and moving mindfulness also includes needs to be in balance for health to be fully present, this book is designed to support They explain how the first Immortal, born modifications for those with limited mobil- and promote our inherent tendency towards wholeness and equilibrium. Each chapter during the 8th century AD, is associated with ity, and many practices for making Qigong a includes fun recipes to enhance our health and well-being. oxygen, considered in the Taoist healing part of your everyday life. Pip Waller is an experienced medical herbalist and plant spirit medicine healer, perspective as the body’s primary nutrient. Katherine Allen has been teaching Qi- writer and teacher. She lives in North Wales UK, in a small town on a beautiful river, They discuss how oxygen deficiency is the gong and Tai Chi since 1992. surrounded by magical hills. She began her work as a holistic healthcare professional main culprit in cancer and virus and pro- in 1987 and has been in continuous practice ever since. Waller is qualified in herbal vide a number of oxygen therapies includ- medicine and Plant Spirit Medicine. She is also trained in therapeutic massage, Reiki, ing the use of hydrogen peroxide and deep and some shamanic techniques. breathing to stimulate the metabolism and BodyMind Healing Pip Waller is also author of Holistic Anatomy: An Integrative Guide to the Human Body immune system. (2010), which came out of her many years of teaching anatomy to students of ho- The second Immortal Healer centers on listic medicine and The Herbal Handbook of Home and Health (2015), a book of 501 water, and the authors explain how chronic MIND OVER MEDS plant based recipes for everything from medicines and personal care products to green dehydration can lead to a host of ailments Know When Drugs Are Necessary, cleaning products, foods, drinks, and string (yes really, string!). and offer advice for rehydrating. The other When Alterntive Are Better teachings of the Immortal Healers include --and When to Let Your Body HEALING FROM THE INSIDE OUT Nutrition, with guidance on supplements, Heal on Its Own Overcome Chronic Disease and Radically Change Your Life superfoods, toxic foods, and daily meals; by Nauman Naeem Detoxification, with detailed guidelines for by Andrew Weil $37.95, cloth. Little, Brown. 284 pages $20.99, paper. Findhorn. 192 pages cleansing the body’s organs and glands; Too many of us are taking too many Patients who develop a chronic illness are too often led to Avoiding environmental poisons, with ad- drugs—and it’s costing us our health, hap- believe that they will just have to accept their diagnosis. Medics vice on vaccines, dental amalgam fillings, piness, and lives. Pre- tell them their health will never improve—after all, that’s what sunscreen, chemotherapy, fluoride, and pes- scription drug use in makes their condition chronic. Instead, they will have to learn to ticides; Exercise, with step-by-step instruc- North America has manage painful and debilitating symptoms. Healing from the Inside tions for Inner Alchemy practices, yoga, increased tenfold in Out challenges this common narrative of chronic illness, explain- and breathing techniques; Maintenance of the past 50 years, and ing that not only is this mindset false, it is damaging enough that the energy body, through acupuncture, chi over-the-counter drug it can impede recovery. It stems from doctors who, overworked, kung healing, magnet therapy, and photon use has risen just as stressed, and without enough time in the day to give each person sound beams; and Emotional pollution and dramatically. In addi- the individual attention they deserve, see patients as statistics. It’s easy for doctors to spiritual hygiene, with a wealth of practices tion to the dozens of neglect the spiritual and emotional side of healing. for balancing the emotional body and stay- medications we take The purpose of this book is to take you on a journey to the core of your being. This ing connected to Source, including forgive- to treat serious illness- is done through unraveling layers and layers of density which most of us accumulate ness, meditation, and karmic yoga. es, we take drugs to throughout our lives which often initiate and perpetuate chronic disease. Once you By following these Eight Immortal Heal- help us sleep, to keep touch the light of your being, you illuminate the dark recesses of your thoughts, emotions ers, you can take control of your health, us awake, to keep our noses from running, and your physical body thus facilitating the healing of any chronic illness. remove the root causes of the chronic ail- our backs from aching, and our minds from By taking part in this book’s exercises you will gain more clarity about your life’s ments that inhibit well-being and longevity, racing. Name a symptom, there’s a pill to mission, heal old emotional wounds, lift subconscious blocks, remove limiting beliefs, and choose to live life to the fullest in happi- suppress it. enter the natural flow of the universe and fearlessly embrace uncertainty. ness and radiant health. Modern drugs can be miraculously Among Inner Alchemy and Chi Kung This is where all true healing comes from. It lies deep inside that part of us we dare not life-saving, and many illnesses demand their enter for fear of losing our identity. Yet, we must plunge head first into that abyss, for it is master Mantak Chia’s other books are Chi use. But what happens when our reliance on the source of who we are: pure love. Self-Massage and Healing Light of the Tao. powerful pharmaceuticals blinds us to their Straightforward, necessary, and fascinating, Healing from the Inside Out takes you on risks? Painful side effects and dependency an incredible journey to the emotional, psychological, and spiritual roots of disease. are common, and adverse drug reactions are America’s fourth leading cause of death. When I talk about healing in this book, I am not referring to cure. I am referring to integrat- THE QIGONG BIBLE ing your being at all levels—physical, mental, emotional, vibrational, spiritual, and existen- The Definitive Guide In Mind over Meds, bestselling author Dr. tial. This will create the optimal internal and external environment for your illness to be treat- to Energy Cultivation Exercise Andrew Weil alerts readers to the problem ed most effectively, with any improvement and, possibly, an elimination of your symptoms. of overmedication, and outlines when medi- by Katherine Allen Dr. Naeem is a critical care specialist, pulmonologist and palliative care specialist $21.95, paper. Godsfield. cine is necessary, and when it is not. Dr. Weil 320 pages, 6x7, colour photos examines how we came to be so drastically who’s cared for tens of thousands of critically and chronically ill patients. He’s based This book is a comprehensive guide to overmedicated, presents science that proves in Toronto. practicing Qigong and finding a mental and drugs aren’t always the best option, and physical balance in provides reliable integrative medicine ap- life, encouraging proaches to treating common ailments like Healing Energies, tle Body Coloring readers of all levels high blood pressure, allergies, depression, Book, Cyndi Dale to make Qigong a and even the common cold. Healing Herbs joins Richard part of their every- With case histories, healthy alternative Wehrman to day routine. The treatments, and input from other leading THE SUBTLE BODY COLORING BOOK bring you an il- ancient art of Qi- physicians, Mind over Meds is the go-to re- Learn Energetic Anatomy lustrated resource gong, the “seed of source for anyone who is sick and tired of from the Chakras to the on healing modal- martial arts,” not being sick and tired. Meridians and More ities from a variety only allows you In my opinion, however, people still by Cyndi Dale, illus. by Richard Wehrman of traditions, in- to maintain your do not ask enough questions about their $25.50, paper. Sounds True. viting you to: health but also medications, and that also contributes to 128 pages, 9x11, ringbound, b&w illustrations u Embark on heals the bodies the problem. Taking a drug just because a When it comes to the subtle body, coloring a color- and calms the minds of those who practice it. doctor says so is never a good idea. Always is more than just an enjoyable way to learn ing tour Included is some of the ancient history of try to understand why you need it. about the energy systems that govern our through the major energy structures Qigong. Among Dr. Andrew Weil’s other books are health—it’s also an effective practice to help of the subtle body—fields, channels, Qigong and Taiji (also known as Tai Chi) Fast Food, Good Food and Spontaneous Hap- awaken your intuitive connection to your and centers operate from the same general principles piness. chakras, meridians, and more. With The Sub- u Illuminate the meridians—the body’s

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chi channels as identified by Tradi- Teaching you how to use essential oils to tional Chinese Medicine affect the very fabric of your being, Candice Cannabis: Herbal Medicine u Awaken the gifts and wisdom of each Covington details how the Tattvas Method of chakras as you color them essential oils allow you to access the deepest, CANNABIS FOR CHRONIC PAIN most hidden aspects of Self, those beyond u Learn the special qualities and healing A Proven Prescription for Using Marijuana properties of each color you use. the reach of the mind, the very energetic causation patterns that set all behaviors and to Relieve Your Pain and Heal Your Life Filled with practical guidance for stu- by Rav Ivker dents, teachers, and holistic practitioners, thoughts into motion. She reveals how the tattvas are the energy that animate each $35.99, cloth. Scribner. 346 pages here is an information-rich book that serves This is the first authoritative and comprehensive guide for treating chakra and how we can use their archetyp- as an educational tool, memorization aid, chronic pain with medical marijuana from a holistic family physician al energy to shape our inner life and align and a great way to relax and explore the en- who has treated more than six thousand chronic pain patients with with our greater soul purpose. The author ergetic dimensions of our health. cannabis. provides energetic profiles of each tattva, “The Subtle Body Coloring Book is a wonder- While the number of patients using medical marijuana increases chakra, and essential oil, explains their rela- ful, engaged way to learn more about the every year, misconceptions about cannabis and whether it’s harmful tionships to one another, and details how to energy body and energy fields. I love that or dangerous still exist. In Cannabis for Chronic Pain, Dr. Rav explains cannabis’s poten- identify what tattva or chakra is dominant at Cyndi Dale included so much information tial capacity for healing anyone afflicted with chronic pain. Medical marijuana is a safe, any given time. on auric fields as it is key to healing work, non-addictive alternative to dangerous opiate pain pills. Exploring the energetic signatures of the distance healing work, and everyday inter- Along with sharing his own story of using medical marijuana to heal from a severe tattvic essential oils, she details their elemen- action in the world. I am a huge fan of this case of shingles, Dr. Rav guides you through the cannabis and holistic treatment for tal make-up, animal and deity archetypes, coloring book and will use it with my energy your specific chronic pain condition. If you are suffering from arthritis, back pain, mi- sacred geometry symbols, sacred syllables, students.” —Ann Marie Chiasson, author of graines, fibromyalgia, menstrual cramps, IBS, Crohn’s Disease, anxiety, depression, or and colors. She reveals how to discover the Energy Healing pain from cancer or its treatment (etc.)—this book is for you. energy patterns responsible for directing Dr. Rav offers step by step instruction on the benefits and appropriate use of medical unhealthy life patterns and explains how to marijuana. And he dispels many of the misconceptions. Did you know that you don’t identify your personal vibrational signature, have to smoke or eat cannabis for it to be effective? There are now vaporizers, patches AN HERBALIST’S GUIDE TO purify your energy body, and craft your own and drops. We are entering a new age of acceptance and perhaps most importantly, it is unique ritual practice with essential oils. FORMULARY now possible to create a distinct cannabis prescription for different types of chronic pain. Showing how essential oils are powerful The Art & Science of Creating Effective The book is in 3 parts: vibrational tools for effecting change, the Herbal Remedies Cannabis as Medicine author reveals how they allow each of us to by Holly Bellebuono Self-Care 101: MMJ + Holistic Medicine = Long-Lasting Pain Relief $22.95, paper. Llewellyn. 312 pages deliberately steer our own destiny, fulfill our Explore the ancient art of formulary with personal dharma, and be all that our souls Fully Alive: Getting High on Life! award-winning herbalist Holly Bellebuono’s intended us to be. In the chapter “Cannabis as a Sacred Herb,” he writes beautifully about celebrating comprehensive guide to the Sabbath (our own sacred time, regularly) with cannabis: creating effective herbal It can serve as a facilitator and assist you in navigating through your uncharted interior medicine. Packed with landscape. It will help to empower you and accelerate the healing process… When used detailed information on HERBAL ALLIES on occasion as a sacred heart-opening, soul-awakening herb, it can help take you to new more than one hundred My Journey with Plant Medicine heights of self-awareness and self-love… plants, An Herbalist’s by Robert Rogers The energy conveyed by cannabis is both medicinal and mystical, which is most is a $33.95, paper. North Atlantic. evident with its impact on the heart. Parts I and II have provided you with a wealth of Guide to Formulary 415 pages, b/w & colour photos information of the use of cannabis as a medicine, primarily for physical pain relief. In Part go-to reference for both Chronicling more than forty-five years III you learn to apply the mystical heart chakra-opening properties of the herb to heal the beginning and experi- of his intimate relationship with the plant deeper emotional and spiritual pain underlying all physical pain. enced practitioners. world, Robert Rogers de- Cannabis for Chronic Pain is a definitive guide for those who suffer from chronic pain. Organized by body sys- scribes the journey that tems, this essential guide led him to become an provides an easy understanding of physiolo- herbalist and shares his CBD: A PATIENT’S GUIDE TO MEDICINAL CANNABIS gy and explains how herbs function, helping deep knowledge of the by Leonard Leinow, Juliana Birnbaum, and Michael Hoskowitz you design a holistic treatment for acute and twenty plants that form $28.99, paper. North Atlantic. 248 pages chronic conditions. Bellebuono shares her the soul of his medicine This practical, accessible guide to using CBD-dominant cannabis step-by-step method of formulary with per- kit. Rogers weaves per- contains a wealth of information for both first-time explorers and sonal and clinical examples to illustrate the sonal experience, obser- experienced patients who want to know more about safely treating art of combining plants for specific illnesses, vations, and knowledge a number of health conditions with remarkable results and low to preventative care, and overall wellness. from indigenous healers, no psychoactivity or negative side effects. CBD (cannabidiol) is a “A cornucopia of herbal insights blend- and many years of ex- component of cannabis that can provide relief for conditions such ed with the practical skills to bring nature’s pertise from his practice as a professional as seizures, pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression, arthritis, and a healing gifts into family life.” —David Hoff- herbalist and clinical professor to present number of other issues. mann, medical herbalist a unique and fascinating narrative that not This book offers guidance on various forms of the medicine such as oil infusions, Also by Holly Bellebuono are Women Heal- only limns one man’s vital connection to alcohol-based tinctures, capsules, and CO2 concentrated extracts. The information is organized by health condition and also by recommended CBD-rich strains, which do ers of the World and The Healing Kitchen. plants but also provides invaluable informa- not produce the “highs” associated with THC tion on effectively using plant medicine for . With dosage suggestions, potential side the prevention and treatment of a variety of effects and contraindications, and the pharmacology of the plant, this is an essential guide for both doctors and patients looking for a nontoxic alternative to opiate-based ESSENTIAL OILS health conditions. Organized in chapters according to the pain medications and other pharmaceuticals. IN SPIRITUAL PRACTICE While cannabis has been used for medicinal and recreational purposes for thousands Working with the Chakras, optimum harvest seasons as determined by the Cree lunar cycles, the twenty plants in- of years, only in the last fifty years have scientists begun to shed light on the chemistry Divine Archetypes, of the plant and its interactions with the human body. Research has led to the discovery clude familiar trees such as the aspen, birch, the Five Great Elements of a whole new system in the body, the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in spruce, and poplar as well as lesser-known by Candice Covington mediating functions such as appetite, immunity, mood, pain response, and memory. small plants such as Labrador tea, cow pars- $21.50, paper. Inner Traditions. 226 pp. The authors present case studies, interviews with doctors who prescribe cannabidiol nip, and buffalo berry. Each plant is intro- The tattvas, the Five Great Elements— products, and the latest research regarding other active phytocannabinoids and ter duced and described, and its specificmerits, - earth, water, fire, air/wind, and ether/ penoids present in cannabis that are being studied for medical use. They also address space—create and sus- qualities, and usages are presented through the author’s personal experiences, in tra- the difference between CBD products derived from industrial hemp or in a lab, versus tain not only the universe those made from medical marijuana using the whole plant. but also all of its inhabi- ditional practices by indigenous cultures, modern commercial uses, the author’s pro- In addition to offering the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on tants. Each of us has a CBD-dominant cannabis therapy for humans, this book is the first to offer guidance unique combination of fessional clinical treatments, the medicinal constituents of each plant, homeopathic ap- for using the medicine for animals, with suggestions for dosage and delivery and useful these elemental ener- forms and strains for common health issues in pets. Finally, the authors take a look at gies behind our personal plications, and recipes using various parts of the plants. the future of cannabis medicine, charting trends in the legalization movement and characteristics—every- suggesting how CBD might be used to fight the opioid epidemic. thing from the color of Rogers also conveys common names, tips our eyes to our behaviors for collection, and observations on the per- and emotional temper- sonality traits and spiritual properties of the ament. What tattvas are plants. Poems, stories, and legends from dominant in your make-up can also be influ- different cultures round out portraits of the enced by your surroundings and by karma. plants as living beings that speak to us in a Essential oils, in addition to working biolog- language we need to learn. ically and chemically, also work at the ener- “Herbal Allies is a must-read for any serious getic level, making them ideal for working student of herbal medicine.” —Thomas Eas- with the tattvas. ley, author of The Modern Herbal Dispensatory

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thing more than conventional stretching. Bodywork This book provides you with many different Core Light Energy Healing stretches for the whole body including the CORE LIGHT HEALING & Movement hands and feet, as well as easy-to-get rou- My Personal Journey tines for specific goals such as improving and Advanced Healing Concepts THE SECRET NATURE OF MATTER posture, helping office workers stay healthy, for Creating the Life You Long to Live by Richard Gordon stretching the back, and more. Even those with sedentary lives will see and feel a differ- by Barbara Brennan $24.95, paper. North Atlantic. $42.00, paper. Hay House. 226 pages, b/w illustrations ence, with just 10-20 minutes of stretching 204 pages, 8x11, b/w & colour illustrations The secret nature of matter is revealed here yielding benefits that may last the whole day. Core Light Healing is the first book in twenty years from Bar- through a series of 58 jaw-dropping experi- Many of us are limited in our movements, bara Brennan, founder of the Barbara Brennan School of ments which chal- hunched over, or tight. Ideally we would Healing. A sequel to her two classic works, Hands of Light and lenge many of our move in a variety of ways throughout the Light Emerging, it extends her beloved teaching to help readers most fundamental day, keeping our bodies fresh and youthful. learn to create the lives they long to live. assumptions. Going However, office jobs and sofas can lead to In Part 1, Barbara reviews the configuration of the Human beyond mere theory bodies that are imprisoned in a cage of ten- Energy-Consciousness System (HECS); then she goes on to describe the creative pro- or speculation, read- sion, whose tissue is dehydrated and stuck cess as it flows through the HECS. When the creative pulse is unblocked, we are able to ers will be able to rep- together, with some areas that are very weak manifest our longing—but we all have blocks that stop the creative flow, places where licate all of the exper- or tight. Normal stretching is not strong we have stopped our energy due to wounding and traumas from childhood. Barbara iments without any enough to break us out of that state. When guides us through the steps to release these blocks so creative energy is free to flow; the special equipment or we tense our bodies and move through that end result is not only the physical manifestation of our heart’s longing but also more investment. tension, we engage the fascia and recondi- core essence, more core light. Discover how tion it into a more youthful state, restoring You stand with one foot your love and intent operates beyond the great posture, elasticity, and power in the physically based reality, boundaries of your brain Suzanne Wylde, founder of Moving and the other in the Learn to infuse your love and intent into Stretch, began her career as a doctor of Tra- spiritually based reality. any physical objects, and then transfer it to ditional Chinese Medicine, and now has ex- other people or objects. What is between, perience working with a wide range of phys- is the solid ground of your core. The relationship between matter and ical issues including chronic pain, sports, — Heyoan consciousness is unfathomably profound, injuries, issues caused by physical tension such as migraine, ME, and other issues. Part 2 takes us to the astral world or the 4th level of the HECS to explore its relation and the implications of these discoveries are to the creative process. Before we can understand the 4th level we must first perceive it! momentous. Richard Gordon maps out new Barbara begins Part 2 with an explanation of how high sense perception works, so we territory in the rarely explored intersection can begin to perceive not only the 4th level but also other levels of the HECS. Then she of science and spirituality. Building on the THE PSOAS SOLUTION explains in detail how the 4th level functions, discussing blocks that may have occurred Quantum-Touch technique he developed in The Practitioner’s Guide to Rehabilitation, through multiple lifetimes; the process of death and soul travel and how it affects the previous books, Gordon explains how the Corrective Exercise, and Training for hands-on energy healing technique that he HECS; and how to heal the energetic cords that connect us to people with whom we are Improved Function uses to help to alleviate nerve pain, head- in relationship, either in our present lives or across generations. by Evan Osar aches, back pain, hip pain, TMJ, and more Interwoven through the book are Barbara Brennan’s personal stories of her child- $33.00, paper. North Atlantic. hood as well as her experiences as a beginning and then professional healer and found- provides a unique window onto the secret 216 pages, 8x11, colourphotos er of the Barbara Brennan School of Healing. Also included is channeled poetry from nature of matter. The first book to comprehensively discuss her guide, Heyoan, which further elucidates and integrates the concepts presented He explains how, by examining pelvic and the function of the psoas in posture, move- throughout. Finally, each chapter ends with questions to guide the reader’s further occipital torsion, and then aligning people ment, and exercise, The work and exploration. without the use of touch or suggestion, he Psoas Solution identifies is able to run a wide range of simple ex- the functional anatomy, In this third book, Core Light Healing, I describe how to create the life you long to live periments that challenge many dogmas of by learning to understand, heal, release, and utilize your creative life energies that arise biomechanics, and mo- science. This book teaches readers the tech- out of your core essence in the core of your being. To do so means to learn to recognize tor control of the psoas and become familiar with the deeper parts of your being. This includes your inner good- nique along with 57 easy-to-reproduce ex- and its role in core and ness as well as your inner darkness. To release your creative core energies, you need to periments that allow them to test the results. hip stabilization. Inte- learn to honor your soul’s longing, the deeper source of light, love, and life within you… These experiments clearly demonstrate that grating research with Every living creature on the earth, and most likely everywhere else in the cosmos, has an our consciousness can profoundly influence clinical experience, inner core light, or core essence, that is unique to each. It, in fact, is you! matter, and that an object charged with en- Evan Osar identifies the ergy and intent can dramatically affect us psoas’s role on the hip, physiologically in seconds. pelvis, and low back and THE COMPLETE CHAKRA WORKSHOP What’s more, I’ll teach you how to do demonstrates how to incorporate the psoas Your Comprehensive Chakra Experience this as you can test everything in this book into functional movement patterns includ- in a Book for yourself! You be the judge. ing squatting, lunging, and bending. Book I believe that I’ve opened a most unlikely The Psoas Solution includes corrective by Patricia Mercier door and entered a new world of extraordi- $16.95, Book+CD set. Godsfield. & CD and functional exercise progressions for im- nary discoveries… There are countless epiph- 256 pages, colour photos + audio-Cd proving and integrating the psoas into daily anies yet to encounter. And I fully expect that The seven chakras allow life energy to flow into our aura activities. Health and fitness professionals other explorers will be there… and are associated with our physical, mental and emotional Come with me if you dare, and be pre- will find this a valuable resource full of ap- interactions. Healers observe that the majority of disease is pared to be astounded. plicable strategies and exercises to incor- caused by an energy imbalance in our bodies, usually a re- porate into current rehabilitation or train- duced flow of pranic life-force throughout the chakras. ing programs. Abundantly illustrated with This fascinating book and CD provide you with a personal- full-colour images throughout, this book ized, practical and direct experience of chakras and their powerful healing properties. Go- MOVING STRETCH also provides the most complete review on ing far beyond a reference guide, The Complete Chakra Workshop is more like a personal tutor, Work Your Fascia to Free Your Body the relevant research on the psoas available. explaining step-by-step how to work with your chakras and access benefits such as improved by Suzanne Wylde For years the psoas has been a muscle health, stress reduction and spiritual development. $33.00, paper. North Atlantic. mired in controversy. It has been linked to Featuring case studies throughout, and journal sections so you can record your ex- 192 pages, 7x10, colour photos common postural and movement dysfunction periences, this holistic, integrated and practical guide is your own personal chakra Moving Stretch is an effective, powerful, including anterior pelvic tilt, hyperlordosis of workshop in a book. and enjoyable type of resistance stretch- the lumbar spine, and low back pain. Strate- The companion audio-CD includes tracks on “Colour-Breathing a Rainbow,” Com- ing that not only gies to improve posture and reduce pain have plete Relaxation,” “Heart Chakra Visualization,” “Sound Experience,” and “Visualiza- strengthens and frees primarily involved stretching the psoas and tion for my 12 Chakras.” It provides musical tracks to accompany guided instruction for the body, but recon- strengthening its antagonist, the glutes. five of the exercises in the book. ditions the body’s However, recent clinical research has re- Around our physical body there is an auric energy field. Interacting with our body are fascia, rejuvenates the vealed that the psoas is much more than a spiralling energetic forces known as chakras (both their common and traditional Indian tissue, releases adhe- simple hip flexor and plays an integral role names are given in this book). sions, relieves pain, in both posture and movement. This profes- Teachings originating in yoga refer to seven major chakras or body-power centres… We and increases flexi- sional treatment manual for health care prac- have seven major chakras and 22 interconnected minor and transpersonal chakras that con- bility. This accessible titioners and students gives an overview of the nect us to the wider cosmic field—sometimes call the Quantum Field… guide gives step-by- ways that non-optimal use of the psoas can af- You will learn ways to clear, activate or balance the seven chakras… You will be shown step instructions for fect breathing, posture, and movement. It out- how to use a pendulum and crystals, do colour-breathing and visualizations/meditation people who feel tight lines specific treatment strategies to develop and use aromatherapy and sound. Included are personal workshop exercises, journaling or older than they should, people with poor awareness and utilization of the psoas muscle pages, and more. posture, athletes who want to boost their to achieve three-dimensional breathing and performance, and those who want some- improve balance and body mechanics.

B R A N C H E S O F L I G H T F 19 F F A L L, W I N T E R, S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 F H E A L I N G A N D N O U R I S H M E N T F Body Wisdom / Vagus Nerve Vegetarian Cookbooks ACCESSING THE HEALING POWER THE MOOSEWOOD RESTAURANT TABLE OF THE VAGUS NERVE 250 Brand-New Recipes from the Natural Foods Restaurant Self-Help Exercises for Anxiety, That Revolutionized Eating in America Depression, Trauma, and Autism by the Moosewood Collective by Stanley Rosenberg $45.00, cloth. Picador. $34.95, paper. North Atlantic. 416 pages, 8x10, colour photos 304 pages, 30 b/w illustrations The creators of America’s beloved natural foods restaurant, Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve is a practical guide to Moosewood, are back with The Moosewood Restaurant Table— understanding the cranial nerves as the key to our psychological and over 250 brand new, never-before-published recipes. With the physical wellbeing. Drawing from the polyvagal theory of Stephen restaurant now in its fifth decade, the Moosewood chefs con- Porges--one of the biggest new developments in human neurobiolo- tinue to remain faithful to the vegetarian, farm-to-table philos- gy--Rosenberg explains in easy-to-understand terms how the vagus nerve, in particular, ophy that has governed the restaurant since its founding, while also keeping an eye on has a strong role in determining our psychological and emotional state, especially when today’s gastro-trends. As they say it comes to how we relate and react to other people. Along with the other nerves of the We’ve gotten to know our customers and readers pretty well… Their curiosity and culi- autonomic nervous system, the vagus nerve also regulates the function of our visceral nary IQ have grown exponentially We’ve been on some adventures developing this book. organs and sets the tonus of our entire muscular system. Indeed, they have, working with some less common fruits and vegetables that you By understanding the physiology of the autonomic nervous system and practicing might find in your CSA, like Romanesco broccoli and watermelon radishes. They’ve simple exercises to restore proper vagal functioning, we can learn how to improve our begun cooking with a wider variety of grains like freekeh and millet. All this exper- emotional state within minutes. imentation has led them to some great new recipes: Two Potato Tomato Curry, Ca- Those suffering from anxiety, depression, panic, and trauma will find much that is shew-Crusted Chickpea Burgers, Cuban Picadillo with Tofu, Pot Pies for Autumn Win- useful here, as well as those with physical ailments such as chronic pain, migraine, re- ter and Spring, Butternut Latkes, Jamaican Jerk Tempeh Patties, and plenty more. spiratory issues, and digestive problems. Additionally, because the vagus nerve is a key Of course, a Moosewood cookbook wouldn’t be complete without desserts like regulator of social interaction, therapy for proper vagal functioning has great potential Turkish Coffee Brownies, Orange Pistachio Cornmeal Cake or Cherry Tomato Upside for helping those with autism spectrum disorders. Down Cake to mention just a few. Including a healthy number of both vegan and glu- Following a detailed explanation of the cranial nerves, the polyvagal theory, and how ten-free recipes, The Moosewood Restaurant Table will enjoy a sauce-splattered happy life craniosacral therapy can assist with restoring proper neuroception, Rosenberg provides in your kitchen. self-help exercises to test ventral vagal function and to improve the function of the cranial nerves. A separate chapter addresses how we might rethink common psycholog- THE VEGETARIAN TIMES ical problems via vagal theory, including anxiety, panic, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as autism, ADHD, PLANT-POWERED PROTEIN COOKBOOK and more. Rosenberg also includes case studies throughout from his thirty years of Over 200 Healthy & Delicious Whole-Food Dishes experience as a craniosacral therapist. by the Vegetarian Times editors $34.95, cloth. Lyons Press. When we change our emotional state from one of pain and confusion to one of wellbe- 366 pages, 8x11, colour photos ing and feeling safe, we feel better, think more clearly, and have better interactions with Protein is the macronutrient that’s on the tip of everyone’s others. The healing power of the vagus nerve removes negative feelings blocking our true tongue these days, but a protein-rich diet doesn’t have to mean potential; by restoring vagal functioning, we can naturally shift our behavior to get the chowing down on giant bowls of beans or plates of egg whites— most out of life. nor does it have to include meat, fish, or poultry. In this book, the Vegetarian Times editors set the protein story straight, showing RECLAIMING YOUR BODY you how to meet all your protein needs with delicious, satisfying, easy-to-prepare reci- How Your Body’s Wisdom pes that fit seamlessly into any lifestyle. Can Help You Heal from Trauma An interesting thing happens when you focus on incorporating nutrient-dense protein by Suzanne Scurlock-Durana sources from the Fab Five (beans and legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds, soy and $23.00, paper. New World Library. 272 pp seitan, and eggs and dairy) into your meals and snacks: Everything else starts to fall into While our language trumpets what our bodies know—‘gut feel- place nutritionally. Beans, lentils, and legumes are the best examples of this. One cup ings,’ hearts that ‘reach out’ to others—many of us have learned to of cooked legumes delivers between 8 to16 grams of protein along with iron, vitamins, ignore, deny, or even mistrust these messages. Even worse, lots of us minerals, and up to 12 grams of fiber. Bam! Just like that, with just one ingredient, you just don’t like our bodies as they are. The result is that when trauma attain most of the nutrition goals set for a meal. From there, you can add on to your strikes, a time when we need every aspect of our being to master the heart’s content, using nuts or seeds for good fats and extra-fiber vegetables galore for challenge, we may find ourselves disconnected from our strengths. vitamins and antioxidants, whole grains for complex carbos and more protein… the pos- Scurlock-Durana, who has spent thirty years studying the gifts of the body and teaching sibilities are endless. thousands how to reclaim them, began to recognize this strength, which she likens to a GPS, when she herself experienced a life-threatening trauma. Here she walks read- fully clear presentation of what mindfulness The 75-minute audio program of exercis- ers through different areas of the body, revealing the wisdom they hold and how to is and how it can help us create a healthier es from the book has also been revised and reconnect with that wisdom. As she shows in this warm, compassionate book, the body’s relationship with food. In Mindful Eating she is available as an audio download. abilities are always available; we must simply reconnect with them. shows us how to rediscover the simple act of In the Zen tradition we practice bringing Still, many people have never actually had the experience, and this work is all about eating, thereby gaining control of our eating skillful attention, curiosity and inquiry to the experience—the direct experience of full-body presence and body wisdom—what problems from the inside out. Along the way all our activities, including the activities of it feels like, tastes like, smells like, and looks like. Beyond our five senses, it is also the she reviews relevant research, offers medical tasting and eating. The Zen teachings en- ineffable experience of simply being alive, which encompasses our body, mind, and spirit. info, and presents many practical exercises courage us to explore our present moment Many people don’t even realize what they are missing. Yet without being present in our drawn from her workshops. fully, asking ourselves questions like: body, our experience just is not the same. It is severely limited. It’s like a building without Apply mindfulness to your relationship Am I hungry? a solid foundation. My hope is that this book helps you build that foundation. with food and you may be surprised to find Where do I feel hungry? What part of me The author’s decades of practicing CranioSacral Therapy and her development of that eating becomes a source of joy-—in- is hungry? the program she calls “Healing from the Core” through “listening to and being present stead an angst-ridden activity haunted by nu- What am I tasting just now? in my heart, my gut, my pelvis, and my bones for healing and guidance” are evident in tritionally based guilt, calorie-counting, and Also by Jan Bays are Mindfulness on the Go this book—a gorgeously written introduction to her deep work on body intelligence. even more serious problems like eating dis- and Mindfulness on the Go Cards. “Reclaiming Your Body is an invitation to come home to the very grounds of this cher- orders. For nearly a decade, Jan Bays’s guide ished life… A brilliant and compelling guide to the deepest freedom—living from to eating mindfully has been transforming awake, vibrant, loving presence.” —Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance people’s relationship with food—and based Inspiration & Self-Help Also by her is Full Body Presence. on her continued work with those people as well as new data emerging on the topic, she has created this significantly revised and re- BIG LOVE: Food & Healing the process of eating— fined version of the original, which contains The Power of Living becoming fully present even more essential information on mindful with a Wide-Open Heart to the tastes, smells, eating, as well as inspiring new examples by Scott Stabile MINDFUL EATING thoughts, and feelings from her workshop participants. She shows $33.50, cloth. New World Library A Guide to Rediscovering that arise during a meal. how to: 220 pages a Healthy and Joyful Whether you are over- u Tune into your body’s wisdom about What happens when you fully commit Relationship with Food weight, suffer from an what, when, and how much to eat yourself to love? Endless good, insists Scott (Revised Edition) eating disorder, or just u Eat less while feeling fully satisfied Stabile, who found that out by overcoming by Jan Chozen Bays want to get more out u Identify your habits and patterns with plenty of bad. Scott’s parents were mur- $22.95, paper. Shambhala. 208 pages of life, this book offers food dered when he was fourteen. Nine years Practiced for centuries in the Zen tra- a simple tool that can u Develop a more compassionate atti- later, his brother died of a heroin overdose. dition, mindful eating is an approach that make a remarkable difference. Jan Bays, a tude toward your struggles with eating Soon after that, Stabile joined a cult that involves bringing one’s full attention to physician and Zen teacher, offers a wonder- u Discover what you’re really hungry for. would dominate his life. Through all these

