Book Review: Pushing Upward, Andrea Adler

"Do not allow the daggers of doubt to puncture your heart.  Just let them bounce off you like pellets of water" - Pushing Upward

Sandra Billings is a young, talented and naive, beautiful actress whose career has not quite taken off yet.  She is the fool, on her hero's quest.  It is 1974 and young Sandra, a drama student  in what many would call "a stroke of luck" has just been evicted from her apartment and lost her job too!  In a panic, she searched her soul for an answer, a solution to her circumstance ... a victim of life she was ... Sandra the fool!  Feeling powerless and uncertain, she meditates on her problem ... and as by divine fate ... an answer appears.  She complements her genius, as a true drama student would and we are taken on a transformational journey along side Miss Sandra Billings. 

This is one of the most heart-touching, inspirational and interesting books that I have ever read.  It is so unique, so original.  Laced with the author's own experiences of being an actress, journalist and spiritual women, the reader is welcomed into a world of theater and an emotional roller coaster of the drama of Sandra's inner and outer life. 

Emotionally underdeveloped, insecure, vain, inpatient, angry and confused ... Sandra growth takes place through the many people that she meets, none more touching than the spiritually rich, classy and poised, intuitive elderly women Emma whose heart Sandra touches more than once. 

Sandra consults the I-Ching, always accurate, yet she chooses to listen only when she wants to ... she soon realizes that the coins that are thrown, an extension of her energies ... must be listened to, respected as the seed whose potential must push upward to sprout growth, so too must the aspirant push themselves to reach the divine potential the exists within us all.

The climatic end is rewarding, as an unexpected turn brings Sandra to a deeper place of knowing and she steps through the gateway of her world that will never be the same.  Neither will mine!

I could not put this book down, I read it twice.  I had to be with Emma, a little longer ... place her deeper in my heart!  I highly recommend this book!!!

I received the book from Hay House for review purposes.  The opinions are completely my own, based on my personal experience.

Book Review: You Can Create An Exceptional Life

A refection of the depth that living by simple principles can create, I found this book soul-soothing.

"The thoughts we think and the words we speak create our experiences." - Louis Hay

You Can Create An Exceptional Life, written by two woman who are quite exceptional themselves - Louis Hay and Cheryl Richardson, is a book that is sure to inspire you into taking the appropriate action toward creating a happy and fulfilling life. I have personally been transformed by the teachings of Louis Hay, years ago, when I really needed to learn how loving myself actually benefited the people I care most about. Playing the role of a mentor, spiritual counselor and metaphysical teacher, Louis continues to inspire and enlighten me, helping me to unlock my fullest, most vibrant potential. She has sold over 50 million books worldwide and touched the lives and hearts of millions of people, continuing her work in her eighty-fifth year of life. Inspired by Louis Hay herself, Cheryl Richardson is a life coach and the New York Times bestselling author of several books, including Take Time for Your Life, Life Makeovers and Stand Up for Your Life.

When I learned that Louis Hay was going to write a book with Cheryl Richardson I was curious as to what these two woman would create together. Cheryl's radio program, Coach on Call, has been one of my favorite programs on Hay House Radio. If anyone has a lot of great advice to give it is Cheryl Richardson. So here are two well-known and well-respected self-help leaders, teaming up to bring to the readers something completely new and different.

Released in September of 2011 from Hay House, this is the first book that Cheryl Richardson and Louis Hay have written together. Perhaps this partnership will continue. These woman have so many life experiences to share with us.

If you are new to Louis Hay, You Can Create An Exceptional Life, will introduce you to her ideas. If you are familiar with Louis Hay, this book will bring you closer to Louis, keeping you inspired by her example and strength. The chemistry between Cheryl and Louis is evident. This special connection that the two of them share comes across in the book, as they share important life lessons and experiences with one another and with the reader, while traveling the United States and meeting to talk about the creation of You Can Create An Exceptional Life.

A small, hardcover of 164 pages, You Can Create An Exceptional Life is an easy read. The information is straightforward, easy to understand and to absorb. I would have loved to see this book much longer, although being a smaller book, it can be read in a day or two. Containing ways to create ... as the titles suggests ... an exceptional life, you are sure to gain a wealth of soul-soothing wisdom from woman who have lived the teachings themselves. Topics include starting off your morning right, aging gracefully, manifesting prosperity and abundance, facing death and creating fulfilling, harmonious relationships with everyone in your life.

Simply reading this book makes me feel more positive and happy, empowered and open to enjoying life fully. It feels like I am one of the girls, sharing intimate moments with Cheryl and Louis. The book is written from the perspective of Cheryl, quoting Louis throughout it, and sharing in her thoughts about the conversations that the two of them share. I really enjoyed the way that Cheryl organized the book, highlighting life coaching methods along the way. For myself, the most touching parts of this book are when Louis talks about her experiences on the Hay Ride, giving the reader a deeper look into this important time of her life. I love the idea of being the creator of my own reality and although the ideas presented in this small book appear simple, the results can change your life in a big way.

For more information visit Hay House.

PRODUCT DETAILS

You Can Create An Exceptional Life
by Louise L. Hay, Cheryl Richardson
Hay House
List price: $17.95

CHAPTER TITLES

1. Answer the Phone and Open the Mail
2. Becoming the Creator of an Exceptional Life
3. How You Start Your Day is How You Live Your Day
4. How You Live Your Day is How You Live Your Life
5. Don't Break a Habit – Dissolve it!
6. The Beauty of Wisdom
7. The End of the Movie

Children's Book Review: Beautiful Girl Celebrating the Wonders of Your Body by Dr. Christiane Northrup, Kristina Tracy

Beautiful Girl:Celebrating the Wonders of Your Body by Dr. Christiane Northrup, Kristina Tracy 

If you have a little girl, know someone who does, or recognize the little girl within yourself this book is for you ... truly remarkable in its simplicity.  
 