B R A N C H E S O F L I G H T F 20 F F A L L, W I N T E R, S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 F L I V I N G I N S P I R A T I O N F Mark Nepo’s Field Notes Gretchen Rubin’s Latest THE ONE LIFE WE’RE GIVEN THE FOUR TENDENCIES Finding the Wisdom that Waits in Your Heart New in The Indispensable Personality Profiles That Reveal How to Make by Mark Nepo Paperback Your Life Better (And Other People’s Lives Better, Too) $23.00, paper. Scribner. 300 pages by Gretchen Rubin Beloved spiritual teacher, poet, and philosopher Mark Nepo re- $32.00, cloth. Knopf. 257 pages turns to the inspiring short-chapter format of his bestseller, The Book In this groundbreaking analysis of personality type, bestselling of Awakening, to map an insightful and resilient path for inhabiting author of Better Than Before and The Happiness Project Gretchen Ru- the soul by engaging in the world. Open this book anywhere and the bin reveals the one simple question that will transform what you do stream is alive; a remarkable book. at home, at work, and in life. Mark Nepo has been called a consummate storyteller and an el- During her multibook investigation into understand human oquent spiritual teacher. Now, in The One Life We’re Given, Nepo’s nature, Gretchen Rubin realized that by asking the seemingly dry personal stories, questions, and meditations take us on a deep and uplifting journey to question “How do I respond to expectations?” we gain explosive self-knowledge. She know our own hearts and enliven our souls. discovered that based on their answer, people fit into Four Tendencies: Upholders, We will explore how hard work and authenticity reveal meaning and ready us for Questioners, Obligers, and Rebels. Our Tendency shapes every aspect of our behavior, grace. By grace, I mean the unseeable force of life that carries us, the way the wind so using this framework allows us to make better decisions, meet deadlines, suffer less carries a bird and the sea carries a fish. And so, we will unfold how a single life soars and stress or burnout, and engage more effectively. dives in partnership with the unseeable force of life that carries it. Almost a million people have taken her online quiz, and managers, doctors, teachers, My hope is that, through the threshold this book opens, you will deepen your conver- spouses, and parents already use the framework to help others make lasting change. sation with life. That through your own path of obstacle and surprise, you will be opened The Four Tendencies holds practical answers if you’ve ever wondered... to your gifts and become somewhat freed of all you carry. My hope is that you will begin u People can rely on me, so why can’t I rely on myself? to discover and experience the particular expression of your own nature. u How can I help someone to follow good advice? In order to fully live the one life we’re given, Nepo writes, we each must affirm u Why do people tell me that I ask too many questions? how precious this one life is and open ourselves to loving whatever life puts before us. u How do I work with someone who refuses to do what I ask or who keeps telling Whether that is suffering, pain, fear or loss, or surprise, beauty, love or wonder, we work me what to do? Etc. ! to stay in touch with our hearts in order to make sense of our experience. With surprising insights, compelling research, and hilarious examples, The Four Ten- As we learn when to try and when to let go, when to give our all and when to surrender dencies just might help you get happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative. and simply receive, we unfold the moments that reveal meaning and ready us for grace. It’s far easier to succeed when you know what works for you. This is how the heart breaks a path to our soul’s work, leading us to our authenticity, One of the big daily challenges of life is: “How do I get people—including myself—to and to how we can be useful to others and the world. do what I want?” The Four Tendencies makes this task much, much easier. By illuminating the art of finding and restoring what matters and by exploring the “Gretchen Rubin has discovered a new framework for understanding ourselves and craft of awakening, The One Life We’re Given affirms our purpose as not just to stay alive other people. When we know our Tendency, we can manage ourselves more effectively but to stay in our aliveness. and reach our goals faster—and we can help others to do that, as well. As a researcher Among Mark Nepo’s other lovely books are The Endless Practice and Seven Thousand who has studied habits, addition, and change for twenty years, I’m excited by the sim- Ways to Listen. plicity and power of The Four Tendencies as a tool for anyone seeking to make his or her life better.” —Judson Brewer, author, The Craving Mind THINGS THAT JOIN THE SEA AND THE SKY Field Notes on Living BETTER THAN BEFORE by Mark Nepo What I Learned about Making and Breaking Habits — To Sleep More, $25.50, paper. Sounds True. 232 pages Quit Sugar, Procrastinate Less and Generally Build a Happier Life With Things That Join the Sea and the Sky, Mark Nepo brings us a by Gretchen Rubin rich and resonant resource of short prose reflections to turn to when $19.95, paper. Doubleday. 304 pages were struggling to keep our heads above water—and to help us sur- From the author of the bestsellers The Happiness Project and Happier face and breathe into all of our sorrows and joys. at Home comes a book that tackles the question: How do we make good Suddenly, I fell into one of those moments where life shows itself as habits that are easy, effortless, and automatic? Habits are the invisible always just beginning. We weren’t just watching. We weren’t just listen- architecture of our lives. Rubin provides an analytical and scientific ing. We were part of the song of life starting all over again. It made me framework from which to understand these habits—as well as change want to write a book about joy… them for good. Infused with her compelling voice and funny stories, she illustrates the Joy is the name for all the things that join the sea and the sky… I now experience joy core principles of habit formation with dozens of strategies that she tests out on herself in the oceanic trenches of feeling… This depth has taught me that joy is not the stillness and others. In doing so, she discovers answers to questions such as: waiting at the end of difficult feelings, but the sea of being that holds all feelings, from u which the thousand moods we undergo surface like waves to engage us in the world. At times, I’ve picked up a habit overnight, but other times, it’s taken years to develop. Why? Readers can explore 145 offerings from the acclaimed poet and teacher’s ongoing u Why do some people resist habits, while others adopt them eagerly? journal of many years, gathered into 17 themes, intended to be entered individually u I want to help my child/spouse/colleague make a change. What can I do? or as an unfolding sequence. Here, Mark’s own personal accounts of his sinking and u Why do I resist other people’s advice on how to change, even if I think they are being lifted serve as the seeds for each selection, each unfolding insight relevant to our right? own lives. u How do I make good habits convenient and easy? This book contains raw moment of sinking and being lifted, intimate accounts of being Rubin provides tools to help readers better understand themselves, and presents a thrown into feeling and depth and how I’ve been stretched into wondering about my life clear, practical menu of strategies so readers can take an individualized approach. She and the lives of others in this ongoing push and pull in a Universe that holds us, then tackles each strategy herself, and in doing so shows us the importance of knowing our- tosses us about, only to hold us again. Under every passage, I hope you feel the common selves, and our own habit-tendencies. Armed with self-knowledge, we can pursue the song we’re each born to sing in our unique and very human way. habits in ways that will truly work for us, not against us. Going to the gym can be as easy, For those inspired, this collection also includes a guide to the practice of daily writ- effortless, and automatic as putting on a seatbelt. We can file expense reports, take time ing, with 100 compelling journaling questions to get us started. for fun, or pass up that piece of carrot cake without having to decide. Among Mark Nepo’s other fine books are The One Life We’re Given and The Book of So… why do we find it tough to create a habit for something welove to do? Awakening and The Exquisite Risk. challenges, Stabile grew hard-won insights that return readers to the heart over the ego. (Spoiler alert: really erything he creates.”— Elizabeth Gilbert, stronger and more com- love, both of themselves and others. good stuff.) I don’t shy away from the times bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love mitted to living his life In each chapter of this book, I share a I’ve acted like a total asshole, either. In fact, from love. He forgave personal experience that pulled me from my they make perfect examples of how much the man who murdered center—that shook me up—and the ways in harder life is when we operate outside the his parents, found com- which I brought myself back to peace, and to energy of love. (Spoiler alert #2: way harder.) THE HIDDEN SCHOOL passion for his drug-ad- love. Some of the experiences are tragic… As Scott says, “I’d like this book to inspire Return of the Peaceful Warrior dicted brother, and fi- Most of the stories, however, reflect on you to consider love as the guiding force in by Dan Millman nally walked away from everyday challenges we can all relate to, like your life. We can all be love-spreaders if we $33.99, cloth. Scribner. 294 pages the cult leader who had the weight of shame, the search for happi- choose to be… Every time we choose com- The Hidden School reveals a book within a controlled his life for ness, the struggle to be authentic, and the passion over condemnation, we spread love. book, a quest within a quest, and a bridge be- thirteen years. awkwardness of sperm donation. (Well, Every time we find the courage to forgive, tween worlds. In this long-awaited conclusion He writes about these maybe you can’t relate to that one.) I look we spread love. Life presents us with daily to the Peaceful Warrior saga, Dan Millman experiences and many other personal mile- at situations that provoked my mind to do opportunities to share a little, or a whole takes readers on an epic spiritual quest across stones in ways that are applicable, uplifting, its crazy dance… I focus on the many man- lotta, love.” the world as he searches for the link between and even laugh-out-loud funny. Whether dates of love, such as kindness, compassion, “Scott Stabile is a wonderful presence everyday life and transcendent possibility. trying to silence shame, show up for friends, acceptance, and forgiveness. I consider what of love, advocacy, warmth, resilience, and Continuing his journey from Way of the or overcome dreaded what-ifs, Stabile shares happens when we choose love over fear, grace in our world. I adore and admire ev- Peaceful Warrior, Dan moves from Honolulu

B R A N C H E S O F L I G H T F 21 F F A L L, W I N T E R, S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 F L I V I N G P S Y C H O L O G Y F to the Mojave Desert, ginning with the oldest records from ancient and from a bustling Belonging and Betrayal Egypt, India, Greece, and Australia and ex- Asian city to a seclud- panding to shamanic and indigenous societ- ed forest, until he un- BRAVING THE WILDERNESS ies. The authors investigate the psychology covers the mystery of The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone of dreaming, the neuroscience behind the The Hidden School. by Brené Brown dreaming brain, the Jungian perspective, While traversing con- $37.00, cloth. Random House. 194 pages and the intersections of yoga and modern tinents, he uncovers This timely book, from the author of Daring Greatly and Rising dream research. They show how dreams and lessons of life hidden Strong, challenges what we think we know about cultivating true be- myth are related in the timeless world of the in plain sight—in- longing in our communities, organizations, and culture. “True be- Archetypal Imagination and how dreams of- sights pointing the longing doesn’t require us to change who we are. It requires us to be ten reveal the wishes of the soul. way to an inspired who we are.” They explore the practice of dream incu- life in the eternal Social scientist Brené Brown has sparked a global conversation bation, an age-old tradition for seeding the present. about the experiences that bring meaning to our lives—experiences unconscious mind to help solve problems Along the way, you’ll encounter remark- of courage, vulnerability, love, belonging, shame, and empathy. In Braving the Wilder- and gain deep insights. They examine the able characters and brushes with mortality ness, Brown redefines what it means to truly belong in an age of increased polarization. profound role that dreams have played in the as you explore the nature of reality, the self, With her trademark mix of research, storytelling, and honesty, Brown will again change survival of exploited and persecuted cultures, death, and finally, a secret as ancient as the the cultural conversation while mapping a clear path to true belonging. such as the Native Americans, African slaves, roots of this world. Awaken to the hidden Brown argues that we’re experiencing a spiritual crisis of disconnection, and intro- and the Jews during the Holocaust, and share powers of paradox, humor, and change. duces four practices of true belonging that challenge everything we believe about our- inspirational dream stories from exceptional Join Dan as he discovers the hidden powers selves and each other. woman dreamers such as Hildegard von Bin- of paradox, humor, and change. True belonging requires us to believe in and belong to ourselves so fully that we can gen, Joan of Arc, and Harriet Tubman. “Dan’s new book is a must-read journey of find sacredness both in being a part of something and in standing alone henw necessary. Drawing on their more than 50 years expe- transformation. Few other books so skillfully But in a culture that’s rife with perfectionism and pleasing, and with the erosion of civility, rience keeping dream journals, the authors combine story and substance as this Peace- it’s easy to stay quiet, hide in our ideological bunkers, or fit in rather than show up as our offer techniques to help you remember your ful Warrior adventure.” —Tony Robbins true selves and brave the wilderness of uncertainty and criticism. But true belonging is dreams and begin to work with them. They not something we negotiate or accomplish with others; it’s a daily practice that demands Among Dan Millman’s other books are also explore the clairvoyant and telepathic integrity and authenticity. It’s a personal commitment that we carry in our hearts. The Four Purposes of Life and The Life You dimensions of dreaming and the practices Were Born to Live. Brown offers us the clarity and courage we need to find our way back to ourselves and of lucid dreaming and shamanic dreaming. to each other. And that path cuts right through the wilderness. Revealing how the alchemical cauldron of As she writes in this powerful book, dreaming can bring inspiration, healing, The special courage it takes to experience true belonging is not just about braving the wil- and discovery, the authors show how dreams derness, it’s about becoming the wilderness. It’s about breaking down the walls, abandoning unite us with each other and the past and Psychology, Therapy our ideological bunkers, and living from our wild heart rather than our weary hurt… future dreamers of our world. We’re going to need to intentionally be with people who are different from us. We’re “We cannot predict the next mythology,” going to have to sign up, join, and take a seat at the table. We’re going to have to learn & Dreams said Joseph Campbell, “any more than how to listen, have hard conversations, look for joy, share pain, and be more curious than you can predict tonight’s dream.” Dreams defensive, all while seeking moments of togetherness… always catch us by surprise, and if we are It’s a practice that requires us to be vulnerable, get uncomfortable, and learn how to be awake to their meanings, they carry us present with people without sacrificing who we are. to brand-new questions to live out—and TRISTIMANIA dream about again!... A Diary of Manic Depression WHY WON’T YOU APOLOGIZE? The fine art of dreaming may be com- by Jay Griffiths Healing Big Betrayals pared to a magic crystal ball that lets us $24.50, paper. Counterpoint. 220 pages and Everyday Hurts New in peer in to the mystery of our own becom- Tristimania is a stark and lyrical account of Paperback ing and of who we really are. the psyche in crisis. It tells the story of a devas- by Harriet Lerner Other books by Stephen Larsen are The tating year-long episode $22.00, paper. Scribner. 208 pages The renowned psychologist and author of The Dance of Anger Healing Power of Neurofeedback and Joseph of manic depression, sheds new light on the two most important words in the English Campbell: A Fire in the Mind. culminating in a long language—I’m sorry—and offers a unique perspective on the solo pilgrimage across challenge of healing broken connections and restoring trust. Spain. The book is rare Harriet Lerner has been studying apologies—and why some peo- in recording the expe- ple won’t give them—for more than two decades. Now she offers THE POCKET GUIDE TO THE rience of mania and compelling stories and solid theory that bring home how much the POLYVAGAL THEORY shows how the condi- simple apology matters and what is required for healing when the The Transformative Power of Feeling Safe tion is at once terrifying hurt we’ve inflicted (or received) is far from simple. Readers will learn how to craft a by Stephen Porges and also profoundly deeply meaningful “I’m sorry” and avoid apologies that only deepen the original injury. $39.95, paper. Norton. 254 pages Bridging the gap between research, sci- creative, both tricking Why Won’t You Apologize? also addresses the compelling needs of the injured party— ence, and the therapy room. When The and treating the psyche. the one who has been hurt by someone who won’t apologize, tell the truth, or feel Polyvagal Theory was In exploring its remorse. Lerner explains what drives both the non-apologizer and the over-apologizer, published in 2011, literary influence, Griffiths looks at Shake- as well as why the people who do the worst things are the least able to own up. She helps it took the therapeu- speare’s work, and examines the Trickster the injured person resist pressure to forgive too easily and challenges the popular no- tic world by storm, role, tracing its mercuriality through the tion that forgiveness is the only path to peace of mind. With her trademark humor and bringing Stephen character of Mercury. An intimate, raw jour- wit, Lerner offers a joyful and sanity-saving guide to setting things right. ney, the book illuminates something of the Porges’s insights universal human spirit. Lead with your heart and not your attack dog. It’s difficult and it’s worth it. The courage about the autonom- to apologize, and the wisdom and clarity to do so wisely and well, is at the heart of ic nervous system to There are galaxies within the human effective leadership, coupledom, parenting, friendship, personal integrity, and what we a clinical audience mind, and madness wants to risk every- call love. It’s hard to imagine what matters more than that. thing for the daring flight, reckless and interested in under- beautiful and crazed. Everyone knows “If you want to know why Harriet Lerner is one of my great heroes, Why Won’t You standing trauma, Icarus fell. But I love him for the fact that Apologize? is the answer. This book is a game changer.” —Brené Brown, author of Rising anxiety, depression he dared to fly. Mania unfurls the invitation Strong and other mental to fly too high, too near the sun. “Harriet Lerner is one hell of a wise woman. She draws you in with deft and engaging health issues. The “Tristimania is a soaring, rapacious de- prose, and then changes your life with her rigorous intelligence and her deeply human book made accessible to clinicians and oth- scent and ascent into and out of madness. advice. I promise that you will never see ‘the apology’ in quite the same way.” —Esther er professionals a polyvagal perspective that The book, itself, is a swinging lifeline into Perel, author of Mating in Captivity provided new concepts and insights for un- those oscillations of body and mind, and a derstanding human behavior. The perspec- more passionate and skillful guide than Jay tive placed an emphasis on the important Griffiths would be impossible to find.” — THE TRANSFORMATIONAL their world-chang- link between psychological experiences and Gretel Ehrlich, author of Facing the Wave POWER OF DREAMING ing creations to their physical manifestations in the body. That “I am in awe of the work that she is doing. Discovering the Wishes dreams, and science book was brilliant but also quite challenging Real awe at the astonishing beauty and the of the Soul now believes that to read for some. power of her work. Zounds.” by Stephen Larsen & Tom Verner dreams helped evolve Since publication of that book, Stephen —David Abram, author of Becoming Animal $24.95, paper. Inner Traditions. the very process of Porges has been urged to make these ideas “A searing account of what it can feel 336 pages, colour & b/w illustrations thought itself. more accessible and The Pocket Guide to like to be swallowed up by a major mental We humans have been dreaming for all In this book, Ste- the Polyvagal Theory is the result. Con- illness.” —Iain McGilchrist, author of The of our 3 million or more years of existence. phen Larsen and structs and concepts embedded in polyvagal Master and His Emissary Dreams provide an extraordinary way to Tom Verner examine theory are explained conversationally. Also by Jay Griffiths are Savage Grace and process the day’s events and uncover new dream traditions from “The Polyvagal Theory is among the most A Country Called Childhood. perspectives. Many cultural creatives credit around the world, be- important and comprehensive maps in-

B R A N C H E S O F L I G H T F 22 F F A L L, W I N T E R, S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 F M I D L I F E, J U N G & M Y T H F forming clinical trauma therapy. Students ly new holistic approach to spiritual growth u Transform nightmares through lucid of traumatology will be greatly enriched by Jungian Psychology that doesn’t shy away from our hidden as- dreaming this recent work. What makes this deep ex- pects but instead uses them for alchemical u Make friends with fear and anxiety ploration even more engaging are the lively AGELESS SOUL change and harnesses the power of the u Decrease stress through Mindfulness dialogues in which Porges’s great body of The Lifelong Journey shadow to manifest gold from within. of Dream & Sleep wisdom becomes even more accessible to Toward Meaning and Joy The dark shadow can be seen as the cel- Among the more than 40 exercises are: all those interested in the search for safety, by Thomas Moore lar of our unexamined shame, and our light Meeting Aspects of Your Shadow in the face of threat and trauma.” — Peter $33.99, cloth. Picador. 304 pages shadow can be seen as the attic of our un- What’s in Your Bag? Levine, author of Trauma and Memory Thomas Moore, author of Care of the Soul, claimed brilliance. Imagine if you could re- The Circle of Allies “You will find that many of the perplexing is ripening along with the rest of us. His new gain the power that lies in your hidden plac- Golden Shadow Heroes issues that bring clients to therapy suddenly book Ageless Soul offers es and bring your darkness into the light? Exploring the Ancestral Shadow make biological sense, as well as discover the positive and inspiring Imagine if you could actually meet your Tonglen Meditation seeds of bottom-up roadmaps for healing guidance for becom- shadow in a lucid dream? You can, and this Falling Asleep Consciously them. Read this book, and be inspired by ing a full person as book will show you how. Healing the Parental Shadow a revolutionary perspective on the human time goes by. Since we Using practical “how to” exercises sourced Self-forgiveness. condition that will have a far-reaching pos- are all aging, it is for from lucid dreaming and dream-work, Tibet- Simply the act of reading this book is a itive impact on your life, your relationships, anyone who has ever an Buddhism, and mindfulness meditation, peace offering to the shadow, an extended and your clinical practice.” — Pat Ogden, thought about getting Charlie Morley brings a fresh and modern hand of friendship that (however tentative- Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute older. It’s especially approach to working with the shadow—in a ly) says, ‘I am ready to know you.’ With this “This book shows how most psychiatric valuable for people down-to-earth and inspiring way—and offers gesture of love, we move into the freedom problems are expressed in failures of attune- 50 and over. It seems tips on how every person can train to become of shamelessness, the place beyond duality, ment and reciprocity, and, by explaining the more difficult than lucid and aware of their shadows. beyond right and wrong, the place of biological foundations of reciprocity, pro- ever these days to deal This book explores how to: Rumi’s field. vides a guide to innovative methods to gain creatively with aging. This book provides a u Transform both the “dark” and “gold- I’ll meet you there. a sense of safety, mutuality and belonging.” deep and comprehensive plan that sees agen” shadow side This book will show you how to fearless- — Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body ing not as losing capacity but as becoming u Meet the shadow through your ly embrace your shadow side in both your Keeps the Score who you are destined to be, a real human dreams dreams and daily life. being. It covers key matters, such as: u the shock of discovering that you’re getting older Mythology & Joseph Campbell Midlife Passages u how to keep your youth in a deep way u how spirituality can mature and be- THE ECSTASY OF BEING & ElderWisdom come more important over time Mythology and Dance u how to value your life by leaving a by Joseph Campbell conscious legacy for your family and $33.50, cloth. New World Library. your society 224 pages, b/w illustrations HIDDEN BLESSINGS Many know Joseph Campbell as the charming, erudite, best- Midlife Crisis as a Spiritual Awakening u nurturing friendships and community as you get older professor-you-ever-had figure chatting with Bill Moyers in theThe by Jett Psaris Power of Myth series. But Campbell’s posthumously published $19.95, paper. Jett Psaris. 258 pages In Moore’s view, aging is the process by which one becomes a more distinctive, Collected Works (500,000 copies sold) reveal a perhaps unsus- At Midlife Your Story is Only Half Told… pected range of interests and knowledge.The Ecstasy of Being is Many people “die” in their 50s and just aren’t complex, fulfilled, loving, and connected person. Using examples from his practice a prime example. Modern dance was the profession of Camp- buried until their bell’s wife, Jean Erdman (she was a principle dancer in Martha 80s. That’s because as a psychotherapist and teacher who lectures widely on the soul of medicine and Graham’s dance company), and the project the pair collaborated they did not take the on when Campbell retired from teaching and the couple formed full journey available spirituality, Moore argues for a new vision of aging: as a dramatic series of initiations, their Theater of the Open Eye. In these writings Campbell explores the rise of modern to them at midlife. art and dance in the 20th century; delves into the work and philosophy of Isadora Dun- The whole point of rather than a diminishing experience, one that each of us has the tools—experience, can; and, as ever, probes the idea of art as the funnel through which spirit is poured midlife is to allow – into life. even force – a re-eval- maturity, fulfillment—to live out. uation of who you Subjects include: The mask, the costume, and the living of the role through to the end: by this device are and the life you u Why melancholy is a natural part of man detached himself from his personal pains and joys—just as a dancer does in a dance. Human life was literally sublimated, and man’s body became, as it were, the vehicle of a have created, giving aging, and how to accept it, rather than confuse it with depression god; that is to say, a symbol of the play of eternity in time. No matter what we today may you your very best think of this as a mode of life for rational beings, it is from the ages when live was lived u chance to discover, The vital role of the elder and mentor that way that we inherit the very idea of art. realize, and actualize in the lives of younger people Included are seven articles and lectures on dance as well as the book Campbell was work- your deepest spiritual nature in everyday life. u The many paths of spiritual growth ing on when he died—“Mythology and Form,” a provocative exploration of the relationship When we arrive at midlife torn, con- and learning that open later in life u of myth to aesthetic form and human physiology, published here for the first time. fused, desperate, burned out, unmotivated, Sex and sensuality. or fearful, what we don’t yet understand is Ageless Soul will teach readers how to em- that there isn’t any more life force in our brace the richness of experience and how to ASIAN JOURNALS old habits and patterns because we have take life on, accept invitations to new vitality, India and Japan used it all up! A new direction is needed… and feel fulfilled as they get older. by Joseph Campbell We need to start over from the ground up. Among Thomas Moore’s other books are $40.00, paper. New World Library. It is not an opportunity for a fresh start; it is The Soul of Sex and A Religion of One’s Own. 754 pages, b/w illustrations a mandate for one. At the beginning of his career, Joseph Campbell (1904-1987) Carl Jung wrote, “we walk in shoes too developed a lasting fascination with the cultures of the Far East, small for us.” If we resist the call to trans- and explorations of Buddhist and Hindu philosophy later be- form at midlife, all the makeup, money, and DREAMING THROUGH DARKNESS came recurring motifs in his vast body of work. However, Camp- medications in the world won’t stem our Shine Light into the Shadow bell had to wait until middle age to visit the lands that inspired grief over having aborted the possibility of to Live the Life of Your Dreams him so deeply. In 1954, he took a sabbatical from his teaching po- living the authentic, soul-centered life that by Charlie Morley sition and embarked on a yearlong voyage through India, Thai- belongs uniquely to us… $22.50, paper. Hay House. 266 pages land, Cambodia, Burma, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and finally, Japan. At midlife we all receive the same stark The Shadow is “the part of us made up diagnosis: evolve or die. The Asian Journals are an edited version of Campbell’s own of all that we hide from others: our shame, travel diary, a day-to-day record of the people he met and the historical places he visited “This is a terrific book. It is rich and deep- our fears, and our on his trek through Asia. This great tome combines two previous hardcover volumes, ly satisfying, as the author carefully and lov- wounds, but also Baksheesh & Brahman and Sake & Satori, both published in 2002. ingly leads the reader through an in-depth our divine spirit, our Along the way he enlivens the narrative with his own musings on culture, religion, exploration of the midlife passage as an blinding beauty, and myth, and politics, describing both the trivial and the sublime. As always, Campbell’s opportunity to live a more authentic and our hidden talents.” keen intellect and boundless curiosity shine through in his lucid prose. From these fulfilling life.” —John Welwood, author of The Shadow, in fact, pages, Campbell enthusiasts will come away with a deeper understanding of the man, Toward a Psychology of Awakening is the source of our his work, and his enduring legacy. “Without formulaic prescriptions, Jett Psaris creativity and power— invites us to the hard work of meeting ordeals of A kind of core realization can be found in Campbell’s confession of the paradoxical but until we bring it nature of his thought—matching the contradictions he found in India—“In the Orient I am midlife, allowing a deeper source of knowing to into the light this pow- for the West; in the West for the Orient. In Honolulu I am for the ‘liberals,’ in New York come forward. This is a generous book, suffused er(our potential) will for big business. In the temple I am for the university, in the university for the temple. The with wisdom and an unmistakable kindness.” remain untapped. Be- book, apparently, is Irish.” —the editors —Francis Weller, author of The Wild Edge of ing a shadow-worker Among Joseph Campbell’s many other books are Hero with a Thousand Faces and Sorrow (rather than simply a Myths to Live By. Also by Jett Psaris is Undefended Love. light-worker) is a fair-

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prayers of petition, prayers of gratitude, Some people realized as they did this The Heart of Religion and prayers of blessing. Meditation task that they have a habitual stance that Taking readers on a fascinating journey is critical, only noticing and remarking on TALKING TO GOD across the globe, Demi’s stunning illustra- MINDFULNESS ON THE GO problems. Undertaking this practice helped Prayers for Children tions celebrate the life of prayer shared by all Simple Meditation Practices highlight and reverse this state of mind… the world’s religions. Moving from King Sol- You Can Do Anywhere Kind words are a gift. They create wealth from the World’s Religions in the heart. by Demi omon’s Temple and the Dome of the Rock in by Jan Chozen Bays $22.95, cloth. Wisdom Tales. Jerusalem to St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice $14.95, paper. Shambhala. 256 pages The exercises range from pausing a mo- 36 pages, 10x8, colour illustrations to the Delhi Mosque and the River Ganges in Here’s a beautifully useful collection of ment whenever the phone rings, to decid- In this beautifully illustrated book of India; from North America to Central Africa mindfulness practices anyone can do any- ing to smile once a day and noticing the short prayers from major world religions, to China and Japan—each exciting new illus- time—from the author of effect, to using your hands as an object of award-winning au- tration transports readers to a holy destina- Mindful Eating. meditation. String enough of these mindful- thor Demi shows tion where they can experience the religion’s Mindfulness can re- ness moments together and you’ll begin to children the great life of prayer directly at its source. Religions duce stress, improve phys- see changes in your outlook, in your aware- value of talking to featured are Judaism, Christianity, Islam, ical health and quality of ness, and in how you relate to people. You God. Here they Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shintoism, life, and give you deep in- may find yourself with a greater proclivity to will find many American Plains Indian, and Central African. sight. Meditation practice calm, kindness, and focus. These simple ex- time-honored fa- Also included are an author’s preface and an is one way to do it, but ercises have been so effective for so many— vorites, including informative appendix with helpful notes on not the only way. In fact, and now you can reach into the deck and prayers of praise, the prayers and illustrations. there are easy ways to fit pull one out at random to add a moment of it into your everyday life. mindfulness to your day. Jan Chozen Bays provides here 25 practices that can Rebbe Rami on Holy Rascals be used on the go to cultivate mindfulness. HOLY RASCALS The three-breath practice, the mindfulness Western Spiritual Advice for Spiritual Revolutionaries of entering rooms, offering compliments, by Rami Shapiro tasting your food one careful bite at a time— Teachers & Teachings $22.50, paper. Sounds True. 175 pages these deceptively simple practices can have God is real. Everything we say about God is made up. Holy Rascals a cumulative effect for the better. The book is a rousing call to anyone ready to go beyond isms and ideologies, is an abridgment of Bays’s longer collection BEYOND MINDFULNESS and live in the world as a liberating force of justice, compassion, How to Train a Wild Elephant: And Other Ad- The Direct Approach to Lasting Peace, and joy. It’s also a brilliant, blunt tuning of your funny bone for the ventures in Mindfulness. Happiness, and Love greater good. This book offers a wide variety of ways by Stephan Bodian “Holy rascals are spiritual culture jammers who use humor, play, to bring mindfulness into your daily life. $23.95, paper. New Harbinger. 126 pages creativity, and critical thinking to reveal the human origins of reli- We call them “mindfulness exercises.” You Written by meditation expert, psychother- gions and how religions mask their true origins behind the conceit of divine origins,” could also think of them as mindfulness apist, and spiritual teacher Stephan Bodian, writes Rabbi Rami. “seeds,” seeds to plant and grow mind- this book takes you be- fulness in the many nooks and corners Humor is the one thing Gods and clergy cannot fight. It is the one thing they fear the yond familiar mindful- of your life, seeds you can watch as they most. The surest way to slay a God is to laugh at the madness the God promotes. This is ness practices by offer- grow and bear fruit each day. what holy rascals are called to do, and this book is a manifesto and guide to doing it. ing guided meditations Each exercise has several sections. First In part one, he describes the making of a holy rascal and the great task of “freeing there is a description of the task and some and direct pointers that religion from the parochial and for the perennial.” Part two explores the art of hacking ideas about how to remind yourself to invite you to realize the holy, or pulling back the curtain on religion’s fear-based mechanisms of control. do it throughout the day and week. Next your natural state of is a section titled, “Discoveries,” which inherent wakefulness Substitute “religion” for “language” and you have the basic holy rascal understanding and peace. No regular of religion. We turn sounds into letters, letters into words, words into sentences, sentences includes people’s observations, insights, into paragraphs, paragraphs into books, books into excuses for bashing each other’s heads or difficulties with the task, along with any practice is required, just in. No wonder silence is golden. relevant research findings. In the section the willingness to open Part three presents some of the provocative tools and one-of-a-kind practices of the called “Deeper Lessons” I explore the yourself to a transfor- themes and larger life lessons connected holy rascal, with guidance for creating your very own “rascally” ways. mative new way of experiencing life. with the exercise. Each exercise is like a Mindfulness has permeated our modern We are religious anarchists and spiritual subversives whose goal is to free religion from window, giving us a glimpse of what an lives, and with good reason—it’s been prov- branding all together, and in this way set human meaning making free to imagine new awakened life would be like. Lastly there en to boost mood, reduce stress, improve ways of being holy that do not fall into the clutches of tribalism and its passion for de- are a few “Final Worlds,” which sum up the monizing the other. exercise or inspire you to continue letting health, and maximize performance. But it unfold. in our achievement-oriented culture, the Rabbi Rami’s wit and aphorisms offer astonishing, freeing perspective. “What makes practice of mindfulness can feel laborious enlightened people seem special is that they are so very ordinary, while all the rest of us are desper- This book is part of the Shambhala Pocket and mechanical, like one more task on your ately trying to be anything but…” Library series, which distill the wisdom and endless to-do list. What if you could let go of “At once side-splittingly hilarious and heartbreakingly on target, this outrageous tour heart of the work Shambhala Publications effort and struggle and relax back into the de force of a spiritual manifesto reminds us once again that great irony wielded with has published over 50 years into a compact happiness and ease that is your birthright— great compassion can be a powerful vehicle of truth.” —Cynthia Bourgeault, author of format that is collectible, reader-friendly, and is always readily available to you? The Wisdom Way of Knowing and applicable to everyday life. Beyond Mindfulness offers teachings and practices based on the direct approach to spir- HOW TO BE A HOLY RASCAL itual awakening that take you beyond the me- A Magical Mystery Tour to Liberate Your Deepest Wisdom, MINDFULNESS ON THE GO CARDS chanics of being mindful and open you to the Access Radical Compassion & Set Yourself Free New on 52 Simple Meditation Practices non-dual dimension of being, where the sep- by Rami Shapiro CD You Can Do Anywhere aration between self and other reveals itself to $108.00, 8 CDs. Sounds True. 9 hours be a painful but seductive illusion. You’ll find You (Yes, You!) Have a Sacred Mission to Help Set Humanity Free by Jan Chozen Bays that the love, compassion, wholeness, health, The path of the holy rascal is one of committed yet playful inquiry $19.95, cards. Shambhala. 52 cards + booklet in a box and happiness you’ve been seeking were there into the ineffable mysteries of our existence. Through the course The brilliant success of Jan Chozen Bays’s all along—no practice required. of eight illuminating, entertaining, and provocative audio sessions with Rabbi Rami little Mindfulness on the Go has led to the cre- Paradoxically, the only way to deepen Shapiro, you will meet some of history’s original holy rascals, including Jesus, Moham- ation of this card set con- med, Buddha, Rabbi Hillel, Sister Jose´ Hobday, Krishnamurti, Dorothy’s dog Toto, awakened awareness is to let go of it com- taining 52 different mind- pletely. You can never deliberately elabo- and others; re-examine the mythic dimensions of the religious stories we grew up with; fulness exercises anyone rate or improve it because as soon as you test-drive the holistic spiritual practices of the holy rascal; and much more. can do without having to try, it eludes your grasp. From an absolute The most important goal of this program is to inspire you to find your own way of being a sit cross-legged with eyes perspective, of course, awakened aware- holy rascal—so you can live in harmony with whatever is happening both within and without. closed--that’s a whole ness can’t deepen because it’s already With How to Be a Holy Rascal, now you can begin blazing your own trail of transform- year of simple, accessible boundless; what deepens is your ability to ation as you do your part to “set humanity free.” mindfulness practice. rest in it. As my teacher Jean Klein used to say, in your absence is your presence—the Among the Highlights: Once a day, think more you let go and let be, the deeper is u The 13 attributes of a holy rascal of someone close to the abiding as awareness without anyone u The wild and untamable nature of God, you, and the universe you—a family member, abiding or trying to be aware… u Bringing out the best in religion on levels of body, heart, mind, soul, and spirit a friend, or a coworker—and give them a Only awakened awareness remains—the u “Bible jamming,” “culture jamming,” and other practices of the holy rascal genuine compliment. The closer the person nondual, indivisible continuum, the One u The divine feminine and natura naturans is to you, the better. The more specific the without a second, expressing itself in a u Becoming “a blessing to all the families of the Earth” compliment, the better. Become aware also myriad of forms. Just This! Eight sessions of provocative teachings and practical ways to join the ranks of the of any compliments other people give you. Investigate the purpose of compliments Also by Stephen Bodian is Mindfulness for holy rascal. and their effect on you… Dummies.

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THE PATH IS EVERYWHERE Uncovering the Jewels Hidden Within You Bright New Teachers’ Teachings by Matt Licata $25.50, paper. Wandering Yogi. 257 pages RADICAL WHOLENESS roscience, anthropology, physics, art, and myth—-as well Weaving together the wisdom streams of Remembering the Body-World as his extensive work as an international embodiment ex- contemplative spirituality, relational and and the Ordinary Grace of Being pert—to explain how our culture’s limitations live in the somatic psychotherapy, by Philip Shepherd body, and to help readers transcend them. and the poetic imagin- $23.99, paper. North Atlantic. 280 pages Shepherd explains that the elusive qualities that we all ation, The Path Is Every- This new book by the author of New Self, New World yearn to experience—peace, simplicity, passion, grace, where reminds us that the shows that the primary deficiency inflicted on us by our connection, and clarity—arise from an experience of depth and magic of the culture is the inability to feel wholeness—in the self, the wholeness. He highlights how, though everything is in re- sacred world is always al- body, and the world around us. Because we have been sys- lationship with everything else and wholeness surrounds ready here, buried in our tematically trained to numb ourselves to wholeness and us, blindness to it continues to manifest in our culture emotions, bodies, rela- to confine our attention to the boundary of the self, we and our bodies. He suggests original exercises to help us tionships, and in the nat- live in our heads, disconnected from the body and at odds with the reclaim the birthright of our wholeness and to experience a new ural world itself. world. We accept that it’s normal to feel fragmented, reactionary, way of being. He leaves readers with a fresh, renewed way of un- The ancient path of and stale. This book is a call to action to recover wholeness and to derstanding their personal lives and the problems that we face as a the heart may never conform to our most experience a new way of being. Philip Shepherd draws from neu- culture, as well as a clear sense of the way forward. cherished hopes, fears, and dreams, for it is emerging in the here and now as an emissary of the unknown itself. It is an in- BEING AWARE OF BEING AWARE happiness and, therefore, the root cause of our search for vitation to something new, mysterious, and by Rupert Spira happiness. What is the nature of this experience of being beyond what we are able to approach by $20.95, paper. New Harbinger. 104 pages aware? The contemplations in this collection will lead read- way of the conceptual. Yes, awakening may All people have the experience of being aware, but rel- ers toward their own experiential understanding of that always be a disappointment compared to atively few people are aware that they are aware. Most people’s which we all call “I.” Being Aware of Being Aware is the first how we thought our lives would turn out. lives consist of a flow of thoughts, images, ideas, feelings, and introductory volume in the Essence of Meditation series sensations, sights, sounds, and so on. Very few people ask, “Many have grown weary from a long of collected meditations on the fundamentals of non-dual- “What is it that knows this flow of thoughts, feelings, and search, exhausted from an endless quest to ity—compiled from contemplations led by Rupert Spira at perceptions? With what am I aware of my experience?” improve, hold it all together, heal all their retreats. Future titles include The Nature of Mind , I Am, and The knowing of our being—or rather, awareness’s knowing of its wounds, and complete some mythical spirit- The Nature of Happiness. own being in us—is our primary experience, our most fundamental ual journey. But you are not a project to be and intimate experience. It is in this experience that all the peace, The returning of attention to its source is the essence of medita- solved. You are a mystery coming into form, happiness, and love we have ever longed for reside. The happiness tion; the dissolving of devotion or longing in its origin is the heart and you have the raw materials that you of prayer. we have sought for so long outside of ourselves, in situations, ob- need, right now, to live a life of profound The mind that seeks peace and happiness and the heart that longs jects, and relationships, turns out to be always present, always avail- depth, purpose, and meaning.” for love must subside or dissolve in their essence. able, in the simple knowing of our own being as it is. The knowing We must die before we die… The aliveness we long for will never be of our own being shines in each one of us as the experience “I am” In being aware of being aware—the knowing of our own essen- found by eliminating the unwanted, but or “I am aware,” or simply as the thought “I.” tial, irreducible being—the mind loses its agitation and the heart is in embodied attunement to the love and The overlooking of our own being is the root cause of all un- relieved of its yearning. information it carries. “We hear much about healing and spiritual awakening, and the deep joy, clarity, and INSTANT PRESENCE peace that are its promised fruits. Often ig- Allow Natural Meditation to Happen nored, however, are the disappointments of by Enza Vita emotions that keep us held in narrow self-definitions awakening and the ways it can shatter our $18.95, paper. Watkins. 182 pages and create endless suffering. Enza seeks always to sup- hearts, breaking us open to the reality of This practical guide to accessing an awakened state port readers’ spiritual journey from their initial search the crucifixion, resurrection,and transfigur- offers a spiritual practice, “Instant Presence,” that is through the integration of spiritual enlightenment into ation we are likely to encounter along the based on Enza Vita’s own profound encounter with everyday life. way… The journey of becoming a true hu- enlightenment. She gets to the heart of what is wrong To follow where I am pointing is to abandon all that man person is messy by nature, as it emerges with so much of our spiritual strivings: if a practice is you know—all your experiences, all your concepts, all directly out of the unknown and requires bound to a goal then that is an obstacle, because in your states and conditions—and jump into the un- compassionate confrontation with the en- reality there is no goal to be achieved. What we are known. It is to free yourself from all reference points, all tirety of what we are.” looking for is here now and has always been. Using limitations and all boundaries. To let go of all hope for a a helpful question-and-answer format that highlights ways of em- better, more spiritual future for yourself. As we journey together as fellow travel- The reaching for enlightenment is the last thing this “me” you ers, let us commit to embracing both the bracing her “no-practice practice”, Enza guides readers in search- ing for the individual “I” and realizing that this “I” does not exist. believe yourself to be does just before it dissolves into pure aware- joy and the heartbreak of the path, and ness, your natural original state. bear witness to the wisdom shining out She explains the meaning of real meditation, which lies in let- of our immediate experience, whether it ting go of control rather than in seeking to control the experi- “This is a great contribution to our appreciation of the genuine appears as sadness, bliss, despair, or great ence, and offers “presence pause” exercises and many hints and voice of Pure Presence. It brings us to a deeper awareness of what it joy. Grace will appear in both sweet and tips for letting your thoughts be and accessing true awareness. Her means to study the self and our intrinsic true nature as that which is fierce forms but it is still grace, sent from book shows that sudden awakening is an ever-present possibility, already perfect, whole and complete. It is worthy of your time and beyond to open us to the radiant fullness as well as revealing the power and seduction of our thoughts and attention.” —Dennis Genpo Merzel, author of Big Mind, Big Heart of being. Matt Licata is a psychotherapist and guide If you find internal based in Boulder, Colorado. The Work wakes us up to reality. When work exciting, you’ll we take it on as a practice, it leaves us as RETURN TO THE MOTHER: look forward to the flawless, innocent, a figment of pure imag- A LOVER’S HANDBOOK worst that can hap- ination. Practicing inquiry takes us to the Poems of Self Remembering pen, because you Buddha-mind, where everything, without and Self Observation Inspired won’t find a problem exception, is realized as good. It leads to by Lao Tsu’s Tao Te Ching A MIND AT HOME WITH ITSELF that can’t be solved total freedom. from the inside. by Red Hawk How Asking Four Questions Why would you want to experience a $23.95, paper. Hohm. 128 pages Can Free Your Mind, In the midst of a problem and pretend it isn’t there—to skip For centuries the Tao Te Ching, the book Open Your Heart normal American over it and find just some tiny place inside of ancient wisdom by Lao Tsu, has offered and Turn Your World Around life, Byron Katie be- you that’s free? Don’t you want to find free- insight, inspiration by Byron Katie & Stephen Mitchell came increasingly dom with every breath? Nothing exists but and consolation to $34.99, cloth. HarperCollins. 302 pages depressed and over a the concept in the moment. Let’s meet that millions of readers. In A Mind at Home with Itself, Byron Katie ten-year period sank now with understanding. Although number- illuminates one of the most profound Bud- further into despair “A truly illuminating and lively hookup of less translations and dhist texts, The Diamond Sutra (newly translat- and suicidal thoughts. Then one morning revered ancient Zen Diamond Sutra teach- commentaries exist ed in these pages by Stephen Mitchell) to re- in 1986 she woke up in a state of absolute ings and a wild and clear-eyed modern sage. around the world, veal the nature of the mind and to liberate us joy, filled with the realization of how her It will help you to question deeply, inspire Return to the Mother, from painful thoughts, using her revolution- own suffering had ended. The freedom of your spirit, and awaken your understand- A Lover’s Handbook, ary system of self-inquiry called The Work. that realization has never left her. Its direct ing.” — Jack Kornfield is a groundbreaking Byron Katie doesn’t merely describe the result, The Work, has helped millions of “I think Byron Katie is just a real thing. I effort and a unique awakened mind; she empowers us to see it people all over the world to question their love her to death. She’s pure and her intent contribution to the and feel it, in action. At once startlingly fresh stressful thoughts and set themselves free is only to serve and she brings people back spirit of poetry. Red and powerfully enlightening, A Mind at Home from suffering. to reality so quickly.” — Tony Robbins Hawk offers what no with Itself offers us a transformative new per- You can’t have anything. You can’t have Among Byron Katie’s other books are Loving other poet has yet undertaken—that is, to spective on life and death. As she says, any truth. Inquiry takes all that away… What Is and I Need Your Love—Is That True? write poetic reflections on these much-loved

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profound influence of the Yezidis and the ancient sutras of the Tao. This collection Sufis, the gnostics of Islam, on Gurdjieff’s of 94 contemporary poems (each 16-lines) Fourth Way teachings and the Work. Chur- Loss, Grief, and Heart adds the flavor and fragrance of Zen and ton also explores Gurdjieff’s ties to Free- BEARING THE UNBEARABLE Gurdjieff’s dharma teachings in a spare po- masonry and his relationships with other Love, Loss, and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief etic marriage with Lao Tsu. spiritual teachers and philosophers of the by Joanne Cacciatore Further, each poem invites the reader age, such as Madame Blavatsky, Frank Lloyd $21.95, paper. Wisdom. 220 pages into the application of this wisdom to his or Wright, and Aleister Crowley, dispelling the If you love someone who has died, this book is for you. her daily practice of self observation and self myth that Gurdjieff forcibly expelled the If you love someone who may die, this book is for you. remembering. The poet begs for a return Great Beast from his Institute. If you love, you will grieve—and this book is for you. to the true self, which he symbolizes as the Showing how Gurdjieff deliberately re- Grief and love are two expressions of the same process—and place of the Mother within. No lengthy dis- shaped elements of his life as parables of his nothing is more mysteriously central to becoming fully human. cursive explanations are offered, however, system, Churton explains how he didn’t want For any who love, grieving is all but inevitable. When a loved only exquisite lines that pierce to the heart people to follow his footsteps but to find one dies, the pain of loss can feel unbearable—especially in the of human longing for truth. their own, to wake up from the hypnosis that case of a traumatizing death that leaves us shouting NO! with ev- Our Mother has no words, drives us blindly through life. Offering a vital ery fiber of our body. Grief commands our attention and erupts She is Silence, understanding of the man who asked, “How unpredictably, inescapably. The process of grieving can feel She is the present, here-now. many of you are really alive?” the author wild and nonlinear—and often lasts for much longer than other people, the non-be- To be here-now, in this body, reveals the continuing importance of Gurd- reaved, tell us it should. And it is important. is to return to Our Mother, jieff’s philosophy for the awakening of man. Dr. Joanne Cacciatore, a Zen priest, bereavement educator, researcher, and leading relaxed, soft, open, receptive: kind. Above all, it was Gurdjieff’s father’s counselor in the field, accompanies us in the painful process of transformation through Kindness is the nature of Our Mother, knowledge of poetry that seeped into love, loss, and grief. This beautifully-written companion for life’s most difficult time Non-Judgmental Love is Her Being, and young Georgii’s psyche and made him see is heartrending and utterly healing—revealing, in an undeniably personal way, how we are Her children, made in Her image. a world beyond the carpentry shop. Ivan grief can open our hearts to interconnection, compassion, and the very essence of our This volume is a companion and comple- was an ashokh, a traditional bard, a singer shared humanity. of epic poetry. He knew great long, mation to the author’s two previous volumes What this book will do, I hope, is to provide a safe space to feel, to be with your un- ny-versed poems that told ancient stories Self Observation: The Awakening of Conscience. derstandably broken heart. It will serve as an invitation to stay with the wretched pangs of of mankind, tales of heroism and sacrifice sorrow, to dwell in the dark night of your own bereaved soul, and to be present with what An Owner’s Manual; and Self Remembering: and love and war and loss, stories to stir is—however difficult, however painful… The Path to Non-Judgmental Love. A Practi- the soul, folk stories to enchant and lift the We can learn to accept how we feel about that loss, where in us the pain is most acute, its tioner’s Manual. Taken together, these three imagination, to repaint the starkness of the dimensions and texture, its tenor and depth. And over time, grief can morph from a dreaded, volumes form a trilogy, which examines the world with life and light, rhythm, music, unwanted intruder to something more familiar and less terrifying—a companion, perhaps. spiritual practice of self remembering/self and haunting memories. observation. Through generous, insightful writing and moving stories of her encounters with The author writes from long personal grief over decades of supporting individuals, families, and communities—as well as study and experience. His years of disci- Dying, Near-Death her own experience with loss—Cacciatore opens a space for us to process, integrate, pleship within religious schools of esoteric and deeply honour our own grief. knowledge, allows him to share what has & Grieving Not just for the bereaved, Bearing the Unbearable will be required reading for grief been gained and lost from following a Path. counselors, therapists and social workers, clergy of all varieties, educators, academics, The inner struggles of this type of work on BEING MORTAL and medical professionals. Organized into 52 accessible and stand-alone chapters, this self are rendered with raw precision, while Medicine and What Matters in the End book is also great for being read aloud in support groups. being beautifully delineated in these poems. by Atul Gawande The psychologist Rollo May wrote, “One does not become fully human painlessly.” It is Any reader will benefit from the fruits of un- $22.00, paper. Doubleday. 282 pages through inhabiting, often painfully, our emotions that we are able to become fully human. derstanding the poet has gained from these Being Mortal looks at the way modern Through grief, we can experience an alchemical transformation that cannot be contrived, struggles. medicine has changed the experience of hastened, or imparted by others. dying, what the implications of this change are for each of us, and IT’S OK THAT YOU’RE NOT OK DECONSTRUCTING GURDJIEFF Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture Biography of a Spiritual Magician what we would need to do to change a sys- That Doesn’t Understand by Tobias Churton by Megan Devine $37.50, cloth. Inner Traditions. 346 pages tem that knows a lot Beyond Meetings with Remarkable Men into about prolonging life $22.50, paper. Sounds True. 210 pages but little about tend- In 2009, on a beautiful sunny day, Megan Devine witnessed the truth behind the self-crafted mythology the accidental drowning of her beloved partner Matt. “All my of Gurdjieff’s life… ing to death. At the heart of this professional experience as a therapist felt meaningless,” she In November 1949, writes. “Grief literature is loaded with well-intended advice that architect Frank Lloyd book is something larger and more last- can actually worsen and extend someone’s pain. We just don’t Wright announced the know how to handle loss in our culture.” Megan has dedicated death of the greatest man ing than even its agenda for how to effect herself to helping people find a new way to deal with loss that in the world, yet few knew honors our experience without trying to solve grief. who he was talking about. change: it is a deeply humane portrayal Enigmatic, misunder- of how our society copes with who we re- If we can start to understand the true nature of grief, we can have a more helpful, stood, declared a charla- ally are. We are not economic beings. We loving, supportive culture. We can get what we all most want: to help each other in our are not political beings. We are not digital moments of need, to feel loved and supported no matter what horrors erupt in our lives. tan, and recently dubbed When we change our conversations around grief, we make things better for everyone. the Rasputin who inspired beings or analog beings, social beings or Mary Poppins, Gurdjieff’s solitary beings. We are mortal beings. And With It’s OK That You’re Not OK, Megan reveals a path for navigating grief and loss not life has become a legend. But who really was in that is every important thing to know by trying to escape it, but by learning to live inside of it with more grace and strength. George Ivanovich Gurdjieff? about how we must live. Through stories, research, life tips, and mindfulness-based practices, she offers a Employing the latest research and discov- The waning days of our lives are given unique guide through an experience—loss and grief—we all will face. Here she de- eries, including previously unpublished rem- over to treatments that addle our brains bunks the culturally prescribed goal of returning to a normal, happy life, replacing it iniscences of the real man, Tobias Churton and sap our bodies for a sliver’s chance with the skills and tools to help us experience and witness the pain of loss in ourselves investigates the truth beneath the self-craft- of benefit… Our reluctance to honestly and others—so we may meet our grief knowing it as a natural step in the greater journey ed mythology of Gurdjieff’s life recounted in examine the experience of aging and of love. Meetings with Remarkable Men. He examines dying has increased the harm we inflict on Words of comfort that try to erase pain are not a comfort. When you try to take some- people and denied them the basic comforts one’s pain away from them, you don’t make it better. You just tell them it’s not OK to talk his controversial birthdate, his father’s back- they most need. Lacking a coherent view of ground, and his relationship with his private about their pain. how people might live successfully all the In order to feel truly comforted by someone, you need to feel heard in your pain. You tutor Dean Borshch, revealing a perilous way to their very end, we have allowed our childhood in a Pontic Greek family, perse- need the reality of y our loss reflected back to you—not diminished, not diluted. It seems fates to be controlled by the imperatives of counter-intuitive, but true comfort in grief is in acknowledging the pain, not trying to make cuted by Turks, forced to migrate to Georgia medicine, technology, and strangers… And it go away. and Armenia, only to grow up amid more what if there are better approaches, right in war, persecution, genocide, and revolt. front of our eyes, waiting to be recognized? Placing Gurdjieff in the true context of “If you are familiar with Gawande’s ar- his times, Churton explores Gurdjieff’s ticles in The New Yorker, you are aware of roles in esoteric movements taking root in this physician-writer’s eloquence and coming stories he’s picked up over his career remains clear-sighted through the muddle the Russian Empire and in epic imperial passion. In Being Mortal, he takes on the makes this book required reading for any- of anxieties, conflicting emotions and vest- construction projects in the Kars Oblast, medicalizing of death, examining the un- one involved in end-of-life issues. And that ed interests… The message resounding Transcaucasia, and central Asia. He reveals necessary torture that life-extending inter- inevitably includes each and every one of through Being Mortal is that our lives have Gurdjieff’s sources for his transformative ventions often impose. But this book offers us.”—Toronto Star narrative—we all want to be the authors of philosophy, his early interest in hypnosis, more than just prescriptions: his intimate “An impassioned, broad-ranging and our own stories, and in stories endings mat- magic, Theosophy, and spiritualism, and the knowledge of our bodies and the fascinat- deeply personal exploration… Gawande ter.” —The Guardian