Beautiful Girl, by Christiane Northrup, M.D., is a wonderful picture book for a girl of any age. The illustrations of Aurelie Blanz are colorful and delightful.  When read it is as though a treasure that is often buried in the hearts of all females is discovered, rediscovered or simply given more much deserved attention.  

Enchanting, beautiful and full of positve messages for all the little girls in the world, Beautiful Girl enlightens the reader to the magic of being a girl and all the powers and blessings that come along with it.  Beautiful Girl gives the child a way to tap into her inner goddess at an early age, enriching her life thereafter.  

The ideas presented in this children's  book appear simple, although the results can change a child's life in a big way ... little girls will learn how their bodies are perfect just the way they are, the importance of treating themselves with gentle care, and how changes are just a part of growing up.

Dr. Christiane Northrup is a visionary pioneer and the world’s leading authority in the field of women’s health and wellness.  She is well known for her education and support of women facing life changes and has authored several books on the subject.  This is her first children's book and hopefully not the only one.  I love it and I know that you will too!

For more information, please visit Hay House

I received the book from Hay House for review purposes.  The opinions are completely my own, based on my personal experience.

Review: 'Beneath The Veil' by Zingaia

Romance your lover this St. Valentine's Day with sacred music that echoes love and devotion.

Zingaia's Beneath The Veil is the first of three albums and was released back in August, 1997 by Sequoia Records, a well-respected name in New Age Music. Zingaia, the creation of husband and wife team, Katlyn and Michael Breene, was formed in the early 1990s. The Breenes' music is a blend of multicultural, new age, electronica-techno-trance-dance and exotic gypsy.

Beneath the Veil is dedicated to sacred lovers and to the eternal divine feminine, in her many forms and guises. To date, Zingaia has released three albums and has appeared on six compilations.

This album is captivating and addictive, getting into your blood, lighting a flame deep within your heart. Beneath the Veil takes you into a different realm, creating an atmosphere of mystery, mysticism and magic. It is an intoxicating blend of tribal percussion, keyboard, ethereal and haunting voices, repetitious hand drumming, giggles, chants and exotic melodies. Some songs contain a drone-like quality, adding to the already rich hypnotic textures.

The music paints a picture of fantasy lands afar. Visions of gypsies belly dancing, incense, smoke, ritual and lovers' union dance within the mind's gaze, pulling you deeper into the music. Some songs take you to the sea; others to the sand. You can hear elements from all over the world, combined to create a unique sound and style. Zingaia does not try to fit into any one genre of music, but paves a way for its own sound.

The lyrics are a mysterious blend of goddess invocation, poetic expression of the divine feminine and the alchemy of merging polarities creating a sacred union. The album begins with an invitation as "She Beckons," the first track, initiates you into the erotic, mysterious world of Zingaia. The journey moves forward and we are instructed to "Be the key to open something greater and hidden" in track two, "Invocation of the Goddess." The haunting, seductive vocals of Katlyn Breene and guest vocalist, Veronic Fabre, are alluring and enchanting; exciting yet relaxing.

Track three, "Sirens of the Moonlit Tide," my favorite track on the album, awakens your senses, if you are not up and dancing already. Moving forward, the sixth track, "Beneath The Veil," reveals the alluded secret. The album then continues on with one more track, the seventh and final piece of the composition.

The album, as a whole, has a feel of both excitement and relaxation, keeping you engaged, yet distant, creating a heightened alertness and a calm focus at the same time. This is another example of the unification or polar opposites, as earth and sky and male and female energies unite. The album is uplifting, meditative and easy to dance to. People of many different tastes can easily find an appreciation of this work. The aesthetics of the album are also impressive, the artist being the talented Katlyn Breene. Although the music speaks for itself, the art is a nice compliment to Zingaia's enchanting world.

Full length album recordings by Zingaia

• Soles on Earth (2004, Sequoia Records)
• Dancers of Twilight (2000, Sequoia Records)
• Beneath the Veil (1996, Sequoia Records)

Compilations including recordings by Zingaia

• Diani Beach Lounge (2004, Prudence Recordings)
• Buddha-Lounge 3 (2004, Sequoia Records)
• Cafe de Luna 2 (2004, Sequoia Records)
• Ayurveda Lounge (2002, BSC Music GmbH)
• Buddha-Lounge (2002, Sequoia Records)
• Musical Healing (2001, Sequoia Records)

If you want to taste before you buy, please visit Zingaia - Beneath The Veil at Sequoia Records.

Details and Track Listing

Sequoia Records: Healing Music for Relaxation, Yoga and Meditation
Zingaia - Beneath the Veil
Sequoia Records
List Price: $16.98
Also available as an MP3 Download Album for $8.99

Zingaia, Beneath the Veil

1. She Beckons 2:19
2. Invocation 7:38
3. Sirens of the Moonlit Tide 9:03
4. Veil of Inanna 8:39
5. Ast Usari 8:27
6. Beneath the Veil 9:29
7. Breath of Passion 8:46

Book Review: Your Year for Change, Bronnie Ware

Your Year for Change by Bronnie Ware

Having worked at hospice for many years, Bronnie Ware is familiar with the regrets of those whose path to heaven is near ... She has discovered a pattern in there regrets and shares this in her book. 

 

The chapters are short and can easily be read one per day, enough to reflect upon ... or even one chapter per week.  This is the way I recommend reading the book, slowly ...

 

FTC Disclosure: I was not paid for this review, I received a copy of the book via Hay house Publishing for review purposes only.