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How do you explain the origins of conscious- THE COLLECTED LETTERS Near-Death Insight ness if it is not a byproduct of the brain? OF ALAN WATTS His challenge relates to a revolutionary shift by Alan Watts DYING TO WAKE UP now underway within our modern scientific $43.50, cloth. New World Library. 556 pp. A Doctor’s Voyage into the Afterlife New in understanding. Ultimately, direct experience is The New York Times has called Alan Watts, and the Wisdom He Brought Back Paperback key to fully understanding how we are all con- “the foremost Western interpreter of east- by Rajiv Parti nected through the binding force of uncondi- ern thought for the $22.00, paper. Atria Books. 222 pages tional love and its unlimited power to heal. In modern world.” What an Before his near-death experience, Dr. Rajiv Parti was a well-to- Living in a Mindful Universe, Eben shares his unexpected gift, after all do anesthesiologist, “a man of science.” All in all, Parti was the last insights into the true nature of consciousness. this time to have the cor- man to believe in heaven or hell—that is, until he saw them with Embracing his radically new worldview, he be- respondence of a one- his own eyes/soul. gan a committed program of personal explo- of-a-kind, free-thinking When he had his near-death experience on the operating table, ration into non-local consciousness. spiritual seeker and find- he first watched his own operation from the ceiling—even recall- Along the way, he met Karen Newell, who er like Watts, who to this ing a joke told by his doctors during his surgery. He was greeted had spent most of her lifetime living the day (he lived 1915-1973), by archangels and his deceased father who led him through the worldview he had only just discovered was influences philosophers tortures of hell and revealed the toxic cycle of violence that has plagued his family for possible. Her personal knowledge came and deep thinkers of all generations. He even reviewed the struggles of his previous lives which, in many ways, from testing various techniques and theories stripes. reflected those he still faced in the present. Finally, he experienced heaven. From the as part of her daily routine. With Living in a Alan Watts began life in a bucolic British angels, he learned lessons of spiritual health they insisted he bring down to earth. Mindful Universe, they share techniques that setting, was sent off to schooling that might After his near-death experience, Dr. Parti awoke a new man. He gave away his man- can be used to tap into our greater mind, nurture his gifts, and wound up bumping sion, quit his career, opened a wellness clinic, and completely turned around his rela- and explore how the power of the heart can into Zen Buddhism in a way that would in- tionships with his family. To this day, he still converses with angels and spreads their enhance healing, relationships, creativity, fluence several generations. This collection wisdom to the living. guidance, and more. Using various modal- of letters, discovered and lovingly curated by In this remarkable true story of spiritual transformation, Rajiv Parti provides rare ities related to meditation and mindfulness two of his daughters (Joan Watts and Anne details of heaven, hell, the afterlife, and angels. He shares the lessons and truths from described, you too can access that infinite Watts), reveals a wonderfully well-rounded the Divine that changed him. source of knowing so vital to us all. Alan Watts. It includes the charming mis- I have created my own Near-Death Manifesto: seven basic truths that provide guidance sives he wrote to his parents through many and comfort on a daily basis: Transpersonal decades, the back-and-forth with the editors 1. Consciousness can exist outside the body. of his many writings, and delightfully rich 2. There is life after death. Psychology correspondence with diverse friends and 3. We have past lives, and our experience therein can shape our current realities. thinkers. Throughout the book, there is fas- 4. We are all connected to each other because we are all made of the one and same cinating commentary by his daughters that energy that manifests as differentiated matter. highlights and adds to the letters, including THE FIVE LONGINGS this piece by Joan Watts: 5. Divine beings exist to help and guide us. What We’ve Always Wanted 6. There are different levels of consciousness. —And Already Have For Alan, the use of psychedelics was a religious experience. He felt that the abuse 7. There is one, all-pervading, supreme love and intelligence that is the source of by David Richo the entire universe, and that love is the supreme source of creation. or constant use of such drugs was to nullify $21.95, paper. Shambhala. 180 pages the spiritual effect one could garner from “Dr. Parti’s NDE is powerful, deeply spiritual, and transformative, not just for the How identifying the things you long man who experienced it, but for the person who reads about it, too.” —Anita Moorjani, the experience. It was like finding a short- for—which fall into five basic categories— cut to satori or samadhi, but on an entirely author of Dying to Be Me can reveal deep truths different wavelength. To Alan, drug-in- about yourself, and how duced altered states could be compared WHAT IF THIS IS HEAVEN? to work with these Five to certain states experienced in some Bud- How Our Cultural Myths Prevent Us New in Longings to live in a hap- dhist (and other religious) practices. from Experiencing Heaven on Earth Paperback pier, more satisfying way. Throughout, readers gain an unprece- by Anita Moorjani The five longings are dented and richly personal take on Watts as $23.99, paper. Hay House. 208 pages in us like fish that swim philosopher, interpreter of Eastern philoso- Following her near-death experience as shared in Dying to Be Me, in deepest waters, hard phy, and Christian thinker. His thoughts on Anita Moorjani knows well the truths that exist beyond common to catch, and hard to the big questions—Why are we here? What knowledge and acceptance. The clarity she has gained has led her hold onto if caught. In is the meaning of existence?—will resonate to further understand who she was born to be. Part of that truth has this book, we will learn with longtime Watts fans as well as seekers involved contemplating the cultural myths infused into our everyday how to trust their pres- new to his work. lives. Passed down from generation to generation, these myths are ence in us and how to build some angling pervasive and influential. From the belief we reap what we sow to skills as well… the idea we must always be positive, cultural myths are often accepted as truths without True presence to our deepest longings questioning. Moorjani asserts it is now time for questioning in order to help us reach really means continual relay between BREAK THROUGH WITH BREATHWORK touching in and letting go, a way of re- our fully informed, authentic selves. Jump-Starting Personal Growth in specting impermanence yet not giving up Moorjani explores these common myths in their real-world existence while present- on yearning either. Counseling and the Healing Arts ing examples from her own life that reveal the falsehoods beneath the surface. By by Jim Morningstar freeing ourselves from these ubiquitous expectations, we can break open an honest Understanding what you want is often $28.99, paper. North Atlantic. 288 pages pathway to life as it can be lived in its higher octaves, as ourselves. thought to be the starting point for getting When working with trauma and chronic what you want, but Dave Richo disagrees. health issues, it can often seem like the heal- Each chapter will highlight a common myth… Following each chapter is a section Dave asserts rather that understanding what called “Living Heaven Here and Now,” in which I’ll suggest some possible truths behind ing process gets stuck or the myth I just explored and outline methods for overcoming some of this conditioning so you feel strong desire for is really the start- is producing only mini- you can turn the myth around in your own life and finally live from your truth instead. ing point to transcending that desire in order mal progress. In this to live with greater honesty, compassion, “So many people have such a fear of death that they are afraid to live life to its fullest groundbreaking book, and happiness. The “Five Longings” ac- clinical psychologist measure. Anita Moorjani does a brilliant job of demystifying both life and death by first cording to Dave have to do with wanting: (1) breaking the spell of our conditioned beliefs and then giving us the practical tools to be Jim Morningstar shows Love, (2) Meaning, (3) Freedom, (4) Happi- therapists, bodywork- reborn in the same life. This book will free your soul and teach you that you don’t have ness, or (5) Growth. These five manifest in to die to go to heaven.” —Dr. Joe Dispenza, author of You are the Placebo ers, and other health all sorts of different ways, as he shows, but care professionals how what they all have in common is that they’re to achieve remarkable basically unattainable in a way that’s per- breakthroughs with LIVING IN A MINDFUL UNIVERSE survived—and brought manently satisfying. They’re always elusive. their clients using the A Neurosugeon’s Journey back with him an as- But if you examine them you begin to see power of Therapeutic that the very fact that they’re unattainable into the Heart of Consciousness tounding story. During Breathwork. those seven days in becomes the gate through which true joy is Unlike more commonly known mindful- by Eben Alexander & Karen Newell discovered. He shows you how. $20.50, paper. Rodale. 208 pages coma, he was plunged ness breathwork techniques—which typical- Dr. Eben Alexander, author of Proof of into the deepest realms Our longings are not like heavy chunks ly only involve slower-than-normal breath- Heaven, shares the next phase of his journey of consciousness, and of ice in our hearts. They are like flowing ing—Therapeutic Breathwork is designed to understand the true nature of conscious- came to understand water in our souls. They find their way into to also include faster-than-normal breathing ness and how to cultivate a state of harmony profound truths about all the nooks and crannies of our being. (35-75 breaths per minute) to enervate the with the universe and our higher purpose. the universe we inhab- They build up pressure and let pressure sympathetic nervous system. This is espe- out. They keep finding openings beneath cially useful in helping to release blocks that In 2008, Dr. Eben Alexander’s brain was se- it. What he learned the visible surfaces. Most of all, they resist arise while working through difficult emo- verely damaged by a devastating case of bac- changed everything he damming. Tara Brach tells us why: terial meningitis, and he lapsed into a week- knew about the brain, mind, and conscious- “Our longing carries us to the tender and tional issues, including PTSD, addiction, long coma. It was almost certainly a death ness and drove him to ask a question con- compassionate presence that is our awak- depression, and anxiety. While traditional sentence, but Dr. Alexander miraculously founding the entire scientific community: ened nature.” —Radical Acceptance talk therapy can take many years, sometimes

B R A N C H E S O F L I G H T F 27 F F A L L, W I N T E R, S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 F T R I P P I N G / J O U R N E Y I N G / H E A L I N G F decades, to produce minimal relief, Thera- outperform the competition. peutic Breathwork can help facilitate aston- Entheogenic Frontiers Author Steven Kotler and high perfor- ishing breakthroughs within a single session. mance expert Jamie Wheal spent four years Morningstar explains how therapists can re- OVERTONES AND UNDERCURRENTS investigating the leading edges of this revo- inforce these breakthroughs with additional Spirituality, Reincarnation, and Ancestor Influence lution—from the home of SEAL Team Six techniques for self regulation, dramatically in Entheogenic Psychotherapy to the Googleplex, the Burning Man festival, reducing recovery time and often resolv- by Ralph Metzner Richard Branson’s Necker Island, Red Bull’s ing challenges that might never have been $21.50, paper. Inner Traditions. 183 pp. training center, Nike’s innovation team, and worked through in standard practice. Here are some richly instructive stories and practices from the the United Nations Headquarters. And what Break Through with Breathwork is an accessi- casebook of one of the great pioneers of inner space exploration. they learned was stunning: ble and thorough introduction to one of the Drawing on more than 50 years experience as a transpersonal In their own ways, with differing lan- most powerful tools in supporting health psychotherapist, Ralph Metzner explores the spiritual overtones, guages, techniques, and applications, and wellbeing, reducing stress, and stimu- karmic undercurrents, and ancestral connections that shape our every one of these groups has been quietly lating deep emotional and spiritual growth. individual psychologies. seeking the same thing: the boost in infor- Sharing 15 detailed histories and the innovative practices he uses in his therapeu- mation and inspiration that altered states tic sessions, Metzner shows how the psychological problems we confront often derive provide. from factors not considered in conventional psychotherapy, such as birth trauma, un- Today, this revolution is spreading to the Entheogens / conscious imprints from prenatal existence, memories from past lives, ancestral and mainstream, fueling a trillion dollar under- familial soul connections, and even psychic intrusions. The case histories he describes ground economy and forcing us to rethink Psychedelics include a wide spectrum of practices, such as the use of quiet meditative retreat, guid- how we can all lead richer, more productive, ed regressions, as well as imagery visualizations amplified by entheogens. more satisfying lives. Driven by four accel- He describes how tuning in the spiritual overtones of our being and the karmic erating forces—psychology, neurobiology, undercurrents of our lives can resolve issues such as a fear of intimacy, help heal the technology and pharmacology—we are gain- THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RIVER after-effects of abuse and abortion, reconcile estranged parental and ancestral relation- ing access to and insights about some of the A Medical Doctor’s Exploration into ships, dissolve fears left over from past incarnations, and convert malignant presences most contested and misunderstood terrain Traditional Amazonian Plant Medicine into protective allies. in history. by Joseph Tafur In addition to guided meditations, visualizations, and yogic light-fire exercises, the practices in his psychotherapy sessions at times include the selective use of small The ecstatics are coming out of the $22.95, paper. Joseph Tafur. 272 pages closet… Around the world, revelers, sol- Western medicine has not been particu- amounts of psychedelics, mind-expanding substances functioning to amplify awareness diers, scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, larly successful at getting people relief from of the subtler realms of consciousness. Part of each case history gives a description of technologists, and business leaders are conditions like the particular visualization used, adding to the books practical use as a guidebook for leveraging these insights for a common depression, chron- transpersonal psychotherapists. goal: a glimpse above the clouds. First in ic pain, migraine Through the healing experiences he describes, Metzner reveals how attending to isolation, then in increasing numbers, and headaches, addic- karmic undercurrents and spiritual overtones can often bring about a peaceful resolu- now, if you know where to look, virtually tion, and PTSD. Dr. tion to long-standing distress and spiritual alienation. everywhere you look. We are witnessing Tafur helps us to In relating these experiences from the paradigm borderlands of current psychological a groundswell, a growing movement to understand why. and psychiatric practice, my aim is to demonstrate that an expanded understanding and storm heaven and steal fire. It’s a revolu- recognition of prenatal and karmic factors, as well as reincarnational and possession tion in human possibility. I have watched influences, will contribute to deeper and more complete healing processes. people spend years in frustration and Also by Ralph Metzner are Ecology of Consciousness and Allies for Awakening. Shamanism & Ritual thousands of dol- lars consulting an CHANGING OUR MINDS army of specialists, Psychedelic Sacraments and the New Psychotherapy THE LOST ART OF HEART NAVIGATION without getting real by Don Lattin relief from their A Modern Shaman’s Field Manual $32.50, paper. Synergetic. 300 pages, b/w photos problem. Because these and others are This book is an accurate, experiential tour through the social, by Jeff Nixa diseases deeply connected with the state spiritual and scientific revolution—a quiet revolution—that is $19.95, paper. Bear & Company. of our emotional bodies. Too often, the 272 pages, 13 b/w illustrations Western medical approach fails to address redefining our relationship with mind-expanding substances. Each of us has a vision for our lives, the emotional dimension of illness. This is Changing Our Minds tells the inspiring and very human stories our soul’s purpose awaiting release in our where traditional plant medicines, with of pioneering neuroscientists, psychotherapists, shamans and hearts. Our most im- their ability to alter consciousness and ordinary people seeking to live more aware and compassionate portant task is to learn open channels of communication to our lives by combining the miracles of modern chemistry, thera- what that purpose emotions, offer so much promise. peutic techniques and the wise use of ancient plant medicines. is and then bring it The stories shared here demonstrate the If you want to understand the responsible use of psychedelics into the world. In our astonishing—mystical, colorful, metaphys- and feel its pulse, this book is for you. world of busy and hur- ical—effects of ayahuasca and Tradition- A new era of research into psychedelic-assisted therapy has ry sickness, many peo- al Amazonian Plant Medicine. Follow Dr. begun. “Party” drugs like Ecstasy (MDMA) are used to help U.S. veterans struggling ple are experiencing Tafur through the Amazon jungle as he with the psychological aftermath of war. Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic soul loss as they live develops a breakthrough understanding of mushrooms, is employed as a medicine to help alcoholics get sober and cancer patients out dreams of endless how psychoactive plants interact with the struggling with the existential distress of a life-threatening illness. Meanwhile, the use motion, empty tasks, complex network that connects our minds of ayahuasca, a shamanic brew from the Amazon jungle, has grown into an internation- anxiety, and negative and hearts to our physical anatomy. What al movement for those seeking greater psycho-spiritual insight. thoughts. But you can Dr. Tafur presents here is nothing short The stories told in this book go behind the cutting-edge medical research and reli- change your world. of a paradigm shift for modern medicine, gious exploration to reveal the human side of a psychedelic renaissance. Blending earth-honoring shamanic prac- where sacred plants, used properly in cer- Changing Our Minds is the essential primer for understanding and navigating this new tices and modern depth psychology, Jeff emony, take their place as important tools consciousness-raising territory. At the end of the book, Don recounts his own journey Nixa explains how to practice the lost art of in the doctor’s medicine chest, offering the to find an alternative treatment for depression, a trip that took him from a Swiss neu- heart navigation to help you find your life missing elements of emotional and spiritual roscience lab to the South American jungle. purpose and spiritual identity, conquer the healing that have eluded us for so long. “Changing Our Minds gives you everything you need to know about the multiple di- fear, doubt and criticism that stand in the “This is the medicine of the future, the mensions of current psychedelic research.” —James Fadiman, author of The Psychedelic way of that vision, and become a shamanic big answer to what ails us in the West. For Explorer’s Guide shapeshifter of your life. millennia the doctor and the medicine man Also by Don Lattin is The Harvard Psychedelic Club. Providing heart-opening exercises to slow were one and the same person. Dr. Tafur your mental racing and detect your heart’s takes us into the heart of the Amazon and navigational guidance system, he shows how shows us how spirit can heal the body, how to awaken your wild and free heart, access love can repair the soul, and how awakening STEALING FIRE everything we thought your spiritual core directly, deactivate trau- to our higher purpose and mission in life How Silicon Valley, the Navy SEALs, we knew about high ma-based emotional patterns, retrieve vital can open the doors to health and long life. and Maverick Scientists Are Revolutionizing performance up- energy, work with your dreams, and become Brilliant!” —Alberto Villoldo, author of One the Way We Live and Work side down. Instead an artist of the soul. You will learn how to Spirit Medicine by Steven Kotler & Jamie Wheal of grit, better hab- meet your power animals and consult with “Dr. Tafur’s timely book takes us on an $18.50, paper. HarperCollins. 304 pages its, or 10,000 hours, spirit guides, embark on shamanic journeys enchanted adventure through the emerging It’s the biggest revolution you’ve never these trailblazers have in the spirit world for help and information, world of Amazonian shamanism. All along heard of, and its hiding in plain sight. Over found a surprising slay your inner dragons of self-sabotage, find the way, he engages the reader with person- the past decade, Silicon Valley executives short cut. They’re your personal spirit song, and create the joy- al stories that illuminate his exciting and like Eric Schmidt and Elon Musk, Special harnessing rare and ful life that your heart is attuned to seek out. evolving philosophy of medicine and heal- Operators like the Navy SEALs and the controversial states of Offering case studies and troubleshoot- ing.” —Andrew Weil, MD, author of Sponta- Green Berets, and maverick scientists like consciousness to solve ing help for common pitfalls and obstacles neous Healing Sasha Shulgin and Amy Cuddy have turned critical challenges and on the heart-centered path, this shamanic

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phrase affirms that Shamanism: Africa & Egypt THE ACCIDENTAL SHAMAN we are all related. Journeys with Plant Teachers Similarly, the Sioux LEOPARD WARRIOR and Other Spirit Allies medicine man, Brave A Journey into the African Teachings by Howard Charing Buffalo, came to real- of Ancestry, Instinct, and Dreams $21.50, paper. Inner Traditions. ize when he was still 210 pages, colour plates by John Lockley a boy that the maker After surviving an elevator crash in Lon- of all was Wakan Tan- $22.50, paper. Sounds True. 224 pages don, Howard Charing found he had devel- In 1990, during the beginning of the end of apartheid, a young ka (the Great Spirit), oped healing touch white medic in the South African army named John Lockley had a and… “in order to as well as the ability powerful dream. This dream, which he describes as a calling, began honor him I must to hear voices and ex- his extraordinary odyssey beyond the barriers of race, culture, and honor his works in nature.” perience visions—just belief into the world of the shaman. as a healer in Italy Our Father, Creator Sun, is the only Leopard Warrior shares the remarkable story of how John Lockley had predicted only a Creator of all life, one maker… There is no navigated the deep racial and cultural divide to follow his calling, to become one of one like our Creator Sun. He alone gave week before the acci- the first modern white men in recent history to become a fully initiated sangoma—tra- us a commandment that was to be used dent. He began using ditional priest and healer—in the Xhosa lineage of South Africa, the tribe of Nelson by all, especially the human beings. The his abilities to heal Mandela and Desmond Tutu. commandment was just a plain “Be honest but felt he needed In this teaching memoir, John introduces readers to the way of the leopard, a sha- to life and to all life.” This one command- more guidance and manic path for awakening our intuition and connection to the spirit of the world. ment covered everything: be honest. training. He first con- —Percy Bullchild, Blackfoot As he explores Xhosa wisdom on dreams, ceremony, spirit guides, and ancestors, this nected with a nation- remarkable teacher takes us on a joyous and life-affirming journey to the center of our The interconnectedness of all things, and al spiritual healing power and purpose in this world, to our intrinsic humanity (ubuntu). the respect all things are due, are among organization, only to be told he was doing the most prominent—and most welcome— Ubuntu emphasizes the sanctity of ancestral honoring—a unique practice in Africa that everything wrong. Then, through a friend, is a gift to mankind… Leopard Warrior is an account of the wealth of ancestral wisdom themes in this collection of Indian voices he discovered shamanism. on nature. Within the book are carefully au- entrusted to John by his saintly teacher over more than a decade. It reads like a piece of Sharing profound teachings and extraor- literature, carefully unveiling the hidden mysteries of Africa. This timely piece is a gift to thenticated quotations from men and wom- the world that adds African wisdom to the great concert of indigenous wisdom the West dinary experiences from his more than 30 en of nearly fifty North American tribes. so sorely need. —Malidoma Somé, from the foreword years of shamanic healing work, Charing The gorgeous illustrations include historical explains how he accidentally became a sha- Along the way, John endures incredible illness and suffering, meet and studies with photographs of American Indians, as well as man and completely changed the course a wide selection of contemporary photo- experienced spiritual teachers from a variety of lineages, and breaks cultural boundar- of his life. He describes his work with plant ies to awaken into the world of the shaman. graphs showing the diversity of the North spirits, entheogens such as ayahuasca, and American natural world. Together, these John Lockley spent 10 years in apprenticeship with MaMngwevu, a medicine woman indigenous shamans during his 20 years of from the Xhosa tribe. She named him Cingolweendaba, meaning the messenger or con- quotations and photographs beautifully fieldwork in the Peruvian Amazon, includ- form a natural prayer book. nector between people and cultures. ing his studies with the late visionary artist Civilized people depend too much on A key theme throughout this book is reconnecting with your ancestors and the forces Pablo Amaringo. Investigating altered states man-made printed pages. I turn to the of nature. As you do this in a mindful way, you naturally open your senses and increase of perception, he provides visionary tech- your ability to dream and make sense of your life purpose. Great Spirit’s book, which is the whole of niques for exploring non-ordinary reality, His creation. You can read a big part of exercises for expanding sensory percep- that book if your study nature…. The Great SEKHMET tion, and practices to open your creative ar- Spirit has provided you and me with an Transformation in the Belly of the Goddess tistic visionary potential. opportunity for study in nature’s university: by Nicki Scully Detailing the practice of soul retrieval, the the forests, the rivers, the mountains, and $22.50, paper. Bear & Company. author discusses why it is one of the most ef- the animals, which include us. 238 pages, b/w illustrations fective and profound spiritual healing prac- —Walking Buffalo, Stoney With glowing forewords by Normandi Ellis and Hank Wessel- tices and shares emotionally charged stories a shamanic ritual with the Egyptian goddess “The quotations are so well chosen, so man, this book offers of successful shamanic healings he has at- Sekhmet to bring about alchemical transformation at the deepest well paired with the images, and so beau- tended. He also includes shamanic wisdom levels of your being. tifully centered on our appreciation, un- on working with feathers, stones, and sound Sekhmet is the lioness goddess of the Egyptian Pantheon, a fierce derstanding, and lasting reliance on the and compares current research in physics protector of truth, balance, and the Cosmic order of Ma’at. Known natural world, they do what our traditional with the vast body of experiential knowledge stories have always done—engage and teach.” and feared as the goddess of war and destruction, she also represents the transforma- from indigenous spiritual traditions. —Joseph Bruchac, author of Keepers of the tive power of kundalini energy, or sekhem, and is the main goddess to harness this power Earth for healing. As She Who Comes in Times of Chaos, she takes offerings of fear, rage, It is soul, not spirit, that is the true land- and weakness and transforms them into alchemical gold, the universal medicine for scape of shamanism—the landscape of suffering, passion, and mess. Shamans deal with physical, emotional, and soul healing. sickness, envy, malice, conflict, bad luck, In this book you are guided through a shamanic ritual of alchemical transformation and hatred, despair, and death. Indeed, the pur- SPIRIT DRUMMING initiation with Sekhmet, working with this powerful goddess to release your most deeply pose of the shaman is to dwell in the valley A Guide to the Healing Power of Rhythm rooted negative behavior patterns and be reborn into a more purified state of consciousness. of the soul—to heal what has been broken by Gabriel Horn Using intensive self-examination exercises to help you prepare to meet the goddess, in the body and the community. Shamans $16.95, paper. Sterling. the author leads you through a guided visualization, illustrated with photographs, to live with betrayal, loss, confusion, need, and 176 pages, 7x9, colour photos an ancient statue of Sekhmet in her chapel at the Temple of Karnak. There, you will be failure—including their own. A heartfelt examination of the spiritual shamanistically devoured by the goddess, directly experiencing the alchemical process power of Native American drumming, includ- In this book we have a remarkable of transformation in the belly of Sekhmet until you are rebirthed as a fully realized ing authentic stories, forthright and detailed chronicle of such a chants, and rituals. adult child of the goddess. shaman at work. Howard is first and fore- You will experience how your offering of pain, fear, rage, and self-sabotage is digest- most a healer and visionary, clearly situat- The first time our ed, absorbed, and assimilated by Sekhmet. The initiations, rites of passage, and trans- ed in the valley of the soul, and he shares heartbeat pounds missions from Sekhmet included in the journey restructure the most important aspects with us his visions, his practices, and his in rhythm with the of your body, mind, spirit, and soul. remarkable experiences. At the same time, ancient beat of the This journey of shamanic death, illumination, and rebirth in the belly of Sekhmet we can watch him thinking through his drum, we will once provides an opportunity to heal on all levels and allows you to release your rage, anger, healing practices and experiences, placing again be fused with the heart of the and fear as you transform the energies that maintained them into creative and con- them within a wider—indeed, a global— context. He is a man at the intersection of Great Mother of all structive solutions that benefit yourself, your community, and the planet. being in the world, Nicki Scully has been a healer and teacher of shamanism and the Egyptian mysteries many forms of shamanism, drawn together by his personal healing mission. —Stephan the Earth Mother, since 1983. Among her books are Alchemical Healing and The Anubis Oracle. Through Beyer, from the foreword and reconnected in consciousness to the Shamanic Journeys Ltd., she leads spiritual tours to sacred sites in Egypt. Original Source of All Things, the Great Holy Mystery. Native American Perhaps the first conscious beating of manual provides hands-on practices and cer- “In this time of great change, our modern the drum sound occurred as we grew in the emonies as well as wisdom from the author’s culture needs tools for finding a way back Medicine Ways wombs of our mothers. Beat after beat, we own journey and the powerful teachers he into balance with nature, soul, and spirit. grew within the sea of our births, and then has worked with, including Sandra Inger- Nixa leads readers along the Path of the we were born into the air of the world— man, Mikkal, spiritual elders of the Oglala Heart: a three-pronged approach to person- SPIRIT OF THE EARTH when did we begin to separate from that Lakota people, and plant-spirit medicine al way-finding, healing, and transformation Indian Voices on Nature beat? How long will it be before we hear the shamans of the Amazon jungle. Allowing that weaves together traditional shamanism, edited by Michael Oren Fitzgerald beating again? you to understand the precise contours of modern soul psychology, and nature-based $18.95, paper. World Wisdom. Gabriel Horn, White Deer of Autumn, your authentic self and your visionary heart, mindfulness practices… a brilliant book 120 pages, colour illustrations shows how drumming can take us back to this book offers a map to a vibrant new life that is truly innovative.” —Sandra Inger- Often spoken at the end of our true selves and connect us to each other aligned with your soul and deepest calling. man, author of Soul Retrieval a prayer, a well-known Sioux and the earth. Spirit Drumming follows his

B R A N C H E S O F L I G H T F 29 F F A L L, W I N T E R, S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 F W I C C A N S, C E L T S & C H R I S T I A N S F journey to the drums, including a history to work hard to make them whole again. frustrated by dated of drumming in Native American commu- This is at the centre of sacred ceremonies and inaccurate trans- Celtic Spirit nities, an investigation of drums as living practiced by Indigenous people. This is what lations—until now. beings, and an authoritative reckoning on so many of us seek, no matter where we John Michael Greer, ARTHURIAN MAGIC vibration as a conduit for healing. begin life. a respected occult This is the reason you walk. The Complete Book of Meditations, This heartfelt book explores the spiritual scholar, and Mark Rituals & Visualizations side of Native American drumming, Stories Anthony Mikituk, a by John & Caitlin Matthews and anecdotes about his journey, as well as masterful translator, $34.95, paper. Llewellyn. contributions from other writers, are shared collaborate to restore 504 pages, 7x9, b/w illustrations along with tribal songs and rituals. He cov- Wicca, Magick this landmark work— Discover a complete system of magical ers From Past to Present, the Drumming; complete with its work based on the myths of Arthur and Birth and Rebirth; The Origin: The practice & Pagan Paths original illustrations his knights. With of Conscious Thought; Drum Teachings; and symbols—to the meditations, rituals, Transformation and Drumming; and more. center of the alternative spiritual canon. visualizations, and No matter what their shape, a circular THE DOCTRINE AND RITUAL The third theme of this book was as the author’s pio- energy seems to emanate from traditional OF HIGH MAGIC simple as it was revolutionary: magic is a neering shamanic drums. Each beat I imagine as rings of vi- A New Translation psychological process. The powers and techniques, Arthur- brations going out into the world, into the by Eliphas Levi, potencies that mages invoke exist within ian Magic leads you Mystery, going deeper into self. translated by John Michael Greer their own minds, and the arduous training on a profound soul He also provides information on how $30.00, paper. Penguin. 482 pages, illus. through which the apprentice becomes an journey designed to adept is simply a process of learning how to integrate other sacred elements in your Filling a huge gap in our spiritual culture, raise consciousness here—at last—is a comprehensive and ele- to use vivid symbols and symbolic acts drumming (such as feathers, cedar, sweet- energized by the will to draw on capacities and offer deep lev- gant translation of the 1854 French master- grass, and tobacco), transcripts of chants of consciousness that most human beings els of wisdom. you can use in your own practice, and cere- work of occult philosophy. The Doctrine and never discover in themselves. The Arthurian legends have long been monies for thanksgiving, birth, the harvest, Ritual of High Magic reignited the esoteric The apparent absurdity of many magical recognized as a premier source of esoteric children, and more. spiritual search in the West and led to the rituals is thus beside the point, because any insight. From Dr. John Dee to the Order of emergence of Madame Blavatsky, Manly P. set of actions that has been given a symbol- the Golden Dawn to the more recent fasci- Hall, and the New Age revolution. ic meaning can be used to accomplish the nation with the mysteries of the Grail and Lévi’s study of magic is an absolute must redirection of the mind that makes magic THE REASON YOU WALK the Templars, dozens of magical groups and for every seeker in occult, esoteric, and work. countless individuals have turned to the by Wab Kinew druidic realms; but this need has been —John Michael Green, from his introduction $22.00, paper. Penguin. 273 pages, illus. myths of Arthur and his Knights for initia- A moving father-son reconciliation told tion, inspiration, and instruction. This book by a charismatic First Nations broadcaster, is a guide for beginners and more experi- musician and activist. The Craft of Wicca enced practitioners to incorporate the deep When his father spiritual power of the Grail stories into their was given a diagnosis SABBATS lives. of terminal cancer, A Witch’s Approach to Living the Old Ways Elder teachers John and Caitlin Matthews have written many books on Celtic spirit Winnipeg broadcast- by Edain McCoy er and musician Wab $32.95, paper. Llewellyn. paths, myth, faery, and Grail studies. Kinew decided to 368 pages, 7x10, b/w illustrations spend a year recon- First and foremost, Witchcraft or Wicca is a religion. In The necting with the ac- Sabbats, Edain McCoy reveals the eight major holidays of this Christian & Jewish complished but dis- faith and the many ways in which they are celebrated. tant aboriginal man There are two basic types of holidays. The first come at the Spirituality who’d raised him. Solstices and Equinoxes. The others divide the time between The Reason You Walk those dates in two, resulting in eight major holidays or Sabbats spans the year 2012, chronicling painful mo- with approximately the same amount of days between them. CHANGING THE WORLD ments in the past and celebrating renewed The balance, here, gives the appearance of spokes in a wheel, so FROM THE INSIDE OUT hopes and dreams for the future. As Kinew this cycle is commonly called the Wheel of the Year. A Jewish Approach revisits his own childhood in Winnipeg and The holidays represent two things. First, the harvest cycle. Each holiday represents to Personal and Social Change on a reserve in Northern Ontario, he learns a time in the growth of crops. From planting to growth, from harvesting to letting the by David Jaffe more about his father’s traumatic childhood lands lie fallow in the cold winter, the festivals follow the agricultural cycles of ancient $22.95, paper. Shambhala. 264 pages at residential school. times. However, they also represent the eternal love of the God and Goddess, following The world needs changing—and you’re An intriguing doubleness marks The Rea- the God’s birth from the Goddess and his death before she gives birth to him again. just the person to do it! It’s a matter of son You Walk, a reference to an Anishinaabe This also follows the pattern of the Sun which moves from warm and high in the sky to cultivating the inner ceremonial song. Born to an Anishinaabe fa- cold and low in the sky. resources you already ther and a non-native mother, he has a foot The book is filled with ways you can follow the Wheel of the Year, whether you work have. If you are serious in both cultures. He is a Sundancer, an aca- with a coven, with your family, or by yourself. You will learn the secrets of ritual con- about working for social demic, a former rapper, a hereditary chief, struction and handicrafts appropriate to each of the festivals. You will also learn recipes justice and change, this and an urban activist. His father, Tobason- for traditional foods for each holiday and even songs appropriate to the Sabbats. book will help you bring akwut, was both a beloved traditional chief This is a wonderful, joyous book filled with color, information, and wisdom. If you your most compassion- and a respected elected leader who engaged are involved with Paganism in any way, this book is a must for your studies and practic- ate, wise, and coura- directly with Ottawa. Internally divided, his es. This book functions as both a resource and as a practical manual for the celebration geous self to the job. father embraced both traditional native reli- of the holidays. Bringing positive gion and Catholicism, the religion that was social change to any inculcated into him at the residential school system takes deep DARK GODDESS CRAFT self-awareness, caring, where he was physically and sexually abused. A Journey through the In a grand gesture of reconciliation, Kinew’s determination, and long-term commitment. Heart of Transformation father invited the Roman Catholic bishop of But polarization, the slow pace of change, Winnipeg to a Sundance ceremony in which by Stephanie Woodfield and internal conflicts among activists and $22.95, paper. Llewellyn. 312 pages he adopted him as his brother. organizations often leads to burnout and Discover how to use the many faces of the dark goddess discouragement among the very people Kinew writes affectingly of his own strug- to navigate the process of deep and rewarding change. This gles in his twenties to find the right path, needed to make a difference. practical guide looks at the misconceptions surrounding dark Changing the World from the Inside Out dis- eventually giving up a self-destructive life- deities and encourages you to draw on the power of the dark style to passionately pursue music and mar- tills centuries of Jewish wisdom about culti- goddesses to work through aspects of yourself or your life that vating and refining the inner life into an ac- tial arts. From his unique vantage point, he you wish to change. offers an inside view of what it means to be cessible program for building the qualities Organized into three sections—the descent, challenge, necessary to accomplish sustainable change. an educated aboriginal living in a country and rebirth—Dark Goddess Craft guides you into your own that is just beginning to wake up to its ab- Through explorations of deep motivation, darkness and helps you emerge renewed. Stephanie Woodfield presents the goddess- inner-drive, and traits like trust and anger, original history and living presence. es you will meet along your path of transformation and explains each one’s role in Invoking hope, healing and forgiveness, this book engages the reader in a journey helping you. This book will light your way through the shadows and show you how to of self-development and transformation, The Reason You Walk gives us an inspiring vi- become the best version of yourself. sion for family and cross-cultural reconcil- demonstrating that sustainable activism is The book provides spells, invocations, rituals, and meditation that can be easily indeed a spiritual practice. Jaffe offers ac- iation, and a wider conversation about the adapted to fit the reader’s Pagan traditions and preferences. future of aboriginal peoples. cessible and meaningful guidance for this Stephanie Woodfield has been a practicing Witch for 14 years, and a priestess for journey—with exercises, contemplations, He taught us that during our time on ten years. earth we ought to love one another, and and discussion points that can be used indi- that when our hearts are broken, we ought vidually or in a group.

B R A N C H E S O F L I G H T F 30 F F A L L, W I N T E R, S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 F C H R I S T I A N & S U F I M Y S T I C S F

“This wise book is essential reading for this book integrates the ancient wisdom of anyone who recognizes that the world’s Eckhart & the Christian Mystics Sufism with the needs of contemporary life. problems demand spiritual solutions, because it is we who must change before we If Sufism has a central method, it is the MEISTER ECKHART’S BOOK OF THE HEART development of presence and love. Only can expect to change the world. Meditations for a Restless Soul presence can awaken us from our enslave- Rabbi Jaffe draws on deep and time-test- by John Sweeney & Mark Burrows ment to the world and our own psycholog- ed Jewish wisdom to guide us to become $24.95, paper. Hampton Roads. 240 pp. ical processes, and only cosmic love can more effective activists by bringing our high- Meister Eckhart (1260 -1328) was a priest, a mystic, and nearly comprehend the Divine. Love is the highest truth to bear on public issues… a heretic (he died before the Church court’s verdict). In the 20th est activation of intelligence, for without Changing the World from the Inside Out is century, the Roman Catholic Church rehabilitated him and the it nothing great would be accomplished, full of valuable lessons that will help ensure late Pope John Paul II spoke of his work with fondness. However, whether spiritually, artistically, socially, or that your holy light shines like a beacon in what makes him of particular interest is the fact that he has influ- scientifically... enced a wide range of spiritual teachers and mystics both inside these dark times, when we need it so much.” There are many ways for the human ego —Alan Morinis, author of Everyday Holiness and outside the Christian tradition. Erich Fromm, Eckhart Tolle, to usurp even the purest spiritual values. The Richard Rohr, D. T. Suzuki, and Rudolf Steiner have all credited Eckhart as being an true Sufi is the one who makes no claims to important influence on their thought. In addition, his work has influenced the devel- virtue or truth, but who lives a life of pres- THE PATH OF CENTERING PRAYER opment of 20th century American Buddhism and the Theosophical tradition. ence and selfless love. More important than Eckhart wrote at a time—much like our own—when society appeared to be coming what we believe is how we live.” Deepening Your New in apart at the seams. In the midst of all that chaos and uncertainty, he captured the many * Experience of God Paperback forms and stages of the love of God, the mystic path, and the journey of transforma- You cast us like sunlight upon the earth. by David Frenette tion—in language so startling that he, too, was often accused of heresy. And our light, passing through the body $21.50, paper. Sounds True. 264 pages Now, seven centuries later, this fresh, stun- as if it were an open window to our In the teachings of Jesus, there are Source, returns, purified, to You. prayers, and then there is prayer—the si- Let me seek You ning rendering of gems from his work love shining —Rumi in the darkness translates the essence of one of Christiani- lent, loving commu- like the sun of my silence ty’s greatest poetic and spiritual voices. This nion with the divine, flowing beyond words or book conveys the heart of Eckhart’s teach- and find You like the river ing on what it means to love God and em- ritual. With Father in the silence WARRIORS OF LOVE and joying bark on an authentic spiritual journey—a Thomas Keating’s of Your light Rumi’s Odes to Shams of Tabriz like the heart. journey that is characterized by mystery, book Open Mind, which is by Rumi, translated by James Cowan Open Heart, hun- paradox, and an embrace of the unknown. $16.95, paper. Watkins. 206 pages dreds of thousands In 1244 a man wrapped in a coarse black CHRISTIAN MYSTICS coat entered Konya and so into the life of Is- discovered the trans- 108 Seers, Saints, and Sages formative power of lam’s most celebrat- by Carl McColman Centering Prayer as ed poet and mystic: $28.95, paper. Hampton Roads. 260 pp. Mevlana Jalaluddin a form of Christian This clear and informative book provides readers with a crash meditation. Now, in Rumi. A wanderer course on how the seers, saints, and sages of the Christian tradi- and spiritual vag- The Path of Centering tion have pursued, attained and lived enlightenment. This is a us- Prayer, Keating’s se- abond, Shams of er-friendly and potentially life-changing introduction to the wisdom Tabriz proceeded nior student and friend David Frenette re- teachings of over 108 of the greatest mystics in the Western tradition. veals the profound depths of this practice, to wrestle with Ru- Its premise is that we all need teachers and companions to assist us mi’s soul. What he making it easier for meditators to deepen in developing rich interior lives. It celebrates the universal power and wisdom of the their connection with God. wanted from his teachings of the mystics, highlighting the ways in which their words can help anyone protegé was for him Beginning and experienced practitioners find greater love, purpose, and a deeper sense of God’s presence. alike will benefit from this fresh voice, at to embody a wilder, McColman organizes the mystics into nine categories: visionaries, confessors, lovers, more robust spiritu- once eloquent and clear, as they explore poets, saints, heretics, wisdom keepers, soul-friends, and unitives. He covers a wide the key insights and principles of Centering ality that would enable him to embrace life’s range of Christian mystics including Martin Luther King, Hildegard of Bingen, Julian rawness more completely than any saint had Prayer. Teachings include: of Norwich, John O’Donohue, Bede Griffiths, Gregory of Palamus, C.S. Lewis, and u Guided instruction in the sacred done in the past. many more. For each mystic, he provides a brief life sketch, the gist of their teachings, Warriors of Love is a fresh interpretation word, sacred breath, and sacred a few quotes from their writings, and recommended readings. glance practices of a selection of 49 poems which were writ- When we read the mystics, we need to read with discernment, good judgment, and u Gentleness and openness: the way of ten by Rumi as metaphors for his love for common sense, looking for the jewels of wisdom embedded in their words and forgiving God as well as for his friend Shams, the letting go and letting be them for the natural limitations in their thought and awareness due to the time in which u Experiencing a deeper sense of God Wild One. In a long introduction on the they wrote and lived… life and times of Rumi and his friendship in meditation and in everyday life Perhaps you are more drawn to the philosophers and wisdom keepers, mystics whose u Many other contemplative practices writings are erudite and intellectual, but your best friend prefers the lovers, who tend to with Shams, translator James Cowan also and teachings founded upon the wis- approach God in a more intuitive, fiery, heart-centered way. As Pete the Cat would say, explores the historical facts of their encoun- dom of Fathers Thomas Keating and “It’s all good!” It is all good, and it’s also to be expected that everyone will more naturally ter, Sufism, the Mevlevi Order of Dervishes, Thomas Merton. bond with some mystics, but not all. And every one of us will have our own favorites. the new dimension that Shams brought to Islamic spirituality and the importance of This informative volume will appeal to those who buy religious reference books and Practicing centering prayer awakens one friendship as a true path to God. to deeper meaning, as life itself becomes a those interested in spirituality. spiritual journey. With centering prayer and Regard the soul as a fountain, Christian contemplation, instead of just a all creation as rivers; belief, God becomes a living reality. that we can connect with the Divine, and While the fountain flows forth, rivers swell. Has your spiritual path grown routine or Sufism, Islam the Divine can live through us. Dismiss grief from your mind unfulfilling, or is it at a crossroads for new A shaikh (teacher) in the Mevlevi Order and drink your fill; discovery? For all Christians who seek to & Rumi founded by Rumi, Kabir Helminski is one This spring will not cease, move closer into “The Presence,” The Path of the world’s most recognized teachers of eternal are its waters. LIVING PRESENCE of Centering Prayer offers guidance in this re- Sufism. InLiving Presence, Helminski lays From the moment of your birth a ladder warding and time-honored meditation prac- A Sufi Way out the basic principles of Sufism, and how Was placed before you to help you escape. to Mindfulness tice, to help break through obstacles and these ideas can lead to the experience of First you were mineral, a plant, then and the Essential Self illuminate the way. New in presence. In this inspiring work, readers will animal: “This beautiful book... expands the map by Kabir Helminski Paperback learn how to cultivate presence in their lives There’s no secret about your evolution. of the known Centering Prayer universe... $20.00, paper. Penguin. through: Later you became man, equipped with gently reshapes fundamental building Here’s a completely revised and updated u Finding a balance between the outer 25th anniversary edition of the classic work stimuli of the world and our inner knowledge, reason and faith blocks of the Centering Prayer teaching... Look at your body, nature’s dust-pit, on Sufism that Jack Korn- reactions to them David’s work will breathe significant new life how perfect it has grown! into your personal practice.” —Rev. Cynthia field called, “A heartfelt u Harnessing faithfulness and graceful- Bourgeault, author of Centering Prayer and modern illumination of the ness Leaving manhood behind, there’s no doubt Inner Awakening Sufi path, filled with the u Learning about the parallels between you’ll become an angel; David Frenette is a leader and senior fragrance of the ancients.” ancient spiritual wisdom and modern The earth you’ll leave then, and head for Heaven. teacher in the Centering Prayer movement, In Sufism, the mystical psychological knowledge and a friend and advisor of Father Thomas branch of Islam, pres- u Meditation and contemplation to Transcending the angel, become an ocean Keating for 30 years. ence is the quality that discover more meaning in daily life Whose each drop will be larger than describes a heart-filled With unique clarity, this book describes countless Seas of Oman. state of mindfulness, an how presence can be developed to vastly With all your soul put behind you ‘Son’, experience of being con- improve our lives. Drawing on the work of adore instead ‘One’; scious in the present moment. It is only in the beloved Sufi poet, Rumi, as well as tra- It doesn’t matter how your body ages, this present moment, Sufi teachings reveal, ditional material and personal experience, your soul’s young.

B R A N C H E S O F L I G H T F 31 F F A L L, W I N T E R, S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 F L I V I N G M E T A P H Y S I C S F THE CONFERENCE OF THE BIRDS Astrology, Tarot by Attar, translated by Sholeh Wolpé Tarot Renewed $34.95, cloth. Norton. 346 pages Considered by Rumi to be “the master” & Divination THE FOUNTAIN TAROT of Sufi mystic poetry, Attar (who died, in Illustrated Deck and Guidebook 1220, when Rumi was THE NIGHT SPEAKS by Jonathan Saiz, Jason Gruhl & Andi Todaro 12 years old) is best How Astrology Works $54.00, cards. Shambhala. known for his epic by Steven Forrest 79 colour cards + guidebook in a box poem The Conference of $19.95, paper. Seven Paws. 221 pages This glitteringly, lavishly illustrated, freshly conceived tarot the Birds, a magnificent The Night Speaks is a one-of-kind astrol- deck and guidebook focuses on creative inspiration, daily re- allegorical tale about ogy book. In it, best-selling author Steven flection, and revealing new possibilities. It consists of79 sil- the soul’s search for Forrest offers a mod- ver-gilded cards with beautiful oil paintings created by artist meaning. The poem el for how astrology Jonathan Saiz. recounts the perilous works, illuminating Move your creativity and life forward with this gorgeously de- journey of the world’s the reasons, both ra- signed deck. The Fountain Tarot draws on tradition, but provides birds to the faraway tional and transcen- a modern voice and distinct approach that highlights our every- peaks of Mount Qaf—a dent, that astrology day lives as a source of insight, wisdom, and growth. mythical mountain has been the focus of As a daily tool for reflection and a powerful vehicle for self-dis- that wraps around the his spiritual life. covery, The Fountain Tarot reveals creative opportunities, awakens fresh viewpoints, and earth—in search of the mysterious Simurgh, In his own words, offers a new take on life’s possibilities. Whether you’re selecting a card to set the tone for their king. Attar’s beguiling anecdotes and I love astrology your day, invigorate your creative energy, or inspire you before your meditation or yoga humor intermingle the sublime with the passionately. Every practice, The Fountain Tarot helps open closed doors and reveal new paths. mundane, the spiritual with the worldly, and day I see it helping Historically, this category has been filled with traditional decks that cater to an the religious with the metaphysical. Reflect- people. But on the occult audience (with a few exceptions like the Wild Unknown Tarot). The modern ing the entire evolution of Sufi mystic tradi- street, astrology is voice and package speaks to the growing popular audience interested in tarot as a tion, Attar’s poem models the soul’s escape still mostly viewed as silliness. Anyone beautiful, creative tool for self-reflection. from the mind’s rational embrace. who ‘believes in it’ is taken for a fool. This inspired me to ask: Could I write the book The parables in this book trigger memo- an open-minded critic might read and be UNDERSTANDING ALEISTER CROWLEY’S THOTH TAROT ries deep within us all. The stories inhabit inspired to give astrology an hour to prove New Edition the imagination, and slowly over time, itself? Could I write one that my clients their wisdom trickles down into the heart. by Lon Milo DuQuette could confidently hand their skeptical $35.95, paper. Weiser. The process of absorption is unique to ev- friends? In other words, could I break ery individual, as is each person’s journey. 330 pages, b/w & colour illustrations through the monumental wall of prejudice Originally published in 2003, Understanding Aleister Crowley’s We are the birds in the story. and ignorance that has kept astrology Thoth Tarot has proved to be the essential guide to accessing the Sholeh Wolpé re-creates the intense beauty trapped in its ghetto? This book is my re- unique symbolism and meaning of Aleister Crowley’s remarkable sponse, and explains why astrology is both of the original Persian in contemporary En- tarot deck along with the deeply textured artwork of Lady Frieda intellectually and spiritually plausible. glish verse and poetic prose, fully capturing for Harris. Crowley authority Lon Milo DuQuette starts by providing the first time the beauty and timeless wisdom Forrest describes The Night Speaks , not as an insightful historical background before delving into descrip- of Attar’s masterpiece for modern readers. a “How To Do Astrology” book, but rather tions of each card in depth, from a tarot perspective and from The seven valleys they must cross are: “Why to.” an expanded, magickal point of view. He first describes the tarot Steven Forrest is a professional astrolo- 1. Valley of the Quest, where the meaning of each card in detail and then explains all the other attributions Crowley Wayfarer begins by casting aside all ger. Among his other books are The Book of intended. dogma, belief, and unbelief Neptune and The Inner Sky. His astrological This unique guide has been updated with a new introduction that provides informa- apprenticeship program reaches students 2. Valley of Love, where reason is aban- tion on sexual alchemy in the Thoth Tarot imagery, describes the unicursal hexagram doned for the sake of love. from around the world. Visit him at: for- card included with some Thoth decks but never explained, and includes DuQuette’s estastrology.com. 3. Valley of Knowledge, where worldly Roll-With-the-Flow tarot spread for easy divinatory readings. knowledge becomes utterly useless The Thoth Tarot is arguably the most brilliant and beautiful attempt to convey in images and color this universal prophetic message. Each card in the deck is set like a stained- 4. Valley of Detachment, where all glass window in a magnificent cathedral erected as a celebration of evolving human desires and attachments to the world THE SHAMAN’S ORACLE consciousness. Every person who views them is touched in different ways. Some may are given up. Here, what is assumed Oracle Cards for Ancient Wisdom wish to meditate on the story they tell. Some may feel impelled to dissect each image mi- to be “reality” vanishes. and Guidance nutely. Others may simply want to bathe in the light and colors. No one, however, leaves 5. Valley of Unity, where the Wayfarer by John Matthews, this cathedral of the New Aeon untouched by the experience. realizes that everything is connected illustrated by Will Kinghan and that the Beloved is beyond every- $21.95, cards. Watkins. “Lon Milo DuQuette is that rarest of writers: a man who knows his subject from the thing, including harmony, multiplici- 52 cards + 88-page booklet, boxed inside out and, at the same time, can write clearly and gracefully. This book will indeed ty, and eternity. Before spoken language evolved, our bring Aleister Crowley’s and Lady Frieda Harris’s brilliant Thoth Tarot to a new genera- 6. Valley of Wonderment, where, en- ancestors communicated through images, tion of tarot lovers.” —Rachel Pollack, author of Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom tranced by the beauty of the Beloved, drawn or carved onto the Wayfarer becomes perplexed the walls of caves. A vast and, steeped in awe, find that he or proportion of the thou- she has never known of understood sands of such images worlds secret history. anything. derive from the vision- Metaphysics This richly illustrated edition features ex- 7. Valley of Poverty and Annihilation, ary insights of the first & Philosophy clusive new material to accompany the ori- where the self disappears into the shamans, who either ginal text in a beautiful package and over- universe and the Wayfarer becomes left them as reminders sized format. The Illustrated Secret History of timeless, existing in both the past and for themselves or as spir- THE ILLUSTRATED SECRET HISTORY the World presents a radical re-interpretation the future. itual signposts for those OF THE WORLD of human existence and a view of the world In the words of Attar: who came after them. by Mark Booth previously hidden from us. $54.00, cloth. Overlook. Featuring: This book is an ornament for the ages. Created by prac- 288 pages, 8x10, 350 colour & b/w illustrations It offers something for both the high and ticing shaman John Matthews and beau- Alchemists & Freemasons tifully illustrated with evocative images of Since its first publication in 2008, The Se- The Illuminati low. cret History of the World has sold over 250,000 If you came sad and frozen to this book, cave paintings by Wil Kinghan, this highly The Garden of Eden original deck contains 52 cards, which are copies and estab- The Knights Templar its hidden fire will blaze and melt your lished itself as the ice. divided into five groupings Spirits, Ances- The Looking Glass Universe tors, Hunters, Dancers and Shamans each authoritative text on The Gods Who Loved Women Yes, these verses are magic: the subject of eso- They grow more potent with each reading. representing a different aspect of human The Green King teric belief systems They are like beauty under a veil experience. Two further cards the Journeyer The Prophets and secret societies. that reveals its loveliness slowly. and the Helper represent the person who is The Sphinx & the Timelock conducting the reading: the Seeker. As the Now, with The Illus- The Neolithic Alexander cards are drawn, they reveal insights that will trated Secret History of Zarathustra help to guide the Seeker on his or her quest the World, this land- The Rise of the Magi for the answers to life’s most vital questions. mark book achieves Lucifer The images are not only beautiful, atmo- a new level of au- Gnostics & Shamans spheric and mysterious, but they also touch thority, adding to its Mohammed and Gabriel on the deepest memories we all possess, the thorough and revealing text more than 350 Francis Bacon and the Green One unconscious archetypes that influence our illustrations—many of them rare—of the The Rosicrucian Age thoughts, feelings and actions at the deepest symbols, drawings, engravings, paintings, The Seven Seals & The New Jerusalem level of being. and photographs that are a key part of the And much more . . .

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fiercely alive and richly conscious reality if your father has passed, it is not too late to Building Psychic Skills that is only, at best, indirectly addressed heal that relationship. You will be helping by everything that the human species has his soul as well as your own… KEYS TO PERCEPTION ever thought or believed… Picking up this book is the first step and, through the law of attraction, has a way of A Practical Guide to Psychic Development Our proposal? To venture outside the connecting you with the right people, heal- by Ivo Dominguez present houses of faith without forgetting ing modalities, or other resources that will $27.95, paper. Weiser. 238 pages, illus. those family homes or leaving the spirit facilitate your healing of father wounds. Many different systems and traditions of magic, divination, behind. To embrace science in a new way, spirituality, and esoteric religion exist, but at their core, they by promoting a more generous vision of Doreen Virtue has numerous books and share the need for practitioners to safely and successfully ex- the full human experience of reality that oracle card sets available. perience the reality that lies beyond the physical senses. Keys to can embrace and ponder “more stuff,” Perception: A Practical Guide to Psychic Development is a collection of especially the wild, fantastic stuff that proven and tested methods, rituals, and systems that will help shouts, glows, and zaps in these pages. Transmissions you deepen and clarify your capacity to sense and understand And, above all, to understand, to really the rich worlds beyond the veils of the ordinary. The material understand that we are already and always & Revelations have been living in a super natural world, in this book derives from decades of work by the author and his that we ourselves are highly evolved students. Dominguez offers the reader practical techniques for increasing psychic apti- prisms or mediums of this super nature tude and ability. Methods featured include chanting and working with crystals, chakras, coming into consciousness, and that many THE ASCENSION MYSTERIES oils, herbs, and potions, as well as a variation on the Middle-Pillar Ritual. of the things that we are constantly told are Revealing the Cosmic Battle I share several techniques in this book that will give you control over your inner sens- impossible are in fact not only possible but New in Between Good and Evil Paperback es… Although to some degree, talent and potential do matter, the utility of your psychic also the whispered secrets of what we are, by David Wilcock where we are, and why we are here. This is senses is more a matter of practice and application. And by practice, I mean practice; the $24.00, paper. Knopf. 528 pages, photos regular use of your psychic senses is the surest way to making them reliable and useful… a book about that Already World. David Wilcock, who brought us the best- Pay attention whenever you marvel at something or feel awe. Wonder will feed the “Something is happening here, and we’re sellers The Source Field Investigations and The growth of your psychic skills and is an antidote for naysayers within and without. not sure what it is, but Kripal and Strieber Synchronicity Key, have a clue: if there are aliens among us, has become one of “Having spent fifty of my eighty-eight years reading, writing, and actively taking part they are ourselves, and we seem eager to in all areas of the paranormal, I feel qualified to say to my students in all honesty, ‘I the leading writers make contact. This is a brilliant, provocative, wish I had had this book when I was twenty.’… He has put before his readers what exploring ancient and gripping new inquiry into the mysteries amounts to a complete course on the Magical Arts. As always, his style is clear, concise, mysteries and new of time, space, and the human—and not so and delivered without frills or irrelevancies. He writes with the authority coming from science. With The human—mind.” —Gary Lachman, author years of personal experience, tempered by the ability to know when to change, adapt, Ascension Mysteries, of The Secret Teachers of the Western World and take new and often uncharted direction.” —Dolores Ashcraft-Nowicki, director of David takes readers studies, Servants of the Light on a surprising and enthralling journey INTUITION ON DEMAND FATHER THERAPY through the history of the universe, A step-by-step guide to powerful intuition you can trust How to Heal Your Father Issues exploring the great by Lisa K. So You Can Enjoy Your Life Cosmic Battle sur- $22.95, paper. Findhorn. 190 pages by Doreen Virtue & Andrew Karpenko Has your intuition been giving you messages but you don’t $22.50, paper. Hay House. 166 pages rounding our own know what they mean? Do you find it hard to trust your intuition Wounds from primal relationships, such Ascension. because you think you might be making it up? Would you like to as those with mothers and fathers, run Through his contact with a positive higher have intuitive guidance at your fingertips, but you’re not sure if very deep. If your intelligence behind the UFO phenomenon, your intuition is working at all? Do you want to have more under- childhood involved groundbreaking scientific information, and standable information from your intuition? Intuition On Demand an absent, addicted, data from high-ranking government whis- can help you fix all these problems once and for all. or abusive father, tle-blowers, David reveals that the earth is When you finish reading this book you’ll be able to make your you may have these now on the front lines of a battle that has intuition happen when you want, on what you want and get detailed information. You’ll emotional ghosts: been raging between positive and negative have an education and understanding of intuition so you can get instant intuitive guid- u Low self-esteem extraterrestrials for hundreds of thousands ance for all your important life decisions and know what action to take that will give u People-pleasing, of years. The Ascension Mysteries explores the you a better outcome. approval- towering personal obstacles David overcame Developed from years of research, training and experience, Intuition on Demand seeking, to unlock the great secrets of our universe provides a step-by-step technique that is a down to earth, tangible process that makes neediness, and and looks ahead to what this battle means sense to people. Words used to describe the technique and methods are clear, straight- codependency for each of us personally. By unifying an- forward, understandable and “not woo woo.” The technique can easily be applied to u Wishing and cient texts from a variety of religions with any situation and can be built upon through clear exercises. praying that scientific data and insider testimony, Da- The ultimate goal of developing your intuition with these techniques and methods is to be your dad would change into the vid presents a stunning conclusion—that intuitive all the time so you know your warning and guidance system is always running. father you believe he should be Earth is on the verge of a massive cosmic u Feeling frequently angry, including event that will transform matter, energy, Some of what is covered in the book: repressed anger consciousness, and biological life as we now * The intuition development map and why most people get stuck at step one u Choosing romantic partners who know it and will utterly defeat the great vil- * Build your toolkit of intuition methods to use in business, romance, health and remind you of your dad lains of our time. wellness and other situations u Intimidation surrounding male The great villains in our planetary script * Find out ways to re-program your thinking mind to become more intuitive so you authority figures. constantly fill the headlines with fear and can use it in any situation and have your intuition ‘on’ all the time + easy ways to In this insightful and compassionate trauma. Terrifying media, presenting hor- distinguish between your thinking mind and your intuition. book, former psychotherapist Doreen Vir- rors such as the threat of mass destruction, This book contains dozens of intuition exercises you can do alone or with a friend to tue and practicing clinical social worker An- triggers a morphine response that get us hone your skill to an advanced level. Intuition On Demand includes worksheets to help drew Karpenko present a range of self-heal- high—which I have termed “fear porn.” you discover how to strengthen your intuition skills. ing techniques to empower you to counsel Some people are then influenced to abuse your inner wounded child so that you can others, whereas other get high from feeling deal with men as a healthy functioning adult. victimized. I feel the best way to under- Whether you are a man or a woman, they stand this phenomenon and deactivate the THE SUPER NATURAL Their suggestion? help you to choose thriving, balanced rela- system is to study the personal testimony of Why the Unexplained is Real That all kinds someone who has identified the addiction tionships with the males in your life; open and recovered from it. by Whitley Strieber of “impossible” your heart to feeling safe receiving love; and things, from extra- Breaking this habit, I believe, is the core & Jeffrey Kripal reconnect with both divine feminine and of the ascension process, and it is the main dimensional beings to $22.00, paper. Penguin. 365 pages masculine energies. reason why I am sharing so much of myself Whitley Strieber (Communion) and Jeffrey bilocation to bumps All of your painful experiences have hap- with you in this book… Kripal (professor of religion at Rice Universi- in the night, are a pened for a reason. There are parts of your The only way to break the trauma addic- ty) team up on this unprecedented new fram- part of our natural psyche calling out for attention. Healing tion is to learn to love and protect yourself, ing of inexplicable events and experiences. world. But this natural your father wounds will free you from lin- and then to be able to forgive those who Rather than merely document the anoma- world is immeasurably gering feelings of emptiness and patterns of have harmed you… The higher beings lous, these authors—one who popularized more weird, more dysfunction with men—to pursue your pas- working with us know every twist and alien abduction and the other a scholar and wonderful, and sion and life purpose unfettered by the past. turn of the path, from the brightest to the “renegade advocate for including the para- probably more darkest, and can help us out of the most normal in religious studies” (The New York Don’t be surprised if you father contacts impossible-seeming paradoxes. populated than we have so far imagined you personally or you come across some Times)—deliver an exhilarating study of why with our current categories and cultures. correspondence from him while reading Wilcock takes the time to connect the the supernatural is neither fantasy nor fiction Whitley and I explore the proposal that this book. It’s part of the healing process. dots between the human species and the but a vital, authentic aspect of life. we are all embedded in a much larger, We believe that life goes on after death, so rest of the cosmos.

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genes occurring in a way that suggests THE ART OF CONNECTION Channeling Insight something beyond evolution made our humanness possible. 7 Relationship-Building Skills Every Leader THE BOOK OF TRUTH u Fact 5. Our extraordinary abilities— Needs Now The Mastery Trilogy: Book 2: A Channeled Text We are born with the capacity to by Michael Gelb by Paul Selig self-heal, to self-regulate longevity, $23.00, paper. New World Library. 248 pp These days, many of us find it easier to $23.00, paper. Putnam. 345 pages, flaps to activate an enhanced immune Channeler Paul Selig presents the second work in his acclaimed avoid face-to-face contact in favor of tech- response, and to experience deep Mastery Trilogy. The Book of Truth casts your relationships—and nological shortcuts. intuition, sympathy, empathy, and, ul- what they reveal about you—in a dramatic and radical new light. Why take the trouble timately, compassion—and to do each The channeled literature of Paul Selig—who receives clairaudient to meet someone in of these on demand. In this book, dictation from unseen intellects called the Guides—has quickly be- person when we can Gregg Braden crosses the traditional come the most important and celebrated expression of channeling simply send an email boundaries of science and spirituality since A Course In Miracles rose to prominence in the 1970s. or a text? But as Mi- to answer the timeless question at Selig’s previous trilogy of channeled wisdom—I Am the Word, The Book of Love and chael Gelb argues the core of our existence—Who are Creation, and The Book of Knowing and Worth—won a large following around the world in this compelling we?—and to reveal science-based for its depth, intimacy, and psychological insight. The first book of his new Mastery Tril- book, the meaning- techniques that awaken our uniquely ogy, The Book of Mastery, likewise “rang the bell.” Now, Selig continues the “Teachings of ful relationships human experiences of deep intuition, Mastery” with the widely anticipated second volume in his new series: The Book of Truth. that come from real precognition, advanced states of interaction are the You experience your world, you see, through the senses, and the senses have form in self-healing, and much more. Human basis of success. the bodies you hold. The actualization of what you are happens in your entire being, but by Design reveals that we’re not what the way your experience it, finally, in consciousness and in body, must utilize the senses Conjungere ad because that’s how you are informed by the manifested world. we’ve been told, and much more than we’ve ever imagined. solvendum is Latin Now the senses you hold have in many ways been limited by what they have been for ‘Connect before solving.’ I’ve made up conceived of by others, and the True Self has access to information and experience that this motto because through teaching and bypasses the systems of agreement that mankind has gotten used to. As we speak through facilitating innovative thinking for decades Paul, we bypass his systems in order to meet you through the senses. You feel the energy or Business, Work I’ve discovered that the most powerful cat- you hear the words. You comprehend the text through the eyes in your head… You are still alyst for inspiring creative breakthroughs, in exchange with what we are, even though the what we are exists outside of form, as you & Money and for translating those breakthroughs into understand form. into sustainable innovations, is to guide Now if you wish to know what we are, the Divine that we are, you may meet us where people to connect with one another first, we are. But in order to do that, you must actually acclimate to the vibratory frequency A WORLD OF THREE ZEROES before trying to solve a problem that we operate as. Paul’s system, you see, has been acclimated, and will continue to be, The New Economics of Zero Poverty, to hold the vibration that comes in language for the good of the student. In The Art of Connection, Gelb offers read- Zero Unemployment, and Zero Carbon ers seven methods of developing better THE WISDOM OF THE UNIVERSE by Muhammad Yunus rapport in their professional and personal $36.50, cloth. Public Affairs. 320 pages lives. Each chapter covers a specific tech- Essential Truths from the Beloved Muhammad Yunus, who created micro- Conversations with God Trilogy nique and then illustrates it with memora- credit, invented social business, and earned ble stories, relevant scientific research, and by Neale Donald Walsch a Nobel Peace Prize $37.00, paper. Tarcher/Penguin. hands-on exercises that allow readers to for his work in al- apply their new skills. Most important, Gelb 540 pages, 7x9, colour photos leviating poverty, Neale Donald Walsch is known for captivating millions of fans reminds us that developing rapport with is one of today’s worldwide with the life-altering wisdom of his celebrated Conver- others is not just a business tool to enhance most trenchant so- sations with God trilogy and companion works. productivity but a valuable end in itself. By cial critics. Now he With gorgeous, original photography depicting nature’s gran- truly connecting with others, we broaden declares it’s time deur throughout, coupled with choice and gem-like selections our own humanity as well as connect with a to admit that the from Walsch’s celebrated body of work, this beautiful, full-colour gift of a book will deeper part of ourselves. capitalist engine please the senses while the timeless spiritual guidance will delight and inspire the Attention and personal energy are is broken—that in mind. For the avid follower of Conversations with God or as an introduction to Neale’s the new currencies… The distinguishing its current form it work, this volume will serve the reader as the perfect medium for joining in on this attribute of the finest leaders is their skill in inevitably leads to uncommon dialogue between the mortal and the divine. building relationships… rampant inequal- The workforce is more diverse and less Why are we here? ity, massive un- hierarchical, collaboration is more import- To remember and re-create, who You Are—the most magnificent, the most remarkable, employment, and ant, and the best people are more motivated the most splendid being God has ever created! environmental destruction. We need a new by intrinsic incentives… Guiding others to Do you know WHO YOU ARE? Then give yourself the pleasure of the experience of economic system that unleashes altruism as a discover a sense of meaning, purpose, and feeling good… often. For that is the road to heaven! “Feeling good” is the soul’s way of creative force just as powerful as self-interest. connection is an increasingly important shouting, “This is who I am!” Is this a pipe dream? Not at all. In the element of contemporary leadership… I tell you this: You are your own rule-maker. You set the guidelines. And you decide last decade, thousands of people and or- Managers control, organize, and measure. Leaders strategize, inspire, and ener- how well you have done; how well you are doing. For you are the one who has decided ganizations have already embraced Yunus’s gize. In the real world, now we must all do Who and What You Really Are—and Who You Want to Be. And you are the only one who vision of a new form of capitalism, launch- can assess how well you’re doing. No one else will judge you, ever… both!... In the past managers were asked to ing innovative social businesses designed to focus on doing things right, whereas lead- serve human needs rather than accumulate ers put more emphasis on doing the right wealth. They are bringing solar energy to things. Now we must all focus on doing HUMAN BY DESIGN ago, with the advanced brain, nervous millions of homes in Bangladesh; turning the right things right. From Evolution by Chance to system, and capabilities that set them thousands of unemployed young people Among Michael Gelb’s other books are Transformation by Choice apart from all other known forms of into entrepreneurs through equity invest- Creativity on Demand and How to Think Like by Gregg Braden life already developed, rather than ments; financing female-owned businesses Leonardo Da Vinci. $33.99, cloth. Hay House. 320 pages having developed slowly and gradually in cities across the United States; bringing Gregg Braden explains that evolution is over long periods of time. mobility, shelter, and other services to the not the whole story of humanity—and offers u Fact 2. Missing physical evidence— rural poor in France; and creating a global a new understanding of The relationships shown on the support network to help young entrepre- THE SOUL OF MONEY our origins. Human by conventional tree of human evolution neurs launch their start-ups. Reclaiming the Wealth Design invites you on a are speculative connections only. A In A World of Three Zeros, Yunus describes of Our Inner Resources journey beyond Darwin’s 150-year search has failed to produce the new civilization emerging from the eco- by Lynne Twist, with Teresa Barker theory of evolution, be- the physical evidence that confirms nomic experiments his work has helped to $24.95, paper. Norton. 298 pages ginning with the fact that the relationships shown on the evolu- inspire. He explains how global companies This liberating book—first published we exist as we do, even tionary family tree. like McCain, Renault, Essilor, and Danone in 2003—shows us that examining our more empowered, and u Fact 3. New DNA evidence—The got involved with this new economic mod- attitudes toward more connected with comparison of DNA between ancient el through their own social action groups, money— earning it, ourselves and the world, Neanderthals, previously thought to describes the ingenious new financial tools spending it, and giv- than scientists have be- be our ancestors, and early humans now funding social businesses, and sketching it away—can offer lieved possible. tells us that we did not descend from es the legal and regulatory changes needed surprising insight into New discoveries have led to more unan- Neanderthals. to jumpstart the next wave of socially driven our lives, our values, swered questions and created deeper mys- u Fact 4. A rare DNA fusion—Advanced innovations. And he invites young people, and the essence of teries when it comes to explaining our origin genome analysis reveals that the business and political leaders, and ordinary prosperity. Through and existence. These discoveries reveal the DNA that sets us apart from other citizens to join the movement and help cre- personal stories and following facts: primates, including in our advanced ate the better world we all dream of. practical advice, activ- u Fact 1. Our origin—Humans appeared brain and nervous system, is the result Also by Yunus are Banker to the Poor and ist Lynne Twist asks suddenly on earth about 200,000 years of an ancient and precise fusion of Creating a World without Poverty. us to step back, to ex-

B R A N C H E S O F L I G H T F 34 F F A L L, W I N T E R, S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 F E C O L O G Y A N D C O M M U N I T Y F amine our relationship with money, to assess our connection with core human values, and Solutions in Transition to change this relationship and, in so doing, to reshape our lives. Her introduction to AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL in question and that its consequences for the world we this new 2017 edition explores the effects of Truth to Power: Your action handbook live in will be assuredly disastrous if left unchecked. the Great Recession, the upsurge in aware- to learn the science, find your voice, Follow Al Gore around the globe as he tells a story ness of excessive inequality, and the move and help solve the climate crisis of change in the making. He connects the dots of Zika, flooding, and other natural disasters we’ve lived through from charity giving to partnership funding. by Al Gore in the last 10+ years—and much more. The book also Lynne Twist has raised more than US $150 $29.99, paper. Rodale. million in individual contributions for char- 320 pages, 7x9, colour illustrations offers a comprehensive how-to guide on exactly how we itable causes. She demonstrates how we can The follow up to An Inconvenient Truth and compan- can change the course of fate. With concrete, actionable replace feelings of scarcity, guilt, and burden ion to former US Vice President Al Gore’s new docu- advice on topics ranging from how to run for office to with experiences of sufficiency, freedom, mentary, An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power, this new how to talk to your children about climate change, An and purpose. She shares from her own life, book is a daring call to action. It exposes the reality of Inconvenient Sequel will empower you to make a differ- a journey illuminated by remarkable service how humankind has aided in the destruction of our planet and ence—and lets you know how exactly to do it. and encounters with the richest and poor- delivers hope through groundbreaking information on what you If you want to be a part of this historic change, you will find in est people on earth, from the famous to the can do now. the following pages not only a more detailed description of the anonymous heroes of everyday life. Gore brings together cutting-edge research from top scientists crisis and its solutions but also a list of actions that you can take to Written by a professional who under- around the world; approximately 200 photographs and illustrations join the climate movement and ensure that we will change—and stands how to make philanthropy more to visually articulate the subject matter; and personal anecdotes that we will change in time. enjoyable, this book will greatly benefit in- and observations to document the fast pace and wide scope of glob- This is a gripping, narrative journey that leaves you filled with vestors, fundraisers, philanthropists, and al warming. He presents, with alarming clarity and conclusiveness hope and the urge to take action immediately. This book is a must- successful people who want to make the (and with humor, too) that the fact of global climate change is not have for everyone who cares deeply about our planet. world a better place. The Soul of Money offers a way to re- align our relationship with money to be TOMORROW more truthful, free, and potent, enabling All Over the Globe, Solutions Already Exist astrophic news is not effective, Dion decided to explore, us to live a life of integrity and full self-ex- by Cyril Dion along with actress and director Melanie Laurent and pression that is consistent with our deepest $35.95, paper. Actes Sud. a small film crew, what our world could look like if we core values, no matter what our financial 316 pages, colour photos brought together some of the best solutions to date in ag- circumstances. Based on the award-winning, globally acclaimed film, riculture, energy, economics, education, and democracy. Those who have attended Lynne’s talks Tomorrow, by Cyril Dion and Melanie Laurent. What they found were men and women changing the and workshops know how uplifting and What if highlighting solutions and telling positive sto- world: cities that produce their own food and energy, ze- life-changing her message can be. Now read- ries was the best way to solve the ecological, economic, ro-waste systems, businesspeople and towns creating their ers of this book can “join the dance.” and social problems our countries are grappling with? own currency to prevent speculation and the appropria- In 2012, French writer/activist Cyril Dion learned tion of wealth, citizens rewriting their own constitution, There are hundreds of spiritual practices, about a study carried out by twenty-two scientists from around the pioneering educational systems and more. many paths that lead people to wholeness world that forecasts the extinction of multiple forms of life, and By linking these initiatives together, Dion and his crew bring to and peace of mind. Exploring your relationship with money can lead you to that possibly a large part of humanity, by the year 2100. This news barely light a new philosophy, a community of thought among people place. It might seem strange to think that received any media coverage at all. Convinced that spreading cat- who often don’t know each other: new blueprints for society. money could be such a path, but I have seen it and traveled it myself, and I’ve seen THE TRANSITION STARTS HERE, stock markets, but adopt a local currency that enriches many others do the same… This is the NOW AND TOGETHER the community. journey that brings our soul to money and His experience has been successful not only in Totnes; it money to our soul. by Rob Hopkins & Lionel Astruc $32.95, paper. Chelsea Green. 160 pages has spread to 1,200 cities in 47 countries. Each of the Tran- “In The Soul of Money, Lynne Twist takes the One day in 2005, Rob Hopkins, an ordinary Brit, start- sition Towns are transforming their communities, without universal symbol of materialism and makes ed knocking on his neighbors’ doors in the small town fanfare, without outside funding, making them more it transparent to spirit. If you have ever been of Totnes, where he had just settled in. He was proposing autonomous and more resilient to the crises looming intimidated or wounded by money this book that they come together to organize nothing less than a ahead—a network of oases offering a wealth of solutions. will heal you. It is the most unique book on new, locally based economy. A new model, the Transi- Hopkins’ charisma and his story spur us all to become money that I have ever read.” —Rachel Nao- tion Town, harnessed resources at hand and modeled the best we can be. He has revived a sense of hope, bur- mi Remen, author of Kitchen Table Wisdom a new way of life: no longer expect food to arrive from ied under years of resignation and the disillusionment the other side of the planet at great fuel costs, but instead cre- of “economic realism.” The saga of the Transition Towns move- Ecology, Community ate short food supply chains and cultivate all the available land ment inspires us all to take action and tap into the unimagined (gardens, rooftops, municipal parks); no longer complain about capacities we all have to promote change. & Politics pollution, but rally fellow citizens around a project of local renew- Also by Rob Hopkins: The Transition Handbook and The Power of able energy cooperatives; no longer rail against the banks and the Just Doing Stuff. THE ABUNDANCE OF LESS Lessons in Simple Living us how we too can bring more meaning and images and stories of resourceful women richness to our own lives. the Absence of the Sacred and Four Arguments from Rural Japan for the Elimination of Television fighting for a better future make Powered by by Andy Couturier “We are in an overheated world—physi- Love an inspiration for everyone. $25.95, paper. North Atlantic. cally and spiritually. It is extremely power- Writes journalist-social activist Michele 404 pages, b/w photos ful to read of people who have managed to Landsberg, Andy Couturier captures the texture of escape that world, not by traveling to outer POWERED BY LOVE sustainable lives well lived in these ten pro- space but by heading toward reality. This is A Grandmothers’ Movement We thought we knew what was hap- subversive in the best possible way.” —Bill pening in Africa when the AIDS pandemic files of ordinary—yet to End AIDS in Africa raged across the continent, sweeping away exceptional—men McKibben, author of Deep Economy by Joanna Henry, 35 million lives. But we never knew it the and women who left “Reading this magic book is like drink- with Ilana Landsberg-Lewis way this book reveals it, in the shockingly behind mainstream ing from a fresh wellspring deep in the $35.00, paper. Goose Lane. intimate voices of the grandmothers who existences in urban Ja- mountains: it slowly returns one to sani- 296 pages, 8x10, colour photos had to save the abandoned children when pan to live surround- ty. In an era when the allure of ten thou- By the time the AIDS pandemic in Africa no one else was left alive. ed by the luxuries of sand digital screens eclipses the inner had reached its height in the early 2000s, These voices will leap straight into your nature, art, friends, radiance of a stone lying among the millions of children had heart. Their unguarded faces, in portraits delicious food, and reeds, how clarifying to encounter the elo- been orphaned. In the that glow with character, pain and humour, an abundance of quence and humility of these well-lived lives.” face of overwhelming will captivate you. time. Drawing on tra- —David Abram, author of The Spell of the loss, the grandmothers In 2006, the Stephen Lewis Foundation ditional Eastern spir- Sensuous “While many desperately search for of Africa stepped in launched a campaign to engage Canadian itual wisdom and cul- new ‘economic models’ to deflect the com- to hold families and grandmothers to support their African sis- ture, these pioneers describe the profound ing global collapse, some people just take communities together. ters. The Grandmothers Campaign, now a personal transformations they underwent to the hills and start living beautiful lives. Author Joanna Hen- movement 10,000 strong, has raised over as they escaped the stress, consumerism, The Abundance of Less is an exquisite, soulful ry and photographer $25 million that has gone directly into the busyness, and dependence on technology report on ten people in Japan who stopped Alexis MacDonald visit- hands of African grandmothers and their of modern life. This intimate and evoca- worrying about changing the world with ed eight African coun- grassroots organizations. tive book tells of their fulfilling lives as art- technology, innovation and economic enter- tries, interviewing and Powered by Love joins this campaign by tell- ists, philosophers, and farmers who rely on prise, and chose nature, simplicity, time and photographing hundreds of grandmothers ing the story of these indomitable women themselves for happiness and sustenance. cooperation as their survival tools. This book (including Sarah Obama, Barack Obama’s and by directing all royalties from the sale By inviting readers to enter into the essence is filled with inspiring lessons for these very grandmother) who are reclaiming hope of the book to African grandmothers raising of these individuals’ days, Couturier shows difficult times.” —Jerry Mander, author of In and resurrecting lives. The extraordinary children orphaned by AIDS.

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RADICAL TRANSFORMATIONAL have fulfilled the overblown promises made in its name, and what the prospects of our so- LEADERSHIP The Great Bewobbling ciety and species might look like as the age of Strategic Action for Change Agents NO IS NOT ENOUGH progress gives way to an age of environment by Monica Sharma Resisting the New Shock Politics blowback and technological unraveling… $25.95, paper. North Atlantic. 368 pages The burdens that progress have piled Monica Sharma draws on more than twen- and Winning the World We Need upon us, as individuals, as communities, ty years of working for the United Nations by Naomi Klein and as a species, are not small, and once to present a radical $24.95, paper. Penguin. 268 pages, flaps the shock has passed off, liberation from new approach to The election of Donald Trump produced a frightening escala- those burdens may well be experienced transformational tion in a world of cascading crises. The Trump administration’s by many of us as a reason for celebration leadership, one vision—including a corporate takeover of government, aggres- rather than mourning. sive scapegoating and warmongering, and sweeping aside climate that creates sys- Among Greer’s many other books are After science to set off a fossil fuel frenzy —will generate wave after tems of change Progress and Dark Age America. He’s also au- wave of crises and shocks around the world, to the economy, na- where everyone thor of the weekly blog, The Archdruid Report. can engage—not tional security, and the environment. just analysts and In No Is Not Enough, Naomi Klein embraces a lively conversation with the reader to policy makers. expose the forces behind Trump’s success and explain why he is not an aberration but Demonstrating the product of our time—Reality TV branding, celebrity obsession and CEO-worship, HOMO DEUS Vegas and Guantanamo, fake news and vulture bankers all rolled into one. And she A Brief History New in that we all can be Paperback architects of a new shares a bold vision, a clear-eyed perspective on how to break the spell of his shock of Tomorrow humanity, Sharma tactics, counter the rising chaos and divisiveness at home and abroad, and win the by Yuval Noah Harari demystifies policy-making, planning, and world we need. $23.00, paper. M & S. 450 pages From the author of the international best- implementation so that everyone can play Trump is extreme but he’s not a Martian. He is the logical conclusion of many of the seller Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind an informed and strategic part in eradicat- most dangerous trends of the past half-century. He is the personification of the merger comes an extraordi- ing the world’s most intractable problems. of humans and corporations--a one-man megabrand, with wife and children as spin-off nary new book that Using real life examples from around the brands. This book is to help understand how we arrived at this surreal political moment, explores the future of world, she shows how our innate charac- how to keep it from getting a lot worse, and how, if we keep our heads, we can flip the script and seize the opportunity to make things a whole lot better in a time of urgent this human species. teristics of universal compassion, equity im- need. A tool-kit for shock-resistance. (from the introduction) Humans today en- pulse, and human capability can create new joy unprecedented patterns that effectively address major chal- It is not enough, Klein tells us, to merely resist, to say “no.” Our historical moment levels of power and lenges such as gross inequality, unbridled demands more: a credible and inspiring “yes,” a roadmap to reclaiming the populist an increasingly god- hate, conflicts based on social identity, and ground from those who would divide us—one that sets a bold course for winning the like status. The great the never-enough mindset of greed. fair and caring world we want and need. epidemics of the Written in a straight-forward, accessible With this elevation of the basest of figures to the most exalted of positions, the culture past—famine, plague style, this book outlines a path-breaking par- of maximum extraction, of endless grabbing and disposing, has reached some kind of and war—no longer adigm shift that is already generating equita- breaking point. Clearly, it is the culture itself that must be confronted now, and not policy control our lives. We ble and sustainable results across the globe. by policy, but at the root. are the only species in history that has sin- Radical Transformational Leadership de- This is a rousing book to read now—urgent, timely, and necessary. Included as a gle-handedly changed the entire planet, scribes how we can source our inner capac- postscript is “The Leap Manifesto: A Call for a Canada Based on Caring for the Earth and we can no longer blame a higher being ities and wisdom to manifest change that and One Another.” Bravo! for our fate. embodies universal values such as dignity, But as our gods take a back seat, and compassion, fairness, and courage. Every- TRUMP AND A POST-TRUTH WORLD Homo Sapiens becomes Homo Deus, one has the potential to be a leader—a by Ken Wilber what are we going to do with ourselves? person who creates a new future—through $19.95, paper. Shambhala. 148 pages How do we set the agenda for our own actions in society, at home, and at work. This This provocative examination of our current social and polit- future without pushing our species—and book lays out a detailed plan for unleashing ical situation—by a cutting-edge philosopher of our times, Ken the rest of the world—beyond its limits? our human potential to create a new future Wilber—outlines “a bigger picture operating here”—a “larger, In this vivid, challenging new book from the through strategic action. more integral view, and as such can be quite illuminating—and author of Sapiens, Yuval Noah Harari exam- liberating.” ines the implications of our newly upgraded The world is in turmoil. As populist waves roil the Brexit-bound condition, from our dogged pursuit of sta- U.K., along with Europe, Turkey, Russia, Asia—and most visibly, RETRO FUTURE tus and happiness to our constant quest to the U.S. with the election of Donald Trump—nationalist and ex- Looking to the Past to Reinvent the Future overcome death by pushing the boundaries tremist political forces threaten the progress made over many de- by John Michael Greer of science. He explores how Homo Sapiens cades. Democracies are reeling in the face of nihilism and narcis- $19.95, paper. New Society. 256 pages conquered the world, our creation of to- sism. How did we get here? And how, with so much antagonism, cynicism, and discord, To most people paying attention to the col- day’s human-centred environment, our cur- can we mend the ruptures in our societies? lision between industrial society and the hard rent predicament and our possible future. In this provocative work, philosopher Ken Wilber applies his Integral approach to limits of a finite planet, And, above all, he asks the fundamental explain how we arrived where we are and why there is cause for hope. He lays much of it’s clear that things questions: Where do we go from here? And the blame on a failure at the progressive, leading edge of society. This leading edge is are going very, very how will we protect this fragile world from characterized by the desire to be as just and inclusive as possible, and to it we owe the wrong. We no longer our own destructive powers? have unlimited time thrust toward women’s rights, the civil rights movement, the environmental movement, and the concern for oppression in all its forms. This is all evolutionarily healthy; what This is the best reason to learn history: and resources to deal not in order to predict the future, but to with the crises that is unhealthy is a creeping postmodernism that is elitist, politically correct, insistent on an egalitarianism that is itself paradoxically hierarchical, and that looks down on de- free yourself of the past and imagine alter- define our future, and native destinies. Of course this is not total the options are limited plorables. Combine this with the techno-economic demise of many traditional ways of freedom—we cannot avoid being shaped to the tools we have on making a living, and you get an explosive mixture. by the past. But some freedom is better hand right now. As Wilber says, for some Trump voters: than none… This book is about Everywhere you are told that you are fully equal and deserve immediate and complete Looking back, many think that the one very powerful op- empowerment, yet everywhere are denied the means to actually achieve it. You suffocate, downfall of the pharaohs and the death tion: deliberate technological regression. It you suffer, and you get very, very mad. of God were both positive developments. isn’t about “going back;” it’s about using the It is only when members of society’s leading edge can heal themselves that a new, In- Maybe the collapse of humanism will also past as a resource to meet the needs of the be beneficial. People are usually afraid of tegral evolutionary force can emerge to move us beyond the social and political turmoil change because they fear the unknown. present. It starts from the recognition that old- of our current time to offer genuine leadership toward greater wholeness. But the single greatest constant of history is er technologies generally use fewer resources “Ken Wilber provides a brilliant Big Picture explanation that is unique in its breadth, that everything changes. and cost less than modern equivalents. depth, and analysis of deeper cultural dynamics that others have overlooked.” —Roger People are already ditching smartphones Walsh, author of The World’s Great Wisdom and going back to “dumb phones” and land Among Ken Wilber’s other books are Religion of Tomorrow and A Brief History of Ev- lines, and e-book sales are declining while erything. printed books rebound. Clear signs among many that blind faith in progress is faltering and opening up the possibility that the best often do a better job at their tasks than the way forward may well involve going back. that self-image is a very challenging thing. That said, it’s not as though we ultimate- latest hyper-complex, high-tech equiva- For several centuries now, a vast number ly have a choice. lent. A growing number of people are thus of people in the industrial world have beginning to turn aside from the products allowed their sense of meaning, purpose, A must-read for anyone willing to think of progress… and value to depend on their assumed role the unthinkable and embrace the possibil- This book seeks to discuss what the world in the grand onward march of progress ities of a retro future. looks like in the wake of the end of progress: from the caves to the stars, and letting go of Older and simpler technologies very why progress is ending, why it could never

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Eco-Philosophy, ognizes that love—the impulse to establish Earth Energies & Eco-Design Deep Ecology connections, to inter- THE NEW CARBON ARCHITECTURE mingle, to weave our Building to Cool the Climate WALKING ON LAVA existence poetically Selected Works for Uncivilised Times together with that of by Bruce King $29.99, paper. New Society. by The Dark Mountain Project other beings—is a 160 pages, 8x10, colour & b/w photos $28.95, paper. Chelsea Green. foundational principle “Green buildings” that slash energy use and carbon emissions 276 pages, French flaps of reality. The fact that are all the rage, but they aren’t enough. The hidden culprit is The Dark Mountain Project began with we disregard this prin- embodied carbon the carbon emitted when materials are mined, a manifesto published in 2009 by two En- ciple lies at the core of manufactured, and transported comprising some 10% of global glish writers—Dou- a global crisis of mean- emissions. With the built environment doubling by 2030, buildings gald Hine and Paul ing that plays out in the avalanche of species are a carbon juggernaut threatening to overwhelm the climate. Kingsnorth—who felt loss and in our belief that the world is a dead It doesn’t have to be this way. that literature was not mechanism controlled through economic Like never before in history, buildings can become part of the climate solution. With responding honestly to efficiency. biomimicry and innovation, we can pull huge amounts of carbon out of the atmosphere the crises of our time. Although rooted in scientific observation, and lock it up as walls, roofs, foundations, and insulation. We can literally make build- In a world in which Matter and Desire becomes a tender philos- ings out of the sky with a massive positive impact. the climate is being ophy for the Anthropocene, a poetic mate- The New Carbon Architecture is a paradigm-shifting tour of the innovations in architec- altered by human ac- rialism, that closes the gap between mind ture and construction that are making this happen. Office towers built from advanced tivities; in which global and matter. Ultimately, Weber discovers, in wood products; affordable, low-carbon concrete alternatives; plastic cleaned from the ecosystems are being order to save life on Earth—and our own oceans and turned into building blocks. We can even grow insulation from mycelium. destroyed by the ad- meaningful existence as human beings—we A tour de force by the leaders in the field,The New Carbon Architecture will fire the vance of industrial ci- must learn to love. imagination of architects, engineers, builders, policy makers, and everyone else capti- vilisation; and in which the dominant eco- In erotic ecology, the feeling of joy is an vated by the possibility of architecture to heal the climate and produce safer, healthier, nomic and cultural assumptions of the West integral component part of a flourishing and more beautiful buildings. are visibly crumbling, Dark Mountain asked: ecosystem. Every relationship within the where are the writers and the artists? network of life produces meaning, because Dark Mountain’s call for writers, thinkers for the creatures concerned, it involves ESSENTIAL SUSTAINABLE and artists willing to face the depth of the their whole lives—their existential desire HOME DESIGN mess we are in has made it a gathering point to inhabit a body as a self and to continue A Complete Guide to Goals, Options, for a growing international network. Rooted unfolding that self. Through this experi- and the Design Process in place, time and nature, their work finds ence—and this is precisely what makes by Chris Magwood a home in the pages of the Dark Mountain it erotic—every creature can perceive its $34.99, paper. New Society. books, with two new volumes published ev- reflection in every other, because we all 152 pages, 8x11, colour photos & illustrations ery year. have a sensitive, vulnerable body that de- Many people dream of building a beautiful, environmentally pends as much on bonds as on the air we friendly home. But until now there has been no systematic guide It sets out to paint a picture of homo sa- breathe. According to this deep principle, to help potential builders work through the complete process of piens which a being from another world or, we know how other beings feel, because better, a being from our own—a blue whale, imagining, planning, designing, and building their ideal, sustainable home. they have bodies like we do. Essential Sustainable Home Design walks potential homebuilders through the process an albatross, a mountain hare—might rec- The affection of this body is mercy, not ognize as something approaching truth. greed. starting with key concepts, principles, and a project vision that will guide the house to It sets out to tug our attention away from completion. Coverage includes: ourselves and turn it outwards; to uncentre “Andreas Weber offers us the best med- u How to clarify your ideas and create a practical pathway to achieving your dream our minds. It is writing, in short, which puts icine I know for a culture benumbed by u A criteria matrix to guide design, material, and systems decisions civilisation—and us—into perspective. dead-end pursuits. Pulsing with life, his u Creating a strong, integrated design team and working with professionals and Walking on Lava brings together the best work delivers us from the centuries-long code officials to keep the project on track from start to finish of the first ten volumes, along with the orig- dichotomies between mind and matter that u Key building science concepts that make for a high-performance, durable build- inal manifesto. This collection of essays, have robbed us of vitality, joy, and true pur- ing fiction, poetry, interviews and artwork intro- pose.” —Joanna Macy, author of Coming u Primer on building logistics, material sourcing, and protocols to ensure that the duces The Dark Mountain Projects ground- Back to Life Also by Andreas Weber is The initial vision for the project comes to fruition breaking work—organized around “The Biology of Wonder. u One-page summaries and ratings of popular sustainable building materials and Eight Principles of Uncivilisation” that form system options. the bedrock of the project, to a wider audi- Gardening, Farming This book is ideal for owner-builders and sustainable building contractors working ence in search of “the hope beyond hope, with clients aiming to design and build a sustainable home. the paths which lead to the unknown world & Self-Reliance Also by Chris Magwood are Making Better Buildings and Essential Prefab Straw Bale ahead of us.” Construction. When the stories fail, we need to know how to tell different ones. We need to have the perspective to understand the failure, HOW TO GROW MORE VEGETABLES, niques and methods developed by Jeavons what is perhaps the greatest service we can and the imagination to offer us new ways 9TH EDITION and thousands of people around the world offer to this Earth: to increase soil fertility. of seeing. This is what Dark Mountain set (and Fruits, Nuts, Berries, Grains, and Other now using the method—including new in- We need to stop growing crops and start out to do: to play host to voices seeking Crops) Than You Ever Thought Possible on formation on harvesting, rotating crops, growing soil. Granted, in order to grow honest engagement with questions which Less Land with Less Water Than stronger composting, using much less wa- soil, we need to grow crops, But rather might be intractable. than growing crops for the sole purpose of You Can Imagine ter, and fertilizing, with a vast and varied “This book changed my life. It puts into resource section. consumption, the goal changes to one of by John Jeavons words the sense of utter hopelessness I feel giving and creating life-producing soil, and $28.99, paper. Ten Speed. The edition represents forty years of in the process, an abundance of food. about the fate of the world as we have known 264 pages, 8x11, charts & illustrations working with plants, soils, and people—in it. And yet, miraculously, it gives me “hope The world’s leading resource on biointen- virtually all climates and soils around the Also by John Jeavons is The Sustainable Veg- beyond hope” for what lies ahead. The Dark sive, sustainable, high-yield organic garden- world. etable Garden. Mountaineers are blazing new trails into, ing is thoroughly updat- As with the “French Intensive,” dou- and through, the hot lava of our uncertain ed, with new sections ble-digging method, so with the book: a future.” —Eric Utne on using 12 percent less great deal of useful, experienced gardening THE NO DIG ORGANIC water and increasing information is offered in a modest space. HOME & GARDEN compost power. There’s basic, seasoned, practical informa- Grow, Cook, Use, and Store Your Harvest Since 1974 this pi- MATTER & DESIRE tion on bed preparation, tools, fertilization, by Charles Dowding & Stephanie Hafferty An Erotic Ecology oneering work has compost, seed propagation, making the $34.95, paper. Chelsea Green. by Andreas Weber gained an international garden plan, companion planting and weed 234 pages, 8x11, colour photos $28.95, paper. Chelsea Green reputation as the bible control, “a balanced natural backyard eco- No dig organic gardening saves time and In Matter and Desire, internationally re- on “Grow Biointensive system and insect life,” and an incredible work. It requires an annual dressing of com- nowned biologist and philosopher Andreas mini-farming,” as origi- bibliography. post to help accelerate Weber rewrites ecology as a tender practice nally developed by Alan Written for gardeners and farmers on the improvement in soil of forging relationships, of yearning for Chadwick. What it offers us is a direction that all levels with any-sized plot of land, How structure and leads to connections, and of expressing these de- is now increasingly necessary, a method that to Grow More Vegetables also offers detailed higher fertility and less sires through our bodies. Being alive is an produces high yields of organic food crops illustrations and charts with essential infor- weeds. No dig experts erotic process—constantly transforming the in very small spaces, using less water while mation for growing a wide range of crops. Charles Dowding and self through contact with others, desiring nourishing the soul—with minimal daily care. This work has continued for a generation to Stephanie Hafferty, ex- ever more life. This revised and significantly expanded revolutionize food production around the plain how to set up a no In clever and surprising ways, Weber rec- 9th edition incorporates the latest tech- world. It offers practical ways to accomplish dig garden, including

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The Dharma of Dogs shares the reflections The Soil is Sacred and creates no dig gardens for restaurants of Buddhist writers and other teachers who and private estates. She creates delicious have found a source of deep truth and prac- GOOD SOIL seasonal recipes made from the vegetables tical wisdom beneath the furry surface of Manure, Compost and Nourishment for Your Garden anyone can grow. She also explains how to our four-legged friends. use common plants you can grow and for- by Tina Raman There is a welcome, a joy, a delirium of age for to make handmade preparations for $37.95, cloth. Frances Lincoln. delight that dogs offer us that makes it im- 256 pages, 8x11, colour photos/charts the home and garden. possible for us to believe we are not loved. Maximise your garden, whatever you grow in it, with some Also by Charles Dowding are Salad Leaves for And to know that love is a good thing to Swedish expertise. All Seasons and How to Grow Winter Vegetables. share, whatever the form! —Alice Walker, Plants need nutrients to grow, flower and bear fruit, nutri- from her essay in the book ents that can be found in offal, the sea, fire, rocks, rubbish and, For anyone who loves dogs—and who has of course, dung heaps. Tina Raman and her co-authors dig into Nature as Teacher learned and grown through this special rela- every aspect of nurturing your soil, from chemistry and biology tionship—these essays offer humor, solace, to history and philosophy, giving you practical advice, generous & Healer inspiration, and insight into the life lessons tips and above all masses of inspiration. She lifts the lid on old our dogs make available to us. Readers join and reliable fertilization methods and opens the doors to new resource-efficient and bestselling authors such as Alice Walker, Ge- environmentally-smart cultivation techniques. THE INNER LIFE OF ANIMALS neen Roth, Lama Surya Das, Mark Nepo, The subject of manure is enough to make grown adults, even those who have nothing Love, Grief, and Compassion—Surprising Adyashanti, Eckhart Tolle, Roshi Joan Hali- but one lonely geranium at home, get all excited about growing—and about pee and poo. Observations of a Hidden World fax and many others to explore such themes Manures and fertilizers probably aren’t the most glamorous aspects of the garden world. by Peter Wohlleben as unconditional love, connecting with na- They can be mucky, disgusting and smell like crap. The topic also involves quite a lot of $29.95, cloth. Greystone. 260 pages ture, facing our fears, and more. Wonder- “Like The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter chemistry. But in many respects, it’s both important and interesting… We ordinary hobby ful photos, too, of each of the authors with Wohlleben’s The Inner Life of Animals will gardeners often go all out on the plants and decoration, completely forgetting how import- their furry friends. ant it is to build up a good, nutrient-rich soul so that our plants have the right conditions rock your world. “You will be charmed, moved, enter- to achieve their full potential… Surprising, hum- We hope that manure will come to mean more to you and your garden. And that you’ll bling, and filled tained, and totally uplifted by these stories be able to experience the huge difference the right fertilizer can make. with delight, this of our communing with dogs. Each has its particular flavor of Zen-dog wisdom. Good Soil doesn’t look like a typical gardening book but it’s a book that everyone inter- book shows us that animals think, feel And each is a falling in love. Beyond de- ested in gardening needs. It delves into biology, soil, chemistry, philosophy, nourishment, lightful, this collection is a total winner!” methods, and plants—all with glorious photos, stories, and “the stink of experience.” and know in much the same way as —Tara Brach, author of True Refuge how to: grow for many we do—and that SACRED SOIL their lives are, to Biochar and the Regeneration of the Earth them, as precious Conscious Evolution! by Robert Tindall, Frederique Apffel-Mrglin as ours are to us.” & David Shearer —Sy Montgomery, THE STORY OF OUR TIME $25.95, paper. North Atlantic. 238 pages author of The Soul of From Duality to Interconnectedness This book details the remarkable potential of terra preta, an Octopus to Oneness the recently rediscovered sacred soil of the pre-Columbian Through vivid stories of devoted pigs, peoples of the Amazon rainforest, to reverse some of the by Robert Atkinson two-timing magpies, and scheming roosters, $19.95, paper. Sacred Stories. 192 pages most the catastrophic damage that has been visited on our The Inner Life of Animals weaves the latest Beneath the illusion of separation, human- environment. The authors lay out a fascinating description scientific research into how animals interact ity is one family. In this timely and timeless of how utilizing the biochar embedded in this highly fertile, with the world with Peter Wohlleben’s per- book, Robert Atkin- living soil offers a way to free ourselves from dependency sonal experiences in forests and fields. son offers a deeply on petrochemicals, restore the health of our soils, and re- Horses feel shame, deer grieve, and thoughtful narrative move carbon from our overheating atmosphere by fixing it goats discipline their kids. Ravens call their of conscious evolu- back where it belongs--in the earth. They predict that biochar friends by name, rats regret bad choices, tion drawn from the could significantly contribute to the restoration of the planet and butterflies choose the very best places continuous wisdom of to pre-industrial levels of atmospheric carbon by 2050. The book also shows that the for their children to grow up. the world’s religions. rediscovery of terra preta is an opportunity to move beyond the West’s tradition of In this, his latest book, Peter Wohlleben The Story of Our Time plunder and genocide of the native civilizations of the Americas by offering an invi- follows the hugely successful The Hidden Life inspires hope as it tation to embrace the deeper mystery of the indigenous methods of inquiry and to of Trees with insightful stories into the emo- traces love’s unifying participate in an animate cosmos that gave rise to such a powerful technology as terra tions, feelings, and intelligence of animals power throughout preta in the first place. around us. Animals are different from us in history to its presence The current challenge to our species is not growth and expansion, or even sustainability ways that amaze us—and they are also much in our midst. Don’t be in the face of continuing resource depletion, but the discovery of new and rejuvenating closer to us than we ever would have thought. distracted by seeming ways of living on the planet within the era of the Anthropocene, when human actions I hope this will help you see the animal setbacks; this big picture view of conscious increasingly determine whether or not we will survive and flourish… world round you and the species described evolution and human progress points toward Sacred Soil offers a profound prescription for addressing our current environmental crisis in this book, not as mindless automatons from the ground up. The “dark and loamy soil” that human beings, now lost to time and the promise of peace on earth. driven by an inflexible genetic code, but as imagination, once engendered in the heart of Amazonia is presented as a viable foundation Unity is our ultimate destination. How we stalwart souls and lovable rascals. And that for an ecologically based global civilization that unites indigenous wisdom with the intel- get there depends upon the stories we live is just what they are, as you will discover lectual and technological resources of the modern world…Through restoring the soil that by and the action we take. As Sufi teacher for yourself when you take a walk in my is the essential foundation for all life, we engage in a larger restoration of humankind’s Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee says, “Here is real neighborhood with my goats, horses, and relationship with nature… rabbits, or in the parks and woods where hope grounded in the deep understanding The highly qualified and experienced authors of Sacred Soil show us a way forward you live. of life’s essential unity and our innate capac- toward restoring our garden planet, shifting the Earth’s carbon balance from the oceans Published in partnership with the ity for love.” and the sky to the soil and living vegetation, where it can nourish our hearts, blood, and David Suzuki Institute. The world is moving closer to putting bones and ensure our collective thriving. It is up to us all to act on this knowledge. — into practice the cornerstone principle of from the foreword by Ian Baker, author of Heart of the World the oneness of humanity. The means to Sacred Soil, in recognizing the need for biocultural regeneration, takes a multi-disci- achieve these goals are at our fingertips. plinary approach to the phenomenon of bio-char soils, utilizing mythopoeic, historical, THE DHARMA OF DOGS Numerous other initiatives and activities anthropological, and scientific perspectives to embrace the deep past, the vexed pres- Our Best Friends are also underway. The United Nations ent, and the prospectus for our future. Coming at this crucial juncture in human his- as Spiritual Teachers itself has long been engaged in activities tory, the potential resting in biochar is also an open doorway into the indigenous ways edited by Tami Simon designed to move the world toward unity… of knowing that enabled the pre-Columbian Amazonian high civilizations to support $23.95, paper. Sounds True. All that remains for the fulfillment of the vi- a population of millions while leaving their lands more fertile than when they arose. 216 pages, 8x8, b/w photos, French flaps sion of oneness to be realized is continued We spend countless hours training our action and service toward its end, toward dogs, but how often do we consider what “better mutual understanding, as well as u Make compost and enrich soil uses, and includes recipes and ideas for in- they have to teach to socially-beneficial, peace-fostering and Earth-friendly ways of life.” u Learn skills you need to sow and grow creasing self-reliance, saving money, living us? Our canine annual and perennial vegetables sustainably, and enjoying the pleasure of companions ar- “Good news! For all the divisive shadows u Harvest and prepare food year round growing your own food, year round. An ac- en’t just our best rising across the landscape of the global u Make natural cosmetics, cleaning knowledged expert in no dig and author of friends, explains community these days, there is an answering products, and garden preparations. a half-dozen books on the subject, Charles’ Tami Simon. They and much more potent luminosity. Human The no dig approach works as well in small advice is distilled from 35 years of growing naturally embody consciousness is unfolding toward its essen- spaces as in large gardens. The authors com- vegetables intensively and efficiently. Steph- many of the spiri- tial unity—not only with other humans but bined experience covers methods of grow- anie, a kitchen gardener, grows in her small, tual principles we also with all Life. ing, preparing and storing the plants you productive home garden and allotment, ourselves aspire to. This lucid book both celebrates that evo-

B R A N C H E S O F L I G H T F 38 F F A L L, W I N T E R, S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 F L I V I N G S C I E N C E F lutionary trajectory and guides our full and THE POWER OF EIGHT empowered participation.” —Mirabai Starr, Altered Traits Harnessing the Miraculous Energies author of God of Love: A Guide to the Heart of of a Small Group to Heal Others, Judaism, Christianity & Islam ALTERED TRAITS Your Life, and the World “Robert Atkinson’s The Story of Our Time is Science Reveals How Meditation Changes a thoughtful, balanced, and gracious contri- by Lynne McTaggart Your Mind, Brain, and Body $35.00, cloth. Scribner. 300 pages bution from the Baha’i perspective, introduc- by Daniel Goleman & Richard Davidson Discover astonishing new findings about ing a stream of unitive evolutionary wisdom $36.00, cloth. Avery. 330 pages the miraculous power of group intention that has been ahead of the curve for a long In the last twenty years, meditation and mindfulness have gone and its boomerang effect, time and deserves to be more widely known.” from being kind of cool to becoming an omnipresent Band-Aid in this new book by the —Cynthia Bourgeault, author of The Wisdom for fixing everything from your weight to your relationship to author of The Intention Way of Knowing your achievement level. Unveiling here the kind of cutting-edge Experiment and The Field. research that has made them giants in their fields, Daniel Goleman What we send out Science, Brain/Mind and Richard Davidson show us the truth about what meditation into the universe comes can really do for us, as well as exactly how to get the most out of it. back to us, magnified. & Cosmology An altered trait—a new characteristic that arises from a meditation practice—endures Although the power of apart from meditation itself. Altered traits shape how we behave in our daily lives, not just intention—the energy during or immediately after we meditate. of positive thoughts—is widely accepted as an in- THE ORIGINS OF CREATIVITY Sweeping away common misconceptions and neuromythology to open readers’ eyes to the ways data has been distorted to sell mind-training methods, the authors demon- fluential force in trans- by Edward O. Wilson strate that beyond the pleasant states mental exercises can produce, the real payoffs are forming lives, the exponential power of $33.95, cloth. Norton. group intention has never been explored, 256 pages, b/w illustrations the lasting personality traits that can result. But short daily doses will not get us to the In this profound and lyrical book, one highest level of lasting positive change—even if we continue for years—without specific until now. In The Power of Eight, Lynne Mc- of our most celebrated biologists offers a additions. More than sheer hours, we need smart practice, including crucial ingredients Taggart, an expert on the science of spirit- sweeping examination of such as targeted feedback from a master teacher and a more spacious, less attached uality, reveals her remarkable findings from the relationship between view of the self, all of which are missing in widespread versions of mind training. The ten years of experiments about how group the humanities and the authors also reveal the latest data from Davidson’s own lab that point to a new method- intention can heal our lives—and change the sciences: what they offer ology for developing a broader array of mind-training methods with larger implications world for the better. When individuals in a to each other, how they for how we can derive the greatest benefits from the practice. group focus their intention together on a can be united, and where We have set out to make clear what works and what does not. single target, a powerful collective dynamic they still fall short. Both Some of what you know about meditation may be wrong. But what is true about medita- emerges that can heal longstanding condi- endeavours, Edward tion you may not know… tions, mend fractured relationships, lower O. Wilson reveals, have We aim to shift the conversation with a radical reinterpretation of what the actual ben- violence, and even rekindle life purpose. their roots in human cre- efits of meditation are—and are not—and what the true aim of practice has always been. But the greatest untold truth of all is that ativity—the defining trait Grounded in new research, this is one of those rare books that has the power to group intention has a mirror effect, not only of our species. change us at the deepest level. affecting the recipient but also reflecting Reflecting on the deepest origins of lan- back on the senders. guage, storytelling, and art, Wilson demon- BECOMING SUPERNATURAL At some point I began to acknowledge strates how creativity began not ten thou- How Common People are Doing the Uncommon that the group-intention experience it- sand years ago, as we have long assumed, by Joe Dispenza self was causing big changes in people: changing individual consciousness, remov- but over one hundred thousand years ago in $35.99, cloth. Hay House. 384 pages the Paleolithic age. Chronicling this evolu- A new work from the author of You Are the Placebo combines sci- ing a sense of separation and individuality, and placing members of the group in what ence and practice to show readers how they can step outside physi- tion of creativity from primate ancestors to can only be describe ed as a state of ec- humans, The Origins of Creativity shows how cal reality and enter into the quantum field where infinite possibility static unity… The inciting instrument for the humanities, spurred on by the invention exists. The author of Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself and Evolve all of this was simply the gathering of these of language, have played a largely unexam- Your Brain draws on research conducted at his advanced workshops people into a group. ined role in defining our species. And in do- since 2012 to explore how common people are doing the uncom- Drawing on hundreds of case studies, the ing so, Wilson explores what we can learn mon to transform themselves and their lives. latest brain research, and dozens of McTag- about human nature from a surprising range Becoming Supernatural marries some of the most profound scientific information with gart’s own university studies, The Power of of creative endeavors—the instinct to create ancient wisdom to show how people like you and me can experience a more mystical Eight provides solid evidence showing that gardens, the use of metaphors and irony in life. Readers will learn that we are, quite literally supernatural by nature if given the there is such a thing as a collective con- speech, and the power of music and song. proper knowledge and instruction, and when we learn how to apply that information sciousness. Now you can learn to use it and Our achievements in science and the hu- through various meditations, we should experience a greater expression of our creative unleash the power you hold inside of you to manities, Wilson notes, make us uniquely abilities; that we have the capacity to tune in to frequencies beyond our material world heal your own life, with help from this riv- advanced as a species, but also give us the and receive more orderly coherent streams of consciousness and energy; that we can eting, accessible book. And you can join a potential to be supremely dangerous, most intentionally change our brain chemistry to initiate profoundly mystical transcendental series of worldwide Intention Experiments worryingly in our abuse of the planet. The experiences; and how, if we do this enough times, we can develop the skill of creating that will run on a major web television chan- humanities in particular suffer from a kind a more efficient, balanced, healthy body, a more unlimited mind, and greater access to nel in 120 countries during the book’s in- of anthropomorphism, encumbered by a the realms of spiritual truth. itial publication and afterward. belief that we are the only species among Topics include: millions that seem to matter, yet Wilson op- u Demystifying the body’s 7 energy centers and how you can balance them to heal Every experiment I ran, every Power of timistically reveals how researchers will have u How to free yourself from the past by reconditioning your body to a new mind Eight group that assembled demonstrated that thoughts are not locked inside our to address this parlous situation by pushing u How you can create reality in the generous present moment by changing your skulls, but find their way into other people, further into the realm of science, especially energy even into things thousands of miles away, u fields such as evolutionary biology, neurosci- The difference between third-dimension creation and fifth-dimension creation and have the ability to change them. ence, and anthropology. u The secret science of the pineal gland and its role in accessing mystical realms With eloquence and humanity, Wilson of reality calls for a transformational “Third Enlight- u The distinction between Space-Time vs. Time-Space realities, and much more. enment,” in which the blending of science Using tools and disciplines ranging from cutting-edge physics to practical exercises PROOF OF GOD and the humanities will give us a deeper un- such as a walking meditation, Dr. Joe offers a program for stepping outside our physical The Shocking True Answer to the World’s derstanding of the human condition and our reality and into the quantum field of infinite possibilities. Most Important Question crucial relationship with the natural world. by Ptolemy Tompkins & Bernard Haisch $21.99, paper. Scribner. 248 pages tic-material world. It is as well as with the new emerging worldview in Ptolemy Tompkins, collaborator on the a consciousness-infused the sciences, revealing a way forward for hu- bestselling Proof of Heaven and Proof of An- INTELLIGENCE OF THE COSMOS whole-system world. We manity on this planet. They explain how we gels, has teamed up Why Are We Here? New Answers from the are conscious beings who have reached a point of critical incoherence with renowned as- Frontiers of Science emerge and co-evolve as and tell us that to save ourselves, our environ- trophysicist Bernard by Ervin Laszlo complex, cosmic-intelli- ment, and society, we need a critical mass of Haisch: $21.50, paper. Inner Traditions. 192 pp. gence in-formed vibra- people to consciously evolve a new thinking. Is there a God? For the outdated mainstream paradigm tions in the Akashic Field Offering a guidepost to orient this evolution, If so, does God care the world is a giant mechanism functioning of the universe. Laszlo examines the nature of consciousness about us? Or is hu- in accordance with known and knowable Ervin Laszlo and his in the universe, showing how our bodies and man life a mere acci- laws and regularities. The new paradigm collaborators from the minds act as transmitters of consciousness dent of physics? For emerging in science offers a different con- forefront of science, cos- from the intelligence of the cosmos and how centuries, these fun- cept: The world is an interconnected, co- mology, and spirituality show how the re-dis- understanding science’s new concept of the damental questions herent whole, and it is informed by a cosmic covery of who we are and why we are here in- world enables us to re-discover our identity have been integral to intelligence. This is not a finite, mechanis- tegrates seamlessly with the wisdom traditions and our purpose in our world. every culture and reli-

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In Proof of God, a committed seeker and a who feel frustrated Resonances of Self spiritual scientist come together to present a and overwhelmed by view of creation that makes it not only possi- the different kinds of YOUR RESONANT SELF ble, but essential, to accept both science and medical advice you’re Guided Meditations and Exercises God as true. getting from doctors, to Engage Your Brain’s Capacity for Healing homeopaths, and by Sarah Peyton others, then you will $33.95, cloth. Norton. 338 pages Family & Parenting find comfort—and Have you noticed how cruel and self-sabotaging your critical inner answers—in this com- voice can be? Have you been looking outside of yourself for friends ANCESTRAL MEDICINE prehensive guide to or loved ones to reassure you of your worthiness and lovability? integrative medicine The latest developments in neuroscience unveil the amazing ex- Rituals for Personal and Family Healing for children. Fully updated and revised to tent to which humans are wired for connection, belonging and res- by Daniel Foor reflect the numerous recent advances in $24.95, paper. Bear & Company. onance with other humans. This wiring for connection is so strong, this field, this revised edition of Dr. Kem- 308 pages, colour photos our nervous systems have the capacity to become our own compassionate self-witness- Everyone has loving and wise ancestors per’s The Holistic Pediatrician incorporates es, even when we have not had access as children to stable loving presence and warmth. they can learn to invoke for support and the best of both mainstream and alternative The field of neurobiology and the science of mindfulness reveal that the human brain healing. Coming into medicine to aid parents in dealing with the is capable of being engaged in the experience of upset (fear, anxiety, depression) while relationship with your most common health problems confront- simultaneously observing and holding ourselves with kindness, as a loving parent or ancestors empowers ing today’s youth. From ear infections to partner would. you to transform neg- anxiety, fevers to fatigue, colds to pain, this This ability to be both experiencing and holding the experience is the key to main- ative family patterns invaluable guide provides factual advice to taining inner calm in the face of life’s challenges. If we learn to honor that each and into blessings and en- heal the whole child. Four new chapters re- every inner voice, no matter how distressing, has the desire to help us, we open to the courages good health, flect the changing needs of North American possibility that each part of us has value. This help creates a gentle, accepting and self-esteem, clarity of families, and offers updated information on warm resonance with ourselves that can remain stable and present, even when parts of purpose, and better anxiety, autism, fatigue, and pain. us feel upset. relationships with I urge you to keep a copy of this book on The main human patterns of distress, such as anxiety, depression, and addiction, are your living relatives. your shelf for your own family’s reference. uncomfortable and painful, and people often judge themselves for being caught in them. Offering a practical In it, you will find reliable, practical advice We will learn that each pattern has contributed to survival in some way, even if it is no guide to understand- and comfort for common childhood prob- longer helpful. In the coming pages we will look at these patterns and ways to work with ing and navigating re- lems. Second, please encourage your phy- them. sician to read it and refer to it. Thousands lationships with the spirits of those who have of pediatricians have already read, learned In simple language and easy-to-follow exercises, Your Resonant Self synthesizes the passed, Daniel Foor details how to relate latest discoveries in brain science, trauma treatment, and the power of empathy into an from, and changed their practices because safely and effectively with your ancestors of this book. effective healing method that literally rewires our brain and restores our capacity for for personal, family, and cultural healing. —Dr. Andrew Weil, from the foreword self-love and well-being. Each chapter weaves the core concepts of neurobiology with He provides exercises and rituals, ground- Based on scientific evidence and writ- guided meditations and examples, painting an inspiring picture of the human brains ed in ancient wisdom traditions, to help ten in commonsense language, The Holis- inherent yearning toward healing and wholeness. you initiate contact with your ancestors, tic Pediatrician is the first place any parent find supportive ancestral guides, cultivate should turn for authoritative and empower- BEYOND THE SELF forgiveness and gratitude, harmonize your ing advice on all aspects of their children’s Conversations Between Buddhism and Neuroscience bloodlines, and assist the dead who are not health. yet at peace. by Matthieu Ricard & Wolf Singer “At a time when so many children suf- $39.95, cloth. MIT. 312 pages He explains how to safely engage in lin- fer from chronic illness, Kathi Kemper’s Buddhism shares with science the task of examining the mind eage repair work by connecting with your book The Holistic Pediatrician is a true gift. empirically; it has pursued, for two millennia, direct investiga- more ancient ancestors before relating with Pediatricians and parents alike will appre- tion of the mind through penetrating introspection. Neurosci- the recently deceased. He shows how, by ciate this comprehensive collection of evi- ence, on the other hand, relies on third-person knowledge in working with spiritually vibrant ancestors, dence-based, holistic treatments. Most im- the form of scientific observation. In this book, Matthieu Ricard, individuals and families can understand portant, children will live fuller, longer, and a Buddhist monk trained as a molecular biologist, and Wolf Sing- and transform intergenerational patterns of healthier lives because of this book.” Shet- er, a distinguished neuroscientist—close friends, continuing an pain and abuse and reclaim the full bless- The Dirt Cure ongoing dialogue—offer their perspectives on the mind, the ings and gifts of their bloodlines. Ancestral reat-Klein, author of self, consciousness, the unconscious, free will, epistemology, repair work can also catalyze healing break- meditation, and neuroplasticity. throughs among living family members and Ricard and Singer’s wide-ranging conversation stages an enlightening and engag- help children and future generations to THE MYTH OF THE ADHD CHILD ing encounter between Buddhism’s wealth of experiential findings and neuroscience’s live free from ancestral burdens. The au- 101 Ways to Improve Your Child’s Behavior abundance of experimental results. They discuss, among many other things, the differ- thor provides detailed instructions for ways and Attention Span Without Drugs, ence between rumination and meditation (rumination is the scourge of meditation, to honor the ancestors of a place, address Labels, or Coercion but psychotherapy depends on it); the distinction between pure awareness and its con- dream visits from the dead, and work with by Thomas Armstrong tents; the Buddhist idea (or lack of one) of the unconscious and neuroscience’s precise ancestor shrines and altars. The author of- $23.00, paper. Penguin. 350 pages criteria for conscious and unconscious processes; and the commonalities between cog- fers guidance on preparing for death, fu- A fully revised and updated edition of the nitive behavioral therapy and meditation. Their views diverge (Ricard asserts that the neral rites, handling the body after death, groundbreaking book on tackling the root third-person approach will never encounter consciousness as a primary experience) and joining the ancestors. He also explains causes of children’s and converge (Singer points out that the neuroscientific understanding of perception how ancestor work can help us to transform attention and behav- as reconstruction is very like the Buddhist all-discriminating wisdom) but both keep problems such as racism, sexism, homopho- ior problems rather their vision trained on understanding fundamental aspects of human life. bia, and religious persecution. than masking the Also by Matthieu Ricard are Happiness and Altruism. Each of us, no matter how troubled our symptoms with med- recent family may be, descends from lin- ication. eages that include loving and empowered When The Myth gion—and have not been answered, save by generated by God using the sole and human beings. These ancestors are no of the A.D.D. Child faith (and a few wild-eyed mystics). When single “thing” in this universe that further from us than our blood and bones, was first published actually exists. The world of objects we it comes to finding answers about how the and they are waiting to be welcomed into in 1995, Dr. Thom- move through is not conscious, but we universe came into existence, God is simply our lives and to assist us in fulfilling our as Armstrong made another theory—a theory many say is no are. And because we are conscious, we potential… I pray that this book will lead are real. the controversial ar- longer needed. to greater care and consideration in how gument that many Love is real and connects us all. we relate to the human dead and help to In Proof of God, Tompkins has joined forces behaviors labeled Written in simple language with intrigu- reestablish the ancestors as one essential with astrophysicist Bernard Haisch to demon- as ADD or ADHD ing narrative, the book is a deeply personal force and community in the larger ecology strate that not only is God real, but that it is are simply a child’s active response to com- narrative about a scientist’s journey to un- of the sacred. science itself that proves it. It’s structured in plex social, emotional, and educational in- derstanding how Gods fingerprints are all seven chapters examining core features of fluences. In this fully revised and updated over our universe. our universe (Gravity, Mass, Energy). edition, Dr. Armstrong shows readers how Ptolemy’s Three Keys Science tells us the universe is a place THE HOLISTIC PEDIATRICIAN to address the underlying causes of a child’s of intense purpose: a place from which 1. The physical world is not real. It is not A Pediatrician’s Comprehensive Guide attention and behavior problems in order God has partially removed Himself, so that to help their children implement positive substantive. It feels that way, and it looks possibility (including, most importantly and to Safe and Effective Therapies that way, but it isn’t. There’s nothing in problematically, free will) may unfold. As for the 25 Most Common Ailments changes in their lives. it, because there’s no such thing as solid being fashioned by God, we carry bodies of Infants, Children, and Adolescents The rate of ADHD diagnosis has increased matter. made of stardust, and a consciousness that by Kathi Kemper sharply, along with the prescription of med- 2. Consciousness is the only reality in transcends all physical matter and links us $24.99, paper. HarperCollins. ications to treat it. Now needed more than our universe. Matter, energy, space… directly to our maker. We are here for a 476 pages, 7x10 ever, this book includes fifty-one new non- All these things are only simulations, reason. If you’re one of the thousands of parents drug strategies to help children overcome

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es” (such as Playing with Polarity, Innocent Pregnancy & the Newborn Intimacy Meditation, Tantric Breath Med- itations, Eye-gazing, Genital revelation, SACRED PREGNANCY JOURNEY DECK ers to live with purpose and integrity while seeking clar- Self-pleasuring meditation, Offering to the Inspirtional Guidance for Your Pregnancy ity on any issues they may be struggling with. Divine, etc.), Tantra weaves together wisdom from several lineages: the Universal by Anni Daulter For those who want to drop deeply into the expe- $39.99, cards. North Atlantic. rience of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, the deck Healing Tao, Osho’s Neo-Tantra, and the 96-page booklet + 50 colour cards in a box serves as an invaluable divination tool and spiritu- Agama Classical Tradition. It’s a compact Women embarking on the magical journey of preg- al guide. It provides support and direction during a guide to the sacred sexuality practices of nancy will find comfort and guidance in theSacred Preg- time of heightened awareness, when both insight and modern schools of Tantra nancy Deck—50 stunning full-color cards that inspire and anxiety may be keener than usual. Grounding and inform mothers-to-be as they navigate the beautiful but elucidating, the deck enriches the experience of preg- often complex process of pregnancy, birth, and moth- nancy and childbirth, bringing increased understand- SACRED RELATIONSHIP erhood. As either a standalone deck or a companion ing, self-awareness, and enjoyment to the process. A Heart Work for Couples: Daily Practices thoughtful gift, it can easily be used beyond birth to to Anni Daulter’s Sacred Pregnancy book, the card deck and Inspirations for a Deeper Connection invites women to contemplate, celebrate, and meditate guide women during all phases of their sacred quest by Anni & Tim Daulter through motherhood. every day throughout the pregnancy and beyond. The $28.99, paper. North Atlantic. accompanying 96-page booklet offers short but powerful explana- The booklet and 3.5” x 5.5” cards are packaged in an attractive 298 pages, colour photos tions for the meaning of each card, encouraging expectant moth- box perfect for travel or storage. As anyone in a long-term relationship knows, the intense high that accompanies GREEN MAMA-TO-BE a healthy pregnancy diet, toxin-free living, pregnancy the beginning of love Creating a Happy, Healthy, and Toxin-Free Pregnancy exercises, herbal remedies, natural birth, healthy post- can fade over time unless by Manda Aufochs Gillespie partum care, and many of the other mysteries of mod- the relationship receives $19.99, paper. Dundurn. ern birth and parenting. Through gentle guidance, proper care and atten- 256 pages, 7x9, colour photos humour, and a trove of specific advice from depend- tion. In this book, hus- I wish Id known that when I was pregnant! It’s a feel- able sources, Green Mama-to-Be is the essential guide for band-and-wife team Anni ing all parents know: wanting to keep our children safe today’s mothers- and fathers-to-be. and Tim Daulter deliver and thriving in an ever-changing world. What happens Recent discoveries in the field of neuroscience show a practical and spiritual during pregnancy sets the stage for the rest of a child’s that first-time mother actually grow radically different guide and journal for life, so the Green Mama is here to help make this peri- brains during pregnancy and while caring for their infants. couples to rekindle the od healthier, happier, and safer for both mother-to-be The very biology of parenthood is miraculous, a time love spark that started when the body grows its only temporary organ (the pla- and baby. their fires and to main- centa) and turns the body’s stores and consumed food Swollen ankles? Difficult birth? Postpartum depres- tain a steady heat for years to come. sion? Most expectant parents think, It won’t happen to me! But from and water into a new being: brain, heart, spine, and tiny feet. I’ll never look at dinner the same again. Following the format of Daulter’s popu- conception through to birth, families today aren’t getting what lar Sacred Series books, Sacred Relationship they expect or expecting what they get. And when the baby starts to move inside you, the magic and is beautifully designed and illustrated, with The Green Mama explores a variety of sources, from the latest mystery become a conversation…I especially remember that con- chapters focusing on forty topics—such as scientific and medical research and advice to traditional wisdom, versation during birth when I suddenly became aware that it wasn’t trust, acceptance, surprises, and boundar- to find out what issues, decisions, and avoidable dangers have just me labouring to free myself of a baby, but a child laboring to ies—that couples are likely to encounter free herself from my ever-tightening womb. the greatest impact on our children’s health. She brings together on their journey together. Offering both this combined wisdom to demystify epigenetics, the microbiome, Also by Manda is Green Mama. practical tips and creative ideas for enrich- ing life together, each of the forty weeks attention and behavior problems, as well as ing relationships in every aspect of your life. descriptions, Tan- addresses a topic with helpful information and thoughtful prompts for journaling that updates to the original fifty proven strategies. Many stories in your intimate relation- tra is often defined “This is a fabulous book. Not only does ship can revolve around how your partner as meaning “to invite both members of the couple to take Armstrong explain with balance and clarity seems to have hurt, upset, annoyed, or weave.” and can be an intentional look at the relationship and the evidence-based problems associated with angered you, bringing up a degree of pain compared to the adopt a practice of personal reflection and the concept of ADHD; he also provides a or discomfort. With detached observation, weaving of a fabric. soul nourishment. wealth of practical ideas, resources, and ap- one sees pain as an agitated energy that Tantra is therefore Sacred Relationship shows how intentional proaches to help the parents of any kid who appears to grow calmer and, as awareness a path that weaves love brings more happiness, deeper joy, and is presenting with challenging behaviour, es- increases, is recognized as the joyful, together. Ultimate- greater fulfillment than the initial love spell peaceful energy of one’s essence—the mar- pecially those who have or might attract a di- ly, Tantra points us and can steer each member of the couple velously creative, intuitive, loving genius into more profound personal growth. The agnosis of ADHD. Professionals and parents that is one’s natural state… This accep- to the highest level alike will benefit enormously from reading of consciousness in book serves as a toolkit with answers to a tance of feeling, and direct experience of wide variety of relationship questions and as this.” —Sami Timimi, MD, Child and Ado- what lies hidden behind that feeling, is which one merges lescent Psychiatry, Lincolnshire process and is what your relationship of- into Oneness and a handbook for crafting daily practices that fers you the opportunity to experience. no longer feels like will raise the vibration of the relationship. a separate physical entity. Parents will find solace in topics that shed Chris Moon is a life coach and workshop fa- light on maintaining loving relationships, When we learn to raise sexual energy Relationship cilitator. For over 30 years, his focus has been sex, and passion once children join the fam- on the direct experience of true happiness with full consciousness, we can get truly & Sexuality high, with our feet still on the earth… and ily. Busy couples who want to discover more and its transformational influence on inter- about themselves and each other, find soul- personal, family, and intimate relationships. share this expansion with those we are intimate with in our lives. As Margo Anand ful solutions to everyday issues, and nourish THE UNTETHERED RELATIONSHIP Principles of an Untethered Relationship described it: “I realized that existential a healthy and happy relationship year after Expereience Your Unimaginable My partner is not the source of my or psychological pain was actually the year will find an invaluable resource here. Capacity for Love happiness; I am. absence of ecstasy. It was the outcome of Sacred Relationships are crafted with being cut off from the source of one’s be- My partner is not the cause of my care, sculpted with high vibration, and by Chris G. Moon ing, the source of life.” $19.95, paper. Greenleaf. 260 pages unhappiness or pain. sustained with heart work. The Untethered Relationship is a compelling, No matter how hard I try, I cannot change This book explains how Tantra can allow Be dedicated, sweet lovers. thought-provoking guide to unleashing my partner. us to move from a physical solid experience Release past ailments with a compassionate anecdote, and see the way beyond pain the inherent potential Relationship problems are just stories. of reality into the lighter more ethereal ex- of our relationships. perience—or from Earth to Heaven—and and suffering through empathy. Specialness is not love. Be your best selves, sweet lovers. B.C. author Christo- then ultimately bring Heaven to Earth! This Take one step, then another, then another. pher Moon guides you My partner supports me to grow in book explores: acceptance, awareness, and appreciation. Lean into love, and hold each other up as through eight principles u The history of Tantra My partner and I each have our own boat. you begin this very sacred journey. that upend traditional u The core principles of Tantra Be love warriors, sweet lovers. ways of thinking about Communication with my partner reflects u An understanding of the tantric relationships. The Un- emotional maturity and consciousness. approach to sexuality tethered Relationship will u Practices to explore your own Tantric Men & Women help you be better to sexuality yourself, your partner, TANTRA u A tantric understanding of and your family. By tak- Discover the Path from Sex to Spirit relationship, love and intimacy CONSCIOUS MEN ing charge of your own by Shashi Solluna u An understanding of Tantra as a by John Gray & Arjuna Ardagh happiness, striving for emotional maturity, $22.50, paper. Hay House. 242 pages spiritual path $19.95, paper. ConsciousMen. 266 pages and embracing your true self, you can un- In this accessible guide, Shashi Solluna u Practices/rituals/exercises Conscious Men guides a man to look within lock the true happiness, love, wisdom, and pops many preconceptions about Tantra for creating higher states of and discover his purpose and mission; to be limitless creative intelligence that is inher- and introduces us to the real philosophy consciousness—and much more. in touch with his feelings but not ruled by ent in everyone and experience more fulfill- behind this sacred practice. In traditional Rich with many “Exercises and Practic- his feelings; to live a life that is in pursuit

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Good Sex & the Ethical Slut WOMB AWAKENING GOOD SEX Initiatory Wisdom from the Creatrix of All Life by Azra & Seren Bertrand Getting Off without Checking Out $37.50, paper. Bear & Company. by Jessica Graham 524 pages, 7x9, b/w & colour illustrations $22.95, paper. North Atlantic. 192 pages The Ancients lived by a feminine cosmology of creation, Jessica Graham demonstrates that a deep spiritual life and an where everything was birthed and dissolved through a sacred extraordinary sex life are not mutually exclusive in this keenly universal Womb. Within each of us, whether female or male, personal and unflinchingly frank guide to finding mindfulness in lies a holographic blueprint of this Womb of Creation, con- sex without losing the fun and adventure. Graham shares her own necting us to the Web of Life. By awakening your spiritual gradual transformation from checked out and sexually trauma- Womb, the holy of holies within the temple of your body, you tized to present and joyfully recovered in all aspects of her life as can reconnect to the transformative energy of Womb Con- she offers simple mindfulness tools and techniques to improve sciousness and reclaim your sacred powers of creation. your sex life and romantic relationships. Her story of sexual Drawing on many mythical and spiritual traditions, Dr. Azra and Seren Bertrand re- healing, awakening, and exploration weaves together with a med- construct the moon-based feminine mystery teachings of a lost global Womb religion, itation manual and down-to-earth suggestions for how to bring mindfulness into the tracing the tradition all the way back to the Neanderthals and beyond. They explore bedroom. Not only a tool kit for creating a rich and deeply satisfying sex life, this fun, how these teachings were encoded in the symbolism of folk and fairy tales; the legends explicit, and transformative book conveys the deeper message of how combining med- of the Holy Grail; the traditions of Mary Magdalene and Sophia; the maiden, queen, itation with sex can bring about profound spiritual awakenings. and crone archetypes; and the teachings of alchemy and the chakras. Good Sex begins with basic meditation instructions from a variety of techniques, fol- They show how sages and shamans across the globe all secretly spoke of the Cosmic lowed by mindfulness exercises delving into communication difficulties, and the fear, Womb and the sacred creative powers of Moon Blood. The authors look at the power of attachment, and shame that can come up around sex. The book’s matter-of-fact and the Moon and its connection to sacred Womb Consciousness, offering meditations and inclusive perspective borrows from Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity, but is acces- practices to help awaken your spiritual Womb and activate its sacred magic of creation sible to the secular community and those with no spiritual or meditation background and manifestation. They explain how to activate the energetic gateways of the Womb at all. and merge the heart and Womb to make sexual union the highest sacrament of love. Graham discusses everything from open-eyed orgasms to threesomes to how to deal Revealing how we must reconnect with the Divine Feminine to rebirth the Divine with a partner with a low sex drive. From a sex-positive and nontraditional stance she Masculine and restore balance to our world, they show how, as we reawaken the power- explores nonmonogamy, the benefits of pornography, sexual trauma, consent, and ful ancient path of the Womb Mysteries, we help return our world to harmony with the much more. Anyone feeling stuck or stunted in their sex life, unable to communi- wild, untamed creative flows and cyclical rhythms of the cosmos. cate their needs or desires, will find strategies for approaching difficult subjects and connecting more intimately with partners. They will discover ways to trust their own Within you is a womb shaman who holds the sacred blueprints of creation. Your hidden feminine essence transmits the untamed spirals of the primordial life force, Shakti, initiat- personal wisdom, to know themselves better, have better sex, and embrace the spiritual ing others into the mystery of life. She is emerging from a long slumber. Can you feel her dimension in their sexuality. energy pulsing inside? She has been sleeping on primeval forest floors, steeped in fertile soils, flowing in crystal-clear rivers. of his path, while honoring the commit- THE ETHICAL SLUT The Womb is calling us back onto the path of love, traveling a starlit walkway back into A Practical Guide to Polyamory, Open Relationships, primordial innocence, dancing into the central Womb of Creation… and the Earth Mother and Other Freedoms in Sex and Love and web of life with which she is intimately interwoven. Women and men alike were created as being with a deep feminine feeling nature; our feminine heart, the womb and by Janet Hardy & Dossie Easton hara, holds this knowing and leads us back home to the sacred union of love… $24.99, paper. Ten Speed. 310 pages The guide of choice for people curious to move beyond con- The feminine path is full of passion, desire, and longing; our heart’s desires birth ventional monogamy, and for anyone interested in learning bet- through the womb. Our deepest feelings are dimensions doorways, full of rich fertility. ter skills for love, sex, and intimacy, The Ethical Slut will open you Let us activate our sacred desire and dream-birth a new earth into being, incandescent up to the adventure and freedom that comes from redefining the with love, honouring all of life. way you relate to friends and lovers. Audio tracks of 3 guided Womb Awakening journeys are available to download at For 20 years The Ethical Slut has dispelled myths and offered the audio.innertraditions.com/womawa. techniques, skills, and ideals they have developed for practicing successful and ethical polyamory through open communication, emotional honesty, and managing jealousy. The third edition has been revised with more than 15 practical Conscious Men can also guide the boy or further ignite a spiritual longing. Other exercises, new topics such as consent and overcoming sexual shame, interviews with man we love to apply his expanded conscious- Moves are: poly millennials (young people who have grown up without the prejudices their elders ness to the real world. He will learn new ways Burn Your Fashion Magazines encountered regarding gender, orientation, sexuality, and relationships), tributes to of being loyal, new senses of purpose, new Find an Interrupting Friend poly pioneers, and new sidebars on topics such as asexuality, sex workers, and ways forms of humor, new ways of respecting wom- Free Your Dark Sisters polys can connect and thrive. en, and ways to love and be loved not just as a Delight Yourself human doing but also as a human being.” The authors also include new content addressing nontraditional relationships be- —Warren Farrell, from the foreword Write Your Way Home yond the polyamorous paradigm of “more than two”: couples who don’t live together, Start a Secret Blessing Club… couples who don’t have sex with each other, nonparallel arrangements, couples with Our friend and sister Aditi Devi (who widely divergent sex styles, power disparities, and cross-orientation relationships, while writes books about the great Hindu utilizing nonbinary gender language and new terms that have come into common us- goddesses) has instructed us that the age since the last edition. WOMEN CHALLENGE THE LIE uterus/vagina/cervix of the woman’s Whether you’re a card carrying slut or just testing the waters, you’ll learn how to find 8 Radical Moves to Get Beyond body is a powerhouse of communica- your desires and discover romance and friendship beyond your dreams. “Never Good Enough” tion, but this channel is turned off most “The Ethical Slut is one of the most useful relationship books you could ever read, by Regina Sara Ryan & Shinay Trudeau of the time. Fear and ignorance and no matter what your lifestyle choices. It’s chock-full of great information about com- $23.95, paper. Hohm. 166 pages, photos self-shame are the turn-off factors. As a munication, jealousy, asking for what you want, and maintaining a relationship with Women Challenge the Lie is an invitation for countermeasure, she invites us to place integrity.” —Annie Sprinkle women of all ages to confront the “Never Good our gentle attention there throughout Enough” —a common the day, to learn how the energy moves here—swirling, clenching, bubbling, subtext of modern life settling. She invites us to listen to our that undermines their yoni (the female genitals). She invites us ments he made their fullest potential, as well as dozens of sug- appreciation of inherent to invoke the Divine Feminine to bless during that gested practices for how to develop each qual- beauty and goodness. us in our desire to make this area of the pursuit. This ity. The book also has a “To Women” section The authors recommend body a sacred chamber—for pleasure, book is a prac- for each chapter: offering women insight about 8 Radical Moves, to take for prayer, for warning and preparing tical roadmap how to recognize a good and trustworthy man, alone or ideally in the us, for communication. Especially for to support ev- as well as how to support a man to bring the best good company of oth- letting us know “yes” and “no.” ery man to dis- out of himself. er women, to meet this Regina Sara Ryan, author of numerous cover and live Among the 12 qualities/chapters are: challenge, and thereby books in wellness, women’s studies and his unique call- He Takes Space Gracefully sustain and deepen this spirituality (Woman Awake) is an elder ing. Conscious He Knows How to Love Deeply commitment to self-un- (age 70+). Shinay Tredeau, a yoga teach- Men explores He Listens Like the Sky derstanding and compas- er, lifestyle coach and dancer is a “mil- 12 qualities of He Feels His Wounds but is not Run by Them sion. lennial.” Together, they bring a synergy the New Mas- He Transforms His Anger into Powerful Leadership Each of the 8 Radical Moves provides a differ- of years in contemplative spiritual prac- culinity. Each He Stands by His Brother ent access to a woman’s “basic goodness.” For tice and dynamic body discipline to this chapter offers He Keeps His Word one, the Move to “Inhabit Your Body” will be vital subject. Their message is addressed He is Aware of Our History. a vivid portrait of each quality, with key to claiming (or reclaiming) a more loving to their sisters, mothers, friends and stu- insights about how it is influenced by Conscious Men can fill men’s “purpose relationship with herself. For another, the Move void.” It can be the parent, the school, and the dents, of all ages, and to any who suffer biochemistry. It presents a road map for called “Learn to Fly” will be just the encourage- mentor for men’s roadmap to their discovery of from the dis-ease of self-hatred in some the challenges men face today in living their unique calling. ment needed to refine a meditation practice or form. See: womenchallengethelie.com B R A N C H E S O F L I G H T F 42 F F A L L, W I N T E R, S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 F I N D E X O F A U T H O R S & T H E I R T I T L E S F

Aitken, Robert Daulter, Anni & Tim Jacobs, Beth Mooji Shapiro, Rami Zen Master Raven...... 14 Sacred Relationship ...... 41 Original Buddhist Psychology. . 13 • White Fire...... 12 Holy Rascals...... 24 Akomalafe, Bayo Demi Jaffe, David • The Mala of God ...... 12 Shapiro, Rami These Wilds Beyond Our Fences. 9 Talking to God ...... 24 Changing the World Moon, Chris G. How to Be a Holy Rascal...... 24 Alexander, Eben DeSilver, Albert Flynn from the Inside Out. . . . 30 The Untethered Relationship. . 41 Sharma, Monica Living in a Mindful Universe . . 27 Writing as a Path to Awakening. .10 Jeavons, John Moore, Thomas Radical Transformational Allen, Katherine Devine, Megan How to Grow More The Ageless Soul...... 23 Leadership ...... 36 Vegetables 9th ed...... 37 Qigong Bible...... 17 It’s OK That You’re Not OK. . .26 Moorjani, Anita Shepherd, Philip André, Christophe Dion, Cyril Katie, Byron What if This is Heaven? . . . . 27 Radical Wholeness ...... 25 A Mind at Home with Itself . . .25 Happiness...... 8 Tomorrow...... 35 Moosewood Simon, John Armstrong, Thomas Dispoenza, Joe Kemper, Kathi The Moosewood Drawing Your Own Path. . . . .8 The Holistic Pediatrician . . . .40 Myth of the ADHD Child. . . .40 Becoming Supernatural . . . . 39 Restaurant Table...... 20 Simon, Tami Atkinson, Robert Dominquez, Ivo Kinew, Wab Morley, Charlie The Dharma of Dogs . . . . . 38 The Reason You Walk. . . . . 30 Story of Our Time ...... 38 Keys to Perception ...... 33 Dreaming through Darkness. . .23 Solluna, Shashi Attar Dowding, Charles King, Bruce Morningstar, Jim Tantra...... 41 The New Carbon Architecture. .37 Conference of the Birds. . . . 32 No Dig Organic Break Through Spira, Rupert Home & Garden...... 37 with Breathwork...... 27 Bays, Jan Chozen Klein, Naomi Being Aware of Being Aware. . .25 No is Not Enough...... 36 • Mindful Eating...... 20 DuQuette, Lon Milo Naeem, Nauman Stabile, Scott Healing from the Inside Out . . 17 • Mindfulness on the Go. . . . 24 Understanding Aleister Crowley’s Kotler, Steven Big Love ...... 20 Thoth Tarot...... 32 Stealing Fire ...... 28 • Mindfulness on the Go Cards. .24 Nepo, Mark Stamp, Terence Farhi, Donna Larsen, Stephen The One Life We’re Given. . . 21 Bellebuono, Holly The Ocean Fell into the Drop. . 10 Pathways to a Centered Body. . 12 Transformational Nepo, Mark Herbalist’s Guide to Formulary. 18 Stephens, Mark Fincher, Susanne Power of Dreaming. . . . . 22 Things That Join the Sea Bertrand, Azra & Seren Yoga Therapy ...... 12 Creating Mandalas with Lasater, Judith and the Sky...... 21 Womb Awakening...... 42 Strieber, Whitley Sacred Geometry ...... 8 Restore and Rebalance. . . . .11 Nichtern, Ethan Bodian, Stephan The Super Natural ...... 33 Fitzgerald, Michael Oren Laszlo, Ervin Dharma of the Princess Bride . .16 Beyond Mindfulness...... 24 Sweeney, John Spirit of the Earth...... 29 Intelligence of the Cosmos. . . 39 Nixa, Jeff Booth, Mark Meister Eckhart’s Book Foor, Daniel Lattin, Don The Lost Art of Illustrated Secret History of the Heart ...... 31 Ancestral Medicine...... 40 Changing Our Minds . . . . . 28 Heart Navigation ...... 28 of the World...... 32 Tafur, Joseph Forrest, Steven Leinow, Leonard Oda, Mayumi Braden, Gregg The Fellowship of the River. . .28 Night Speaks...... 32 CBD: A Patient’s Guide . . . . 18 Divine Gardens...... 14 Human by Design...... 34 Tindall, Robert Frenette, David Lerner, Harriet Oliver, Mary Brehm, John Sacred Soil ...... 38 Path of Centering Prayer . . . .31 Why Won’t You Apologize?. . . 22 Felicity...... 9 Poetry of Impermanence, Tompkins, Ptolemy Gawande, Atul Oliver, Mary Mindfulness, and Joy . . . . .9 Levi, Eliphas Proof of God ...... 39 Being Mortal...... 26 Doctrine and Ritual Devotions ...... 9 Brennan, Barbara Towler, Solala Gelb, Michael of High Magic...... 30 Osar, Evan Core Light Healing...... 19 Tales from the Tao...... 16 Art of Connection...... 34 Licata, Matt The Psoas Solution...... 19 Brilliant, Larry Twist, Lynne Gillespie, Manda Aufochs The Path is Everywhere . . . . 25 Parti, Rajiv Sometimes Brilliant...... 10 The Soul of Money...... 34 Green Mama-To-Be...... 41 Lisa K. Dying to Wake Up...... 27 Brody, Karen Vegetarian Times Goldman, Jonathan Intuition on Demand . . . . . 33 Peyton, Sarah Daring to Rest...... 11 Vegetarian Times Plant-Powered Humming Effect...... 8 Lockley, John Your Resonant Self...... 40 Brown, Brené Protein Cookbook . . . . . 20 Goleman, Daniel Leopard Warrior...... 29 Porges, Stephen Braving the Wilderness. . . . .22 Virtue, Doreen Altered Traits ...... 39 Magwood, Chris Pocket Guide to Bryant, Edwin the Polyvagal Theory . . . . 22 Father Therapy...... 33 Gordon, Richard Essential Sustainable Bhakti Yoga...... 12 Vita, Enza Secret Nature of Matter. . . . 19 Home Design ...... 37 Psaris, Jett Buddhadasa, Ajahn Hidden Blessings ...... 23 Instant Presence...... 25 Gore, Al Matousek, Mark Under the Bodhi Tree. . . . . 13 Walker, Laruen Inconvenient Sequel: Writing to Awaken...... 10 Raman, Tina Cacciatore, Joanne Energy Medicine Truth to Power...... 35 Matousek, Mark Good Soil ...... 38 Bearing the Unbearable. . . . 26 Yoga Prescription...... 11 Graham, Jessica Mother of the Unseen World . . 11 Ricard, Matthieu Campbell, Joseph Waller, Pip Good Sex ...... 42 Matthews, John & Caitlin A Plea for the Animals . . . . .16 • Ecstasy of Being...... 23 Deeply Holistic...... 17 Gray, John Arthurian Magic ...... 30 Ricard, Matthieu Walsch, Neale Donald • Asian Journals...... 23 Conscious Men...... 41 Enlightened Vagabond . . . . .16 Matthews, John The Wisdom of the Universe. . 34 Charing, Howard Greer, John Michael The Shaman’s Oracle. . . . . 32 Ricard, Matthieu Warner, Brad Accidental Shaman...... 29 Retro Future...... 36 Beyond the Self...... 40 Mazzeo, Tilar It Came from Beyond Zen!. . . 14 Chia, Mantak Griffiths, Jay Irena’s Children ...... 10 Richo, David Watts, Alan Eight Immortal Healers . . . . 16 Tristimania ...... 22 The Five Longings...... 27 McColman, Carl Collected Letters of Alan Watts . 27 Chinnaiyan, Kavitha Hanh, Thich Nhat Christian Mystics...... 31 Rogers, Robert Shakti Rising...... 12 Weber, Andreas • At Home in the World. . . . .15 McCoy, Edain Herbal Allies...... 18 Matter and Desire...... 37 Chodron, Pema • How to Fight...... 15 Sabbats...... 30 Rosenberg, Stanley Awakening Loving-Kindness. . .15 Weil, Andrew Harari, Yuval Noah McTaggart, Lynne Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve . . 20 Mind Over Meds...... 17 Churton, Tobias Homo Deus...... 36 The Power of Eight...... 39 Deconstructing Gurdjieff. . . .26 Wilber, Ken Hardy, Janet Mercier, Patricia Rountree, Sage Lifelong Yoga ...... 11 Trump and a Post-Truth World. .36 Couturier, Andy Ethical Slut ...... 42 Complete Chakra Workshop. . .19 Abundance of Less...... 35 Wilcock, David Helminski, Kabir Merwin, W.S. Rubin, Gretchen The Four Tendencies. . . . . 21 The Ascension Mysteries. . . . 33 Covington, Candice Living Presence...... 31 The Essential W.S. Merwin. . . .8 Essential Oils Wilson, Edward O. Henry, Joanna Metzner, Ralph Rubin, Gretchen in Spiritual Practice . . . . .18 Better than Before ...... 21 The Origins of Creativity. . . .39 Powered by Love...... 35 Overtones and Undercurrents. .28 Culadasa (John Yates) Wohlleben, Peter Heruka, Tsangnyon Midal, Fabrice Ryan, Regina Sara Mind Illuminated ...... 13 Women Challenge the Lie. . . .42 Inner Lives of Animals. . . . .38 Hundred Thousand The Pure Joy of Being . . . . .13 Woodfield, Stephanie Dalai Lama Songs of Milarepa...... 16 Millman, Dan Saiz, Jonathan An Appeal to the World. . . . .15 Dark Goddess Craft...... 30 Hinton, David The Hidden School...... 21 The Fountain Tarot...... 32 Wright, Robert Dalai Lama Wilds of Poetry...... 9 Mipham, Sakyong Salzberg, Sharon Approaching the Buddhist Path. 15 Why Buddhism is True. . . . .13 Hopkins, Rob The Lost Art of Good Real Love ...... 14 Dale, Cyndi Transition Starts Here, Conversation...... 15 Scully, Nicki Wylde, Suzanne Subtle Body Coloring Book . . .17 Now and Together . . . . . 35 Mitchell, Stephen Sekhmet ...... 29 Moving Stretch...... 19 Dark Mountain Project Horn, Gabriel Beowulf...... 8 Scurlock-Durana, Suzanne Yang, Larry Walking on Lava...... 37 Spirit Drumming...... 29 Moffitt, Phillip Reclaiming Your Body . . . . .20 Awakening Together...... 14 Daulter, Anni Ivker, Rav Awakening through Selig, Paul Yunus, Muhammad Sacred Pregnancy Journey Deck. 41 Cannabis for Chronic Pain. . . 18 the Nine Bodies ...... 14 The Book of Truth...... 34 A World of Three Zeroes . . . .34

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